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Stokley
Zaner Emily Malone Stokley, 91, died Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2003, in The Woodlands.
She was born on Sept. 28, 1911, to Ira Earnest and Lillie (Kirkpatrick) Malone at Santo in Palo Pinto County.
She resided in Alice before moving to The Woodlands. She was active in the First Baptist Church and the Eastern Star. In Alice, she served as an adviser to the Rainbow Girls and was recently awarded a 50-year pin by the Eastern Star. It was there that she became an LPN and was a caregiver in the medical community.
Mrs. Stokley was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ralph W. Stokley; her son, Ralph Malone Stokley; her sisters, Mary Hazel Malone, Harper Malone Williams Vinson and Tonie Malone Gipson.
She is survived by her brothers, Edgar Malone of Beeville and Ira E. Malone and wife Dare of Houston; her sister, Berna Timlin of Houston; her daughter-in-law, Mildred Williamson Stokley of Galveston; her grandsons, Kenneth Winters Stokley and wife Laurie, Edgar Malone Stokley and wife Patricia and Timothy Loren Stokley and wife Alice; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were to be held Friday at 2 p.m. at Green Lawn Memorial Chapel in The Woodlands, with interment following in Conroe’s Garden Park Cemetery.
Arrangements were handled through Green Lawn Memorial Chapel, The Woodlands.
Vela
Teresa Vela, 87, died Saturday, Jan. 11, 2003. She was born on Oct. 15, 1915, in Fredericksburg.
She was a Catholic and a member of the Guadalupanas at St. James Catholic Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Juan Z. Vela, and parents, Servando Flores and Ruperta Medina Torres.
Mrs. Vela is survived by three sons, Luis (Elena) Vela of San Antonio, Juan (Delia G.) Vela of Victoria and Richard Vela of Beeville; two sisters, Eloisa Garcia of Beeville and Amelia Cuellar of Corpus Christi; eight grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Rosary was recited on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at Treviño Funeral Home chapel. Funeral Mass was celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church with Father Joseph Varghese officiating. Burial followed at Beeville Memorial Park.
Pallbearers were Richard Vela Jr., John Martin Vela, Michael Vela, Joseph Baldillez, Rey Torres, Michael Garza and Tracy Berdan.
Reynolds
Nola Idell Reynolds, 91, was called into the gates of Heaven on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2003. She was born on Nov. 4, 1911, in Eastland. Nola was retired after 25 years with Sears. She was a faithful Baptist and enjoyed painting. She loved animals and loved her dogs, Bitsy and Copper Penny. Nola enjoyed feeding her birds and spending quality time with her animals. She is survived by her two sons, Donald (Sandra) Reynolds of Houston and Victor (Etta) Reynolds of Aransas Pass; one daughter, Geneva L. Tschoepe of Corpus Christi; eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Private graveside services were held on Friday, Jan. 17, 2003, at the Sandia Cemetery in Sandia. Services were conducted by the Rev. Judy Baskin from the First United Methodist Church in Aransas Pass.
Cameron
Samuel Robert Cameron Sr., 74, died Friday, May 9, 2003.
Funeral service will take place Saturday, May 17, at 1 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Mr. Cameron was born on April 3, 1929, in Harlingen to Clarence Y. and Thelma (Conner) Cameron. He married Emma Jean May on April 14, 1951, in Kingsville. He resided in Beeville and was self-employed in the salvage business. He was member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Survivors include his wife, Emma Jean Cameron of Beeville; three daughters, Donna Wharton of San Antonio, Dixie Styles of Ft. Myers, Fla., and Robbie Phillips of Conroe; a son, Samuel Robert (Bobby) Cameron Jr. of Spring; 13 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Galloway and Sons Funeral Directors
Mendoza
Gilberto Mendoza, 84, died Saturday, April 5, 2003, in a Houston hospital.
He was born in Charco on Sept. 9, 1918, to Antonio and Nestora Mendoza. He married Jovita Sandoval in Goliad and moved to Beeville. He worked in agriculture and drove a taxi for many years before moving to Houston in 1988. Mr. Mendoza enjoyed working on cars, gardening, telling stories, playing his guitar and singing.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Jovita Sandoval Mendoza, and brothers, Felipe Mendoza, Reyes Mendoza and Tranquilino Mendoza.
Survivors include two sons, Felipe Mendoza and wife Eva and Gilberto Mendoza Jr.; three daughters, Juanita Cano and husband Trino, Minnie Garza and husband Ysabel and Ofelia Degollado; a sister, Magdalena Montez; 16 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren.
A rosary was recited on Monday, April 7, at L.A. Crespo Funeral Directors in Baytown. Mass was celebrated Tuesday, April 8, at St. Andrew's Catholic Church, with Father Stephen Zigrang and Deacon Carlos Vences officiating. Interment followed at San Jacinto Cemetery.
Arrangements were handled through L.A. Crespo Funeral Directors, Baytown.
Perez
Benito Perez, 67, died Wednesday, May 7, 2003, at Christus Spohn Hospital Beeville.
Visitation will be held today (Saturday) from 4 to 9 p.m. at Angelus Funeral Home. A prayer service will be held tonight at 7 o’clock at the same location, with the Rev. Jesse DeLaGarza officiating. Rosary will be recited Sunday evening at the same location, also at 7 o’clock. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, with Father Richard Gonzales officiating. Burial will follow in the Tuleta Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Daniel, Felipe, Amado, Benito Jr. and Rudy Perez, Richard Tapia and Enrique Jr. and Robert Lee Cantu. Honorary pallbearers will be Benito James Perez Jr. and Jacob Rey Perez.
Mr. Perez was born on Aug. 8, 1935, in Normanna to Felipe and Maria (Carrizales) Perez. He married Elida Suniga on Jan. 27, 1967, in Beeville. He served in the U.S. Army and was a retired oilfield construction worker. He was a member of Our Lady of Victory and an ex-member of the San Antonio Classics softball team. He also participated in other leagues.
Survivors include his wife, Elida Suniga Perez; a daughter, Rita Lisa Tapia and husband Richard, all of Beeville; three sons, Benito James Perez and wife Sandra of Beeville, Rudy Dionicio Perez of Burleson and Daniel Perez of Germany; five grandchildren, Desiree, Amber and Ashley Tapia, and Benito James and Jacob Perez; six sisters, Simona P. McDonald and husband Bill and Maria P. Wilson, all of Tuleta, Frances P. Kirk and husband Bob of West Covina, Calif., Rita P. Rosselot and husband Larry of Kokomo, Ind.; Victoria P. Petterson and husband Gene of Buchanan Dam; Nieves P. McIntire and husband Vern of Lakewood, Colo.; and three brothers, Daniel Perez and wife Hope of San Antonio, Felipe Perez and wife Laverne of Arlington and Amado Perez and wife Cecilia of Tuleta.
Angelus Funeral Home
Megason
McAllen, Texas — Jack Elton Megason, 79, was born in Avery, Texas on Flag Day, June 14, 1924, to Thomas and Mittie Megason. He went home to be with his Lord on Labor Day, September 1, 2003, with his daughter by his side.
Jack was known and loved for his optimism, friendliness, and faith in God. He was a true gentleman who loved and cared about people. He had many dear and long-time friends, yet made new friends quickly and enjoyed spending time with them all. He enjoyed golf, fishing, cooking, traveling, family and high school reunions, and studying the Bible. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren. He always encouraged them and reminded them to use their talents for God.
Jack grew up in Henderson, Texas and graduated from Gaston High School in 1942. He joined the U. S. Marine Corps, was with the 3rd Marine Division during World War II, and served in Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. After the war, he went to Texas A & M where he received a degree in Range and Forestry. Jack moved to Beeville in 1950 where he worked for the Soil Conservation Service. There he met and married Orleane McCarley on June 16, 1951. In Beeville, he was President of Kiwanis International. Jack belonged to the First Baptist Church and served as a deacon and was Sunday School Superintendent for several years. He loved the Lord and was a dedicated Sunday School teacher for most of his life, teaching in Beeville, Longview, and Tyler. He marketed agricultural products for Medina Agricultural Products Company for almost 40 years. He most recently marketed Insect-Away products. He moved to McAllen in May of 2002 where he was loved and cared for by his family. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. During his illness, he never complained, but kept an attitude of tranquility and faith in his Lord. He was grateful to the wonderful nurses and aides who tended to every need. He spoke of their loving care, their skills, and their prayers, and how much he appreciated them.
Jack was preceded in death by his baby daughter, Cindy Ann, his sisters, Elizabeth Wright and Ruby Webster, and two brothers, Truett Megason, and Benjamin Megason.
He is survived by his two children, Abbie Sasser (Ford), McAllen; Tim Megason (Sarah), New Braunfels; four grandchildren, Amanda Lauren Sasser, Waco; Emily Sasser, McAllen; Miranda and Mitchell Megason, New Braunfels; two brothers, Phillip Megason, Henderson; John Megason, Van; and many nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved. He was so loved and will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held at Colonial Hills Baptist Church in Tyler at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 5. Graveside services will be at Restland Memorial Park Cemetery in Dallas at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Colonial Hills Baptist Church, 7330 S. Broadway Ave., Tyler, TX 75703; to Liberty Hill United Methodist Church, 4456 FM Rd. 2767, Tyler, TX 75708; or to The Gaston Museum, P.O.Box 301, Joinerville, TX 75658-030l.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care of Kreidler Funeral Home, Inc. McAllen, Texas.
Merrell
Max Barton Merrell, 80, of Mathis died Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2003.
Graveside services were to be held Friday at 10 a.m. in Beeville’s Glenwood Cemetery.
Mr. Merrell was born on March 22, 1923, in Edna, Kan. He was a retired truck driver. He was preceded in death by his wife, Retha Louise James Merrell, and granddaughter, Robyn Louise Heck.
Survivors include his daughter, Nita Jolene Heck of Richland, Wash.; three sons, James Michael Merrell of Mathis, Darrell Barton Merrell of Utah and Gerald Melton Merrell of Phoenix, Ariz.; three sisters, Carolin David of Oklahoma, Norma Apple of Yoakum and Ruth Warwaus of Cuero; three brothers, Roy Merrell of Ray Point, Dwayne Merrell of Tuleta and Wayne Merrell of Dallas; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Arrangements were handled through Dobie Funeral Home, Mathis.
Warnica
Guy C. Warnica, 91, of Camp Verde, Ariz., died Sunday, Aug. 31, 2003.
Funeral services were held Thursday in the Westcott Funeral Home in Camp Verde, Ariz.
He was born on July 23, 1912, in Tokeen. He was a retired carpenter.
Survivors include his wife, Francess Warnica; a daughter, Beverly Jones Houser of High Rolls, N.M.; a son, Gary Warnica of Camp Verde, Ariz.; a sister, Quida Gilbert of Millsap; a brother, Lynn Warnica of Arlington; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Arrangements were handled through Westcott Funeral Home, Camp Verde, Ariz.
Francisca Kessler Dugat
March 4, 1912-Nov. 5, 2003
Francisca Marie Kessler Dugat died at home on Wednesday, Nov. 5 with all her children present. She was born on March 4, 1912, in Skidmore, Texas, in the house her father Victor Kessler had built for his bride, Hedwig “Hetta” Rennert, in 1910. Three years later, “Francis” was joined by her sister Virginia.
Under their mother’s tutelage, the two girls made clothes for their German dolls and began to do other handwork too. Their maternal grandparents lived across the street and their paternal grandparents lived in Schulenburg. Their ties with both families were strong. In her later years, Francis recalled the excitement of boarding the train in Skidmore with a shoebox full of fried chicken, for the long trip to Schulenburg. Almost by osmosis, the sisters learned German from both sets of grandparents.
From their earliest years, Francis and Virginia were known for their kindness. After more than a half-century, Rusty New Vaughn remembered that she did not know a soul when she moved with her parents to Skidmore. She would never forget how sweet the two sisters were to her. “They just took me in and made me their friend.”
With an Episcopalian father and a Lutheran mother in a town where neither denomination was represented, the Kesslers’ church life was by necessity ecumenical. Francis recalled that they went “to BYP (Baptist Young People) on Wednesday night, confession at the Catholic Church on Saturday and then taught Sunday School at the Methodist Church on Sunday.”
For her secular education, Francis attended school in Skidmore until it was time for high school. Her parents enrolled her in Westmoreland College in San Antonio, where she remained for three years of high school and for two years of junior college. She was so homesick, she remembered that she cried for five years. But in spite of her homesickness, Francis won the hearts of her classmates. Before she received her degree in Home Economics, her beauty and charm had assured her a place as president of her class and as May Queen of the whole school.
Soon after she returned from school, Francis met a handsome young rancher with strong Bee County roots. Bill Dugat proposed and she accepted. Like many other young people during the Depression, they decided to spare their families the expense of a wedding. Accompanied by their friends, Frank and Mary Louise Reagan Cheatum, Francis and Bill were married in St. Mark’s Church in San Antonio, on February 16, 1933. They did not tell their parents until several months later, and only then did they begin their life together under one roof.
In 1941, Francis and Bill Dugat purchased the historic Cook home, where they lived with their children, Bill, Jr. and Diana. Although Francis was a dedicated homemaker, she was always eager to accompany her husband out West or down to Mexico. She became a skilled hunter with a bow and arrow, as well as a rifle. Yet, she continued with her many handwork projects, everything from decoupage to needlepoint, especially for the annual bazaar at St. Philip’s Church. Her ecumenical background in Skidmore had made her a devoted member of the church. The church and her family were the center of Francis’s life. And just as she had made new friends as a child, she was ever ready to befriend a newcomer or help someone in need.
In 1978, Francis and Bill Dugat were selected as Honorees at the 42nd Annual Show of the South Texas Hereford Association. Francis was also a member of the Birthday Club, Beta Club, Rosetta, the Wednesday Luncheon Club and the Historical Society and an honorary member of the Junior Service League.
Francis Kessler Dugat was predeceased by her parents; husband; sister, Virginia Kessler Long; and son-in-law, Dr. Dudley Braly. She is survived by a son, The Rev. Bill Dugat Jr., and his wife Gwen of Kerrville; a daughter, Diana Dugat Braly of Beeville, and five grandchildren, Bill Dugat, III and wife Kathy of Austin and four granddaughters, Marie “Wendy” Schneider and husband Rob of George West; Suzanne Marshall and husband Mike of Pensacola, Florida; Anita English and husband Marty of Dallas and Alice Whitley and husband Mike of George West. She is also survived by ten great-grandsons and one great-granddaughter.
Visitation will be at the Galloway Funeral Home between noon and 9:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7. The service will be held at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 8, with interment following in Glenwood Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bill Dugat III, Rob Schneider, Mike Whitley, Dr. Marty English, Russell English, Bill Dugat IV, and Raymond Welder.Garcia
Funeral services are pending at Treviño Funeral Home for Victoria Longoria Garcia, 83. She died Thursday, Nov. 6, 2003, in Huntsville, Ala. She was a former resident of Skidmore.
