Category: Obituaries

Nancy Janelle Love Bales, 86, of Devine, Texas, passed away on Saturday, September 12, 2026. 
Nancy was born on December 31, 1939 in Round Rock, Texas to Clyde Milton and Carrie Mae Bingham Love.  She attended Sharp Schools, in Sharp, Texas.  On September 1, 1957 she married Larry Dean Bales.  They were married for 56 wonderful years.  Larry passed away in 2013.   Nancy was a devoted mother of two sons and one daughter. She was involved in both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts with her children, along with being a room mother at school.  She attended all sporting events.  She loved being involved in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s lives.  Nancy was a mother figure to all the children in the neighborhood, and many still called her mom.  She worked as an Activity Director {Devine} and later after going to college and earning her Administrator’s License, ran nursing homes in Pearsall and Pleasanton.  After she retired, she went to work at the Devine News and enjoyed many years with the ladies that she would call family.
She is survived by her son, Layne Bales and wife Nadine of Lytle and a daughter Kimberley Bales of Devine, 6 grandchildren. Lauren (Bales) Haass and husband Randolph, of Biry, Colton Bales of Woodinville, WA. Leslie (Bales) Raymond and husband Aubrey of Surprise, AR, Elizabeth (Libby) Bales of San Antonio, Lillie and Max Bales of Hondo. And four great-grandchildren Elaine Haass, Eleanor Raymond, Abigail Raymond, and Randolph Haass. 
Nancy was also survived by sisters Dottie “Sissie” Stevenson, and Karen “Susie” Dixon and husband Bill, her bothers Leon Love and wife Coty and Lynn “Buster” Love and brothers-in-law Bob Merritt and Paul “Krutch” Kruse, sisters-in-law Kathren Shelton, and Linda Jarvis and husband Louis along with many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her father-in-law and mother-in-law Derwood and Willie Bales, her husband Larry Dean. son Mitchell Bales, her sisters Bobbye Ruth and husband Joe Runnels, Florene “Rene” and husband J.D. Acord. Wanda Elaine “Sookie” Merritt, Judi Kruse. Brothers Jimmie and wife Barbara Love, Dennis Love, and Bryan Neal Love, brother-in-law Martin Stevenson, and Thomas Hickey. Sister-in-law Frances {Bales} Walker and husband Cliff Walker.
Memorial to be held October 10, 2026, at 11:00 am at Devine Community Center 200 East Hondo Ave, Devine, Texas.  Family and friends are invited to stay for a meal following the memorial.  

A devoted servant of God, courageous civil rights advocate, and beloved patriarch

A Life of Faith, Courage, Family, and Service
NATALIA, TEXAS — Deacon Miguel “Mike” Perez, Jr. (“Papo”), a devoted servant of God, courageous civil rights advocate, and beloved patriarch, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2026, surrounded by his family. He lived a vibrant, purposeful life rooted deeply in his Catholic faith, hard work, and an unshakeable commitment to human dignity and educational advancement.
Civil Rights & Justice
Born and raised in Natalia where he attended public schools during an era of segregation, Mike learned to stand firm for dignity. Riding a segregated school bus at age 9, he was ordered by the driver to move to the back seats designated for Hispanic students. Mike refused to move in a quiet act of bravery supported by the school principal; foreshadowing a lifetime of civil rights advocacy.
Later, while serving as head custodian at Roosevelt High School and East Terrell Hills Elementary, Mike organized 200 custodians across Northeast ISD. Speaking before the school board alongside supportive teachers, he successfully led the effort to win fair wages ($1.25 an hour), overtime pay, uniforms, healthcare, and paid vacation for his fellow workers.
In 1966, Mike and his wife Adelina joined the farmworkers’ march from San Antonio to Austin along Interstate 35. They carried their young daughters and held high a banner of Our Lady of Guadalupe. When Governor John Connally’s limousine stopped the marchers outside New Braunfels, Mike and his fellow workers marched on. One of the civil rights leaders shared guidance that became his lifelong guiding principle:
“Mr. Perez, educate your kids. Educate your kids. That’s the key… to be somebody in America. Educate your kids. We need more Hispanics to get educated to be lawyers, politicians, engineers, doctors, technicians, or whatsoever.”
Taking this message to heart, Mike ensured his three daughters attended Catholic schools and obtained a higher education.
Family, Labor & Enterprise
Mike met the love of his life, Adelina “Mamo” Perez, at a local dance, beginning a beautiful courtship that led to their marriage in 1956. In their early years, they traveled as farmworkers across West Texas, Colorado, Montana, and Iowa. They harvested cotton, sugar beets, and tomatoes, forging lifelong friendships along the way. When Adelina became pregnant with their first child, they returned to Natalia to find traditional work as they sought to prioritize the children’s education. He earned his GED after marriage, owned and operated a janitorial business, an antique shop, and Squeak’s convenience store in Floresville.
Ministry
In 1962, Mike attended his first Cursillo Retreat, which inspired him to pray the Rosary and attend Holy Mass daily. Seeking spiritual clarity, he took his family on a pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, kneeling at the altar to pray for a sign.
In 1986, Father Paul Razz invited him to enter the seminary to discern the diaconate, answering Mike’s prayers to Our Lady of Guadalupe. On September 9, 1991, he was ordained a Deacon in the Catholic Church.
For 38 years, Deacon Mike dedicated his ministry to prisons and nursing homes, bringing spiritual comfort, Catholic teaching, and Holy Communion to incarcerated individuals and elderly residents. For 15 years, he served faithfully at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Floresville—working alongside the Guadalupana Society, the Cursillo movement, and ACTS retreats. He also taught Bible and Catechism classes.
In 2006, Deacon Mike and Adelina returned to their roots in the Natalia and Devine area. He served congregations at St. Joseph in Devine, St. Augustine Catholic Church in Moore and Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Bigfoot.
Family & Legacy
Deacon Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Miguel and Casimira Perez, his beloved wife of over six decades, Adelina Perez and his siblings, Alvina, Ciriaco, and Jose. He is survived by his loving daughters, Sonia Perez (Javier), Liza White (Jim), and Debbie Perez; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and his sister Petra Tibball (Joseph). Deacon Mike will be remembered as a faithful servant of God and a cherished patriarch whose legacy of faith and love continues to inspire his Catholic community.
Celebration of Life
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM, with a Rosary recited at 6:00 PM at Primrose Funeral Services of Devine, Texas. Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Devine, Texas, with interment to follow in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

2009–2026
With heavy hearts and countless happy memories, we announce the passing of Fredrick “Fern” Davalos, who departed this world in 2026 after 17 years of living life exactly as he pleased.
Fern came into the family in the most unexpected way. On Easter Sunday in April 2009, he was discovered hiding underneath the house. What began as a little dog found beneath the floorboards quickly became a lifelong member of the Davalos family.
Fern wasted no time choosing his person. He became especially close to Grandpa Juan, faithfully keeping him company and taking his role as Grandpa’s personal protector very seriously. The two shared several happy years together until Grandpa passed away in 2012.
After that, Fern redirected his attention toward Grandma Anna, whom he spent the next several years lovingly annoying. He endured—and took full advantage of—her singing “La Manita” whenever treats were involved. Fern remained by her side until her passing in 2016.
Following Grandma Anna’s passing, Fern moved to San Antonio, where he entered what can only be described as his retirement era.
There, he enjoyed the finer things in life: chasing squirrels, demanding snacks, supervising the household, and eating absolutely anything that was remotely edible. Fern loved all food, but he held a particular fondness for McDonald’s Chicken Nugget Happy Meals, which he shared on numerous occasions with his cousin Matthew.
For 17 years, Fern was a loyal companion, a professional treat enthusiast, a dedicated squirrel hunter, and a beloved member of the family. He had the remarkable ability to leave paw prints on the hearts of everyone around him.
Fern is survived by three brothers and three sisters, along with numerous nieces and nephews who will remember him fondly.
He was preceded in death by Grandpa Juan and Grandma Anna, both of whom were fortunate enough to know and love him during the earlier chapters of his life.

Rest peacefully, Fern.
May the squirrels be slow,
the treats be plentiful,
the Happy Meals never run out of nuggets,
and may someone up there finally learn to sing “La Manita” just the way Grandma did.

Virginia Frances Meyers of Devine, Tx passed away September 3, 2026 at the age of 61. She was born June 23, 1965 in San Antonio, Tx to Lawrence Busby and Dolores (Wendell, Busby) Medd. Virginia moved with her parents to Pearsall, where she graduated from Pearsall schools, married Jack Meyers in 1990 and raised her family in Devine.
Virginia was preceded in death by her Father Lawrence Busby and Brother Jerry Wayne Busby of Hondo, Tx. She is survived by her husband Jack Meyers, her mother Dolores Medd and her children.
Son Randolph Haass, wife Lauren, grandchildren Elaine and Randolph L. Haass. Son Ethan Meyers, wife Heather, grandchildren Nicolas Sparks-Meyers, Bryson Sparks-Meyers and Mark Meyers. Son Joseph Meyers. Nieces Amber Brune and Kayla Busby Robles and numerous grand nieces and nephews. Aunts Virginia Soule, Cecilia Hickman and Janet Rider.
In her earlier years she worked as a beautician in Devine then pursued her career as a bookkeeper for 20 years at Brown Chevrolet. Virginia was diagnosed with brain cancer and took it in stride as she did with all her life. Her legacy lives on through the family she cherished and the countless memories she leaves behind.
Memorials may be made in her memory to:
Mays Cancer Clinic
7979 Wurzbach Rd
San Antonio, Texas 78229
A “Celebration of Life” will be announced at a later date.

Nancy Janelle Love Bales, 86, of Devine, Texas, passed away on Saturday, September 12, 2026. 
Nancy was born on December 31, 1939 in Round Rock, Texas to Clyde Milton and Carrie Mae Bingham Love.  She attended Sharp Schools, in Sharp, Texas.  On September 1, 1957 she married Larry Dean Bales.  They were married for 56 wonderful years.  Larry passed away in 2013.   Nancy was a devoted mother of two sons and one daughter. She was involved in both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts with her children, along with being a room mother at school.  She attended all sporting events.  She loved being involved in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s lives.  Nancy was a mother figure to all the children in the neighborhood, and many still called her mom. 
She worked as an Activity Director {Devine} and later after going to college and earning her Administrator’s License, ran nursing homes in Pearsall and Pleasanton.  After she retired, she went to work at the Devine News and enjoyed many years with the ladies that she would call family.
She is survived by her son, Layne Bales and wife Nadine of Lytle and a daughter Kimberley Bales of Devine, 6 grandchildren. Lauren (Bales) Haass and husband Randolph, of Biry, Colton Bales of Woodinville, WA. Leslie (Bales) Raymond and husband Aubrey of Surprise, AR, Elizabeth (Libby) Bales of San Antonio, Lillie and Max Bales of Hondo. And four great-grandchildren Elaine Haass, Eleanor Raymond, Abigail Raymond, and Randolph Haass. 
Nancy was also survived by sisters Dottie “Sissie” Stevenson, and Karen “Susie” Dixon and husband Bill, her bothers Leon Love and wife Coty and Lynn “Buster” Love and brothers-in-law Bob Merritt and Paul “Krutch” Kruse, sisters-in-law Kathren Shelton, and Linda Jarvis and husband Louis along with many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her father-in-law and mother-in-law Derwood and Willie Bales, her husband Larry Dean. son Mitchell Bales, her sisters Bobbye Ruth and husband Joe Runnels, Florene “Rene” and husband J.D. Acord. Wanda Elaine “Sookie” Merritt, Judi Kruse. Brothers Jimmie and wife Barbara Love, Dennis Love, and Bryan Neal Love, brother-in-law Martin Stevenson, and Thomas Hickey. Sister-in-law Frances {Bales} Walker and husband Cliff Walker.
Memorial to be held October 10, 2026, at 11:00 am at Devine Community Center 200 East Hondo Ave, Devine, Texas.  Family and friends are invited to stay for a meal following the memorial. 

Mrs. Nancy J Bales at her desk at the Devine News office where she worked laying out the Classifieds (and entertained us) for many years. She was like a Grandma to us all and kept us all in line on press day. She was a beloved mama, memaw, and friend.

Leatrice Joy Wood passed away September 12, 2026, at the age of 96. She was born Oct. 15, 1929, in Needville, Texas to the late Lawrence and Lena Cloudt Boone. Leatrice graduated from Pearsall High School in 1947. She had a brief career working for a credit union in San Antonio. She then dedicated her life to loving and caring for her family in Devine.
Leatrice had a kind, generous spirit. She enjoyed country music and hymns, crafts and sewing, and sharing treasures with others. She loved bluebonnets and all things blue. In her final years, she treasured the company of her beloved dog Angel.
Throughout her life, Leatrice loved her Lord and Savior. She was a devoted member of Calvary Grace Baptist Church. Leatrice was deeply cherished by her family and friends. She will be carried in their hearts forever.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Clarice and Bill Hutchison of Seattle, and daughter-in-law Polly Wood and granddaughter Amanda Wood of Devine. She was preceded in death by William “Bill” Wood, the love of her life and husband of 37 years; her son, Randy Wood; and sisters, Violet Doyal and Lois Roberson.
A graveside memorial will be held Thursday, September 17, 11:00 a.m., led by Rev. Johnny Melancon at Evergreen Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank the loving congregation of Calvary Grace for their care and prayers for her in her final years.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, wildflower.org/donate, or the Devine Food Bank Ministry, devinefoodpantry.com/donate.

Michele Kay Keyser of San Angelo, Texas, passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2026.
Michele was born in Stuttgart, Germany, while her father, Sylvan Richard Cargile, was serving overseas with the United States Army. She grew up in South Texas and graduated from Natalia High School in 1981, where she was a cheerleader.
Her early life was not always easy, but Michele learned how to keep going. She treasured her grandparents on both sides of her family and carried those relationships with her throughout her life. Her maternal grandmother, Doris Richardson, whom Dakota knew as “Big G,” left a particularly visible mark on the way Michele cared for others. Big G was the kind of woman who fed whoever came through the door, never turned someone away, and always found room for one more person. Years later, Michele built much the same kind of home.
Faith was also part of Michele’s life from an early age. Her father was a Baptist preacher, and she grew up attending Baptist church and church camp. Her faith deepened during her years in Albuquerque, when she was baptized there. In later years, she attended Rafter Cross Church near Grape Creek.
Michele married Dale Andrew Keyser in 1989. They shared many years of life and family together and moved to Albuquerque in 1997. Even as life changed over the years, they remained in regular contact, and Michele continued to take pride in the years and history they shared.
She worked a number of jobs throughout her life, including Dairy Queen in Lytle, Albertsons in Albuquerque, and Walmart, among others, and she studied business for a time. But the work for which people will remember her most was rarely the work that appeared on a paycheck. Michele spent much of her life taking care of people.
After returning to West Texas, Michele and her son, Dakota, made their home in Levelland. That home became far more than a place where the two of them lived. It became a gathering place.
Family came through. Children came through. Friends came through. During Dakota’s college years, young musicians filled the house. They rehearsed, stayed over, ate, laughed, and became part of Michele’s extended family. When Michele was home, she cooked for them. People who came from very different families and backgrounds learned quickly that at Michele’s house they would be fed and treated as though they belonged there.
She helped care for Dallas Nicole Carr and remained a steady presence in the lives of Aspen, Madison, Brooklyn, and Lincoln as they grew up around her. She followed their lives with pride and loved watching the children she had known become young adults. She also cared for older relatives when illness or age made them dependent on others, including helping care for her paternal and maternal grandmothers near the end of their lives.
Michele did not draw hard lines around who counted as family. Blood, marriage, stepfamily, friends, and children who simply needed another adult in their corner all seemed to find a place with her. If she loved you, the technical definition of the relationship mattered very little.
She was soft-spoken and generally reserved. She was not someone who needed the attention of a room. Her love was much more practical than that. If someone needed a meal, a child watched, a bill paid, a place to stay, or help getting through a difficult stretch, Michele’s first instinct was usually to figure out what she could do. Sometimes she helped people even when doing so cost her more than was easy or sensible. Taking care of people was simply part of her nature.
Food was one of the ways she did it best. Michele was an exceptional Southern cook. Dakota especially remembers her steak fingers with black-eyed peas and bacon, mashed potatoes, and whatever greens or vegetables she decided belonged beside them that day. Her coconut cake became one of her best-known dishes, something she made for birthdays, celebrations, and people she wanted to make feel special. A full kitchen and people around the table suited her.
She also loved to travel and wished she had been able to do more of it. She enjoyed trips to lakes and Galveston, the Grand Canyon, Fort Worth, Fredericksburg, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and anywhere else that let her see something different. She was curious about other places and cultures and was especially fascinated by the Amish. A trip did not have to be extravagant to make Michele happy. She simply enjoyed going somewhere, seeing something new, and sharing it with people she loved.
There were also the unmistakably Michele things. She loved purple and would choose it for almost anything if given the chance. She collected wind chimes and apple-themed decorations for her kitchen. She enjoyed a strawberry Frappuccino from Starbucks. She loved her dogs and considered them part of the family.
Oscar, her “fur grandbaby,” held an especially important place in her heart. Michele rarely passed up an opportunity to babysit him, and the two became constant companions. During her final days in hospice, Oscar stayed close to her, lying beside her and in her lap as he had so many times before. She also loved Crosby and Noah.
At the center of Michele’s life was motherhood.
Her daughter, Sylvanna Lee Keyser, was born on July 12, 1999, and died seven days later on July 19. It was a loss Michele carried for the rest of her life. July remained a difficult month, and Sylvanna was never forgotten. Michele’s wish was that, after her own death, her ashes be scattered at Sylvanna’s grave.
Her son, Dakota, was her pride and joy. No one who knew Michele had to wonder how she felt about him because she told them. She followed his work and accomplishments, worried about his airplanes, bragged about him freely, and kept friends and family updated on whatever he or Oscar had most recently accomplished. She was enormously proud of the man her son became.
Michele understood adversity, but it never completely hardened her. When life changed, she found a way forward. When someone else needed help, she made room. In that way, she carried forward the spirit of Big G’s home: there was food for another person, room for another chair, and a place for someone who needed somewhere to land.
Later in life, Michele chose San Angelo as her home because she deeply wanted to be near her father. She treasured that time with him and remained closely connected to the family she loved.
Michele is survived by her son, Dakota Richard Keyser of Ralls, Texas, and Sierra Henson; her mother, Michele Peggy Hibdon of Natalia, Texas; her father, Sylvan Richard Cargile of San Angelo, Texas; her husband, Dale Andrew Keyser of Ralls, Texas; her brothers, Greg Cargile of Natalia, Texas, Gary Cargile of Holiday Lakes, Texas, and Toby Cargile of Devine, Texas; her sister by choice, Whitney Madden of Tyler, Texas; and a large extended family of relatives, friends, and young people whom she loved and cared for as her own.
She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Sylvanna Lee Keyser, her grandparents, and other loved ones who remained dear to her throughout her life.
A memorial service celebrating Michele’s life will be held Thursday, September 17, at 11:30 a.m. at Southland Baptist Church, 4300 Meadow Creek Trail in San Angelo, Texas. A luncheon will follow the service.

George Preston Harris, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor, friend, successful retail merchant, entrepreneur, pilot, and true Texas gentleman, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026, at the age of 90. A longtime resident of Lytle, Texas, George was born on August 6, 1936, to George Leslie Harris and Mamie Lou Harris, and was the youngest of their three children.
George is survived by his daughter, Jolinda Harris and her partner, John McEntyre; his son, George Scott Harris and his partner, Jess Sanders; his grandson, Waco Richards and his wife Julie Richards; his granddaughter, Tyler Dougherty and her husband Clayton Dougherty; his grandson, Jace Harris; his granddaughter, Jocelyn Harris; and his great-grandchildren, Kendall Slattery, Rocker Dougherty, Weslynn Dougherty, and Cooper Harris.
George was raised in a family where hard work was not simply taught—it was lived. His father was a saddle maker and a skilled craftsman in the repair of boots and shoes. George learned the trade from his father, although he would jokingly say he learned it “under protest.” Those early years became the foundation for a remarkable life built upon craftsmanship, determination, honesty, and an unwavering work ethic.
Determined to earn his way through college, George worked as a roustabout in the oilfields. He attended Texas A&I University in Kingsville and later Southwest State Teachers College before answering the call to serve his country. He enlisted in the United States Navy during the Korean War and served from 1953 through 1961, including active duty through 1958. His military years gave him the opportunity to travel and experience much of the world, experiences that would remain an important part of his life.
Upon returning home, George expected to continue his education. Instead, circumstances called him back to the family saddle shop, where his father needed his help. At only 24 years of age, following his father’s death, George took over the family business and embarked on a journey that would transform a small saddle shop into a thriving South Texas retail enterprise.
George entered the retail business at a level that many would have been afraid to attempt. With a loan from a local banker who believed in him, he purchased an existing building and began his retail business with just five pairs of boots. He sold those boots and used the proceeds to purchase more. In 1961, he purchased the old Masonic Lodge building next door for storage, allowing the business to expand its inventory and services.
Through years of hard work, determination, honesty, and genuine relationships with his customers, George built a loyal clientele and a growing enterprise. By January 1972, his inventory had grown to approximately 1,000 pairs of boots. He constructed a new building on IH-35 and moved the entire operation into what became Harris Western Center where he sold a full line of western wear.
In the years that followed, George expanded his western wear business to seven locations throughout South Texas, including stores in Pearsall, Uvalde, Floresville, Boerne, and two locations in San Antonio.
George believed that success was not a matter of asking, “How can I afford it?” but rather, “Be resourceful and find a way to get it done.” He believed in giving his word and keeping it. He understood that difficulties were simply roadblocks to be worked around, and he accepted responsibility for his own success. His philosophy was straightforward: work hard, be honest, be trustworthy, persevere, and believe in yourself.
He also believed deeply in his employees and was devoted to their success because they were the “face of the business.”
George wanted every customer to feel welcome and eager to return. When asked about his secret for success he once said, “It’s simple. Find out what your customers want and then find a way to give it to them.”. For George, one of the most fulfilling aspects of his life’s work was simply “pleasing people.”
His entrepreneurial spirit extended beyond his retail stores. George established EZ Pull Trailers, a retail trailer sales business, Rodeo Air, a small aircraft business, and he developed mobile home communities in Lytle and Poteet, continuing his tradition of creating businesses that served the communities around him.
But as successful as George was in business, his family was the true light of his life.
He married Marylou Irvin, and together they built a family of which George was immensely proud. His children were not only his children, but also his partners in life and business. Jolinda and Scott worked alongside their father from their high school years, and George credited their dedication and hard work as essential to the success of the family businesses.
George was blessed with four grandchildren who brought him tremendous joy and four great-grandchildren who were a particular source of pride and happiness.
Outside of his family and business, George devoted countless hours to organizations and causes that mattered deeply to him.
A longtime volunteer with the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, George began volunteering in the 1970s. He enjoyed participating in the Palomino Patrol, riding alongside Jolinda for several years. His service and leadership in this organization grew as he served seven years as Chairman of the Special Days Committee, two years as Vice President, and two years as President in 1987 and 1988. He remained a Director Emeritus until his death.
George was also a major force in the Miss Rodeo Texas organization. Beginning as a volunteer, he eventually served as President for many years and later as Chairman of the Board. His dedication helped strengthen an organization he cared about deeply.
He was a member of the Western English Retailers of America and served as its president for a time. Through his business, civic, and organizational involvement, George formed friendships and relationships that lasted throughout his life.
In his community of Lytle, George also served as a city councilman, giving his time and experience in service to the community he called home. In addition, George served as a Deputy Sheriff for Atascosa County from 1960 to 1965.
And then there was flying! George’s favorite hobby was flying his airplanes. A single-engine and multi-engine, instrument-rated pilot, he found freedom and enjoyment in the skies. Flying reflected something fundamental about George: his curiosity, independence, confidence, and willingness to chart his own course.
Throughout his life, George taught those around him not only through his words, but through the example of the life he lived. He encouraged others to find what they wanted to do and figure out how to do it; work around the roadblocks and pitfalls; persevere; and, most importantly, believe in themselves. He encouraged everyone around him to grow and thrive.
George Preston Harris was a classic Texas gentleman. He was a businessman who started with five pairs of boots and built an enterprise through determination. He was an entrepreneur who saw possibilities where others saw obstacles. He was a pilot who loved the freedom of the skies. He was a community leader, a mentor, a friend, and a man whose word could be trusted. But above all, he was a family man who took enormous pride in the people he loved.
His legacy will live on not only in the businesses he built and the organizations he served, but in the values he passed down: work hard, keep your word, treat people well, find a way, persevere, and believe in yourself.
George’s life was long, full, productive, and generously shared with others. He spent 90 years building, serving, leading, inspiring others, and loving his family.
One of George’s familiar closing lines was “Happy Trails.”
And so, with heavy hearts but profound gratitude for a life so well lived, his family and friends bid him farewell.
Happy trails, George.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 – 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at the Our Lady of Grace Parish Hall, 15825 Bexar St., La Coste, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to: Shriners Hospitals for Children Attn: Processing Center, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394 or online at: https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/honor
Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home, Castroville, Texas. www.tondre-guinn.com

On the night of August 19, 2026, our precious son passed from this world, at the age of 33. Nick showed courage and strength to the very end.
Though his life was short, it was filled with love, laughter, and memories. Nick adored school (NISD).His hobbies were watching DVD’s, music, swimming, pleasure rides, shopping and his momma singing to him.
Nick taught us to treasure the simple moments of life; to love each other without limitations. Nick’s smile could light up the room. His laughs (i.e. belly laughs) were highly contagious and had everyone rolling on the floor laughing along with him.
Nick is survived by his parents Arie M Cochran Jr. and Maria Light Cochran, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Our family had chosen cremation; Nick’s ashes will be placed in a simple urn at home, along with many photos and mementos of him.
We thank the surgical/trauma staff at Hospice of Baylor, Scott & White Hospital in Temple, Texas. Their compassionate care and support will long be remembered.
A memorial honoring Nicholas’ life will be announced at a later date. Friends, neighbors are invited to share stories, memories, and love.

Little Did We Know

Little did we know that night that God would call your name. In life we loved you dearly; in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone. For part of us went with you, the day God called you home. You left us many memories, and your love is still our guide. And though we cannot see you, you are always by our side. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same. But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.