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Byron Mariner
Byron Edison Mariner, age 99, of Cooper, formally of Wharton, died Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2006, at his residence. He was born on Sept. 16, 1907, son of the late Phillip and Effie Mariner of Corona, N.M.
Mr. Mariner was a resident of Wharton for many years. He married Kittie Zelle Strickland of Richland Springs. Mr. Mariner was known in Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana as a pecan grower and an authority on pecans. For many years, he not only planted and grew pecans but was a nurseryman, farmer and a restaurant owner in Wharton.
He had many hobbies, but mostly he enjoyed fishing and woodworking. Survivors include his son, Glenn Mariner and wife Kathy of Cooper; son-in-law; Marcus Melnar of Wharton; grandchildren, Linda Potter and husband Richard of Boling, Garland Melnar of Wharton, Sandra Craig and husband Jeff of Wheeling, W.V.; great-grandchildren; Kyle Clark of Boling, Jeffery Craig, of Wheeling, W.V., Heather Melnar of Wharton and Hollie Melnar of Baytown.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Mariner was preceded in death by his wife, Kittie Zelle Mariner; daughter, Marie Ann Melnar; brothers, Crawford Mariner and Howard Mariner; and sister, Doty Mariner.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Nov. 11, at 10:30 a.m. at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery in Wharton with reception following.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 204 Second St., Wharton, TX 77488; or American Heart Association, P.O. Box 15186, Austin, TX 78761.
Wynelle Ashcraft
Graveside services for Wynelle Hodges Ashcraft, 89, of Denver, Colo., were held on Friday at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.
Mrs. Ashcraft died at home Oct. 22, 2006. She was born on Aug. 17, 1917, in Gonzales, the daughter of the late Maude Barke and John Milton Hodges, the first president of Wharton County Junior College.
She graduated from Tyler High School, then attended Tyler Junior College and Southern Methodist University before entering the Juilliard School of Music in New York. As a young artist she was a frequent performer on WFAA radio in Dallas and on the Texas concert stage.
At Juilliard, Mrs. Ashcraft was a student of Gordon Stanley. She received her B.S. in piano in 1941. While living at International House she met and married Kenneth B. Ashcraft.
After World War II, the family moved to Denver, Colo., where they reared their two daughters and Mrs. Ashcraft pursued her career as a piano teacher.
She was active in local politics, served as president of the Randell School PTA, and was an advocate for animal rights and mental health awareness.
Survivors include her husband, Kenneth of Denver, Colo.; and two daughters, Joan Ashcraft of Denver, Colo., and Ellen Ashcraft of New York.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Alliance for Mental Health or to the Humane Society.
Willem Hanekom
Funeral services for Willem Hanekom, 32, of Richmond, were held Thursday at Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Chapel in Rosenberg. He will be buried in his native South Africa.
Mr. Hanekom died Oct. 20, 2006, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. He was born Nov. 29, 1973, in Paarl, South Africa. He was employed as a general merchandise manager for the past five years at Republic Harley-Davidson in Stafford. Mr. Hanekom was a member of Faith United Methodist Church in Richmond.
Survivors include wife, Jenny Murphy Hanekom of Richmond; son, Mark Alexander Hanekom; mother, Ria Van Der Moolen and father Willem Hanekom, both of Kareedouw, South Africa; and sister, Joleen Hanekom of Edinburgh, Scotland.
A barbecue benefit will be held for two-year-old Mark Hanekom from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Sunday at 1903 Southbend Circle in Missouri City.
Those wishing to leave tributes for the family may do so at www.republic.com.
Hazel Burleson
Hazel Frances Burleson, age 63, of Boling, died Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2007, in Boling. She was born on March 4, 1943 in Velasco, daughter of the late Ivie Swain and Mildred Deihl.
She was reared by her grandparents, George and Hazel Deihl, and lived in the Stafford area. She attended school there. Mrs. Burleson worked as a care giver in customer service most of her life. She loved to crochet, do puzzles, sew and mend clothes for friends and family.
Following cremation, memorial services will be held Thursday, Jan. 25, 2007, at 7 p.m. from First Baptist Church in Boling with Rev. Skip Holman officiating.
Survivors include her fiancée Robert Strickland of Boling; son, Joseph Melancon and wife, Barbara, of Boling; daughters, Tina Melancon of New Iberia, La., Doris Robinson and husband, Irby, of Boling, Theresa Raddatz of Pleasanton and Mary Melancon of Bandera; grandchildren, April Kilhorn, Katheryne Kilhorn, Anthony Kilhorn, Jasmine Robinson, Irby Robinson III, Charlie Giddens, Donnitta Bowles, Robert A. Raddatz, Bryan Kinsey, Christopher Kinsey, Kori Melancon, Kaitlyn Melancon, Skye Melancon and Seth Melancon; great-grandchildren, C.J. Giddens, Haley Giddens, Tommy Giddens, Kelsi Seay, Kaeli Seay, Jacob Seay, Aleksa Kilhorn, Avianna Kilhorn and Kadynse Kilhorn.
Contact Wharton Funeral Home.
Cecile Comilleau
Funeral services for Cecile “Pat” Green Comilleau, 82, of Bay City, were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Church of Christ in Bay City with Joe Wrape officiating and Johnny Green assisting. Graveside services were held 3 p.m. Tuesday Greenlawn Cemetery in Rosenberg.
Mrs. Comilleau passed away on Jan. 20, 2007, at the Legacy in Bay City. She was born on June 16, 1924, in Riviera, to the late Harvey and Edna Green.
She is survived by son, Bobby R. Nicholson and wife, Judy, of Victoria; daughter, Virginia Dujka and husband, Joe, of Brenham; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; sister, Lucille Calk and husband, Thomas, of Van Vleck; brother, Elba “Pete” Green of Blessing; and a host of nephews, nieces and friends.
Mrs. Comilleau was an active member of the Church of Christ in Bay City, where she did volunteer work at the Harvest House Food Pantry.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Albert and Carl Rosenbusch and Lee Roy and Clarence “Bubba” Green; and two children, Jeannette Nicholson and Jimmy Riggs.
If desiring, memorials may be made to the Church of Christ, 1200 Nichols Ave., Bay City, TX 77414.
Robert Evans
Funeral services for Robert James Evans, 60, of Freeport, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at First United Methdist Church. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday. Friends may call after 1 p.m. Friday.
Mr. Evans died Jan. 19, 2007, at his home. He was born Jan. 17, 1947, in Garwood.
Survivor is Zak Coleman of Richmond.
Contact Gooden-Hatton Funeral Home.
Billy McEntire
Billy McEntire, age 77, of Brazoria, died Thursday, Jan. 18, 2007, in a Houston hospital following an extended illness. He was born on Feb. 22, 1929, in Wharton, the son of the late John Henry McEntire and Emma Yackel McEntire.
Mr. McEntire was reared in the Wharton area and attended Wharton schools.
He married Alma Guill on Feb. 1, 1947, in Wharton. Mr. McEntire worked for Dow Chemical in the maintenance department for more than 35 years until his retirement in 1983. He enjoyed working in the outdoors, and being with his friends and family.
Visitation for friends and family began at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2007, at Wharton Funeral Home.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2007. from the chapel Wharton Funeral Home with Edward Frankum and Pete Davis officiating. Burial followed in Wharton City Cemetery.
Survivors include his wife of nearly 60 years, Alma McEntire; daughter Lisa Zimmerman and husband, Steve, of Brazoria; and granddaughter Savannah Zimmerman also of Brazoria.
Pallbearers were Steve Zimmerman, Brett Glenn, Ed Frankum, Andy Guill, Brandon Bermudes and Dane Graves.
Funeral services were under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home.
Ernest Mendoza
Ernest Valencia Mendoza, age 54, of Burr, died Friday, Jan. 19, 2007, in Burr. He was born in Sugar Land, son of Jacinta Valencia and the late Simon Lozano Mendoza.
Mr. Mendoza was born and reared in the Sugar Land area and graduated from Dulles High School. He served his country in the United States Army from August 1975 until August 1979. Mr. Mendoza was a resident of Burr since 1997, formerly residing in Fort Bend County. He married Barbara Sue “Susie” Gwinn on March 15, 1985, in Waco. Mr. Mendoza worked as a Chief of Police for Needville Independent School District for the last 10 years. Prior to that, he worked for the Houston Independent School District and the City of Waco, all in law enforcement.
Survivors include his wife, Susie Mendoza of Burr; children, Santana Mendoza of Dallas, Morgan Muhlhausen and husband Nathan of Wharton, Miranda Hodge and husband William of Wharton, America Star Mendoza of Burr, Simon Paul Mendoza of Burr, Isreal Gwinn Mendoza of Burr and Michael Shiloh Mendoza of Burr; grandchildren, Xavier Paul Mendoza, Kameron Bailey Mendoza, Madeline Elise Muhlhausen and Damon Jackson Hodge with two grandchildren “on the way”; sisters, Dolores Guerra and husband, Roel , Emily Mendoza and Eloisa Vela and husband, Travis; and a brother, Felipe Mendoza.
Visitation will be Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2007, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Wharton Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2007, from Grace Community Church at 1 p.m. with Rev. Doug Warfel officiating. Burial will be in the Greenlawn Cemetery in Rosenberg.
Pallbearers will be Santana Mendoza, Felipe Mendoza, Chief Michael Dickerson, 1st Sgt. Moses Mendoza, Deputy Bill Jenkins, Craig Radar and Scott Pagel.
Honorary pallbearers were Simon Mendoza, Isreal Mendoza, Michael Mendoza, Xavier Mendoza, Damon Hodge, Rene Lozano, William Hodge, Nathan Muhlhausen, Ryan Guerra, Roel Guerra, Manuel Cuerar, Samuel Cuerar, Matthew Cuerar and Genesis Cuerar.
In lieu of usual remembrances the family
requests memorials to Ernest Mendoza Law Enforcement Scholarship Fund at Needville High School and Boling High School or the Ernest Mendoza Memorial Fund, First Prosperity Bank P.O. Box 506, Needville, TX 77461
Funeral services are under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home.
Melvin Peoples
Funeral services for Melvin D. Peoples, will be held at a later date in St. Louis, Mo.
Mr. Peoples died Jan. 21, 2007, in Wharton.
Contact Gooden-Hatton Funeral Home.
Gretta Gensler
Funeral services for Gretta Gensler, 83, of El Campo, will be held at 10 a.m. today, Wednesday, at Triska Funeral Home in El Campo with Rev. Keith Gibbons officiating. Burial follows in Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.
Mrs. Gensler died July 29, 2002, in El Campo. She was born April 22, 1919, in Rockdale, to the late Emory and Carrie Todd Crump.
She married Edward Gensler Sr. and he preceded her in death. Mrs. Gensler was a homemaker. She was also preceded in death by her parents and step-brothers Paul Crump, Emory Crump, Frank Crump and Joe Crump.
Survivors include daughter, Elsa Bedynek of Wharton; step-daughter, Norma Hoes of Austin; son, Edward Gensler Jr. of Wharton; and five grandchildren.
If desiring, memorials may be made to Hospice Support, Inc.
William Johnson
Funeral services for Rev. William Johnson, 97, of Texas City, will be held at noon, today, Saturday, at Camp Zion-Rising Star United Baptist Church in Spanish Camp. Rev. Obie Rhodes and Rev. Ruiel Taylor III, will officiate. Burial will follow at New Prosperity Cemetery.
Rev. Johnson died July 27, 2002. He was born April 13, 1905, in Wharton County to Elijah and Eliza Johnson.
He was one of 12 children born to this union. Rev. Johnson was educated in Wharton County, where he completed his formal academic pursuit at grade five. He pastored St. Luke Baptist Church of Bonus, where he holds the title of “Pastor with the Longest Tenure,” 54 years. He also served as pastor of New Prosperity Baptist Church. During his pastoral career, Rev. Johnson pastored seven churches. While serving as pastor of two churches, Pastor Johnson served simultaneously as moderator of the 20th Century District Association for 26 years. He was also affiliated with the Wharton County Ministerial Alliance. He was the longest serving moderator of the 20th Century District Association.
He was preceded in death by relatives Elijah, Eliza, Thelma, Velma, Deborah, his 10 siblings and a host of other love ones.
Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Dolores King and Robert Penrice of Dickinson; son and daughter-in-law, William D. and Erma Johnson of Texas City; sister, Lee Ester Johnson Burton of Texas City; two grand-daughters, three grandsons, 12 great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, two godchildren, a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.
William Johnson
Memorial services for Rev. William Johnson of Glen Flora will be held from 7-9 p.m. Friday at First Missionary Baptist Church in Texas City.
Funeral services for Rev. Johnson will be held at noon Saturday at Camp Zion-Rising Star United Baptist Church in Spanish Camp.
He will lay in state at the church for viewing from 10 a.m. until the start of the services Saturday.
Anna Koch
Anna Frieda Koch, age 88, of Wharton, died Saturday, July 27, 2002, in a Wharton nursing home following a brief illness. She was born on Oct. 28, 1913, in Cottonwood, the daughter of the late Herman Koch and Minnie Hacker Koch. She was also preceded in death by three sisters, Frieda Wittig, Martha Wittig and Louise Black.
Miss Koch worked as a caregiver for many years in Houston before returning to Wharton in 1956 to care for her elderly parents. She was a devoted member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wharton. During World War II she worked on an assembly line making binoculars for the U.S. Navy. Miss Koch enjoyed being creative and making crafts for other people. She enjoyed making Barbie Doll clothes, dresses and play items for her nieces and nephews. Miss Koch was an avid gardener and enjoyed growing flowers and vegetables and frequently gave away vegetables to her family and friends. She diligently kept family records, history and events. Miss Koch had an underlying sense of humor even when faced with life’s challenges.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 30, 2002 at St. John’s Lutheran Church with Rev. Barry Sharp officiating. Burial followed in Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.
Survivors include her brothers, Walter Koch of Lane City and Arthur Koch of Wharton. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
Pallbearers were Robert Koch, Bruce Wittig, Keith Wittig, Kenneth Wittig, Chad Thonsgaard and Brad Wittig.
In lieu of usual remembrances the family requests memorials to St. John’s Lutheran Church Building Fund, 614 Pecan Street, Wharton, Texas 77488.
Funeral services were under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home.
