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Eustolia Loya Salinas
LYFORD — Eustolia Loya Salinas entered into eternal rest, Thursday, February 12, 2004 at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, Texas.
She was born November 21, 1932 in Lyford, Texas and the youngest daughter of the late Eusebio Loya, Sr. and Andrea Cavazos Loya. She met Frank P. Salinas form Raymondville and married on February 10, 1952.
For many years while raising their family, she and her husband were members of the L.H.S. Band Boosters, Supporters of the L.H.S. Football team, members of the Prince of Peace Church, members of the Alter Society and participate in the seasonal Jamaica’s at the Prince of Peace Church. She was also a volunteer worker at La Rosita Adult Day Care and at the Sunglo Adult Day Care Center.
Eustolia’s easy going and friendly personality allowed her to make many friends through out the years. No matter where she went or where she was a she never came home without making a new friend. She was known as one of Lyford’s Biggest Fan and supporter of Lyford’s Football team. She was a true Lyford Bulldog supporter since 1970 when her son now Coach Ricardo Salinas played for the Lyford Varsity Bulldogs. Every football season, come Friday she was out there along with other LHS football supporters decorating Bulldog Blvd. and old Business 77 with green and gold streamers. She was always ready to cheer the team on every Friday night even after her children were long gone from school. She was known to many besides her own grandchildren as Grandma Salinas. She was loved by many and was considered a true friend.
She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Frank Salinas; her son, Ricardo Salinas (Letty); her daughters, Janie Gutierrez (Erasmo) and Nelda Jean Garza; grandchildren, Erasmo Gutierrez III, Bobbie Jean Garza, Frank Jason Gutierrez, Frank Ricardo Salinas, Laura Ann Salinas, Tracey Rae Garza, Leslie Lorraine Garza, Reyes Salinas; great grandchildren, Corrina Crystal Gutierrez, Julisa Gutierrez, Taylor Brooke Garza; one sister, Alejandra Cruz of Taft, Texas and sisters-in-law, Antonia Loya and Lydia Loya of Brownfield, TX.
She was preceded in death by her brothers, Reyes Loya Sr., Manuel Loya of Brownfield, TX, Eusebio Loya of San Antonio, TX and sisters, Siria Loya and Rachel Cortez.
Pallbearers will be Frank Gutierrez, Frank Ricardo Salinas, Erasmo Gutierrez III, Reyes Salinas, Rick Loya, and Joe Castro.
A rosary will be held Sunday, February 15, 2004, 6 p.m. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Lyford, Texas. Funeral services will be held Monday, February 16, 2004 at 2 p.m. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Lyford, Texas. Burial will immediately follow at the Lyford Evergreen Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Duddlesten Funeral Home in Raymondville, Texas.
Tomas M. Padilla, Sr.
SAN BENITO, TX — Tomas M. Padilla, Sr., 88, passed away at Harlingen Good Samaritan Center on February 11, 2004.
Survivors include one daughter, Francisca Robles of San Benito, TX; 2 sons, Reymundo Padilla of San Benito, TX, and Tomas Padilla, Jr. of San Benito, TX; 28 grandchildren; 63 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Manuela Padilla Zamora; 2 brothers, Felipe and Isabel Zamora; 2 sisters, Julia and Guadalupe Padilla.
Pallbearers will be Tomas Padilla, Jr., III, Julian Robles, Martin Padilla, Ramon Padilla, Juan Jose Aguirre, and Cristobal Aguirre.
Chapel services will be held today, February 14, 2004 at 2 p.m. Interment will follow to San Benito City Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Thomae Garza Funeral Directors, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito. 956-399-1331.
Grover John Weikel Jr.
LOS FRESNOS — Grover John Weikel Jr. ("Benny") born May 19, 1927 in San Antonio, Texas, passed peacefully at his home in Los Fresnos on Tuesday, February 10, 2004 at the age of 76.
Grover moved to Port Isabel/Laguna Vista with his family in 1929, where his father owned the Star and Crescent Fishery.
They made the move to Los Fresnos after the 1933 hurricane destroyed the family fishing vessels, home, and fishery buildings. The family built a home on Paredes Line Road north of Los Fresnos, where they lived for many years.
Grover attended Los Fresnos schools and participated in many extracurricular activities. Grover played both baseball and six-man football, as well as being a member of the Los Fresnos High School Band where he earned the nickname of "Benny" for his clarinet skills.
During his school years, Grover was active in Boy Scout Troop 61 where he earned his Eagle Scout honors and was inducted into the Order of the Arrow at Camp Perry. While still in high school, Grover embarked upon a life-long passion for airplanes by earning his Private Pilot’s license at the old Mauldin Airport in Brownsville.
Upon graduation in 1945, Grover joined the Army and served with Company C, 13th Engineering (Combat) Battalion, 7th Infantry Division in Okinawa and the Occupation of Korea. Like many others of "The Greatest Generation", his service days were both the best of times and worst of times.
Discharged in 1947, Grover attended Texas A&I in Kingsville and later returned to farm with his father and brother in Los Fresnos.
During his early farming days, he also worked with his father in their local construction business (Weikel Construction), building a number of homes and business establishments.
On October 14, 1948, Grover was married to Alice Jeanne Rader in the Los Fresnos Methodist Church. The ceremony was performed by Jeanne’s grandfather, the Rev. Roy G. Rader, and given away in marriage by her father, the Rev. Elmer A. Rader, Pastor of the Los Fresnos Methodist Church. Over the ensuing 55 years, Grover gave much to both the church and the community. Those who knew him will never forget his unselfish nature and positive perspective.
During the 60’s, Grover was active with the Boy Scouts, serving as Scoutmaster. Grover took Troop 61 to Camp Perry on several occasions where he hoped the young men would enjoy the same experiences and camaraderie he had so enjoyed.
In 1965, he went to work for Brown & Root, Inc. at Union Carbide’s Brownsville, Texas facility, where he worked until its closure in 1983. For the last 20 years, Grover served as Building Inspector for the town of Rancho Vie.
Grover is survived by his wife of 55 years, Alice Jeanne Rader Weikel, two sons, Richard Kerry (Joni) Weikel of Kerrville, TX, Craig Rader Weikel, Sandra Lohmann of Pflugerville, TX and four grandchildren, Kurt Rader Weikel of Round Rock, TX, Jennifer Carly Weikel (Russ) Corbell of Nacogdoches, TX, John Jordan Weikel of Kerrville, TX and Rebekah Kasey Weikel also of Kerrville; a sister, Patricia (Charles) Walker, Anacortes, WA; two brothers, Milton K. Weikel of Westhoff, TX and Kenneth Alan (Barbra) Weikel of Tulsa, OK.
Grover was preceded in death by his father, G. J. Weikel, his mother, Margaret McFarland Weikel and his brother, David Edward Weikel.
Grover’s beloved grandchildren called him "Papa" and they will dearly miss his unwavering love and support.
There will be no service at this time. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. A memory table and guest book will be placed at Thomae Funeral Home, 701 N. Bowie, San Benito, Texas on Friday, February 13. 2004, between the hours of 3 and 6 p.m. and at the Los Fresnos United Methodist Church on Sunday, February 15, 2004 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in his name to:
Los Fresnos United Methodist Church, PO Box 518, Los Fresnos, TX 78566 or Sandi Jo Funk Hospice Program, Valley Baptist Medical Center, PO Box 2588, Harlingen, TX 78550.
Rumaldo Bustamante
MERCEDES, TX — Rumaldo Bustamante, 91, passed away at his residence early Tuesday morning, May 4, 2004.
He was a native of Mercedes and was preceded in death by his wife, Santos Ybarra Bustamante; and a son, Cruz Bustamante.
He is survived by five sons, Alberto Bustamante and Miguel Bustamante both of Mercedes, Dionicio Bustamante and Ricardo Bustamante of Avenal, CA and Pedro Bustamante of Lemoore, CA; four daughters, Paula Bustamante of Stockton, CA, Margarita B. Garcia and Eufemia Bustamante both of Mercedes and Antonia B. Alvarez of Weslaco. Also surviving is one sister, Antonia B. Vento of Relampago, TX; 33 grandchildren, 72 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Visitation will take place today, Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m. with a rosary to be prayed at 7:00 p.m. at Garcia & Trevino Funeral Home Chapel.
Luis Campos Ramirez, Sr.
SAN BENITO, TX — Luis Campos Ramirez, Sr., 57, passed away on Monday, May 2, 2004 at Valley Baptist Medical Center. He was a lifelong resident of San Benito and an avid fan of the San Benito Greyhounds football team. He was the General Manager of the American HomePatient office in Harlingen. He was a member of Our Lady Queen of the Universe Catholic Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Domingo Sosa Ramirez, Sr. and Isabel Campos Ramirez; and by his infant sister, Anita Ramirez.
James E. Irvine
HARLINGEN, TX — After Confronting his cancer for more than two years, James Estill Irvine, 76, peacefully succumbed to the malady at his Golden Palms residence, Harlingen on May 3, 2004.
This native of Charlottesville, Virginia was born there February 2, 1928. In passing he leaves behind his wife of 52 ½ years, Martha Memory Speer Irvine, two daughters, Mrs. Virginia Campo of Hammond, Louisiana and Dr. Diane Duncan of Fort Collins, Colorado, son, Frank S. Irvine of Montegut, Louisiana, and five grandchildren.
Before going to college, Jim Irvine entered the Army at age 17 ½ and for 2 ½ years primarily served in the 11th Airborne Division. In 1951 he was graduated from the University of Miami with a B.S. degree and a major in biology. He stayed on to be awarded a M.S. degree in the same discipline.
Concurrent with instructing at two Virginia colleges, he in 1957, completed his PhD. requirements for a major in biology at the University of Virginia. Irvine then commenced a professional career which would eventually take him around the world. Nine years were spent as a USDA plant physiologist in Puerto Rico and Houma, Louisiana.
At the U.S. Sugarcane Field Station in Houma, he was then promoted to Superintendent/Director. For eighteen years, 1966-84, he held this position.
With a total of 27 years with the USDA, Dr. Irvine then retired from this entity. His next four years were spent as a technical advisor to Copersucar, Brasil, that country’s largest sugarcane consortium.
South Texas was then fortunate to benefit from the knowledge, experience, and services of this researcher and communicator. For more than a decade at the Texas A & M University Experiment Station, Weslaco, he helped the area’s sugarcane industry remain strong and viable. For a period he was the station’s acting director.
Dr. Irvine was known around the world, for he visited/consulted in Puerto Rico, Pakistan, Morocco, Niegeria, Iran, India, Colombia, Cuba, Argentina, Thailand, Myamar (Burma), Hawaii, El Salvador, Mexico, Costa Rica, Mauritius, South Africa, the West Indies, and Indonesia, where he nearly died after contracting typhoid fever.
If someone in the world of sugar did not know him personally, he was known through over 145 science papers which he authored or co-authored or through his voluminous correspondence. Many friends and associates will remember him best for his mentoring and his admirable personality traits.
These included amiability, dependability, his strong work ethic, tact and civility, innovativeness and creativity, helpfulness, dedication, and possession of a great sense of dry humor. Dr. Irvine was recognized in his long career by the many professional societies of which he was a member.
In 1999 the Inter-American Sugar Cane Seminar recognized him for his outstanding contributions to the world of sugar.
Upon his retirement, he and his wife took great pleasure in their long-time hobby of bird watching, and he always remained available to assist growers and researchers in over coming problems. While no local services are planned, a celebration of Jim’s life will take place in the Valley at a later date.
His ashes will be scattered over a beloved wildlife preserve. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.
Reynaldo "Pocho" Lopez, Sr.
LOS INDIOS — Reynaldo "Pocho" Lopez, Sr., 66, passed away Saturday, May 1, 2004 at his residence in Los Indios, TX. He was a lifelong resident of Los Indios. He worked for Anglo Iron Works. He was a member St. Benedict’s Catholic Church. Mr. Lopez was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He had a special place in his heart for his beloved grandchildren. He was a kind and quiet type of man, a hard working young man, married to his wife Maria for 37 long years.
He is survived by his wife, Maria R. Lopez; sons, Reynaldo Lopez Jr. of Austin, TX and Roberto Lopez of San Antonio, TX; daughters, Jesusa L. Hill of San Benito, TX, Cynthia Lopez of Harlingen, TX and Edna M. Lopez of San Antonio, TX; granddaughters, Maria C. Espinoza and Camryn N. Hill and sisters, Angelita Garcia of Las Rusias, TX.
Mr. Lopez was preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Jesusa Lopez.
Visitations was held at San Benito Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday, May 2, 2004 from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a Holy Rosary recited at 7 p.m. in the evening. Services will be held at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in San Benito at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 3, 2004. Officiating will be Father Ignacio "Nacho" Luna.
Interment will follow at Las Rusias Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers will be Beto Lopez, Reynaldo Lopez Jr., Roberto Lopez, Walter Hill, Alan Hernandez and Javier Solis.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of San Benito Funeral Home.
Jack Hanshaw
McAllen — Jack Hanshaw, 77, died on Thursday, April 29, 2004 at The Comfort House, surrounded by his family.
Jack was born in Kansas City, Kansas July 13, 1926. His family moved to Texas and opened Hanshaw’s Dime Store. As a young boy he was active in Boy Scouts earning his Eagle Scout and every Merit badge that was available at that time. He went on to Scout Master and Sea Scouts. He joined the Navy and served his tour of duty aboard the naval ship USS North Carolina during World War II. He returned to Texas and married JoBelle Waugh of McAllen raising four children in the Rio Grande Valley. He always said, "I wasn’t born in Texas but I got here as fast as I could". He expanded his father’s dream to eight stores valley wide and 1968 he opened Gibson’s Discount Center in McAllen. His service to the Valley included a term as Jaycees President in Harlingen. His work as Chapter President received statewide recognition as well as founding the Valley Congress. He was a gifted businessman whose sense of honesty was always present. He was a member and resident of the McAllen Country Club where he lived and played golf daily. He was the ultimate provider from raising his four children, to his involvement with numerous foundations. Outside of his family the closest to his heart was the Valley Food Bank and he was instrumental in its early beginnings as "The Bean Pot". He was a member of St. Mark Methodist Church where he served in a number of capacities but finance was his specialty. At his church he was affectionately known as "Mr. Mission" because that was his calling. Daily he sang a song he had written thanking God for all he had. His life’s doctrine dictated the key to success and happiness as Faith in God, Honesty, Dedication, Dependability, Truthfulness and Perseverance. Parkinson’s took his life, but the legacy of a great man perpetuates him.
He is survived by his wife, JoBelle; four children, Jay (Becky), Jim (Lolly), Jerrie (Jack), and Jacki. There is also one brother Jim (Jacki) and ten grandchildren. We will miss him more than words can say.
A memorial service for Mr. Hanshaw will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 3, 2004 at St. Mark United Methodist Church in McAllen.
Services were entrusted to the care of Kreidler Funeral Home Inc. of McAllen.
Estanislada B. Espinoza
SAN BENITO, TX — Estanislada B. Espinoza, 76, passed away at Harlingen Medical Center on April 28, 2004.
Mrs. Espinoza is survived by 4 daughters, Maria Elva Hernandez of Florida, Lupita Hernandez of Rio Hondo, TX, Yolanda Ramirez of Florida, and Hilda Espinoza of Houston; 2 sons, George Espinoza of San Benito, TX and Juan Espinoza of San Benito, TX; sisters, Benita B. Gonzalez of Monterrey, and Manuela B. Gonzalez of Monterrey; 16 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her son, Pedro B. Espinoza, Jr.; husband, Pedro Espinoza, Sr.; and brother, Jose Gonzalez.
Visitation will be held 12 p.m to 9 p.m., Saturday, May 1, 2004 and 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday, May 2, 2004 with a Holy Rosary starting at 7 p.m. both days at Thomae Garza Funeral Home Chapel.
Funeral services will begin 10 a.m., Monday, May 3, 2004 at St. Helen’s Catholic Church in Rio Hondo, TX.
Interment will follow to San Benito City Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Thomae Garza Funeral Directors, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, 956-399-1331.
James Stone
HARLINGEN, TX — James (Jimmy) W. Stone, 82, went to join his Lord on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 after a short illness. Jimmy was one of the first babies born in Weslaco, Texas on October 19, 1921.
In 1940, Jimmy graduated from Weslaco High School and enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942. He served in the 20th Bomber Command in the China, Burma, India theatre. After W.W.II where he was a past commander of the American Legion and VFW in Weslaco.
Jimmy married his beloved wife, Imogene (Jeanne) Holland in 1944. Jeanne passed away in 1999 after 55 years of marriage. They had three children, John (Brenda) of Sealy, Texas, Jamie Roberts (Jerry) and Jeanette Greer (Brooks) both of Harlingen.
In 1955 Jimmy, Jeanne and their children moved from Weslaco to Harlingen, Texas where he became Sales Manager for Knapp Chevrolet, a position he held for 30 years. After he retired he went to work for Valley Diagnostic Clinic in the Marketing Deparment for eight years. He also served the community as President of the Harlingen Kiwanis Club, Harlingen Rotary Club, the Harlingen/San Benito United Way and as Vice-President of the American Cancer Society.
He received great comfort and joy from his "church family" at the First Baptist Church of Harlingen, where Jimmy served as a Deacon for some thirty years.
Jimmy enjoyed the game of golf at the Harlingen Country Club and was a director fo the Life Begins at 40 Golf Tournament. Many thanks to all his golfing buddies for their care and concern during his illness and members of the 7 a.m. "High Level Breakfast Meeting" held every morning at the Country Club.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Georgia Stidham Stone; brothers, Milton (Buck) Weaver and Jack Stone; sister, Nadine Weaver Hackney and brothers-in-law, Bob Bondurant and H.A. (Barney) Hackney.
He is survived by his three children; sister, Millie Bondurant of Dallas, Texas; a very special friend, Virginia Cherrington who put the sunshine back in his heart; his seven grandchildren, Jennifer Scogin Lopez (John), Jeff Stone, Jason Scogin, Megan Stone Sabrsula (Ricky), John Brooks Greer, Brad Perry, and Ryan Perry and five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation hours will be held at Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. with the family present from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, April 30, 2004.
Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Harlingen, 10 a.m., Saturday, May 1, 2004 with Dr. Don Higginbotham officiating. Interment will follow at Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco, Texas.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be the Deacons of the First Baptist Church of Harlingen, Texas. The family request that those wishing to do so may consider honoring his life of service to his church through a donation to the First Baptist Church, Building Fund, 501 E. Van Buren, Harlingen, Texas 78550 or to the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, 2222 Welbern St., Dallas, Texas 75219.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.
