Devine council to consider appointing Microsoft’s Program Manager as Devine’s data center consultant

The City of Devine is having a Budget Workshop at 6pm on Monday, July 6th at the Devine Community Center. After that, they are also having a Special Meeting at 7 pm that evening to:
-Consider and act upon approving appointing Terry Page as the Data Center Consultant for the City of Devine.
On his resume, it states Page presently works as the Principal Program Manager for Microsoft. Among the accomplishments listed on his resume, it states that Page is currently leading a $450M, 48MW build on a 120 acre site in Castroville. He also led early works on the 200 acre greenfield campus in Medina County.
He is closing a 28.8MW build on a 22 acre site in San Antonio. He led a $1.2Billion SAT Data Center campus development across 180 acres including 5 hyperscaler buildings among many other developments.
Also on the agenda is to consider and act upon a resolution authorizing and approving publication and posting of notice of intention to issue the city’s certificates of obligations and other matters in connection there with.

Del Toro, 75, rides the pioneering Pony Express

By Matthew “Moose” Lopez, Sports Editor
He’s back! Retired postman Oscar Del Toro of Natalia has once again completed the historic Pony Express trip. An impressive feat that dates back to the early colonization of the western frontier in the 1800’s.
The Pony Express was an attempt to expedite the postal system and saw mail carriers travel more than 1,800 miles in ten days on horseback in order to deliver letters at a rate not yet seen in the budding civilization of the United States. Today, the tradition is kept alive and performed every June in order to preserve the rich history of the old west and to the…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!

July events

2 – CIA Kids VBS: A Great Jungle Adventure at CIA Worship Church from 8:30am – 12pm | Ages 5 – 13
2 – Live music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Keith Lutz at 7 p.m.
2 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Clown Academy from 2 – 4 p.m. (Ages 7+) | Reservation Required
3 – Stars, Stripes & First Pours from 5 – 11 p.m. at Rooster’s Icehouse Lytle, Tx
3 – CIA Kids VBS: A Great Jungle Adventure at CIA Worship Church from 8:30am – 12pm | Ages 5 – 13
4 – Live music at 4th of July Celebration at Castroville Regional Park featuring Nick Lawrence Band at 5 p.m.
4 – Live music featuring Nick Lawrence Band at 9 p.m. at Billy’s Dining and Dancing LaCoste, Tx
4 – Devine’s 1st Annual 4th of July Celebration | More details coming soon
4 – Live music at LaCoste City Hotel featuring Matt Hawk & Jesse Owen from 8 – 11 p.m.
4 – Lytle’s Annual 4th of July Celebration at John Lott Park at 4 p.m.
5 – Devine Soccer Club High School Information Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at John Curcio Park Devine, Tx
7 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Mr. Blue Shoes Concert at 1 p.m. (200 cap)
8 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Sit & Stitch Club from 6 – 7:30 p.m. (15+ years) | Reservation Required
9 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Crafting After Hours from 6 – 8 p.m. (18+ years) | Reservation Required
9 – Live music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Guy Vincent at 7 p.m.
10 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Plant Swap from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
11 – Craftsman Collision Center Grand Opening from 10 – 11:30 a.m. at 512 E. Hondo Ave, Devine, TX 78016
11 – Community Market Day & Yard Sale from 8am – 12pm at 237 School Drive, Poteet, Texas
11 – Live music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Tony Taylor at 7 p.m.
13 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Lego Club at 4:30 p.m. (5+ years) | Reservation Required
14 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Preschool Storytime at 10:30 a.m.
14 – Devine Driscoll Public Library RPG w/ Mr. J 3rd grade+ from 2 – 4 p.m. | Reservation Required
15 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Jumanji PG (104 min) at 1 p.m.
16 – Live music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Weston Ripps at 7 p.m.
18 – Produce Pop-Up Market from 11am – 4pm at Tommy Joe’s BBQ in Lytle
18 – Live music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Trevor Underwood at 7 p.m.
16 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Planner Club from 6 – 7:30 p.m. (14+ years) | Reservation Required
19 – The Ritual Reset Wellness Experience at 4 p.m. at The Lot in Castroville, Tx
20 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Teen Club from 4 – 5:30 p.m. (13-18 years) | Reservation Required
21 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Preschool Storytime at 10:30 a.m.
21 – Vintage Truck Ceramics Paint Party from 6 – 8:30 p.m. at Charlie’s Daughter on the Green
21 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Embroidery Club from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. (14+ years) | Reservation Required
22 – Movie at Devine Driscoll Public Library | Anastasia (94 min) at 1 p.m.
22 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Collage/Junk Club (18+ years) from 5:30 – 7 p.m. | Reservation Required
23 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Crafting After Hours 2.0 (18+ years) from 6 – 8 p.m. | Reservation Required
23 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Clown Academy (ages 7+) from 2 – 4 p.m. | Reservation Required
23 – Live music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Jessee Lee at 7 p.m.
25 – Ritual & Restore FREE Wellness Class at 9 a.m. at Texicana Boutique
25 – A Quick Rewind: The Ultimate 90s Launch Party at Rooster’s Icehouse Lytle, Tx
26 – Carnitas Plate Sale from 10am – 3pm at St. Andrew’s Lytle Church
27 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Art Club (7+ years) from 3 – 5 p.m. | Reservation Required
28 – Devine Driscoll Public Library Balloon-osaurus Show at 1 p.m. (200 cap)
30 – Live music at Cora’s 471 Grill featuring Garrett Talamantes at 7 p.m.
31 – Live music at Devine Golf Course featuring Nick Lawrence Band at 9 p.m.

COURAGE

THE STORIES OF 3 TEXAS BOYS WHO RECIEVED THE MEDAL OF HONOR

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society documents the stories of 65 Texans who received the highest military honor for their bravery and service to the United States of America and everything it stands for. These 65 Texans received the Medal of Honor. This week we wanted to share the stories of the three Texas boys who are still with us, who are part of this courageous group. Read about more of the 65 Medal of Honor recipients at https://www.cmohs.org/

DWIGHT W. BIRDWELL
(BORN IN AMARILLO,TX)
• MILITARY SERVICE BRANCH: U.S. ARMY
• MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION DATE: JANUARY 31, 1968
• MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION PLACE: TAN SON NHUT AIR BASE, VIETNAM

HIS STORY….
Specialist Five Dwight W. Birdwell distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving with C Troop, 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division in the Republic of Vietnam on 31 January, 1968. On this date, C Troop was ordered to move south to help repel an enemy attack on Tan Son Nhut Airbase. As the C Troop column of tanks and armored personnel carriers approached the west gate of Tan Son Nhut Airbase, it came under intense enemy fire from a building to its right. Unbeknown to C Troop, it had driven directly into an enemy force consisting of three battalions. The column tried to push through the initial attack but the lead tank, crippled by a rocket-propelled grenade explosion, was blocking the way forward. C Troop immediately came under heavy enemy fire from both sides of the road. Specialist Five Birdwell, upon seeing that his tank commander was wounded by enemy fire, immediately went to his aid. Under intense enemy fire, he lowered the injured tank commander to the ground, and moved him to safety. Specialist Five Birdwell then, with complete disregard for his own safety, mounted the tank and assumed the tank commander’s position. Standing in the tank commander’s hatch with the upper half of his body exposed to heavy enemy fire, Specialist Five Birdwell used the tank’s .50 caliber machine gun and 90mm main gun to suppress the enemy attack. With the ammunition for the 90mm main gun exhausted, he continued to fire the .50 caliber machine gun until it overheated. At this point, Specialist Five Birdwell, rather than abandoning his position, continued to engage the enemy with his M-16 rifle, sometimes exposing his entire body to enemy fire in order to engage the enemy from a better vantage point. When a U.S. helicopter crashed nearby, Specialist Five Birdwell, under withering enemy fire, dismounted and moved to the helicopter where he retrieved two M-60 machine guns and ammunition. After giving one M-60 and ammunition to a fellow soldier, he remounted his tank and used the other M-60 to again engage the enemy. Specialist Five Birdwell continued to engage the enemy with complete disregard for his own safety until the M-60 he was firing was hit by enemy fire. Specialist Five Birdwell, now wounded in the face, neck, chest, and arms, dismounted the tank but refused to be medically evacuated. Instead, Specialist Five Birdwell, under enemy fire, rallied fellow soldiers to advance toward the front of the armored column where they set up a defensive position by a large tree. From this position, he and the other soldiers engaged the enemy with M-16 fire and grenades. As the enemy fire lessened, Specialist Five Birdwell gathered ammunition from disabled vehicles and helped wounded soldiers move to safer positions. His leadership and tenacity under fire inspired the other C Troop soldiers to continue fighting against the superior enemy force, and directly contributed to the enemy’s ultimate defeat. Specialist Five Birdwell’s extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

JOSE RODELA
(BORN IN COPRUS CHRISTI,TX)
• MILITARY SERVICE BRANCH: U.S. ARMY
• MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION DATE: SEPTEMBER 1, 1969
• MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION PLACE: PHUOC LONG PROVINCE, REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM

HIS STORY…
Sergeant First Class Jose Rodela distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as the company commander, Detachment B-36, Company A, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces during combat operations against an armed enemy in Phuoc Long Province, Republic of Vietnam on September 1, 1969. That afternoon, Sergeant First Class Rodela’s battalion came under an intense barrage of mortar, rocket, and machine gun fire. Ignoring the withering enemy fire, Sergeant First Class Rodela immediately began placing his men into defensive positions to prevent the enemy from overrunning the entire battalion. Repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire, Sergeant First Class Rodela moved from position to position, providing suppressing fire and assisting wounded, and was himself wounded in the back and head by a B-40 rocket while recovering a wounded comrade. Alone, Sergeant First Class Rodela assaulted and knocked out the B-40 rocket position before successfully returning to the battalion’s perimeter. Sergeant First Class Rodela’s extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

FREDERICK EDGAR FERGUSON
(BORN IN PILOT POINT, TX)
• MILITARY SERVICE BRANCH: U.S. ARMY
• MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION DATE: JANUARY 31, 1968
• MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION PLACE: HUE, REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. CWO Ferguson, commander of a resupply helicopter monitoring an emergency call from wounded passengers and crewmen of a downed helicopter under heavy attack within the enemy-controlled city of Hue, unhesitatingly volunteered to attempt evacuation. Despite warnings from all aircraft to stay clear of the area due to heavy antiaircraft fire, CWO Ferguson began a low-level flight at maximum airspeed along the Perfume River toward the tiny, isolated South Vietnamese Army compound in which the crash survivors had taken refuge. Coolly and skillfully maintaining his course in the face of intense, short-range fire from enemy-occupied buildings and boats, he displayed superior flying skill and tenacity of purpose by landing his aircraft in an extremely confined area in a blinding dust cloud under heavy mortar and small-arms fire. Although the helicopter was severely damaged by mortar fragments during the loading of the wounded, CWO Ferguson disregarded the damage and, taking off through the continuing hail of mortar fire, he flew his crippled aircraft on the return route through the rain of fire that he had experienced earlier and safely returned his wounded passengers to friendly control. CWO Ferguson’s extraordinary determination saved the lives of five of his comrades. His actions are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself and the U.S. Army.

The Strange Story of Silence Dogood

By Jody Dyer
“If you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading or do things worth writing.”
Benjamin Franklin – 1738
Poor Richard’s Almanac
Benjamin Franklin is perhaps my favorite Founding Father. In the annals of U.S. History, there are few characters who were more interesting and few who were more important to the American cause than Franklin. Known for his wit and wisdom, he was a true polymath – a creative writer, printer, publisher, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, and political philosopher. Without his efforts to procure the help and support of France during our Revolution, we might still be under the rule of the bully British. Franklin’s contributions to American life are almost too numerous to mention.
Franklin was the only Founding Father to sign all three of our nation’s most foundational documents – the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of Alliance with France, and the U.S. Constitution. His genius and productivity as a scientist and inventor is almost unparalleled. Among his creations were the lightening rod, bifocals, the Franklin stove, a flexible catheter, swim fins, an improved streetlamp, the odometer, and the glass armonica, a musical instrument made of spinning glass bowls. Franklin founded the U.S. Postal Service, the first public library, and the first fire department.
Franklin possessed…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!

Kenneth Lee Cox October 17, 1937 – June 26, 2026

Kenneth Lee Cox passed away peacefully on June 26, 2026, at his home in Devine, Texas, with his daughter Cindy by his side. He was 88 years old.
Born October 17, 1937 in Pearsall, Texas, Kenneth was raised working alongside his father on their family cattle ranch, where he grew up showing Zebu cattle.
Even at an early age, Kenneth was quick witted, sharp, and full of entrepreneurial spirit. He started young, building a livestock business, with more chickens than cattle, if you can believe it. He became District and Cotulla FFA President. As a boy, he picked up the love of cards and gambling much to his father’s displeasure. On countless occasions, he was found playing cards with the older men in town and according to the tales “dragged out by the ear”. He went on to attend Texas A&I University, where he played basketball and earned a degree in Agricultural Economics. Kenneth married Nancy English on November 15, 1965. Together they raised their family in Devine, Texas, and were married for 44 years until her passing in 2010.
After college, he founded Cox Cattle Company, followed by Cox Feedlot, Cox Packing Company and Triple C Steakhouse. He always said he raised them “from the womb to the tomb”. Later in life, he began coastal hay farming. He ran a tight ship and his business acumen, innovation, tenacity, and relentless work ethic earned him the kind of success that comes only to those who persevere. He served as president of the Pan American Zebu Association. Early in his career, Kenneth and his father were instrumental in improving and growing the breed in the United States. When Texas A&M Kingsville bought Texas A&I, he rallied his fellow alumni for reunions, claiming “A&I til I die” and “Javelinas are not extinct”.
Kenneth saw the world change dramatically in his lifetime. Raised far from town on their ranch without running water or electricity, he lived to see technology transform nearly every aspect of daily life. One of his greatest attributes was his adaptability and innovation. From electricity, running water and television to computers and cell phones, he never resisted change but embraced it as an opportunity to grow. He was always one step ahead and never one to let the world pass him by.
Standing at 6’8, Kenneth had a larger than life presence, not just in stature, but in spirit and charisma. Kenneth commanded a room before he ever said a word. His presence was unmistakable, his confidence unshakable. While he may have had an intimidating hard exterior, those who knew him well knew he had a soft center for those he loved.  Those who truly knew Kenneth saw a side the rest of the world didn’t always get to see. Beneath that formidable exterior was a man who loved deeply and fiercely, a man who showed up without question for his people. He was someone you could always count on.
Those in his life knew he would move heaven and earth for them, and many times he did. He believed you should step up for the people you love and was always there in both the good and the hard times. Though it may not have always been through words, he made you feel loved and supported. He was a relentless teaser, full of humor, wit, and banter. He loved a nice meal with good company and was never one to turn down a hand of cards or a bet. Gin was his game of choice, and he couldn’t wait to tell you “where the farmer hauls his cotton”.
Kenneth is survived by his dog Katie; his daughter Cindy Alford and son-in-law Bruce Alford; his grandchildren Lacey Cox, Cheyenne Cox Crain and husband Ryan Crain, Clayton Cox and wife Kenzi Cox, Emily Alford, and Cameron Cox; his great-grandchildren Cullen, Mary, Ronnie Jo; and his sister Judy Cox Kelley, as well as many beloved friends and family. He was also blessed with a team of longtime loyal employees and caregivers that became like family.
He is preceded in death by his wife Nancy English Cox; his son Ron Cox; his parents Leman Otis Cox and Gladys Sharber Cox; and his brother Harold Otis Cox.
A visitation will be held on Monday, June 29th at Hurley Funeral Home in Pleasanton, Texas from 5:00–8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 30th at 10:00 a.m. at Cowboy Fellowship in Jourdanton, Texas, with a lunch reception at the church immediately following. Burial will follow at the Pearsall Cemetery in Pearsall, Texas.

Bradley Harold Nicholson

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Bradley Harold Nicholson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who left this world peacefully on June 26, 2026, in Devine, Texas, at the age of 73. Born on March 9, 1953, in Dilley, Texas, Bradley lived a life rich with love, adventure, and a deep-rooted connection to his family.
Bradley dedicated many years of his life to the oil and gas industry and also retired from his significant work in TDCJ correctional facilities, where he touched the lives of many. He was a man of great strength and integrity, embodying a spirit of dedication that was admired by all who knew him.
An avid fisherman and hunter, Bradley found joy not only in the great outdoors but in sharing that passion with others, particularly his son and grandchildren. He cherished the moments spent fishing with his son Michael and grandchildren, and instilled a profound appreciation for nature in his family. He also enjoyed sports and loved watching his son play baseball. His love for the outdoors was matched only by his devotion to his family, especially his wife, Bobbie Gaye Nicholson, with whom he shared an incredible 44 years of marriage, filled with laughter, companionship, and enduring love.
Bradley is survived by his loving wife, Bobbie Gaye; his son, Michael Nicholson, and his wife, Samantha; and his grandchildren, Logan and Emerly, who brought him immeasurable joy. He is also survived by his sisters, Kathy Nicholson of Kerrville, Texas, and Becky Morey and her husband John, of Camp Wood, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Alice Nicholson.
Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of Bradley’s life on Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 5:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. at Primrose Funeral Services, Devine, Texas. Funeral service will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. at Primrose Funeral Services, Devine, Texas, with interment to follow in Evergreen Cemetery.
In honoring Bradley’s life, we celebrate the love he so generously shared, the memories created under the wide Texas sky, and the legacy of kindness and strength that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
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.

James N. Skow

James “Jim” Noel Skow, Sr., of Devine, Texas, passed away on June 21, 2026, at the age of 91. Jim was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on January 15, 1935, son of Noel W. and Margaret Priess Skow, and the oldest of six siblings. After leaving home and hitchhiking across the country at the age of 17, Jim found himself in Texas where he joined the United States Air Force on July 11, 1952. He was stationed at Perrin AFB in Sherman, Texas, where he met the love of his life, Anna Louise “Lou” Simonds, whom he married on August 26, 1954. Jim and Lou went on to have two children, James “Jim” Skow, Jr., and Jennifer “Jenny” McCubbin.
Jim served his country for 14 years as an aircraft mechanic, completing tours at Perrin AFB, in Sherman, Texas; Misawa, Japan; and Cannon AFB in Clovis, New Mexico, along with several short-term assignments both domestic and abroad. While enlisted, Jim was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and Air and Space Longevity Service Award. He received an Honorable Discharge in July 1966 and relocated his family to San Antonio, Texas, where he continued to serve in a civilian capacity for another 27 years, first with a temporary assignment in A/C repair at Randolph AFB and eventually settling in as a Production Controller at Kelly AFB. His civilian career included a Sustained Superior Performance Award in recognition of his sustained high-quality performance from July 1, 1984, through June 30, 1985. Jim and Lou moved to Devine, Texas, in July 1986, where he took on the task of remodeling a home to Lou’s specifications and playfully joked that most wives moved sofas but his liked to move entire rooms and walls. He retired on March 31, 1993, after almost 41 years of distinguished service, which gave him time to work on his many projects and cherished hobbies.
When Jim wasn’t working on his “honey-do” list, you could often find him and Lou boot-scooting at the local Country and Western dance hall on a Friday or Saturday night; playing bingo at the NCO club on Sunday evening; checking out flea markets, garage sales, or estate sales to find that one-of-a-kind bargain; attending local horse races; or visiting their favorite casinos in Las Vegas or Tunica, Mississippi.
Jim shared a passion for artistry and craftsmanship with his son, Jim, Jr., and a love of sports and fishing with his daughter, Jenny. In addition to these mutual interests, Jim could often be found tending to his garden, where his yearly crop of tomatoes kept both his family and much of the surrounding community well-stocked. He was quick with a joke around friends and strangers alike, and never missed an opportunity to share tall tales about his past or current endeavors. He was fond of animals, and routinely had one or more dogs or cats that had found their way to the safe haven of his home. He shared a passion for good food and poker games with the entire family, and his house was almost always the gathering place for any given family event (always topped off with the requisite food and games).
Jim eventually became a proud grandfather and welcomed his three grandchildren, Jason, Jon, and Travis, with a broad smile and open arms. For the remainder of his life, he would become affectionately known as “Gramps” to his grandchildren, and then to any new family members and friends, by extension. His family grew further when his grandchildren found their true loves, Stacy, Stevie, and Kara, and he was subsequently blessed with four great-grandchildren, Chase, Haylee, Mason, and Willow, all of whom filled his life with pride and affection.
Jim is preceded in death by his wife Louise; parents Noel and Margaret; and brothers Ronald “Ronnie”, Richard “Dickie”, and William “Bill”. He is survived by his sister Margaret “Margie” (Tom); his brother Dennis (Carol); his children Jim, Jr., and Jenny; his grandchildren Jason (Stacy), Jon (Stevie), and Travis (Kara); his great-grandchildren Chase, Haylee, Mason, and Willow; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will commence with a visitation on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Brookehill Funeral Home, 711 S.E. Military Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78214.
An additional visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., followed by a service at 9:30 a.m. at the Brookehill Funeral Home Chapel. Upon completion of the Chapel service, there will be a procession to Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery where services will continue graveside and Jim will be laid to rest with full military honors and will be reunited with his cherished wife, Lou.
Please consider honoring Jim by cheering on his beloved Packers or one of his baseball teams, the Brewers, Cubs, or Braves (all of which were at one point the closest team to his hometown of Milwaukee) or the Astros which became a favorite when he landed in Texas; sharing a meal or a game with family or friends; tending to your garden or woodworking project; petting your furry friends; or simply telling a tall tale. All of these things will make him smile.

Roberta “Bobbi” Joyce Wilde February 13, 1959 – June 17, 2026

Roberta “Bobbi” Joyce Wilde, age 67, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas. She was born on February 13, 1959, in Orlando, Florida, to Robert Felix and Gloria Maye Kappes.
As the daughter of an Air Force father, Bobbi spent her childhood living in various places across the country. Shortly after high school, Bobbi answered the call to serve her country and proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1980.
During her distinguished military career, Bobbi served as a highly decorated nurse and exemplary Air Force Non-Commissioned Officer. Her years of service took her around the world, including assignments at Anderson Air Force Base in Guam and aboard the USS Mercy, the Navy’s renowned floating hospital ship that provided critical medical care throughout the Pacific. Following her overseas service, Bobbi continued her medical career at Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, where she worked primarily in the transplant unit caring for countless patients with compassion and dedication.
After twenty years of honorable service, Bobbi retired from the United States Air Force in April of 2000. Even in retirement, her passion for helping others never faded, and she continued saving lives for a time through her work with an organ transplant organization.
Outside of her career, Bobbi found her greatest joy in caring for animals, especially her beloved four-legged companions, whom she loved wholeheartedly. She once even attempted to work with the larger animals at the San Antonio Zoo, though, as she laughingly admitted, lifting hay bales proved to be a little more challenging than expected. It became one of many cherished memories shared by those who knew and loved her.
Bobbi enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. She loved classic country music, faithfully watched every season of Survivor, and proudly remained a devoted Green Bay Packers fan through every season. If the Packers weren’t playing, she would happily cheer on the Minnesota Vikings instead.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Felix and Gloria Mae Kappes; her sister, Roxanne Faye Hart, who passed away in 2021; and her brother-in-law, David Brieden, who passed away in 2024.
Bobbi is survived by her sisters, Angela and Jerry Soma of Litchville, North Dakota; Merri Brieden of Houston, Texas; and Theresa and Mark Downing of Devine, Texas; her brother-in-law, Howard “Bill” Hart of Yancey, Texas; her nieces and nephews, Liza Soma, Robert Soma, Helen Howe, Mark Brieden, Jeremy Brieden, Joshua Brieden, Merideth Madar, Jamie Rangel, Chris Bean, Julie Bean, Nicole LaFond, and Doug Downing; along with numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
She is also survived by her very special friend, Valerie Oates of San Antonio, Texas, who was constantly by her side and was always her first phone call for everything.
Bobbi will be remembered for her servant’s heart, unwavering loyalty, sense of humor, and deep love for both people and animals. Her life of service, kindness, and compassion leaves behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.
A celebration of life will be held at Calvary Grace Baptist Church in Devine, TX on Monday July 6, 2026, at 11am followed by lunch with all family and friends to share memories.

Local boys lasso their way to nationals!

Mando Gonzalez and Silo Calame Jaquez are ranked top 20 in the entire world for junior high rodeo.

By Kayleen Holder
Editor
Mando Gonzalez and Silo Calame Jaquez competed in a National event at Lazy E Arena against people from all over the world. The pair competed in the team roping event, also known as “heading and heeling.” Two mounted riders work in tandem to catch a steer. The “header” ropes the steer’s head or horns to lead it towards the “heeler” who then lassos the hind legs to immobilize it. The objective is to secure the steer in the fastest time possible.
“What a week!” said mom Meghan Gonzalez. “When we were told the boys made Nationals, we didn’t realize it was a worldwide competition. Six different countries, and the top four teams from 47 of the U.S. states…Very, VERY proud of the boys for making the short go! We didn’t have the finish we were hoping for but are still incredibly proud of them ranking 18th in the WORLD for JH rodeo.”
The boys won their Region, then won State and now placed in the top 20 of the world!
“Can’t wait to see where the future takes them!” mom adds.
Proud parents are Armando and Meghan Gonzalez (Silo Calame Jaquez is the son of the late Jose Jaquez-Calame.)
Proud grandparents are: Foard and Debbie Houston, David Calame, Marsha and Patrick Bourcier, Grandparents: Victor and Rosie Gonzalez from Laredo, and great grandmother Patricia Ann West of Devine.