ROY EDWARD WALTERS was born December 11, 1948. He passed away December 2, 2022 at the age of 73. Roy was a 1967 graduate of Sam Houston High School. He attended Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 142 trade school and worked as a pipefitter for 42 years. Roy married his high school sweetheart, Roberta, in 1969. They were married for 53 years and were blessed with four children, 11 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Roy was an avid outdoorsman. He looked forward to family vacations in Jackson Hole, Wyoming where he enjoyed horseback riding in the mountains and fishing for rainbow trout. He also loved spending time with his family in Port Aransas. His excitement and dedication to saltwater fishing caused him to acquire the nickname Old Salty. Over the years, many of his catches caused a lot of commotion on the beach. Crowds would gather to see what he had landed from the surf. Roy took great pride in supporting his children and grandchildren in their extracurricular activities. He was a diehard Lytle Pirate fan and was easily recognized by his loud cheering during events. This tradition continued with his grandchildren and he traded in his black and gold for a variety of school colors. Whether it was sports or band the kids knew he would be there cheering them on. Roy was also a great storyteller. His tall tales were infamous and he was an expert at “pulling your leg.” His laughter was contagious and he was loved by many. From the first time you met Roy he made you feel like you were a lifelong friend. He will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents Lester and Marie Walters, his son David Brian Walters and his brother Mark Walters. He is survived by his wife Mary Roberta, daughter-in-law Kelly Lindholm, son and daughter-in-law Corey and Chelsea Walters, son-in-law and daughter Lance and Jenni Hagdorn, son and daughter-in-law Rorey and Emily Walters, his brother and sister-in-law Les and Carroll Walters, his brother and sister-in-law Gary and Debbie Walters, 11 grandchildren, one great grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 7, 2022 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Hurley Funeral Home – Lytle, 14822 Main Street, Lytle, Texas 78052. Funeral Services will be celebrated on Thursday, December 8, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Saint Matthias Episcopal Church – Devine 901 North Teel Drive, Devine, Texas 78016. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Devine. For personal acknowledgments, please visit www.hurleyfuneralhome.com Arrangements entrusted to Hurley Funeral Home – Lytle, 14822 Main Street, Lytle, Texas 78052.
LOUIS LEON EHLINGER SR. of Devine, TX, passed to his Heavenly home at the age of 95 on November 30, 2022, in Lytle, Texas. He was born in Devine, on July 29, 1927, to Willie and Theresa Ehlinger as the 7th of 12 children. The Ehlingers were a very close-knit family and were faithful members of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Devine where Louis and his brothers served as altar boys. The church and their faith were central parts of their lives, which Louis continued with his own family. Louis was a proud 1945 graduate of Devine High School where he was the quarterback and captain of the 1944 37-A Champion, Devine Warhorses! He turned 18 after graduation and enlisted in the U.S. Navy not knowing what he would be facing in his future, as WWII was still in full swing. But, on September 2, 1945, the war ended while he was still in boot camp. During those post-war months, Louis had the opportunity to play on a newly formed Naval Base baseball team, even though he had never played much baseball besides sandlot ball in Devine as a kid, using old, used tattered gloves and baseballs. The base teams were important for military morale, as well as entertainment to a nation that was coming out of a very difficult time. Louis played for 6-7 months in the Navy before being discharged and heading back home to Devine. More baseball opportunities were ahead for Louis as he played semi-pro, minor-league baseball several years for the Vernon Dusters in Vernon, Texas, where he met his future wife, Betty Alley. They married in 1948 and had two sons before moving to Devine in 1961 when he started working at Medina Base in San Antonio, Tx. He had a dangerous job as part of the “Handling Crew” who moved bombs to and from huge concrete igloo bunkers. In November 1963, he and his crew escaped an explosion there that was covered nation-wide. In 1966 Louis went to work in Devine for the Gayle Meat Company on Windy Knoll. After one year, Louis and first-cousin, Francis Schmidt, bought the company and renamed it the Devine Meat Company. Louis worked at the meat market and processed quality products for local and surrounding areas for 25 years! He said, “It was hard work, but you had to like it because of the good people around you!” He also served on the Devine ISD School Board, as did his father, and his son, plus served as Precinct 4 County Commissioner for 2 terms. After living in Colonial Oaks for years, Louis and Betty built a home on family land that has now been in the family for 110 years. Lou & Betty loved helping others in need, be it family or friend and spending many fun times with their three granddaughters, who they adored. They had 67 years of a loving marriage with lots of fun and happiness until her passing in 2016. Louis stayed busy on the farm with his cattle, going to church, visiting, and checking on his siblings when he became the “oldest of the last 6 kids”! He loved meeting up with his siblings and in-laws for birthday dinners and the monthly “Card Party” where he played “Pitch” with his brothers, brothers-in-law, and nephews, and on a good day might win up to a $1.45! Louis was known for his hard work ethic, great sense of humor, friendship, and his love for his immediate and extended family. He was always ready with a smile and hearty handshake or hug for his family and many friends. Louis was a hard-working, honest, and fair businessman who took pride in what he did, the family he raised, and being a caring Christian. But for all his accomplishments, Louis was first and foremost a humble family man who loved and respected his wife, and was very proud of his sons, granddaughters, and great-grandchildren. He was also a loving son, brother, and uncle. Louis said many times, “I have been so lucky!” “I have learned that if you treat people right, they treat you right!” That is the example he set for us and the legacy he leaves us. We will all miss him very much. Louis was preceded in death by wife, Betty, in 2016, his parents; brothers: Bill, Herb, Alex, Ferd, and Arthur Ehlinger; sisters: Annie Marie Haass, Laura Mae McMillan, and Marian Tschirhart. Louis is survived by: Sons: Louis L. Ehlinger Jr. and wife, Gail of Comfort, Tx, and Richard Ehlinger of Devine; Granddaughters: Keri (Ehlinger) and husband, Kurt Shell of Buda, Kelsey Ehlinger of Boerne, and Erin (Ehlinger) and husband, Brandon Dodd of Chattanooga, Tennessee; great-grandchildren: Hadley, Emery, and Beckett Shell, Alexis and Bryson Dodd; Sister: Alda Rose McAllister of Devine; Brothers: Marvin Ehlinger of Pearland, TX, and Melvin Ehlinger of McAllen; Brother-in-law Alex Tschirhart of Castroville, Sister-in-Law June Ehlinger of Devine; and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. Services for Louis Ehlinger Sr., were held on Dec.6, 2022 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Devine, Texas under the direction of Hurley Funeral Home in Devine. A visitation was held from 2pm-9pm on Monday, December 5, 2022, with a rosary to be recited at 7:00pm at Hurley Funeral Home Chapel in Devine. A Mass service took place on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at 10:00 am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Devine with interment to follow in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the guest book may do so at www.HurleyFuneralHome.com Arrangements are under the direction of Hurley Funeral Home – Devine. 303 W. College Ave, Devine, Texas 78016.
Our dear loved one, CAITLIN MICHELLE McKINNEY JAWOROWSKI, passed away, surrounded by her loved ones, on November 30, 2022 at the age of 31. Cailtin was a loving wife to her husband of 8 years, Justin Jaworowski, and a wonderful and devoted mother to her sweet children, Rainey Darling (6 yrs) and Jack Wyatt (1 yr) who she loved dearly. Caitlin was born on August 29, 1991 in Conroe, Tx to Sean and Regina McKinney and was sister to Taylor McKinney (wife Eriko), but lived most of her life in Devine, Texas. She is survived by her husband, children, parents, brother and sister-in-law, along with her grandparents Eddie and Barbara McKinney of Sabinal, parents-in-law John and Kathy Jaworowski of Devine, brother-in-law Jason Jaworowski (Fiancée Reanna), nephew Julian Jaworowski, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Caitlin was a 2010 graduate of Devine High School and graduated from the University of the Incarnate Word in 2014 with a Bachelor of Communication Degree. She was a Marketing Coordinator at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) for several years. Caitlin was well-known for her long, flowing blonde hair, beautiful sense of style, out-going personality, thoughtfulness, creativity, and love of her family and friends – and anything by Joanna Gaines! She loved being a wife and mother to her kids and made their home beautiful and their lives happy. Caitlin was a take-charge and get-things-done kind of person who lived her life to the fullest! Even when facing health challenges, she met them head-on with a courageous spirit and attitude. She also used her experiences to reach out and encourage others whenever possible. Caitlin managed to establish an inseperable bound with her husband Justin while never losing sight of the strong bond she always had with her parents. She loved going places with her family and made the most of every place they went. Whether it be to Disneyland, the Silos in Waco, antiquing in Round Top or going to one of her favorite places, Devine Acres Farm, going with Caitlin was always an adventure! Caitlin also loved celebrating all holidays, especially Christmas, and took great pleasure in decorating her home in a beautiful way for her family. This year her family and friends are creating a Winter Wonderland in their yard for her children, in her honor. Caitlin was well loved in the Devine community and beyond, and will be deeply missed by her family and many friends. A Memorial Service was held on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022 in Devine, Texas.
Fred W. Shilling, 73 of Devine, was carried to heaven in the arms of angels on October 6, 2022 after a tragic house fire. He was born February 12, 1949 in San Antonio, TX. He is preceded in death by his parents Nettia Hardin and Harold Shilling, a sister Mary Alvesteffer and bother, Michael (Dee Wee) Shilling. Fred is survived by his daughters Shelly Warren, Tiffany Crouch (Dennis) and son Tyler Shilling all of Devine, Grandchildren Derryk DuBose of California, Briana Evans and Cami DuBose and Caleb Crouch of Devine, Zachary Yerka of Ohio and Savannah Masseth of N. Dakota, Great Grandchildren Noah Evans, Jerry Crutcher IV and Nolan Masseth. He is also survived by his sister Kathrine Ethridge and family of Devine, Brothers Bobby & James Shilling of College State and many nieces and nephews. Fred loved the people of Devine and Natalia and nearby areas. Always having time to stop and help or tell a joke to make you smile. He will be sorely missed. If he could he would tell you “Don’t cry and fuss over me, just bless one another and be good to each other”. A memorial and Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date after the holidays.
Roy Franklin Erwin, Sr. passed away on November 16, 2022 at the age of 90. He was born on January 5, 1932 in Charlotte, Texas to Elmer J. and Dollie Erwin. He was raised in Charlotte, Texas. He served in the US Navy from 1950 – 1954. He lived in Dallas, Texas working as a Real Estate Agent. He also worked for Gill Savings in San Antonio and later in life worked as a Rancher on the family E- Ranch in Kyote, Texas. He was a servant of the Lord and a devout member of his church serving as a Deacon and Teacher. He is preceded in death by his Parents Elmer J. and Dollie Erwin; Brother Elmer J. Erwin Jr. and Sister Mary Hallum. He is survived by his loving Wife of 64 years of marriage Sallie R. Erwin; Children Roy F. Erwin Jr. and Abby Erwin and Husband Ken Weiher; Brother Larry Erwin and Wife Trish and their family; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 23, 2022 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am at Sand Branch Baptist Church, 6200 FM 2504, Poteet, Texas 78065. Funeral service will be celebrated at Sand Branch Baptist Church at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Brummett Cemetery in Bigfoot, Texas. Should friends or family desire, contributions may be sent to Texas Baptist Men’s Association or South Texas Children’s Home in Beeville, Texas. For personal acknowledgments, please visit www.hurleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements entrusted to Hurley Funeral Home – Devine, 303 W. College Ave, Devine, Texas 78016.
Julia Ann Wilburn Rihn, 81, of Devine, Texas passed away on November 15, 2022. She was born in Raton, New Mexico in September of 1941. She married David Rihn in 1957 in Hondo, Texas. She was employed as a registered nurse with Methodist Hospital in San Antonio for several years. She is preceded in death by her Parents Woodrow Wilburn and Louise Green; Sister Charmaine Traylor and Granddaughter Kaylla Brooke Rihn. She is survived by her Husband David Rihn; Children David Rihn, Jr., Laura Jacquez, Anne Petmecky, Keith Rihn, Paul Rihn and Philip Rihn; Siblings Norman Wilburn; Lucille Morris and Steve Taichman; Numerous Grandchildren and Great-grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews. Visitation was held on Friday, November 18, 2022 from 9:00 am – 9:30 am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church – Devine, 108 S. Washington Drive, Devine, Texas 78016. A Rosary was recited at 9:30 am. Funeral Mass was celebrated at 10:00 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Services concluded at the end of the Mass. For personal acknowledgment’s, please visit www.hurleyfuneralhome.com Arrangements entrusted to Hurley Funeral Home – Devine, 303 W. College Ave, Devine, Texas 78016.
Freddie H. Friesenhahn of Biry passed away Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, at the age of 85. Freddie will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Freddie was born on April 7, 1937, in San Antonio, to Leander W. and Helen K. Schwirth Friesenhahn. Freddie grew up in Martinez, Texas. He worked for APPCO and Ingram Ready Mix for many years, until he started a business in 1985 with his three (3) sons in Devine. Freddie married Barbara Haass Friesenhahn on December 21, 1959, in San Antonio, Texas where they started their family; they were married for 62 years. Together Freddie and Barbara moved to Biry in 1974. They waltzed through life together figuratively and literally. You could often find the two love birds at the dance hall waltzing away. Their marriage was the backbone of the family, and they created a foundation that was rooted in love and an appreciation for each other. Some of the family’s fondest moments were spent at “Barbie and Fritz’s” house, whether it was during the holidays or sharing a meal with the family on Sundays the memories are special. Freddie loved being with his family and friends, he enjoyed the precious time he spent with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He loved tending to his garden, whittling canes, making sausage during deer season, telling jokes, dancing, and singing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. You could always find him driving his parcar (golf cart) or four wheeler patrolling the roads of Biry. He was known as the “Constable of Biry”. He was tough as nails, and had a heart of gold, and is forever loved by many. Freddie is survived by his wife, Barbara Haass Friesenhahn; sons, Jeff (Melinda), Joey (Angie) and Ronnie (Darla); daughters, Debbie (Billie) and Claudia (Sammy); 17 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren; brother, Roy Friesenhahn (Karen); and sister, Clara Rechner. Freddie was preceded in death by his parents; daughter and son-in-law, Shelley and Brett McCelvey; grandson, Peyton; and siblings, Vernon, Romey, Marshall, Harold, JoNelda, and Mary. A memorial service for family and friends will be held on Sunday, November 20, 2022, at 1:00 P. M. at the residence of Jeff and Melinda Friesenhahn. The family suggests memorials be given to Old Iron Trail Ride – Make a Wish, 6155 SH 173 N, Devine TX 78016.
Addie Lois Hasler, 82, passed away on November 11, 2022 in Lytle, TX. She was born on May 20, 1940 in Campbellton, Texas to parents Donnie and Lorena Brister. Addie graduated from Devine High School in 1959. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Herbert Hasler; brother-in-law, James “Bubba” Polly. Addie is survived by her son, Benjamin Eli Hasler (Mary), Cheryl Hasler (James), Kathy Hasler Ortiz (Rick), Connie Hasler Moore (Tommy), Rebecca Hasler Byrd (Jody); brother, Billy Brister (Cathy); sisters, Jerlene Polly, Chestine Furr (Chester), Betty Lou Walter (Jimmy), Viola Shaw (Harold); 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and an extended loving family. Public Viewing will be held at Hurley Funeral Home – Devine from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, November 17, 2022. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, November 18, 2022, at Hermann Sons Cemetery in Macdona, Texas. Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the guest book may do so at www.HurleyFuneralHome.com Arrangements are under the direction of Hurley Funeral Home – Devine, 303 College Ave., Devine, TX 78016.
Velda B. Alexander, Jr. went to eternal rest at the age of 87years old on November 8, 2022 after a long illness. He was born on April 19, 1935 in San Antonio. He is preceded in death by his parents Velda and Jesse Alexander, his sister, Marilyn Brownrigg, brothers, Charles, Johnnie and Edward. Velda is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Lillian, his two sons and daughters in law, Ronald (Cynthia) and Keith (Jodi). His beloved grandchildren, Matthew and Brooke Alexander and Kalei and Ryan Alexander. He is survived by brothers, Maurice, Robert, George and sister Nola Hanson. Velda was extremely proud of his sons and dearly loved his family. He attended South San schools at an early age before moving to Devine and graduating there. He served proudly in the US Army for 2 years. Velda married his sweetie, Lillian Ehlinger on April 30, 1960. He worked at USAA for 35 years as Executive Director before retiring. He was a long standing parishioner of Holy Name Catholic Church. He was a founding member of the Knights of Columbus #8789, Holy Name Mens Club and Data Processing Management Association. Velda never met a stranger! He was well known and beloved member of the community. His kindness and willingness to help others was an inspiration to all who knew and loved him. He enjoyed dancing to country music with his sweetie Lil and enjoyed hunting with his sons. He had a fondness for cars, crossword puzzles, sudoku and keeping up with the news. His greatest passion in life was spending time with his family. Our family would like to express our sincere gratitude for the last 2-1/2 years of love and care Velda received at Poets Walk. A visitation was held at 8:30am, Rosary at 9:15am and funeral mass 10:00am on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at Holy Name Catholic Church. Burial immediately followed at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Devine, Texas. Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Velda to Knights of Columbus #8789.
Robert Francis Gossett, Jr., age 78 of Devine, Texas and New York City joined his beloved wife, Paula Gossett of 45 years, on Sunday, October 30, 2022. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Robert Gossett and wife, Ann. Robert is survived by his sons, Robert Francis Gossett, III and Frank Morgan Gillespie Gossett, both of New York City. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your charity of choice in the Devine or San Antonio area. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 4, 2022, 9:00 A.M. with Funeral Service starting at 10:00 A.M. Hurley Funeral Home Chapel Devine, Texas. Services will conclude at the funeral home.
