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Arturo Garcia
SAN BENITO, TX — Arturo Garcia, 71, entered into rest on Sunday, January 18, 2004. Arturo was born in San Benito, TX to Alfredo A. Garcia and Anastacia P. Garcia.
He fought for his country in the Korean War and was awarded the Purple Heart. He proudly served in the United States Army for two years and the United States Air Force for 24 years. He loved his family, a good joke and a close football game. In life Arturo was a giving person. In death he gave one last time. He was an organ donor.
The last two years of his life were filled with the joy that only a long awaited grandchild can bring. We will miss his sharp wit and love of life that age and illness could not dim.
Survivor include his loving devoted wife and caregiver for 48 years, Faye Garcia of San Antonio; his daughter, Linda G. Butler and son-in-law, Tom Butler; grandson, Trent Thomas Butler of Dear Park, TX; brothers, Alfredo Garcia, Jr. (Maria), Arnold Garcia (Lorraine); sisters, Idalia Montalvo (Alfredo), Norma Aten (Gehrie), Mila Salinas (Joe); and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Judge Alfredo A. Garcia and Anastacia P. Garcia; and on June 24, 2003, a sister, Yolanda G. Ramirez.
Burial services with military honors were held Wednesday, January 21, 2004 at Fort Sam Houston Cemetery in San Antonio, TX.
Pallbearers were Arnold A. Garcia, Joe Salinas, III, Armando Ramirez, Steve Young, Ruben de la Fuente and Tom Butler.
Honorary pallbearers were Alfredo Garcia, Jr., Arnoldo Garcia, Joe Salinas, Jr., Reymundo de la Fuente, Mike Trevena, and Guillermo Williams.
A memorial mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 24, 2004 at 12 noon at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in San Benito, TX.
M. Jack Smith
GILLETT, AR — M. Jack Smith, age 81, of Gillette, Arkansas, passed away early Tuesday morning, January 20, 2004, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center.
Jack was born February 26, 1922, a son of the late Curtis and Bessie Korb Smith in Evansville, IN.
He was reared and educated in Evansville, graduating from Bosse High School in 1940. He served in the US Air Forces during World War II. He married Grace Matz on December 19, 1948, in Harlingen, Texas. Jack worked in the field of aviation with various employers, such as Lockhead Aircraft, and aerial application companies in both Texas and Arkansas. The moved to Gillette in 1972, where he continued in his chosen field of aerial application. He was a member of the Gillette United Methodist Church, the Experimental Aircraft Association, and the Harlingen Masonic Lodge.
Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Grace, of 55 years; two daughters, Connie Lott of Leesville, Texas and Ann Kercheville of Boerne, Texas; one sister, Wilma Fredrickson of Melbourne, Australia; and four grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Curtis Earl and one sister, Margaret McCarty.
Graveside services will be held Friday, January 23, 2004, at 2 p.m. at the Alexander Memorial park Cemetery Chapel of Remembrance, 2200 Mesker Park Drive, Evansville, IN.
The family will receive friends at the Chapel from 1 p.m. until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to the Arkansas Cancer Institute, 2200 South Hazel Street, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, 71603.
Arkansas arrangements by Ralph Robinson & Son, Pine Bluff, AR. 870-534-3131
Florence S. Soucy
WESLACO, TX — Florence S. (Seymour) Soucy, 91, passed away Tuesday, January 13, 2004 at Dolly Vinstant Medical Center in San Benito, Texas.
Florence was born in Worcester, MA on June 16, 1912 to John and Louisa Seymour. She attended Methuen, MA schools and resided there until moving to Texas in the late 1960’s.
Florence was an accomplished seamstress, having taught in public schools. She also served in the United States Coast Guard SPARS during World War II and was a past commander of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary in Methuen, MA.
Florence is survived by several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Joseph E. Soucy who passed away on September 30, 2003 in Weslaco, TX.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.
Hazel Lee Busby
WESLACO, TX — Hazel Lee Busby, 96, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2004 at Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco.
She was born on December 12, 1907 in Stephensville, Texas. She was raised in the Dublin-Edna Hill area of east Texas. Her parents were Walter Lee and Dovie M. (Knox) Capell. Along with Alene Groves, she owned and operated a beauty shop in the original Cortez Hotel in Weslaco until her marriage to Carroll S. Busby on March 30, 1939. They lived in Lima, Peru and Porter, Texas before returning to reside in Weslaco.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters, Coda Mildred Voigt and Johnnie Looney.
She is survived by her loving husband, Carroll Busby; two nephews; three nieces; four grandnieces and nephews and two great grandnieces and nephews.
Graveside services and interment will be held today, Friday, January 23, 2004 at 3 p.m. at Weslaco City Cemetery. Officiating the service will be the Rev. Myron Ricketts, Pastor of First Methodist Church in Weslaco.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of McCaleb Funeral Home of Weslaco.
Manuela D. Gil
RAYMONDVILLE, TX — Manuela Diaz Gil, 101, passed away Wednesday, January 21, 2004 at Harlingen Medical Center in Harlingen, TX. She was born February 15, 1902 in Mexico to Andres and Patrosenia (Garza) Diaz. She lived in Willacy County all her life.
A prayer service will be held Friday, 7 p.m., at Duddlesten Chapel.
Chapel service will be held Saturday, 2 p.m., January 24, 2004, at Duddlesten Funeral Home. Burial will follow at the Raymondville Memorial Park Cemetery.
She is survived by five daughters, Juanita (Valentin) Gonzales of Donna, Manuela (Ismael) Espinoza of McAllen, Maria Gonzales and Sara Longoria both of Raymondville and Juanita Gil Ruiz of Harlingen; two sons, Benjamin Gil of Bolivia and Eddie Gil of Raymondville; one brother, Israel Diaz of Raymondville; one sister, Adela Reyes of Raymondville. She is also survived by 36 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren and numerous great great grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Duddlesten Funeral Home.
David R. Peterson
ARROYO CITY, TX — David R. Peterson, 82, passed away Monday, January 19, 2004 at his residence in Arroyo City, Texas.
David was born in Joliet, IL on November 2, 1921 to David V. and Nancy Peterson. He was a resident of Joliet, IL and New Lenox, IL for many years until his retirement from the Caterpillar Corp. where he was a Line Inspector. He served with the U.S. Army during World War II and was a pioneer member of the VFW Lodge #9545 in New Lenox, IL. He was a winter visitor to the Valley area for the past 20 years and had been a permanent resident for the past 8 years.
Survivors include his wife, Rita A. Peterson of Arroyo City, TX; son, Richard M. Peterson of Omaha, NE; daughter, Maureen L. Peterson of New Lenox, IL; two granddaughters, and one great granddaughter.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Emphysena Foundation.
No services are planned at this time.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.
Marissa V. Miranda
FT. CAMPBELL, KY — Marissa Victoria Miranda, 14, passed away at her residence on Saturday, January 17, 2004 in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky.
She was born in Rome, New York on December 5, 1989. She was a student at Wassom Middle School in Ft. Campbell, KY and a Middle Honor Roll Student, member of the Newberry Club. She was selected as an Incredible Kid by the 7 th Grade Teacher Staff, she was in the Gifted and Talented Program, also a member of Club EKO.
She is survived by her parents, Jorge Miranda and Eva Garcia Miranda of Ft. Campbell, KY; grandparents, Juventino Miranda of Mexico and Corina M. Wade of Brownsville, Texas; maternal grandmother, Freddie Ashton of San Benito; brother, David Miranda of Ft. Campbell, KY; 2 sisters, Cristina Miranda and Gabriela Miranda both of Ft. Campbell, KY.
Visitation will be held today, Thursday, January 22, 2004 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with Family present from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home Chapel.
Chapel services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, January 23, 2004 at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Louie Montoya officiating. Interment will follow to Mont Meta Cemetery in San Benito.
Pallbearers will be Albert Dorsett, William Ashton, Roberto Hernandez, Juventino Miranda, David Miranda, and Jorge Miranda. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors, San Benito, Texas 399-1331.
Juan V. Zurita
BAYVIEW/PORT ISABEL, TX — Juan V. Zurita, 64, of Bayview, and Port Isabel, Texas entered into the heavenly kingdom of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the loving embrace of his loving family, on January 20, 2004. He was born in Port Isabel, Texas on January 27, 1939, and was a lifetime resident of Port Isabel, Texas. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam era 9/25/1961 – 9/20/1965, he enjoyed traveling, shrimping, fishing, photography, art, and coin collecting. He was an Educator, and a Mentor to many who knew, and respected him. He was also a member of Our Lady Star of The Sea Catholic Church, and a graduate of Port Isabel High School, class of 1957.
military honors are under the direction of American Legion Post 205 of Harlingen, Texas, American Legion Post 498 of Port Isabel, Texas, VFW Post 8791 of Port Isabel, Texas, and VFW Post 2410 of San Benito, Texas.
Survivors include the following: wife, Maria A. Zurita of Bayview, TX; 4 children, Anna Lucia (Jose Enrique) Garza of San Benito, TX, Maria Suzanna (Felipe) Perez of Bayview, TX, David Leon (Maryann) Zurita of Laguna Vista, TX, and Marisela (Raymundo) Martinez of Laguna Heights, TX; 11 grandchildren and 1 great grandson, Joseph Anthony Garza; best friend "Baby"; mother, Elvita Osorio Zurita of Port Isabel, TX; 3 sisters, Almira Vda. De Ramirez of Houston, TX, Maria (Carlos) Alvarez of Port Isabel, TX, Teresa (Dusty) Smith of Los Fresnos, TX; 3 brothers, Jesus (Angela) Zurita of Edinburg, TX, Inocente (Francis) Zurita of Port Isabel, TX, and Adan (Lorraine) Zurita of Harlingen, TX.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesus R. and Maria L. Villarreal Zurita; son, Juan Zurita, Jr. Pallbearers will be: David Zurita, Zackary Zurita, Felipe Perez, Phillip John Perez, Jose Enrique Garza, Joshua Adam Garza, Raymundo Martinez, and Inocente Zurita. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Antulio Watkins, Sabino Villarreal, Mauro Osorio, Jasper Bodden, Hector Flores, and Federico Fierro.
Visitation will begin on Wednesday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the North Chapel, of Thomae-Garza F.H. then from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Our Lady Star of The Sea Catholic Church, located at 705 S. Longoria St. Port Isabel, Texas, a rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. and the funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2004 at Our Lady Star of The Sea,
Interment will follow to the Port Isabel City Cemetery. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors, 395 S. Sam Houston Blvd. Of San Benito, Texas (956)399-1331.
Fred R. Schmoker
RAYMONDVILLE, TX — Fred R. Schmoker, born in Harlingen, March 30, 1914 died Sunday, January 18, 2004.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Donnie Self Schmoker; nieces and nephews, Karen ( White) Gerany and Donald Self of Houston, Mary-Michele ( White) Headle of Chugiak, Alaska, Brett Nelson of Harlingen, Barbara (Nelson) Mason of McAllen, Bob and Phil Anderson of Combes, Anita (Anderson) Keyes, Harriett Self and Myra Self of San Antonio. He is also survived by his "grandchildren" Clara Bland and Britton Campbell of Houston and many more great nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Rosina and Jacob Schmoker; brothers, George, Gottlieb and Jake and is survived by his brother, Albert.
Fred served in the Navy during World War II. He worked with the Willacy County (Beef Syndicate) for many years. After W W II he went into banking and stayed in banking until he retired from Raymondville Bank of Texas in 1982. But returned briefly in 1985 as Interim President. He was a member of the Rotary Club for many years and contributed to his community in so many other ways. He was the kindest person we ever knew and we will love and miss him always.
Viewing will be held for family and friends on Wednesday at Duddlesten Funeral Home.
Graveside service will be held Thursday, 2 p.m., January 22, 2004, at Mont Meta Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Duddlesten Funeral Home.
Douglas L. Brown
SAN ANTONIO, TX — Douglas L. Brown entered rest January 19, 2004 at the age of 79 years. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jodene Baily Brown in 1989.
He retired from Monroe Calculator Company where he was the service manager for many years in Harlingen, TX. He served as a Deacon and in the choir at First Christian Church in Harlingen, TX and worked with the Boy Scouts as Scoutmaster many years in Harlingen. He loved Camping, wood carving and spending time enjoying his family.
Survivors include his wife, Joy Brown; sons, Douglas Brown, Jr., Robin Brown, Mark Huff; daughters, Judy Brooks, Karen Reinertsen; sister, Helen Stuart; six grandsons, three granddaughters, and seven great-grandchildren.
Visitation was held at Oak Hills Mortuary Tuesday, January 20, 2004 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Funeral services will be at the Oak Hills Mortuary Chapel Wednesday, January 21, 2004 at 2 p.m. with interment to follow in the Comal Cemetery in New Braunfels, TX at 4 p.m.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Oak Hills Mortuary, 8332 Fredericksburg Road, San Antonio, Texas 78229. 210-616-0510.
Lorraine Loyan
HARLINGEN, TX — Lorraine Loyan, 50, passed away Sunday, January 18, 2004 at her home in Harlingen.
Lorraine taught for many years at the Marine military Academy in Harlingen. After leaving the Academy, she worked locally for United Parcel Service, Boog-A-Dee Boo’s, and most recently Sun Country Air. Lorraine was born on June 14, 1953 in Cleveland, Ohio to Michael and Mildred Loyan.
Preceding her in death was her mother, Mildred.
She is survived by her father, Michael of Cleveland, OH; sister, Gwen E. (William) Fischer of Toledo, OH; nephew, Brian J. (Gina) Fischer of Perrysburg, OH; niece, Jill E. (Brad) Hamacher of Muskego, WI; two great nieces, Anna and Darby Fischer; and one great nephew, Benjamin Hamacher.
A gathering of friends is planned at Boog-A-Dee Boo’s for Sunday, January 24, 2004 at 1 p.m. Services will be private for the family in Cleveland, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in Lori’s name to the charity of the donor’s choice. A very heartfelt thanks to the Heart Care Center at the Cleveland Clinic for their efforts and compassion and care on Lori’s behalf.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.
