Category: Obituaries

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Rene Saldana Sr., who left us on March 26, 2026. Born on May 23, 1962, Rene was a dedicated family man and a cherished friend, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter in Caldwell, Texas.
Rene, was a son, brother, father, husband, grandfather, and an avid lover of life. He had a passion for hunting and fishing, often spending weekends in the great outdoors with his family. Whether it was cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, going to the Cassino, or sharing stories, listening to Tejano music and cooking for his family. He loved a good challenge with cook-offs, almost always coming in first place. Rene’s infectious spirit brought people together, creating countless treasured memories.
He is survived by his loving wife, Maria Cristina M. Saldana, son, Rene Saldana Jr. (Sara Lara). Hearing the laughter of his grandchildren, Alyssa N. Saldana and Rene Saldana III, brought him immense joy. He is also survived by his brothers, Pedro Saldana, Sr. (Barbara), Ray Saldana, and Roy Gonzales Jr., along with many nieces, nephews, and friends who will continue to share his stories and honor his memory.
Rene was preceded in death by his parents, Marcial and Ilaria Saldana, and his brothers, Roger M. Saldana, Frank Saldana Gonzales, and Eduardo Saldana. Their family bonds will be forever cherished and carried on.
In honor of Rene, please wear your favorite Dallas Cowboys gear or something that makes you happy, as we come together to honor a remarkable man who touched so many lives.
May Rene Saldana Sr. rest in peace, knowing he is loved deeply and missed dearly.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 5:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. with a Rosary recited at 7:00 P.M. at Primrose Funeral Services of Devine, Texas. Mass will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with interment to follow in Moore 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.

Aurora F. Sepulveda from Natalia, Texas passed away on March 31, 2026, surrounded by the love and memories of her family. She was born October 27, 1929, in Sabinas Hidalgo, Nuevo Leon, Mexico and was the wife of Jesus G. Sepulveda for 67 years before his passing in 2015.
Her legacy in Laredo, Texas, includes the hardware store they started on Clark Street. She was proud of the time she accidentally bought every color of Formica you can imagine and was delivered by an 18-wheeler to the store. Luckily, due to the high demand, they were the only store in Laredo that carried it and they were able to sell it all! She always laughed when she said that story.
She will be remembered for her love of cooking, music, gardening, sewing, her Chihuahuas, nature, but most importantly, her children, who were the center of her world. She took immense pride in nurturing, guiding them and teaching her daughters how to cook. She was an avid naturalist with her herbal remedies, natural hair dyes, and face lotions. One of her favorite sayings was “Soy de rancho,” meaning “I’m from the ranch”, that tells you that she loved her home, her plants and the deer that would occasionally show up at her bedroom window. She was also a gentle spirit that dedicated and devoted her life to Jehovah God.
She was a loving mother to her children: Diana S. Rodriguez (Agustin), Ruth S. Hill (John), Omar aka Mayo Sepulveda (Kathy), Victor H. Sepulveda (Norma) and Miriam S. Garcia (Randy). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Miguel Sepulveda, Raquel Alfaro, Tomas Sepulveda, Jovan Hill, and Cassandra Wickes who will forever hold them love, warmth, wisdom, and her sense of humor she received from her grandmother, along with numerous great grandchildren.
Though she is no longer with us, her influence and love will continue to be felt by all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and will forever be in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, if you would like to donate in her memory, you may do so to Devine Garden Club, P.O. Box 682, Devine, TX 78016.
A Memorial Service will be held in Aurora’s honor on Friday, April 10, 2026 from 10:00 am to 12:00pm at Primrose Funeral Services in Lytle, Texas.
If you would like to express your condolences, or share a memory, you may do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com
Arrangements are under the care of Primrose Funeral Services in Lytle, Texas.

Rachel Garcia Lopez, of La Coste, Texas, passed away March 27, 2026 at the age of 90. She was born December 4, 1935 in La Coste, Texas, to Cresencio Garcia and Epifania Duron Garcia.
Survivors include her children, Ernest Lopez, Jr. of La Coste, Melissa Lopez (Eric Knapick) of La Coste, and Evangelina ‘Vangie’ Cox (Raymond G.) of Lytle; grandchildren, Lauren Gerwer (Raymond J.), Grant Cox (Tressie), and Matthew Knapick; sister, Patsy Lopez; as well as numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Rachel was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ernesto ‘Ernest’ Lopez; brothers, Alfredo Garcia, George Garcia, and Frank Garcia; sisters, Felis Santos, Margaret Reyes, Antonia Carrillo, and Rosa Hinojosa; as well as numerous other in-laws and relatives.
Visitation will be Monday, April 6, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home, with the Holy Rosary recited at 5:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in La Coste. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Cemetery in La Coste, Texas.
Memorials may be made in Rachel’s memory to Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church or to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. www.tondre-guinn.com

Emery Lee Delavan, Sr., of Castroville, age 87, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at BAMC.
Emery was born in San Antonio on December 1, 1938. He was preceded in death by his parents, Erin Macon Delavan (Died 1951) and Edna May Delavan Knopp (died in 1993), his brother Macon Delavan and his sister, Patsy Butler.
His immediate survivors include Helen Murrell Delavan, his wife of seventy years; Donna and Brian Jaklich, his daughter and son-in-law; Lee and Mary Kay Delavan, his son and daughter-in-law; and grandchildren, Katherine Delavan, Will Delavan, Eli Jaklich (married to Ashley Matthews), Samuel Jaklich (married to Caitlyn Doering) and Max Jaklich (married to Cara Petrofes). His very first great-grandchild, Alton Bennett Jaklich, was born on September 19, 2025 to Max and Cara.
Emery was graduated from Devine High School in 1956. He served in the US Army Reserves for 4 years after which he was employed as a Lineman for City Public Service Board (now CPS) in San Antonio for ten years. During that same time, he also owned and operated “Delavan Electric Service” in Castroville, and pursued his love of farming and ranching. In 1970, he became employed as an electrician and high voltage lineman in the Civil Engineering Department at Lackland AFB. In his spare time, he served as a Reserve Deputy with the Medina County Sheriff’s Department. He retired from Lackland in 1995 after twenty-five years of loyal service.
A Graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026 at the Castroville Community Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the FCRP (Friends of the Castroville Regional Park), Box 173, Castroville, TX 78009, or to the charity of your choice.

Larry Wallace, 72, was born on September 28, 1953 in Bay City, Texas and passed away on March 29, 2026.
Larry is remembered for his music and his talent in being able to fix any appliance. Larry was a retired millwright.
He is survived by his beloved wife Deborah Wallace, his son Larry Wallace, and his daughters, Crystal Winter and Shanae Garcia. He is also survived by his sister Gayle Murphee and Barney.
Larry was a loving grandfather to Paul Aruza and Ann Aruza, and to his 10 great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his sister Linda Wallace, two brothers Bill Wallace and another brother. Also by his daughter Mona Wallace and her son Paul Aruza.

Austin C. Bayne II, of Moore, Texas, passed away on February 26, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas, after a brief illness.
Austin was born on September 13, 1968, in San Antonio, Texas. Throughout his childhood he lived in several places, including Anchorage, Alaska; Tacoma, Washington; and Lytle, Texas, where he graduated from Lytle High School in 1987.
After high school, Austin spent many years living in Michigan working as an interstate truck driver. Later in life, he returned to Texas to be closer to his family.
Austin was preceded in death by his mother, Henrietta Bayne; his grandfathers, Vernon Bayne and William Sisson; and his grandmothers, Roma Jean Bayne and Oleta Casey.
He is survived by his children: Jayme Bayne of Seguin, Tomarra Bayne of Moore, and K’lynn Hope Newton of Seguin. Jayme and Tomarra’s mother, Dana Wittlif, shared in raising them. Though their relationship was not permanent, they remained friends and co-parented together.
He is also survived by his father, Austin Bayne of Lytle; his sister, Barbara Potter (Mike) of Lytle; and his brother, Kenneth Bayne (Mindy) of Colorado Springs.
Austin leaves behind eight grandchildren — K’den, Amberleigh, Braylen, Ryan, Georgia, Clara, Merlin, and Soren — as well as numerous nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory.
A Celebration of Life will be held on April 11, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. at John Lott Municipal Park.

Attorney Geronimo “Jerry” De La Rosa Jr. was born on December 22, 1945, to Acensión and Geronimo De La Rosa, Sr. in Devine, Texas. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on January 30, 2026. Jerry lived a full life defined by love, laughter, and an unmistakable joy for living.
After graduation from Devine High School, Jerry joined the Army. Upon completing his military service he went on to attend San Antonio College, St. Mary’s University’s Law School, and later graduated from Thurgood Marshall School of Law (TMSL) at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas. Jerry was a dedicated attorney for 39 years in San Antonio, Texas. He was an advocate for social justice and volunteers at various local organizations. Jerry was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 8936 in San Antonio’s Westside.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 535 years, Anna Maria De La Rosa, with whom he shared a lifetime of devotion, partnership, and countless memories. He was a proud and loving father to his girls Erica Raquel De La Rosa (Stephen Waters Jr.), Gabriela De La Rosa (George De La Rosa Garza), and Veronica De La Rosa-Brandon (Wes Brandon). Jerry was a cherished, loving and silly grandfather to Amelianna, Luz Maya, and a soon-to-be-born granddaughter. Jerry adored his wife, girls and granddaughters.
He is also survived by his siblings Maria Elena De La Rosa, Agapito De La Rosa (Virgina De La Rosa), Maria Graciela De La Rosa, and large extended family of numerous cuñadas y cuñados from Uvalde and San Antonio, many sobrinas y sobrinos, and family friends. In his last years, Jerry was given excellent care by his caregivers Teresita Foose and Brandie Smith (honorary daughter and sister-in-law of Veronica). All were touched by his love, warmth and humor.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Geronimo De La Rosa Sr. and Acensión, and his sister Dominga Aguallo.
Jerry loved life in motion and in music. His hobbies included dancing, cycling, racquetball, swimming, hunting, singing, and listening to all types of music. He was a truce connoisseur of sweet delights, an enthusiastic fan of action movies, westerns, Star Trek, and comedies, and someone who never missed a chance to make others laugh and smile. He found peace in napping and gardening, had a special gift as an “animal whisperer”, and was known to all as a natural jokester with a generous heart.
Jerry’s love, laughter, kindness, and larger-than-life spirit will live on in all who knew and loved him.
In his 60’s, Jerry attended a church where he was baptized in the name of Jesus. His love and faith continued being strong for the Lord.
Visitation was held at Funeraria Del Angel Roy Akers, located at 515 North main Ave., San Antonio, TX 78205, on February 8, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. A rosary took place at the same venue on February 8, 2026, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
A funeral mass was conducted at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, located at 2114 W Houston St., San Antonio, TX 78207, on February 9, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.
Funeral service was held at Ft. Sam Houston Cemetery.

Ms. Carolyn Williams, age 83, of Rockvale, TN passed away Monday, March 9, 2026. She was born in Murfreesboro, TN to the late Willie Floyd and Grace Williams.
Carolyn was a 1960 graduate of Rockvale High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree from MTSU in 1964 in English and Physical Education. Carolyn played guard on the girls’ basketball team while she was there. She used her athletic abilities as a summer camp leader at Camp Idlewilde along the Guadalupe River in Texas. After graduating college, Carolyn returned to Texas teaching and coaching girls’ basketball in Devine and Jourdanton where she was highly successful. She was an advocate for girls’ sports and gave them as many opportunities as possible. Her athleticism continued into adulthood. She played adult slow pitch softball in Texas. Her team won the TAAF state championship and qualified for the national ASA softball tournament.
While in the southwestern part of the United States, Carolyn discovered a love for Native American culture. She moved to Red Mesa, AZ for another teaching opportunity and then back to Hondo, TX teaching one more year before returning to Tennessee.
Carolyn was a member of the Rockvale FCE Club and very much enjoyed the monthly gatherings at the Community Center. The Rockvale community was so kind and helpful to Carolyn, offering rides to meetings, meals and stopping by for visits.
Carolyn is survived by her sister, Ann Eubank of Huntsville, AL; brother, Ronald Williams and his wife Mandy of Rockvale; two nephews; a niece; great-nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews and several lifelong friends.
A Celebration of Life visitation will be held on Thursday, March 19th at the Rockvale Community Center Gymnasium from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.
An online guestbook is available for the family at www.woodfinchapel.com. Woodfin Memorial Chapel (615) 893-5151

George Roque Torres, Jr., age 78, of New Braunfels, Texas, went to be with our Lord on March 8, 2026. George was born in Camp Hood, Texas, on August 29, 1947, to Omega and George R. Torres, Sr.
George is preceded in death by his parents: Omega and George R. Torres, Sr.; sister: Gloria Davis; nephews: Mark Davis, and Cory Pogue; and niece: Ashley Pogue.
George is survived by his loving and devoted wife: Janice Torres; sons: Craig Torres, and Brent Smith; sister: Kathy O’Steen (Sam); 3 grandchildren: Craig, Jr., Daniella, and Faith; and 4 great-grandchildren.
George served as a Deacon for 13 years at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Devine, Texas. He retired as a Deputy U.S. Marshall after many years. George loved the outdoors. He was a lover of nature, plants and animals. Camping at national parks and traveling was also a love of his. He will be remembered as a kind, gentle soul with strong faith and a love for his family and friends.
A visitation will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church beginning at 10:30 a.m., followed by Recitation of the Rosary at 11:00 a.m., and will conclude with Mass at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be held at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery with military honors performed by the USAF Honor Guard on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 10:15 a.m. at shelter #2.
Services are under the Direction of Hondo Funeral Home.

Margaret Gottary Grothues, age 95, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026. She was born on September 20, 1930, in San Antonio, TX to the late Leonard and Louise (Wauters) Gottardy. Margie is also preceded in death by her husband, John W. Grothues, Sr., and her siblings Lucille Calle, Rosalie Cerna, Prudence Froebel, Gerald Gottardy, and Geraldine Kellner, and son-in-law, Keith Carter.
Margie was a former Lytle Library Board Chair, former Lytle Woman’s club member, and former Lytle ISD School Board Member. She is one of the members of the Woman’s Club that raised money for and built the Lytle Public Library. Margie also worked for years as the library assistant at Lytle Elementary School. She later worked at Hirsch Elementary School Library. She was a long time member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church and helped organize the building of the prayer garden.
As a member of St. John Berchman Catholic Church, she was a member of the Holy Name Society and the Altar Society. As a founding member of the Belgian American Club, she contributed to two books, and co-edited The Belgian Gardens. Margie is survived by her children and in-laws Patricia and Joe Butler of Austin, John Grothues and John Ibanez of Houston, Edward and Elisa Grothues of Lytle, Cynthia Carter of Lytle, Matthew and Chrissy Grothues of Pleasanton, and Julie and John Maguire of San Antonio; grandchildren Stephen, Joseph, Sarah, Rachel, Nathan, Travis, Ethan, Emily, Jacob, Maggie, and Beth; 8 great grandchildren; brothers and in-laws John Gottardy, Richard and Barbara Gottardy, Leatrice Gottardy, Gene Kellner, and Elsie Grothues; as well as numerous nieces, and nephews.
A Visitation will be held in her honor on Friday, March 13, 2026 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm with a Rosary recited at 7:00pm at Primrose Funeral Services of Lytle, Texas. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 10:00am at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church of Lytle, Texas. Burial will follow in Lytle Community Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her loving husband, John W. Grothues, Sr.
If you would like to express your condolences or share a memory, please do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com
Funeral services are under the care of Primrose Funeral Services in Lytle, Texas