Billy Allen Welkener of Pawnee, Texas was called to his heavenly home on Tuesday, April 17, 2024, at the age of 85 years.  He was residing at the LiveOak Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in George West at the time of his passing.

Billy was born on December 31, 1938, in Beeville Texas to William and Sally Welkener of Pawnee.    He attended school in Pawnee, graduating in 1957.  He participated in all sports and excelled in all sports according to one of his classmates.  The basketball team went to the State playoffs in 1956. 

He graduated from then Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) with Batchelor and Master of Education degrees.  He also achieved a Doctor of Education degree during his career as a School Administrator. 

Billy was a loyal member of the Pawnee Methodist Church, serving as Church Council Chair for a few years.  He loved singing “This Is The Day” at the beginning of services.

He began his long career in education, coaching and administration in the Skidmore-Tynan Schools.  He also served in the Gregory-Portland School District and served the majority of his school career in the Austwell-Tivoli School District, as the Principal and then served many years as the Superintendent of Schools there until his retirement. 

Billy grew up on the Welkener ranch helping his Dad with cattle and farming.  He kept raising cattle as a side career, and in the 1970’s began raising Beefmaster cattle.  He found his passion in the BEEFMASTER cattle.  He became a member of the national Beefmaster Breeders United organization.  He joined the Live Oak Beefmaster Association and was an active member of that association becoming the President for several terms, serving the LOBBA for over 28 years. 

Billy received the prestigious LIVE OAK LEGEND Award in 2013, Breeder of the Year in 2007, and Member of the Year in 2011.  He served on the BBU National Board of Directors, as well as several committees to help further the Beefmaster cattle industry.  He served on the BBU International Committee and was instrumental in bringing Beefmaster cattle to Mexico and other South American countries.  He enjoyed traveling to Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Canada and Australia promoting Beefmaster cattle and making lifelong friends in these countries. 

Next to cattle, Billy enjoyed hunting with his friends in Colorado, and fishing at Pt Mansfield with Beefmaster friends.   Billy and Marie married in 2002, and spent their time together serving BBU, attending BBU conventions, and other social events, and when there was dance music playing, they were out on the dance floor.  Billy learned to dance after meeting Marie and his favorite dance was the waltz.

Billy’s son, Bradley preceded him in going to Heaven, and they will have a reunion now.  Billy is survived by his wife, Marie, and sons that he gained through their marriage, Steve Doty, Jim Doty, and Mike Doty along with their spouses, former daughter in law, Michaela Doty.   He also welcomed Marie’s grandchildren as his own, Ashley Abbey, John Chance Doty, Patrick Doty, James Doty, Colton Doty, Matt Doty and Hadley Doty and great grandchildren, Brody, Baylee and Greyson Abbey, Kacie and Shelby Doty, Amelia Doty, and Cayson and Cayleigh Doty.  He is also survived by his sister Saundra and her husband Elton Lieke, and their children and grandchildren.  Several cousins also survive him.

Family Visitation will be Sunday, April 21, 2024 from 5PM to 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Services will be held Monday, April 22, 2024 at 11AM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Christi Crist officiating. Interment will follow in the Pawnee Cemetery in Pawnee, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers are his Grandsons: Chance Doty, Patrick Doty, James Doty, Colton Doty, Matthew Doty and Cody Abbey.

Honorary Pall Bearers: Live Oak Beefmaster Breeders Association Board Members and Pawnee Methodist Church Methodist Men.

Memorials may be made to the Pawnee United Methodist Church Building Fund.

Jim Tobe Atkinson, a resident of Kenedy, TX, passed away April 2, 2024. He was born in Kenedy on March 4, 1939, to Marion M. and Annie Wallace Atkinson. In 1958, he wed Jean Lois Milam Atkinson in San Antonio, and together they shared a love for horses, rodeo, hunting, and fishing – particularly in Alaska.

In partnership with his father, he was an owner/operator of the Texaco Distributorship in Kenedy and the M.M. Atkinson & Son Cattle Company. In addition to the family cattle business, he was the Manager for Hendrickson Cattle Co. and Vaquero Cattle Co. in Texas. An avid horseman during the 1960s, he focused on breeding and showing Appaloosas. As his daughter began riding and showing Quarter Horses, he became involved with the Alamo Quarter Horse Breeders Association serving in leadership positions both on and off the track.

Beginning in 1966, Jim Tobe dedicated many hours to the San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Inc., in various roles as a volunteer, Life Member, Director, and Director Emeritus. In recognition of his contributions and support to the organization, he was inducted into the S.A.L.E. Hall of Fame in 2008. He also served his community as a Hondo Creek Watershed board member from 1981 until his passing. In “retirement”, he was a security guard at the Valero plant in Three Rivers, and he and Jean traveled annually to their favorite places – Ruidoso, NM and Las Vegas, NV.

Jim Tobe was preceded in death by his parents, wife Jean, and sister-in-law Mary Spreen. He is survived by his daughter Jamie and son-in-law Larry Brown of Kenedy, grandson Dusty Brown and his wife Julie of Kenedy, great-granddaughter Kate Brown of College Station, sister-in-law Ann Ransdell and husband Tom of Boerne, brother-in-law Louis Spreen and wife Mary Ann of San Antonio, as well as nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 27th, at 11 a.m. at the Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Inc. or Pawnee United Methodist Church Building Fund are appreciated.

David Lerma, Jr., Age 49 of San Antonio, TX passed away on Monday, April 1, 2024.  David was born on May 1, 1974 in Floresville, TX to David, Sr. and Mary Jane Villanueva Lerma.  He was an Asset Protection Officer for Home Depot, a loving Father, Son a friend to all and of the Catholic Faith.

He is survived by his parents, David, Sr. and Mary Jane Villanueva Lerma of San Antonio; daughters, Davida Jane Lerma of San Antonio, Jada Lerma of San Antonio, step-daughter, Adlen Tamayo of San Antonio; grandson Leo Rodriguez of San Antonio; half-brother Paul Lerma of San Antonio; numerous aunts, uncles and extended family members and friends who will greatly miss him.

Visitation will be held Monday, April 8, 2024 from 11AM to 1:30PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Rosary Services will begin at 1:30PM Monday, April 8, 2024 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Deacon Guadalupe Cantu officiating. Interment will follow in the Falls City Cemetery in Falls City, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers: Ebony Lerma, Paul Lerma, Alex Martinez, Jr., Eric Morin, Eli Silfuentes and Lupe Hernandez.

Ray Rene Perez, Age 61 of Kenedy, TX passed away on April 2, 2024 in San Antonio, TX.  Ray was born on July 30, 1962 in Kenedy to Nicho Perez and Josephina Garcia Gonzales.  He was a loving father, grandfather, son friend to many and of the Catholic Faith.

He is preceded in death by his father, Nicho Perez. 

He is survived by his mother, Josephina Garcia Gonzales; children, Cynthia Perez, Wendy Contreras, Ray Rene Perez, Jr., Ray Daniel Perez, Ray Rene Perez, III, Omar Perez, Nico Ivan Contreras; sisters, Eloisa Contreras, Margaret Corona; brothers, Gary Gonzales, Raul Garza; 10 Grandchildren and numerous half sisters and brothers and extended family members.

Family Visitation will be held Friday, April 5, 2024 from 10AM to 1:30 PM with Holy Rosary Services at 1:30 PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Deacon Guadalupe Cantu officiating.   Interment will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers: Nico Ivan Contreras, Ray Rene Perez, Jr., Ray Rene Perez, III, Gary G. Gonzalez, Raul Garza, Ray Daniel Perez.

Rick “Joe Richard” Garza, 56, passed away following complications from ALS on March 24, 2024 in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Rick, a loving husband and father, was known for his kindness, intelligence, and passion for coaching and sports. He inspired countless young women on the softball field, instilling in them the values of confidence, leadership, and hard work. Even in the face of difficult situations, he was known to be wise, level-headed, and a great mediator. He was patient and taught that there is a process to achieving worthwhile goals.  “Trust the process.” he would often say. Rick was also a proud Texan and American, with a strong sense of patriotism and love for his country.

Rick graduated from The University of Texas at Austin and was a financial advisor for over 30 years. He dedicated his career to helping others secure their financial futures. Rick loved the game of softball and spent the last 12 years of his life coaching, creating a positive impact on the lives of many young athletes and their families.  With his family he lived and worked in Southwest Austin for 25 years and recently moved to Corpus Christi.

Rick was strong in his Catholic faith. Even as he battled with ALS, his faith strengthened for him to see God working throughout his life. Despite his illness, he enjoyed attending Mass with his wife and youngest daughters.

Rick was preceded in death by his mother, Evangelina Garza; father, Manuel Garza, and sister, Diane Garza. He is survived by his wife, April; children, Jacob, Rebekah, Adah, and Eliana Garza; his brother, Manuel Jr and sister-in-law Maria Garza and their children Geoffrey Garza and Sarah Flores. He will be dearly missed by his family and a wide circle of friends and colleagues.

Services for Rick will be held at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church (605 Karnes St, Kenedy, TX 78119), on Saturday, April 6. The schedule includes a viewing at 8:30 – 9:30 am, followed by a Rosary at 9:30 and funeral Mass at 10:00 am. A luncheon will be held after the Mass in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a financial contribution to www.ALS.org/donate.

The burial ceremony will be at a later date this spring (TBD) at Loma Alta Cemetery in Kenedy.

Ms. Emma De La Garza Alaniz of Kenedy TX, passed away peacefully on Friday March 22nd, 2024 at the age of 86.  She was born in Coy City, TX on October 10, 1937 and was the youngest daughter of the late Seraprio and Petra De La Garza.  She is preceded into death by her parents, siblings Elena DeLeon, Eva Salas, Minnie Friesenhahn, Pedro “Pete” De La Garza, Israel De La Garza and Adam De La Garza.  She is survived by her children Michelle Alaniz of Kenedy, Sandra Villanueva (Domingo) of Kenedy, Rudy Diaz (Sylvia) of Hebbronville, and Larry Diaz (Linda) of Karnes City.  She is also survived by her grandchildren Larry L. Diaz of San Antonio, Derek Villanueva (Cheryl) of Corpus Christi, Jillian Quintanilla of San Antonio, Jeremy Villanueva (Shawna) of Floresville, Jenna Dziuk (Kory) of Falls City, Megan Rahmes (Lawrence) of Austin and 11 great grandchildren.  She is also survived by Isidro Alaniz of Kenedy. 

Emma was a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to many.  She grew up in Coy City and eventually began raising her own family in Kenedy.  Later she spent time living in Alabama, Iowa, and Illinois, and ultimately ended up back in Texas.  She worked various roles throughout her life which consisted of being a server at Leicke Drug Store, teacher aide at Kenedy Head Start, and nurse aide at Kenedy Hospital.  The work that she was most proud of was her role as a Social Worker for the Texas Department of Human Services overseeing Karnes and Wilson County where she dedicated 25 years of service.  This role led her to residing in Floresville for a number of years.  She was parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Floresville as well as a member of the Guadalupana Society.  Emma loved to volunteer her time with The Sacred Heart St. Vincent de Paul Society to help those in need throughout Floresville. In her free time she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, watching novellas, shopping, and attending dances with her daughter Michelle. In her final days, she was a resident of John Paul II Nursing Home, where her family extends their gratitude for the care that she received.

Visitation will begin on Tuesday March 26th at 5:00pm followed by the Rosary at 7:00pm at Eckols Funeral Home.  The Funeral Mass will be on Wednesday March 27th at 10:00am at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kenedy.  She will be laid to rest at Loma Alta Cemetery in Kenedy.  Paul bearers serving are Derek Villanueva, Jeremy Villanueva, Darren Villanueva, Domingo Villanueva, Larry L. Diaz, and Lawrence Rahmes.

Gregoria A. Trevino, Age 100 of Smithville, TX passed away on March 12, 2024.  She was born on September 11, 1923 in Pawnee, TX to the late Encarnacion and Petra Gomez Aguirre.  She married Jose L. Trevino who precedes her in death; was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother and of the Catholic Faith.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jose L. Trevino; parents, Encarnacion and Petra Gomez Aguirre and a son Eustolio Trevino.

 She is survived by her children, Israel A. Trevino and wife Criselda, Erma Trevino and Augustin, Benito Trevino and wife Oralia, Rosalinda Galvan and husband Roland, Yolanda Figueroa and husband Esteban, Joe A. Trevino, Jr., Oralia Trevino, 31 grandchildren, 67 great-grandchildren, 34 great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and family members.

Family Visitation will be Friday, March 22, 2024 from 6PM to 9PM with a Holy Rosary recited at 7:30PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 10AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 605 Karnes Street, Kenedy, TX 78119 with the Rev. Robert Ploch officiating.  Interment will follow in the Loma Alta Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers: Eustolio Trevino, C.J. Kuglin, Jaime Figueroa, Steve Figueroa, BJ Trevino, Michael Trevino, Ricky Trevino, Israel Trevino, Daniel Pena, Anthony Caballero, Joey Caballero, Cesar Garcia, Jesse Pena, Manuel Trevino, Joey Kuglin and  Anthony Kuglin.

All are invited to a light meal after the committal services to the Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church Parish Hall to celebrate the 100 years of Mom’s Life.

Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away March 9, 2024, in Amarillo, TX at the age of 80.
He was born in Runge, TX, June 5, 1943.
He proudly served in the U.S. Army for the 25^th Infantry Division, completing his mission as a helicopter gunner during the Vietnam War 1966, earning several metals and badges from the 173^rd, 82^nd, and 101^st units.
He then returned back to Runge, TX, his hometown and married his wife, Anita Aquilar, eventually moving to Gruver, TX.  He worked as a farmer for 22 years, then moving to Amarillo, TX for the remainder of his life.
He was temporarily employed as a truck driver from state to state, then pursuing a career as a TDC Officer for many years.  In later life, he retired from the City of Amarillo as an Arborist, leaving his mark in various parks of Amarillo by planting trees.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fernando Rios, Sr. and Vicenta De Los Santos; Siblings, Robert, Salvador, Edward, Manuel, Veronica and Jesus.
He is survived by siblings, Fernando Rios, Jr., Del Fina Vasquez, Elena Rios and Leticia Lasoya.
Feliberto is also survived by his wife of 56 years, Anita Aguilar Rios and their four children, Raquel Rios James, husband of Shane of Amarillo, TX, Yvonne Rios Darcy of San Antonio, TX, Sue Ann Rios of Irving, TX; His Grandchildren include Adrian Darcy, Anthony Rios, Dakota Rios, Diego and Ava Garza; In addition to two Great Grandchildren.
His life and legacy will be celebrated at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 605 Karnes St., Kenedy, TX.  Private viewing will be from 8:45am to 9:30am, Rosary and Mass will be from 9:30am to 11:00am, followed by graveside service with Military Honors in the Runge Latin American Cemetery.

Serving as Pallbearers: Anthony Rios, Danny Rios, Jesse Rios, Jr., Joey Segura, Fernando Rios, III and Matthew Lasoya.

Viola Elizondo, age 84 of Houston, TX passed away on February 9, 2024 in Houston, TX.  Wiola was born on May 19, 1939 in Runge to the late Castulo and Carmen Gonzales Garcia.  She was a loving wife, mother, sister of the Catholic Faith and she will be greatly missed.

Viola is preceded in death by her husband Emerico Elizondo and a son Jaime Elizondo.

Viola is survived by her daughter Judy Ann Ramirez of Houston; son Johnny Joe Elizondo of Houston; sisters, Nympha Vasques of Pettus, Eloisa Aguirre of Corpus Christi, Cecilia Garza of Runge, Maria Helena Gonzales of Alvin; brothers, Victor Garcia of Brady, Castulo Garcia of Houston and a host family members.

A Graveside Service will be held Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 1PM in the St. Ann’s Catholic Church Cemetery in Nordheim, TX.

Burton “Burt” Anson Utley, Jr.

1949-2024

Burt Utley, beloved husband, father and rancher, died on his ranch at the age of 74.  Burt was raised by his grandparents, Mae and Noble Renshaw on a ranch near Freer, Texas.  He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1968 at the age of 18, served a tour of duty in Vietnam in Reconnaissance, and also served with the Republic of Korean Marines in their Reconnaissance Force, the White Tigers in 1969.  After returning to the States, he was sent to Naval Justice School and was a certified stenographer and sent to work for the Judge Advocate General with Top Security Clearance.  He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps with the rank of Sergeant in 1971, but his military brothers were never far from his thoughts.    

He went on to obtain his Bachelor of Science and Master’s Degree from Texas A&I University in Kingsville.  In his early post-collegiate career, he was a high school teacher, coach and elementary principal.  He took particular joy in shaping young minds and often spoke of the children he helped become adults.  He believed in the power of education and wanted the very best for our children and the teachers who devoted their lives to their development, so he served two terms on the Pettus Independent School District Board and one term as President of the Board.

In 1970, he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Mary Helen McNair.  Together, they raised one daughter, Sarah Jane, and spent a lifetime together – a union shaped through adventure, hard work, and thousands of ordinary days that turned into an extraordinary lifetime of profound togetherness.  Burt found God in nature and so they built a cattle ranch that raised award winning Registered Santa Gertrudis cattle.  While Sarah Jane was growing up, he found delight in lovingly devoting his time to her 4-H projects and showing Santa Gertrudis heifers across the country.  Burt had endless energy and unconventional pastimes.  He was adventurous and a risk-taker – he loved to technical ice climb and snow ski, often out of bounds.  He found freedom in flying his plane – and took mischievous joy in sometimes scaring his passengers with dramatic drops or rolls. He took pride in his marksmanship and recalled the best hunt he ever had – he bugled an elk for almost an hour and shot him at over 500 yards across a ravine with my grandfather’s old 30-06 rifle.  He will be remembered for his devotion to his family, loyalty to his fellow Marines and brothers in arms, and willingness to help a friend or neighbor. 

We give thanks for the gift of his life and take comfort that as Burt now goes to guard heaven’s gates, his leatherneck brothers await to welcome their loyal compatriot home.

Burt will be dearly missed by his wife of 54 years Mary Helen; daughter, Sarah Jane Utley and her soulmate Rudy Palomo of Houston; uncle, Henry R. Sling of Corpus Christi; aunt, Joyce Cole of Corpus Christi; sister, Cindy Thompson and her husband, Tim of Corpus Christi; and nieces, Toni Davis and her husband, James of Corpus Christi; Terri Faver, of Corpus Christi; and Kimberly Kelly and her husband Patrick of Tomball, as well as many other close friends.  He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Mae and Noble Renshaw and uncle, W.G. “Dub” Cole, Jr.

Memorial Services will be held Friday, March 1, 2024 at 10AM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Inurnment will follow in the Choate Cemetery in Choate, TX.

Memorial donations may be made in leu of flowers to St. Jude Children’s Network or the Salvation Army.