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WAA’s Themes and Nearby National Cemeteries

Volunteers will be placing wreaths on each veteran’s grave on December 13th in Devine, Lytle and Bigfoot as part of Wreaths Across America.

National Wreaths Across America Ceremony Day is Saturday, December 13, 2025, across our nation and abroad. Around the globe, ceremonies take place at 11:00. Devine’s will take place for the fourth year under the shade of the ceremony oak that spans Devine Evergreen and St. Joseph cemeteries on Colonial Parkway. WAA is a national nonprofit whose year-long mission is to Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve, and Teach our children the value of freedom. This is a good time to share past themes and a few cemetery locations that might be of interest to you and needs your support.
Through the coordination and leadership of the Current Events Club, Devine has participated in WAA’s mission since 2022. That year’s theme, “Find a Way to Serve,” stressed the importance of service to community and country, especially with WAA’s expanded educational program. We partnered with Devine ISD to participate in their long tradition of Veteran’s Day programs at CIS and DIS schools. In cemetery preparations for ceremony day, we had school organizations from Devine and Natalia volunteer in cemetery preparations such as locating and mapping veteran graves and placing US flags on Pearl Harbor Day; at our ceremony we had youth participation in the presentation of colors, and afterwards with the laying of wreaths. We met countless families that first year to locate and verify veterans, honoring almost 525 veterans and their families on that first National Ceremony Day.
2023’s theme was “Serve and Succeed,” focusing on “the positive impact of service and how it can help individuals succeed in life.” Within our community, the Current Events Club created the flag display at Devine’s Four-Corners to commemorate patriotic dates throughout the year, reminding citizens to “fly your American flag”. We joined with and in support of the VFW’s annual Memorial Day ceremony. We included the 4th grade students in WAA’s ceremony day, added TAPS by a DHS trumpet player, and a Natalia honor student and future service member’s participation in leading the Pledge of Allegiance. We also continued our participation in the school events at the elementary and intermediate campuses. Many more families and friends added veterans to our cemeteries’ lists, and our community honored just over 625 veterans.
Last year’s theme, “Live with Purpose,” focused on veterans and military families “who have found success though service and highlighted the idea of making every day meaningful after adversity”. Men and women right here where we live contribute in their work and daily tasks of raising families, helping neighbors, serving in school, church, and civic organizations. Cemetery mapping was a major goal of the club, organizing the sections in both cemeteries by rows. The projects of past years continued. Because of community support, coordinated efforts of the Current Events Club, and many volunteers, the third year of this mission added 40 more veterans.
This year’s theme is “Keep Moving Forward,” and locations honoring our veterans continue to grow. This theme is inspired by the last words of U.S. Army Captain Joshua Byers, KIA in Iraq in 2003. The theme encourages volunteers and supporters to “continue their mission of remembrance, honor, and service.” Locations have grown from 4,909 in 2024, with over 3 million veterans honored, to over 5,200 locations in 2025. The most recent location added here in our county is in Lytle. For the fourth year, at St Joseph and Devine Evergreen cemeteries, every identified veteran will be honored. Growing across Medina County, veteran names will be spoken by volunteers, family, and friends; wreaths will be placed in their memories and stories shared.
National and State cemeteries across Texas take part in National Wreaths Across America Day. These locations often do not have the coordination, financial, and/or volunteer support that community cemeteries have to honor every veteran. There are two national cemeteries in San Antonio – San Antonio National Cemetery, established in 1867, and Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, established in 1926. Fort Sam took over all veteran burials in 1931 when SANC reached capacity. If you would like to sponsor wreaths for these cemeteries or any national cemetery, go to the Current Events Club’s webpage at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/TX1147P Donations made from the club’s location also benefit our community and is our group’s primary fundraiser.
For more information, contact WAA Location Coordinators Linda K. @830-665-6377 or Martha W. @210-213-5620. Please leave a message.

Christmas Breakfast with Santa Dec. 6th

The Devine First United Methodist Church will be hosting a Christmas Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 6 from 9 am to 12 noon. Breakfast, crafts, write a letter to Santa and cookie decorating will be enjoyed for $5 per person. Bring your own camera for Santa pictures and the nativity scene.
This will be held in the church fellowship hall at 212 W. Benton Ave., Devine. Any questions call (830) 663-3185.

Shortage of rural vets endangering the nation’s food supply

By Justin Welsh
America is facing a food system shortage. Livestock veterinarians are the new endangered species. Farmers are losing access to the experts they need to keep our food supply safe.
More than 500 U.S. counties across 46 states are federally designated veterinary shortage areas. Just 1.3% of registered veterinarians specialize in food animal practice. This frontline workforce is fraying at a time when U.S. farms produce over 94% of all red meat and poultry Americans consume.
Addressing this growing concern will require sustained industry investment in education that makes veterinary careers more accessible, in recruitment efforts that prioritize rural areas, and in hands-on training that adequately prepares the next generation.
Food animal veterinarians are the unsung heroes of American agriculture. They inspect livestock, administer vaccines, and provide critical guidance on herd health. They support the viability of family farms, local economies, and the safety of the food on our tables.
Yet the United States has lost 90% of food animal veterinarians since the 1950s. And the number of these critical vets continues to decline.
For one, the cost of veterinary education is prohibitive. New graduates leave school with an average debt load of about $150,000. For those called to food animal practice, that financial burden is often compounded by lower pay than they could expect to earn in clinics that focus on companion animals.
Then there’s…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!

Meet Adian, 13

Adian is a delightful 13-year-old who is seeking to be adopted by parents who can provide him daily love and care.
 Adian loves to play with sensory toys, especially toys that make music and sounds. His favorite fidget toy is a large wooden beaded necklace as he enjoys the sounds of the beads. Adian has a limited vocabulary, but he is always learning.
 Adian loves to eat fruit and vegetables and likes trying new foods at different restaurants. He is very active, likes being outdoors, and loves to explore nature. A walk in the park or walk in the mall is his favorite.
 His favorite snacks to eat are Dairy Queen French fries, apples, and chocolate milk. Adian loves animals, but his favorite animal to pet is dogs. He likes road trips and does well when traveling.  Adian loves to ride the bus to school and enjoys being in a classroom.
 Adian will make a great addition to a loving and forever family with a two-parent home, which is active and patient with him.  He would do well with a family that has older children or as an only child in the home, to get the one-on-one attention that he works well with. 
 If you think you could be a forever family for Adian, or another Texas child, please call 1-800-233-3405 for more information or visit www.adoptchildren.org where you can find a schedule of online public information meetings, and learn about the foster/adoption program.
You can also view the www.heartgallerystx.org website, where South Texas children have their portraits along with individual personal stories they wish to share, with their future forever family.

Izabelle, 14, loves to cook

Izabelle is a quiet, mild mannered 14-year-old who is social with her peers and adults she meets.
She enjoys taking part in several activities such as watching movies, listening to music, playing with her friends.
Izabelle really likes going to school and making new friends, her teachers report she’s a delight to have in class.
And when it comes to learning, Izabelle’s interests extend beyond the classroom to the kitchen, as she would like to learn how to assist with preparing meals, perhaps one day becoming a chef.
Izabelle has fun with all types of outings such as restaurants, parks, church or just having some friends over. Her favorite music artist is Chris Brown.
Izabelle currently does not have any pets but would like to have a puppy of her own or a family dog she can help care for.
When asked what her ideal forever family is; it is a simple one, a family who will always love and be there for her.
If you think you could be a forever family for Izabella or another Texas child, please call 1-800-233-3405 for more information or visit www.adoptchildren.org where you can find a schedule of online public information meetings, and learn about the foster/adoption program.
You can also view the www.heartgallerystx.org website, where South Texas children have their portraits along with individual personal stories they wish to share, with their future forever family.

Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign Returns to Devine

The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign will be at the Walmart in Devine through December 24. As holiday shoppers make their way through the store, they will once again hear the familiar sound of bells ringing, inviting them to support those in need within our own community.
Our 2025 goal is $18,000.
Every dollar dropped into the Red Kettle at Walmart Devine stays right here in the local area, providing essential assistance to families and individuals who need it most during the holiday season and beyond. The generosity of Devine shoppers helps fund food, shelter, and emergency support, ensuring that our neighbors receive vital help when it matters most.
The Salvation Army is seeking volunteers to ring the bell and bring holiday cheer to the Red Kettle campaign. If you, your family, or your organization would like to participate, please contact us for more information. Your time and donations will make a meaningful difference for our community this holiday season.
Contact Dr. Cliff Redus: 830.931.1280 or Donna Trott: 210.215.7270.
You may mail a check to Salvation Army, P.O. Box 229, Devine, Texas 78016.

William (Billy) Allen Dennis

William (Billy) Allen Dennis went to be with the Lord on November 21, 2025, at the age of 45. He was born on September 29, 1980, in San Antonio, Texas to James (Bill) and Darlene Dennis.
He is preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Jim Dennis; maternal grandparents, John and Frances Hatch; uncles, Dale and Donald Dennis; cousins, David Durnell and Allen Dennis. His memory will be carried on by his wife, Yen Le Dennis; daughter, Hannah Le Dennis; parents, Bill and Darlene Dennis; brother, Steven Dennis; paternal grandmother, Elizabeth Hoch and husband Allen Hoch; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and loving friends. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Nguyen Nguyen and fathers-in-law, Thanh Nguyen, and Nam Le.
Billy lived his early childhood in San Antonio and later moved to Bigfoot, TX, where he attended school in Devine. He was an outstanding athlete and excelled in all sports he participated in, with baseball being his favorite. He was drafted by the Colorado Rockies out of high school but decided to attend college. In college, he was drafted and signed by the Cincinnati Reds organization, but an injury cut his baseball career short. He later finished college where he graduated Cum Laude at UTSA with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. Billy met the love of his life Yen, who he later married, and moved to Conroe, TX. He had a career he was passionate about at Nailor Industries. Billy and Yen were recently blessed with a baby girl named Hannah.
Billy was a devout Christian who loved Jesus and reading his Bible. He enjoyed traveling the country and the world with his wife, and spending time with his brother Steven. He had a love of animals which included his three dogs and numerous reptiles.
Billy will be remembered for his kind heart and love for his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, beginning at 12:00 P.M. with a funeral service to be celebrated at 1:00 P.M. Interment will follow in Mission Burial Park South.

Charles William “Bill” Carr

Our dear and beloved husband and father Charles William “Bill” Carr was called to be with our Lord at the age of 78 on Monday, November 17th. He passed peacefully in his home surrounded by his family and loved ones.
Bill was born in San Antonio, TX July 26, 1947. He attended Elementary, Jr High and High School in Devine, TX and later joined the Army in 1967. Bill married the love of his life, Cindy Minchew, in 1990. Together, they lived in Corpus Christi and Bastrop, TX and raised a beautiful family sharing a vibrant life of 39 years full of many special gatherings with family and friends. After a 35 year career with Southwestern Bell he retired and dedicated his life to his children, grandchildren, family, friends, faith and unwavering loyalty to the Texas Longhorns. #Hookem
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Charles W and Peggy Carr and his beloved mother in law, Evangeline Minchew. Those left to cherish his memories include his loving wife, Cindy Carr; daughters, Myra (Larry) Gingold, Heather (Chris) Miller and Geena (David) Renfro; grandchildren, Taylor (Nathan), Blaine, Peyton, Josh, Brooklyn, Kylie, Aimee, Easton, Braylee, Stevie Rae, Oakley; and great-grandchildren, Lorenzo “Enzo” and Blakely; nieces, nephews and many dear friends. He will be forever missed by all who knew him. May he forever rest in peace.
A visitation will be held Monday, December 15, 2025 from 1:00- 2:00 P.M. and Memorial/Celebration of Life, Monday, December 15, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. at Marrs-Jones-Newby Funeral Home.
Those wishing to participate, may join the family in honoring Bill’s love of the Longhorns by wearing burnt-orange.

Virginia Marie “Mae” Kuehler Beaty

Virginia Marie “Mae” Kuehler Beaty, 93, passed away on November 29, 2025, from causes related to age.
Mae was born on February 12, 1932, in Rhineland, Texas to Leo Frank and Beatrice Mary Herring Kuehler where she grew up alongside her siblings prior to graduating from Lorenzo High School in 1949. Mae played basketball and took part in several school activities including drama and 4-H.
On November 19, 1949, she married Dorval Beaty at St. Elizabeth’s Church in Lubbock. The couple began their life together on the family farm outside Lorenzo near Estacado. Their farmhouse became the first home to seven of their eight children. As much as she loved helping others, her greatest joy was raising and caring for her growing family.
She also worked as a beautician for local residents and kept her own children looking sharp with decades of home haircuts and styling. Mae was known to have the uncanny ability to make a five-star meal out of whatever happened to be in the cupboard.
In 1967, Mae and Dorval moved to Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where they worked side by side at the family oyster bar. Mae later transitioned into a new profession with Barnett Bank.
The couple returned to Lorenzo in 1977 to care for their aging parents. Mae spent the next 20 years at Lorenzo State Bank, first as a bookkeeper and teller, and later as the receptionist who warmly greeted and put a smile on every customer as they walked through the door.
After she and Dorval retired, they relocated to McKinney, Texas, to be near six of their eight children and many of their grandchildren. A devoted member of St. Jude Parish, Mae volunteered faithfully, helping with monthly mailings and organizing bus transportation so her senior friends could attend Mass.
Late in life, even as Mae’s ability to openly communicate faded and her voice grew quiet, her faith remained strikingly clear. Those who came to offer her the Eucharist witnessed a remarkable grace.
Though everyday words often eluded her, she could recite the sacred prayers with clarity and devotion, each familiar phrase rising effortlessly from a place deeper than memory. With steady, reverent purpose, Mae traced the sign of the cross, her movements sure and meaningful, signifying a final, enduring testament to a lifetime of unwavering belief.
Mae is survived by her children Jerry “JW” Beaty, Julie (Paul) Deering, Jeana (Larry) Fitzgerald, Janet (Bob) Talabay, Joann (Charlie) Petit, Jalyn (Kristi) Beaty, and Jerel Beaty; sisters Lewellyn Moore and Marlene Kineman; brother Donnie Kuehler; 18 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dorval, her son James, grandson Christen, sister Lorene Barrett, and brother Enos Kuehler.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mae Beaty’s honor to St. Jude Catholic Church of Allen (1515 N. Greenville Ave., Allen, Tx 75002) or San Lorenzo Catholic Church of Lorenzo (PO Box 129, Lorenzo, Tx 79343).