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Martha McConnell Oekerman
LA FERIA — Martha McConnell Oekerman, born on November 21, 1918 in Vinita, Oklahoma, went to the Lord on July 9, 2003 in McAllen, Texas.
She was preceded in death by her parents James Edgar and Mae McConnell; her husband, Lemoyn Oekerman; three sisters Margaret McDonnell, Mary Louise Newcomer, Anna Mae Crowder; and one brother James McConnell II.
She is survived by two daughters, Becky Oekerman of McAllen and Johanna Oekerman of Corpus Christi; one granddaughter Margaret Delgado of Mexico City and one very special great-granddaughter, Becky Sue Delgado.
Four sisters-in-law include, Frances Oekerman of Midland, Irene Davis of Norman, Oklahoma, Loreen Oekerman of Tishomingo, Oklahoma, Lois McConnell of Houston; a cousin George Lackey of Pharr; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Since her father was a Methodist preacher, she lived her early days in several towns in Oklahoma.
She attended Oklahoma College for Women and majored in English Literature.
She married Lemoyn Oekerman of Chickasha, Oklahoma in 1944.
After his discharge from the Air Force in 1946, they moved to La Feria, TX where they bought a citrus grove.
She taught High School English in Santa Rosa, La Feria, and spent 5 years teaching fifth grade in Santa Maria.
She won numerous awards producing one-act plays in La Feria and enjoyed working with many students over the years. She won a Distinguished Poet’s Award from SparrowGrass Poetry Forum, and was in Who’s Who Among American’s Teachers.
She loved the Lord and attended the First Baptist Church in La Feria and Harlingen where she participated in Bible Study and Fellowship.
She was not afraid to say that her greatest award "was when Christ gave me eternal life through his sacrifice on Calvary."
We want to thank Drs. Linda Villarreal and Fred Perez for their support and also the staff of the Edinburg Rehab and Edinburg Regional Hospital; especially the nurses on the second floor, for their care and concern for our mother.
Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church, 501 W. Van Buren in Harlingen, TX at 3 p.m. with Dr. Don Higginbotham officiating. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the First Baptist Church Mission Fund in Harlingen for the Orphanage in Mexico, 501 W. Van Buren, Harlingen, TX, 78550.
Arrangements are under the direction of Mont Meta/Restlawn/Cox Funeral Home, 2906 S. Expressway 77/83, Harlingen, TX, 78550.
Francisca Gonzalez
HARLINGEN — Francisca Gonzalez went home peacefully to the Lord on Saturday, July 12, 2003. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Her spirituality and constant prayer sustained her throughout her life and guided her into the waiting arms of God.
Francisca is survived by her children; Manuel Gonzalez of Harlingen, Pete (Maria Luisa) Gonzalez Jr. of San Benito, Gilbert (Rosie) Gonzalez of Corpus Christi, Bertha Gonzalez of Harlingen, Grace (Tony) Bellocco of Dearborn, Michigan, Gloria (Fernando) Garza of Corpus Christi, and Irma (Jose Manuel) Flores of Corpus Christi. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Francisca was preceded in death by her husband, Pedro Gonzalez; a son, Alejandro Gonzalez; 4 grandchildren; her parents; three brothers; and a sister.
The family will receive friends at Garza-Elizondo Funeral Home for visitation between 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, July 13, 2003 with a rosary to be recited at 7 p.m.
Mass will be officiated by Fr. Pedro Brisenio at 1 p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Monday, July 14, 2003 and interment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park.
Funeral services are under the care of Garza-Elizondo Funeral Home.
Gerardo P. Noyola
THERMAL, CA — Gerardo P. Noyola, 81, passed away on July 9, 2003 in Indio, California.
He was born on October 16, 1922 to Marcos and Felipa Perez Noyola in La Feria, TX.
He married Delia Munoz in 1966 in Washingon.
He served in the U.S. Army and had worked for Richard Glass for 8 years.
He is survived by his wife, Delia Noyola of Thermal, CA; daughters, Olga Vista of Indio, CA, Jenny Linares of Coachella, CA; sons, Ismael Barajas of Santa Rosa, CA, Jesus Noyola Hernandez of Indio, CA, Filipe Noyola, Gerardo Noyola Jr, and Dacoberto Noyola all of Thermal, CA; sisters Matiana Loya of La Feria, TX, Paula Dominguez of Utah and Nena Noyola of Utah; brother David Lara of La Feria, TX; 18 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2003 at 8:30 a.m. at Coachella Valley Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Fitzhenry Desert Chapel of Coachella, CA.
Manuel Mondragon
HARLINGEN, TX — Manuel Garcia Mondragon, (Ret. T/Sgt. USAF), 69, was born on August 20, 1933 in Corpus Christi, TX. He left us to be with our Lord on July 9, 2003, after complications suffered at St. Luke’s Hospital in Houston, TX.
Mr. Mondragon proudly served in the USAF and retired after 23 years of service. After his retirement, he moved his family to Harlingen, where he worked as a pressman for different companies in Harlingen.
He is preceded in death by his parents Lorenzo and Belia Mondragon; step-father, Antonio Mondragon; brother, David "Willie" Mondragon in 1965 and his first wife, Adella Mondragon.
Surviving him is his second wife, Oralia R. Mondragon; his three children, Geneva, Manuel Jr., and Theresa. The lights of his life, his six grandchildren, A.J., Jesse, John-Michael, Joshua, Joey, Erika Lynn and baby Emma Nicole born nine days before his death; and stepchildren. He is also survived by his three brothers, Lorenzo (Margarite) Mondragon of Venezuela, Ruben (Lupita) Mondragon of Corpus Christi, TX, Richard (Cruz) Mondragon of Plano, TX; three sisters, Elvira Mondragon of Corpus Christi, TX, Alicia (George) Melendez of Corpus Christi, TX, Gloria (Pete) Pina of Kingsville, TX; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held today, Sunday, July 13 from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. at the Rudy Garza Chapel of Peace with a prayer service to be held at 7 p.m.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 14, 2003 at 10 a.m. at the Rudy Garza Chapel of Peace. Interment will follow at Mont Meta Memorial Park Cemetery in San Benito with military graveside services under the auspices of the American Legion Post 205 and V.F.W. Post 2410 officiating.
Pallbearers will be Manuel Mondragon, Jr., Richard Hurtado, Raul Moore, Sam Moore, David Chairez, Mark Chairez, Daniel Cavazos, Jr. and Joel Cavazos.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rudy Garza Funeral Home in Harlingen.
William Russell Jones
SAN ANTONIO, TX — William Russell Jones, age 61, passed away Wednesday, July 9, 2003 in Audie Murphy Veterans Hospital in San Antonio, TX after a three year battle with cancer.
He was born in Rio Hondo, TX on October 12, 1941. He served in the United States Air Force after which he began career in land surveying. He was employed by Gil Cade Surveying of Kingsville, TX for a number of years and more recently by Mejia Engineering of Laredo, TX.
He was preceded in death by his father, Buster Jones.
He is survived by his mother, Bessie Jones of Harlingen; daughters and sons-in-law, Tracy and Eric Teal of Yokosuka Japan and Vera and Daniel Desorbo of Universal City, TX. Also survived by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Marlene and Gale Manthey of Harlingen, TX, Lou and Dan Macomb of Harlingen, TX; brothers and sisters-in-law, Glenn and Chuchi Jones of Edinburg, TX and Gary and Ruth Jones of Galveston, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service is to be held at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio at 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2003.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home of San Antonio, Texas.
John Barnes
SAN ANTONIO — John Barnes, age 73, passed away on July 10, 2003. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
He is survived by is wife, Virginia; 3 sons, Wesley Barnes of Houston, Alan Barnes of Bandera, and James Barnes of Kerrville; 2 granddaughters, Jennifer and Glenda Barnes; 1 great-grandson Devin Barnes; 1 brother, Michael Barns of California; and 1 sister, Rose Mary Defenbaugh of Seguin.
He was a graduate of Mission High School, proudly served in the U. S. Army and was retired from Operators Inc.
Arrangements are under the care of FuneralCaring USA of San Antonio, TX.
Francisco "Frank" Basaldua
MERCEDES — Francisco "Frank" Basaldua, 82, passed away early Saturday at Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco. Mr. Basaldua was the Owner of Frank’s Radiator Service in Mercedes, which he had opened in the early 1950’s and had been in operation until 1999 when he had to close it because he could no longer operate it due to health reasons.
Mr. Basaldua is survived by his wife Ernestina Basaldua of Mercedes; three sons Francisco, Jr. of Mercedes, Gerardo (Mary) Basaldua of Cypress, TX, Guillermo (Lisa) Basaldua of Austin; two daughters Elvia (Roy) Perez of Mercedes, Estella (+Todd) Monasmith of Harlingen; a sister Dolores Basaldua of Mercedes; also surviving are his grandchildren Ricardo & Roberto Perez, Michael & Matthew Basaldua, Andrea & Christopher Monasmith.
Visitation will begin Sunday from 1 p.m. until 9 p.m. with a rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday at 9 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Mercedes, interment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park in La Feria.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Garcia & Trevino Funeral Home of Mercedes.
Guadalupe S. "Lupe" Silva
LOS LAURELES — Guadalupe S. "Lupe" Silva entered the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, in the company of his family, and Angels at the age of 87. Mr. Silva was born on December 12, 1915 in San Fernando, Tamaulipas Mexico to Rafael and Rita S. Silva, and was raised in the Laureles and Los Fresnos area.
He was a WWII U.S. Army veteran, and a member of the American Legion Post 632 of Los Fresnos, TX; a member of the St. Cecilia Catholic Church, and was one of the founders of the Los Fresnos Senior Citizens Center that originated in 1985. Farming was his lifetime passion; he was easily recognized as a boisterous man, full of love, compassion, and mischief. He was a man who knew no strangers.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. A very special acknowledgement to our family, friends, neighbors, Valley Diagnostic Clinic, American Legion Post 632, American Legion Post 205, and the V.F.W. Post 2410. An extended gratitude to the staff, and nurses of Omega Hospice for their kindness, professionalism, and for always being there for daddy during the most difficult moments of his life, we are eternally grateful.
He is survived by his wife Trinidad R. Silva, of Los Laureles, celebrated 61 yrs. of marriage on July 11, 2003. Also surviving are his daughter, Lucy Silva Molina, of Los Laureles; granddaughter Melinda M (MAJ Paul N.) Garcia of Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas; great-grandson Aaron M. Garcia also of Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas; brother Mateo Silva of Los Fresnos; sisters, Juanita Romero of Los Fresnos and Maria Vasquez of Brownsville. He is preceded in death by his parents, Rafael and Rita Sosa Silva and brother Jose Silva.
Pallbearers will be MAJ Paul N. Garcia, Alberto Molina, Joe Cavazos, Joe Silva Jr., Luis Silva, and Jesus "Chuy" Zurita. Honorary pallbearers will be Mateo Silva, Baldomar Ramirez, Luis Romero, Ramiro Sosa, Pedro "Pete" Cerda, and Hector Romero.
Visitation will begin at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home at 12 noon to 4 p.m. continuing visitation at 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, 2003 with a rosary scheduled for 7 p.m. officiant will be Judge Eliseo B. Vega at St. Cecilia Catholic Church. Visitation will resume on Monday July 14, 2003 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The mass will begin at 2 p.m. officiated by Father Manuel "Meme" Villarreal and entombment will follow to Mont Meta Memorial Park in San Benito.
Services will be conducted in the Mausoleum.
military honors are under the direction of Harlingen American Legion Post 205 and the V.F.W. Post 2410.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors, 395 S. Sam Houston Blvd, San Benito, TX 78586 (956)399-1331.
Josefina Amparo Ortegon
HARLINGEN/KINGSVILLE, TX — Josefina Amparo Ortegon, age 91, entered the Lords Kingdom Wednesday evening July 16, 2003 at her residence.
She was a retired school educator with the Kingsville ISD. She was a bilingual teacher with the Bilingual Program that was initiated in Kingsville. She received her bachelors and masters degree from Texas A & I now Texas A & M in Kingsville. She was a lifetime member of TSTA, NEA, AAUW, and was inducted into the Alpha Chi Sorority as one of the first Hispanics in the 1930’s. She was a charter member of St. Martin’s Altar Society and St Martin’s Catholic Daughters. She was also a Cursillista, CCD teacher, Volunteer at St Martin’s School and Pink Lady at Spohn Kleberg Hospital.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jose Ortegon and a granddaughter, Sonya R. Ortegon.
Survivors include her son, Joe A. Ortegon of Harlingen and daughter, Margot (Raul) Rosales of Kingsville; grandchildren: Jonese Ortegon of San Antonio, Jo Jo Ortegon of Harlingen, Veronica Ortegon of Austin, Ana Ortegon of Austin, Mariza Ortegon of San Antonio, Janessa Ortegon of San Antonio, Jessica Ortegon of Edinburg, Raul (Stephanie) Rosales of Dickinson, TX, Joseph (Jennifer) Rosales of Edinburg, Laura Lisde Rosales of Los Angeles, CA; great grandchildren: Nalani Benavides, Abel Ryan Benavides both of San Antonio, Claire Rosales and Olivia Rosales both of Dickinson, TX.
Funeral services will be Tuesday in Kingsville under the direction of Turcotte Mortuary with time and place to be announced at a later time.
Local arrangements will be under the direction of Trinity Funeral Chapel 1217 South F. Street Harlingen, TX.
Mildrege E. Wiley
WEATHERFORD, TX — Mildrege Edna Wiley, 84, died Thursday, July 17, 2003 at a Weatherford nursing home.
Mildrege Edna Wiley, the daughter of Jude Norris and Pearl Robbins Norris was born December 2, 1918 on the McFarland Ranch in Parker County, Texas. She attended elementary school with the other ranch children there on the ranch, later attending the Aledo schools. Mrs. Wiley and her husband were long time merchants in Aledo, and distributors for Mobil Oil. She was a member of the Willow Park Church of Christ. Mrs. Wiley was preceded in death by her husband, H. Martin Wiley, son-in-law, Derrell Dill, both in 1990, brothers, Ervin and Arthur Norris and a sister, Vera Norris Johnson.
Survivors include daughters, Wanda Echols and husband, Larry of San Benito, Texas, Mary K. Dill of Edmond, Okla., Linda Johnson and husband, Chris of Tin Top, Texas; grandchildren, Brenda Harris of Wheelock, Texas, Becky Neeley of Spring, Texas, Chad Dill of Edmond, Okla., Audrey Mauck of Edmond, Okla., Kelly Johnson, a student of Texas Tech University, and Chase Johnson of Arlington, Texas; 7 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and her special caregivers, Linda Furrh, Mickey McClure, Bridgette Hawkins, Naoma Smith.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday, July 21, 2003 at Aledo Church of Christ. Burial will follow in Aledo-Brown Cemetery, Aledo. The family will receive friends from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at White’s Funeral Home, Weatherford.
Memorial donations may be made to Search In The Lord’s Way, 1321 East 9th Street, Edmond, Okla. 73034. Friends wishing to leave tributes and messages for the family may visit www.whitesfuneral.com
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of White’s Funeral Home 130 Houston Avenue Weatherford, Texas 76086. 817-596-4811.
