Category: Obituaries

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of James Leonard White, a beloved husband, father, and friend, who left this world on October 15, 2026, at the age of 59. Born on August 11, 1967, in Conroe, Texas, James spent many years calling Devine, Texas, his home, where he found joy in the simple pleasures of life and the warmth of family.
James is survived by his loving wife of thirty-three years, Sandra Mendez, and his cherished children, Dominic Howard White, Sydney Nichole White, and Jacqlynn Raquel White. He also leaves behind a tapestry of friends and family whose lives he touched with his kindness and humor. He is preceded in death by his parents, Howard James White and Steffana Mae Dejardo, whose love and teachings shaped the man we all admired. James was preceded in death by his parents, Howard James White and Steffana Mae Dejardo.
A true music enthusiast, James was captivated by the electrifying sounds of rock, finding solace in the anthems of Metallica, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. His love for music echoed in every corner of his life, much like the laughter that filled his home.
James was not only a lover of music but a master of many trades. A skilled handyman, he took immense pride in building things and had a knack for all things mechanical and electrical. Whether cooking delicious meals, sewing with care, or tidying up the home, his hands crafted memories that will last a lifetime. Above all, he cherished spending time with his beautiful family, creating a legacy of love and connection.
Visitation was held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 5:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. with a Prayer Service held at 7:00 P.M. at Primrose Funeral Services of Devine, Texas. Services will conclude at the funeral home.
In our hearts, James will forever remain a guiding light, a loving soul, and a cherished memory that we hold close. Rest easy, dear James, as your spirit continues to rock on in our hearts.
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.

Amando Armengol Bustos, (Coyote) age 84, of Devine, Texas, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on October 31, 2026. He was born on April 27, 1942.
Amando was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, and his memory will forever remain in the hearts of his family.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Matiana and Benito Martinez; Amando Bustos Sr.; his siblings, Maria Alejandra Rangel and Joe Humberto Bustos; and his grandson, Jonathan Rey.
He is survived by his loving wife, Ofelia Silva Bustos, of Devine, Texas; his daughters, Peggy Hernandez (Abraham), of Von Ormy, Texas, and Ruby Bustos, of Devine, Texas.
He is also survived by his siblings, Gloria Garcia (San Diego), Elida Martinez (San Antonio), and Ramiro Bustos (Indiana).
Amando’s legacy continues through his beloved grandchildren: Amanda (Ruben), Abraham Joshua (Carla), Abigail (Edward), Avonlea (Eduardo), and Haley.
He was also blessed with numerous great-grandchildren: Cadence, Brandon, Landon, Brayden, Matiana, Aubriana, Ruben III, Nathaniel, Paisley, Chloe, and baby Luca, along with numerous nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory.
Amando’s love for his family and the memories they shared will remain a lasting part of their lives. Though he will be greatly missed, his family finds comfort in their faith and the hope of being reunited with him in the presence of their Lord and Savior.
Services will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at Primera Iglesia Bautista Betania, 404 East Hondo Avenue, Devine, Texas 78016.
Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Services will conclude at the church.
May he rest in eternal peace.

February 15, 1937 – October 22, 2026
Jovita Pedroza Hernandez went to be with the Lord on October 22, 2026, at the age of 89.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Francisco M. and Eloisa E. Pedroza; husband, Eugene Hernandez; brothers, Juan, Antonio, Gregorio, Pascual, Ildefonso, Gabino, and Crescensio Pedroza; sisters, Francisca Haro, and Juana Farias.
She is survived by her son, Alfredo Hernandez of Devine, Texas; brother, Deacon Doroteo Pedroza of San Antonio, Texas; sisters, Augustina Rodriguez (the late Trinidad) of Stanfield, Arizona; Luz Kenneda (Walter) of San Antonio, Texas; Maria Guadalupe Loza (the late Aristeo) of Natbbalia, Texas; and Julita Rodriguez (the late Manuel) of Devine, Texas. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Mary Hernandez and Andres Hernandez, both of Devine, Texas, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Avisitation will be heldon Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at St. John Bosco Catholic Church beginning at 8:00 a.m., followed by Recitation of the Rosary at 9:30 a.m., Mass at 10:00 a.m., and will conclude with interment at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Devine.
St. John Bosco Catholic Church
500 5th Street
Natalia, Tx 78059
Services are under the Direction of Hondo Funeral Home.

Juan Jose Gutierrez, affectionately known as “Coyote,” passed away on October 4, 2026, in San Antonio, Tx, at the age of 66. He was born on March 17, 1960, to Policarpio Gutierrez and Petra Reyes Gutierrez in San Antonio and was a longtime resident of Natalia, Tx.
Juan was a skilled carpenter who worked hard throughout his life. He was known for being good-hearted and generous, but he also had a feisty side. When Juan had his mind made up, it was often his way or no way. Beneath that strong personality was a man who would give the shirt off his back or his last five dollars if he knew someone needed it more than he did.
His generosity was especially evident through his work. Juan understood that not everyone could afford what they needed, and he often gave people a break on the cost of a job simply because he wanted to help. He never needed recognition for the things he did and was, by nature, a very private person.
Juan enjoyed listening to Tejano music and lived life in his own way. Those who knew him will remember his strong will, generous heart, and willingness to help others when he could.
Juan is preceded in death by his parents, Policarpio and Petra Gutierrez; sisters, Maria Concepcion Sanchez, Margie Gutierrez; brothers, Ray Gutierrez and Eduardo Gutierrez.
He is survived by his daughters, Selma Belcher, Vanessa “Nanas” Rios; son, Juan Barrera-Frey; brother, Juan Manuel Gutierrez (Elvira); sisters, Rita Thompson, Guadalupe Reyes, Olga Torres, Hilaria Rico, and Mary Estrada; grandchildren, Samantha Recio, Tyler Hernandez, Timothy Hernandez, and Tabitha Hernandez; great-grandson, Zaiden Recio-Lopez; as well as numerous extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory.
A memorial service honoring Juan’s lie will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 11:30 a.m., at First Baptist church of Natalia, 301 Pearson St., Natalia, Tx 78059.
Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance, share cherished memories, and celebrate the life of Juan Jose Gutierrez, lovingly known as “Coyote.”

Charles “Chuck” Edward Bayne, 83, of Lytle, Texas, passed away on October 11, 2026. He was born on July 25, 1943, in Orlando, Florida, to Vernon and Roma Bayne.
Chuck served four years in the U.S. Air Force before beginning a 33-year career as a support employee of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
After moving to Lytle, TX, he met Irma Jackson in 1967. They were married in 1971 and spent almost 55 years together in Lytle, where they raised a family and made lifelong friends.
Chuck spent about 15 years with the Lytle Volunteer Fire Department and eight with the Lytle Citizens Patrol. He was also an active member of Lytle Methodist Church, where he served on the board of trustees for several years. In 2016, the City of Lytle recognized his service with its Annual Citizenship Award.
He was a devoted fan of the Texas trifecta: the Spurs, the Cowboys, and the Rangers. He loved his rounds at the Devine Golf Course, where he once hit two holes-in-one in the same month. Odds are he told you about it.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Roma Bayne; his brother and sister-in-law, Jay and Marilyn Bayne; his sister-in-law, Henrietta Bayne; and his friend and Citizens Patrol partner, Ernie Kroeger.
He is survived by his wife, Irma Bayne; his son, Jason Bayne (Amber); his daughter, Erin Lamar (Brandon); his brother, Austin Bayne; and his grandchildren, Jackson, Carter, Cora, and Colin.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Lytle Community Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will follow at 1:00 PM at Lytle Methodist Church, with a meal and fellowship afterward. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lytle Volunteer Fire Department.
Chuck will be remembered for his love of family, his service to others, and his quick wit. He will be deeply missed.

Carl Ross Chandler Sr. was born July 12, 1954, in Iraan, Texas, to Clarence Allen Chandler Jr. and Patti Jean Sansom Chandler, child number four of six. Carl is
survived by his wife, Peggy Ann; his children, Ross Chandler II, Robin Chandler Donham, Rachel Chandler Smoot, and Cass Ryan Chandler; and fourteen beautiful grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, MaryNell Chandler Burlinson, and his brothers, Leslie Chandler, Billy Mike Chandler, and Terry Wayne Chandler.

Carl was raised by a long line of hard-working, tough, strong men who worked ranches and herded sheep, goats, and cattle up and down the hills around Junction. He and his siblings worked for most of the ranchers year round until football season. These siblings were strong, fearless, and resourceful. They were expected to bring every animal down the mountains, through cactus and thick brush. They had to bring every goat or sheep down on foot. Only one person was on horseback – PawPaw!

The Chandler brothers were known far and wide as great athletes, as was their father. But they will all tell you that Carl Ross was the best of the best. He received many awards and was an All-State running back no one could tackle. In his senior year, he ranked 33rd in the state in “Most Yards Gained” in one season, with nearly 2,800 yards. Carl began playing college football
at Eastern New Mexico State University and played one year before returning to Alpine to play for Sul Ross. That year became a turning point: he met his wife, Peggy Ann, a cute, peppy cheerleader, who invited him to the pep rally…he came…and a 54-year relationship began.

Carl graduated from Sam Houston State University and began his coaching career at West Harden High School in far East Texas, with his lifelong friend, Steve Philips, also from Junction.
By then, the Chandlers had their first two of four children, Ross and Robin.

By the second season, the team had won enough games to compete in the playoffs, facing the top-seated team in East Texas. There was a small chance to win. But Coach Chandler decided he would bet them, his own players, that if they won, they could shave his head bald. Yes, you guessed correctly: they won, shaved his head bald in front of the entire town, and Peggy Ann cried.

Soon the Chandlers moved closer to home, coaching in Alice, Texas, but Clarence Chandler soon called all his boys to Corpus Christi to start C&C Industrial Builders. They built the business for two years, but Carl’s dream returned to football and the coaching he loved. He next coached in Jourdanton as defensive coordinator for several years. His players there loved him, and he was a passionate, highly skilled coach who taught his boys with skill and determination.

After Jourdanton, Carl coached briefly in Poteet, close to Peggy’s family’s ranch, but quickly got an offer to coach in Port Isabel – with remarkable success as well as fun on the beach! After three years, Falfurrias High offered him a great job. After the move, Carl and the family (smaller
now, as Ross and Robin were in college) returned to Port Isabel for three more great years. During this season, Peggy’s beloved father died, and he chose to coach in Pearsall, alongside his motherin- law and famous basketball coach Wanda Bender. The Chandlers moved to the Bender Ranch
to stay.

His next coaching career launched a fresh vision with the Hondo Owls as Ryan, his youngest son, took the field. With many successes and remarkable leadership in FCA, he began a great new chapter in his life. However, in Ryan’s senior year, Carl moved his family to Lytle, where he coached his final season. Ryan was a stellar athlete and won All-Region honors in Texas, as his
brother Ross had before him. Carl coached his daughters as well, Robin – champion hurdler- and Rachel in track and field. All of his children followed his model and obeyed the expectation of an astoundingly rigorous work ethic; the high capacity for work passed down through generations of perseverance and endurance through and against all obstacles led to pushing even harder when
quitting was an obvious choice to others.

His coaching was more than motivating and inspiring-it transcended the walls of the school buildings and ages of coaching and bled into home, church, and communities, reaching an infinite number of lives. His example and life theme of GRIT will continue to have an impact forever because his memory is more than a thought or a smile; it is tangible. He led a life that is an action; a reason to move, to get up, to keep going, to excel and achieve greatness.

Services are scheduled for Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the First Baptist Church in Castroville, located at 1408 Alsace Ave, Castroville, Texas 78009, starting at 11:00 am. A graveside service will follow at 3:30 pm, at the Bender Family Cemetery located at 90 Bender Bend, Poteet, Texas 78065.

With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Aracely Shirley Pompa, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, who departed this life peacefully on October 5, 2026, at the age of 91. Born on September 28, 1935, in Bigfoot, Texas, to Felipe and Rosa Balderrama Guajardo, Shirley embodied strength, compassion, and faith throughout her remarkable journey.
Shirley spent her formative years on a ranch, sharing laughter and life’s lessons with her beloved sisters, Adelina Calvin and Arcilia Gonzales, alongside her half-brothers, Richard, Virgil, and George Guajardo. In 1950, she married the love of her life, Ruben Pompa, Sr., and together they cultivated a family rich in devotion and unity, raising three children-Ruben Pompa Jr. (Mary Josie), Joe Pompa (Kirsten Schneider), and Christine Pompa Alderman (Omar)-who were the joy of her heart.
As a grandmother, Shirley took immense pride in nurturing her four grandchildren: Ruben, Kimberly, Joseph, and Caitlyn, and she delighted in the boundless love she shared with her ten great-grandchildren: Maelle, Elsa, Samantha, Angaleen, Christopher, Gavin, Kyra, Kaleb, Alexandria Rose, and Charlotte Aracely. A beacon of support and unconditional love, she inspired all who knew her through her gentle spirit and unwavering faith.
Aracely was preceded in death by her parents Felipe and Rosa Guajardo; father-in-law and mother-in-law Jose and Aurelia Pompa; husband Ruben Pompa Sr.; son James Pompa; two sisters and three brothers.
Her deep-rooted spirituality anchored her through life’s challenges. For over six decades, she served as a devoted parishioner at Joseph’s Catholic Church, taking on roles as a Eucharistic Minister, Christian Mother, and Guadalupana. Her commitment to delivering Communion to the homebound and nursing home residents exemplified her compassionate heart, a tribute to her care for others until her final years. We extend heartfelt gratitude to her dear friend, Vina Villanueva, who brought joy to her days, as well as to Estelita Perez, whose dedication enriched the lives of many.
The family would like to acknowledge the love and care received by Elara Caring Hospice and appreciate the condolences, prayers, and messages we received from family and friends. I would also like to add a special note of gratitude and thanks to Mary and Albert Cardenas and family for their love and consistent support.
Shirley’s life was a testament to the beauty of small acts done with great love. Shirley’s belief in finding holiness within the simple gestures of love-cooking a favorite meal, cheering at a ballgame, or offering a daily prayer.
Visitation was held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a Rosary that was recited at 7:00 PM at Primrose Funeral Services of Devine, Texas. Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with interment to follow in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.
In this time of reflection, we celebrate the extraordinary life of Aracely Shirley Pompa-a loving, nurturing soul who graced our lives with her warmth. May her memory illuminate our hearts, guiding us through days yet to come.
Rest in peace, dear Shirley. Your love will continue to bloom in the lives you touched, forever remembered, forever loved.

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.