Manuel F. “Meme” Campos

Manuel F. “Meme” Campos, a loving brother, cherished uncle, and devoted friend, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026, at the age of 84, surrounded by the warmth of his family and friends. Born on January 13, 1942, in Big Wells, Texas, Manuel lived a remarkable life marked by kindness, generosity, and a deep love for those around him.
A proud Air Force veteran, Manuel served his country with honor and dedication. He later worked and retired from J.I. Case Company in Rockford, Illinois, he embraced a life rich with family, friendship, and community. He would often help others by offering a warm meal or bed, he truly gave from his heart. He was a simple man with a profound love for fishing, traveling, and cheering on his beloved Redskins football team. “Meme” was known for his warm heart and the personal nicknames he lovingly crafted for each of his nieces and nephews.
Manuel found joy in the simple pleasures of life, often spending his afternoons at the community center in Devine, where he relished in people-watching and catching up on the news over a newspaper. His welcoming spirit drew friends and acquaintances alike, who would often stop to share a kind word or a hearty laugh.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Agapito and Maria Elena Campos, along with his siblings Soyla Campos Martinez, Valdemar Campos, and Ramon Campos. Left to honor his memory are his loving sons, Jimmy and Randy Kristek; sisters, Odelia Torres and Bertha Garcia, brother-in-law, Macedonio Martinez; as well as a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were blessed to know his gentle spirit.
Pallbearers: Vincent Campos, Darrell Torres, Jonathan Campos, Rene Campos, Reyes David Leal, David Martinez, John Martinez, Mace Martinez.
Honorary Pallbearers: Jimmy and Randy Kristek.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a Rosary recited at 7:00 PM at Primrose Funeral Services of Devine. Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with interment to follow in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.
Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the online guestbook may do so by visiting www.primrosefuneralservices.com Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services, 303 W. College Ave., Devine, Texas 78016, (830) 663-4445.
In honoring Manuel’s life, we reflect on a man who embodied love and care for others, and whose legacy will continue to inspire those he left behind. He will be dearly missed but forever remembered.

Card of Thanks
Thank you to everyone for the kind words, prayers, visitations, food, flowers, and all of the help. Thank you to each and every one of you on behalf of our beloved brother Manuel (Meme) Campos.
Sincerely, OdeliaTorres and Bertha Garcia and family

Jesus “Chuy” Gomez

Jesus “Chuy” Gomez passed away, leaving behind a life of quiet strength and humble service.
Sorry for the delay. Thank you so very Much!
Chuy proudly served his Country as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He served honorably in combat and was awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, and other military honors. Like many Marines of his generation, he carried the weight of war without asking for recognition.
To many, he was simply the quiet man walking through town. To those who knew his story, he was a Marine who had already faced battles most could never imagine. Music was also a part of who he was. He found peace in playing the guitar.
His watch is over. His burdens are gone. He is finally free.
Semper Fidelis
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 6:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. at Primrose Funeral Services of Devine, Texas. Interment will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Devine, Texas, with US Marine Military Funeral Honors.

Local football photos

Lytle’s yearly Midnight Madness event had a great turnout. The Pirates showcased their diligence and commitment to the grid iron with a public practice that brought out the community to stir up hype for the upcoming football season. Lytle’s first scrimmage will be against San Antonio Memorial High School on August 14. Photo by Moose Lopez.

During the practice, the Pirates broke off into several stations based on their positions on the field. Defense worked on tackling form and containing the opponents offense. On the offensive side, the skill positions did route running drills along with foot work coordination while the offensive line practiced their formations and the execution of plays. Photos by Moose Lopez.

The Natalia Mustangs also hit the field before the crack of dawn, beginning their practices at 6 A.M. These practices were helmets only, but the work being put in was intense and purposeful. The team was scattered across the field, working with different coaches on different skillsets. Photos by Mable Byrd.

DHS Tennis back in the swing of things

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
While Friday night football lights may grab much of the attention this time of year, the pleasant (although sometimes vicious) sounds of tennis balls meeting racquets have returned as the Devine Warhorse and Arabian team tennis program has officially opened regular and district matches for the 2026 season.
Head Coach Kandi Darnell and assistant Zac Valenzuela welcomed players back to the courts in late…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

103 Warhorses answer the call as new era officially begins

The Warhorses are assembled and ready to kickoff the 2026 season! Devine will take to the field in the first annual Warhorse Bowl this Saturday Aug. 8 at 9 A.M. at the Dean Bates practice field. The Horses will host their first scrimmage against Ingram, Aug. 14 then travel to Navarro to take on the Panthers on Thursday, Aug. 20.

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
While no band played and the lights remained dim at Warhorse Stadium, Monday afternoon inside the DHS gym and onto Dean Bates Practice Field still felt like one of the biggest moments of the year with 103 players reporting for the opening day of football practice as the 2026 season officially began under the direction of first year head coach Jacob Campsey.
For Campsey, the day carried a special meaning that stretched far…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

Truck erupts in flames on I-35

I-35 was shut down to one lane for about half an hour last Tuesday after this vehicle started to smoke and quickly became engulfed in fire just before 2 pm near the Lytle exit. Courtesy Photo.

Natalia volunteer firefighter Nick West was one of many first responders who helped at the scene. “The Dodge pickup truck had started to smoke somewhere under the dash, and it was completely involved by the time we arrived,” West said. “The driver and passengers were able to immediately exit the truck after smelling the smoke and the cab filled with smoke pretty quickly. The engine compartment and cab of the truck were a complete loss, but the fire was extinguished before it could do any damage to the trailer or rear of the bed.
The driver and two passengers all got out safely, and firefighters were able to keep the fire from spreading any further. Lytle VFD, Natalia VFD, and Devine Fire all responded to the call.

Down to the dirt

Long-awaited road repairs are now underway on Colonial Parkway in Devine. It will be closed from July 27 – August 7 to complete scheduled road construction. This closure will only affect thru traffic, as local residents will still be able to enter and exit using one of the two detour routes. Photo by Moose Lopez.

“Civil War era” explosive found

For Immediate Release by Atascosa County Sheriff’s Dept.:
Just before 8am Monday, deputies were dispatched to the 21000 block of FM 791 for a caller who advised that he had a piece of Civil War era ordnance that could possibly be a live explosive.
The caller told deputies that he had owned the ordnance for years and had always thought it was a dummy round. When a military friend of his saw it, he suspected it to be live and that is what prompted them to call the Sheriff’s Office.
Out of an abundance of caution, deputies contacted an explosive disposal team from Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio who arrived on location a short time later. Atascosa County EMS and the Atascosa County Office of Emergency Management assisted the Sheriff’s Office during this call.
The explosives team confirmed that the device was indeed a live “parrot round” from the Civil War era and safely transported it to an explosive range at Camp Bullis where it was disposed of in a safe manner.
Deputies and other first responders cleared the call just before 11 am.
No one was harmed during this incident and no charges are pending.

Devine council conducts second workshop on $5.8 million budget

$1.2 Million infastructure improvements,
new patrol vehicles included in buget

By Anton Riecher
Moving from general presentation to detailed questioning, the Devine City Council held its second summer workshop July 21 to shape the proposed $5.865 million city budget for fiscal year 2026-2027.
City Accountant Cassandra Maldonado opened the workshop with a refresher on the budget numbers presented at the first budget workshop held July 6.
“This workshop focuses on the city’s main operating funds, highlighting the financial strategies, capital investments and policy decisions included in the proposed budget,” she said.
The discussion…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!