As related by JodiAnn Dzierzanowski, Principal of Devine Learning Academy, and edited by Kathleene Runnels Devine Learning Academy graduate, Brandon Lee White, joined the Armed Forces and left for basic training on Monday, October 31, 2022. Brandon said that he wouldn’t have been able to complete high school without the help of the Devine Learning Academy; traditional school just wasn’t for him. Brandon stated, “I was very grateful for the opportunity the Learning Center gave me; otherwise, I never would have been able to join the Army.” He added “I was able to work around my schedule and complete my coursework at my pace.” Brandon graduated in July 2022.
Frank Webb Murrah of Quihi, passed away on December 6, 2022 in Castroville at the age of 49. He was born July 27, 1973 in Del Rio, Texas to Thomas Watson “Watt” Murrah and Barbara Webb Murrah. Frank graduated from Medina Valley High School in 1991. He was a skilled stone mason and founded his own company, Murrah Lathe and Plaster. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved the outdoors. Survivors include his daughter, Madison Murrah of Rio Medina; mother, Barbara Murrah of Castroville; step-mother, Jackie Murrah of Castroville; former step-father Gary Humphreys of Del Rio, sister and brother-in-law, Kate and Cliff Fowler of Devine; niece, Corinne Fowler; nephew, Owen Fowler; step-sister, Julie Ryczek and Al of Huntersville, North Carolina, step-brother, Steve Tedford and Denise of Castroville; his sweetheart, Julie Boehme Guinther of Castroville and his “bonus” kids, Hayden and Addie Guinther; as well as numerous cousins, other relatives, and friends. Frank was preceded in death by his father, Watt Murrah; and his grandparents, Harold and Corinne Webb, and Jake and Elizabeth Murrah. Visitation will be Thursday, December 15, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home with a Memorial Service at 6:00 p.m. Services will conclude at the funeral home. Memorials may be made in Frank’s memory to Scottish Rite Hospital for Children or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Visit www.tondre-guinn.com.
Laurel Jane Delbrail Oppelt passed away at her home in La Coste on December 11, 2022 at the age of 87. She was born October 2, 1935 at her grandmother, Allie Laura Brown Delbrail Winter’s home in Moore, Texas to Lester Delbrail and Edith Coggins Delbrail.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dale Delano Fell, Jr. He passed away peacefully at home on December 6th at the age of 61 after a 15 month battle with Glioblastoma.
A humble and faithful man of God, Gene Harlen Morris, 63 of Castroville, Texas, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 5, 2022.
Here is something new: I’m working with our Animal Care and Control Dept. to spotlight a weekly dog and cat that needs a “Forever Home”. Our “Dog of the Week” is Christopher: he’s about seven, sweet, quirky, very cuddly, and wants to be with you all the time. He’d prefer to be with older children and gets along with some dogs, but not all. Our “Cat of the Week” is Valentino: cute, cuddly, and very curious! Silly personality and does well with dogs. Very playful and loves his toys. He also loves to explore… I have attached their pictures to this email, contact Lytle Animal Care and Control @ 830-709-3832 for more information.
Tucker uncovered a not-so-well-hidden Christmas gift at grandma’s house, a laser tag set. So I’ve been re-living my youth, running the halls of my house in the dark playing a lot of laser tag recently. Me and my cousins and siblings used to do this a lot, and Tucker loves it just as much. This morning, he turned the beeping laser guns to the floor and was using them as bomb detectors. The boys got creativity, that’s for sure.
I spoke today with the son in law of one of the finest men I have been blessed to know. His name is not of significance in this Tale, but his legacy is. Knowing OF him for many years, and then Knowing HIM personally for a pretty long spell as well was a true gift. This fellow Aggie created things that will impact the lives of others in positive ways for a very long time, and it is an honor to call him my Friend. We know two of his children, and while of different personalities, are likewise exceptional individuals, no doubt in part to the role model of their dad. Thus, part of him is still active and contributing in life. In visiting with his son in law, a person I likewise greatly admire, we discussed how the entire family was at peace with the soon to occur passing. I commented that we had lost all 4 of our parents and letting go was a hard thing to do.
This week wasn’t particularly busy for me…I didn’t get a lot of personal stuff done, but I attended/helped with a funeral, and a friend came by and helped me get some yard decoration up and running. Several years ago, my daughter gave me one of the “Star Shower” light displays, and we set that up and it’s looking great…great enough, in fact that I decided that two of the families on my Christmas gift list would be getting one as a gift. I managed to get to Cuero Saturday and shopped at HEB and WalMart and got quite a bit done, and then Sunday I went the other direction to a Walmart and got a little more finished. Monday, I will head to the bank and get cash for gift cards for a few more on my list. Meanwhile, I got to talk to one of my daughters and we settled what I would be doing on Christmas Day! She and her husband will be here with me. Since we no longer have Midnight Mass at our little country church, I will be able to go to early Mass and we will have the whole day together. It has been quite a while since we’ve been able to do this, and I am really looking forward to our visit.
Deadline is Thursday, drop entry by News Office. Judging is Friday, December 16 & Saturday December 17
The annual Christmas Light Decorating Contest for Hank’s kids is underway. Register by December 12th, even if your lights aren’t up yet. Displays won’t be judged til Dec 16-17th. There will be a 1st place prize of $500 gift card donated by DJ Carlson Bust n Burn, and $250 gift card donated by Medina Electric Coop. Winners may choose to keep the gift card or donate it to the charity of their choice as many past winners have done, making it all the more fun! Please make sure your lights are on both of those nights. This contest which benefits Medina County foster children is held in memory of Pat & Kitty DuBose each year. Register by making any small donation to Hank and submitting your address on www.devinenewsmembers.com or in person at Devine News, Charlie’s Daughter or Bon Cafe. It isn’t about winning, it’s about Hank. For every home that enters, Medina Electric donates an extra $50 to Hank, up to $1,250.
