Category: Obituaries

May 13, 1931 — October 30, 2024

Sara Louise Hicks passed on October 30, 2024, at the age of 93 at her home.
For over 55 years, she lived in Devine, Texas with her husband, Howard R. Hicks. Sara was a long-time Certified Public Accountant. Encouraged by her husband, she opened her own office in Devine in the mid-1960s at a time when female business owners were uncommon. Sara’s office ladies were lifelong friends, including Tereasa Baker, Edanna Park, Katherine Briscoe, Martha Zabel, Sandy Joplin, Wanda Gardner, and other semi-closeted rabble rousers. She also enjoyed working with sharp business minds like Frank Coyne, Joe Briscoe, Frank and Bill Bain, Doug Semlinger, and Kim Aaron. During the mid-1960s, Sara and Howard joined the 1st Baptist Church, where she served as treasurer for decades. Sara was a founding director of the State Bank of Texas, now the Devine branch of American Momentum Bank. Always a lady, she had high ethics and meticulous accounting that she either cultivated in or mandated of her colleagues and clients.
Sara Lynn was born in 1931 to Marcella Lynn (Brown) and Carlton Trimble. Although they divorced, each married a kind spouse, Tom Brown and Minerva Trimble, and provided Sara with half siblings: Barbara and Mike Brown, and Robert and Richard Trimble.
Sara met Howard in 1956 when he visited her church in Odessa (possibly wife scouting). Although Sara worried she might be an old maid at 24, Howard proposed within the month. After marriage, Howard encouraged Sara to complete her college degree and later built and expanded-expanded–and expanded her CPA office. They had 3 daughters–Linda, Martha, and Beth. During tax season, Olivia Munoz (Fraga) helped with childcare and became a beloved family member, as did her future husband, Ray Fraga. For her children, Sara encouraged education, making your own money, and honesty. She had a gentle sense of humor and was loving, wise, and capable of listening through endless cups of tea. She always had a novel at hand and a well-used library card. She was a true feminist and a champion of self-reliance even as she modeled a partnership marriage. In 2004, Sara and Howard lost their youngest daughter, Beth, to a criminal act by a still-unknown perpetrator. We take solace from believing Sara, Howard, and Beth are together.

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Margaret “Peggy” Elizabeth Been Lewis, 82, of Lytle, Texas, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2024. She was born on September 15, 1942, in San Antonio, Texas, to the late David Lee Been and Margaret Louise Roeper Been.
A proud graduate of Lytle High School (Class of 1961), Peggy went on to earn her nursing degree from the Baptist Memorial School of Nursing, a career in which she found deep fulfillment. Over the years, she worked as a hospital nurse, a psychiatric nurse, and ultimately retired as a beloved school nurse in Lytle, touching the lives of countless students and families.
Peggy had a deep love for the simple pleasures of life, especially the beauty of the Texas countryside. She enjoyed spending time fishing, antique shopping, and decorating her home with items that told stories and added warmth. She was also a talented pianist and loved playing classical music. Peggy’s spirit was one of kindness, generosity, and a deep commitment to her family and community.
She was preceded in death by her parents, by her husband, Leonard L. Lewis Jr.; her son, Dr. David Cos; and her brothers, David “Tommie” Been, Michael Allen Been, John Timothy Been, and William Lee Been.

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Minnie Gilley St. Clair, 92, of Devine,Texas, passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2024. She was born on August 27, 1932 in Karnes County, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Caleb and Finley Gilley, her husband, Rodney St. Clair, and daughter, Rhonda Marcum.
From the time of their marriage in 1950, Minnie was a helpmate to Rodney, first and foremost. They raised 5 children and made their home in Corpus Christi. In 1980, they moved with Rodney’s job to Devine where they found lifelong friends and a new church family at First Baptist Church.
Minnie contributed to the financial needs of the family by babysitting, ‘taking in ironing’, selling Avon, working for and learning from Dr. Hanna, and being the church secretary at FBC, Devine, where she worked until her retirement. She served at church by singing in the choir, teaching children and adults, and serving as WMU director. Rodney and Minnie loved to travel in the U.S., especially to support their family by attending ball games, weddings, and special events.
Minnie is survived by her children: Craig and Debbi St. Clair of Venus, Sondra Blakelock of Carrollton, Terri and Rick Atkinson of Alvin, and Lea and James Rhame of League City; son-in-law: Mark Marcum of Natalia; sister: Linda Hartsfield of Kenedy; sister-in-law: Nella Blyler of Inverness, Florida; grandchildren: Seth and Chrystal St. Clair, T.C. St. Clair, Charla Blakelock, Whitney and Matt Persson, Trey and Amy Atkinson, Rachel and Rodgers Kahindi, Claire and Matthew Wall, Jacob and Jennifer Rhame, Meaghan Rhame and Ray Martinez, Zachary Rhame and Diana Charles, and Jenna and Josh Allred; 22 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

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March 19, 1930 – November 24, 2024

Freeman Travis White, 94, passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 24, 2024. He lived in Devine, Texas, with his beloved wife of 66 years, Wilma, who preceded him in death. Together, they raised four children and were active members of the First Baptist Church of Devine, where Freeman served faithfully as a deacon.
Born in Plaska, Texas, on March 19, 1930, Freeman was the youngest of ten children born to John and Addie Olevia White. At the age of eight, his family relocated to Lytle, Texas, where Freeman graduated from high school.
After graduation, Freeman worked in the oil fields north of Houston, but he felt a strong calling to serve his country. Inspired by his five older brothers who served in World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. In December 1950, Freeman was called to active duty. He completed boot camp and specialized training before being deployed to Korea, where he joined the 1st Marine Infantry Division. Most of his time in Korea was spent in the combat zone, where he was injured by a hand grenade. He returned home in 1952.
It wasn’t long after his return that Freeman met Wilma, and they married on June 24, 1955.
Freeman worked for Shell Oil for nearly 38 years, primarily at the field near Bigfoot, Texas. After his retirement, he turned his focus to raising cattle and farming. He was also a skilled welder, crafting everything from practical items like trusses and cattle guards to artistic creations such as furniture, horseshoe sculptures, crosses, and even miniature hats. Freeman took great joy in using his talents to create lasting gifts for his family and friends.

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In loving memory of our beloved brother, Armando ‘Mando’ Chapa.
Mando went to be with our Lord and Savior on Nov. 14, 2024, at the age of 69.
Born on Dec. 28, 1954, he was raised in Devine. Mando graduated from Devine High School in 1974 and resided in San Antonio.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Juan and Lucia Chapa, his brother Adolph Chapa, and sisters Amada Torres, Amalia Ramos, Amelia Murray and Aurora Koethe.
He is survived by his four children, Robin, Armando Jr., Aaron and Tina, and his nine grandchildren, along with his brother Ralph Chapa, his sisters Hortencia Munõz, Andrea Lopez, Angelina Ramirez, Anna Martinez, Diana Scott and Rosie Alvarado. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Dec. 4 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Devine.
We love you, Mando.

Sarah Gonzales Gray, age 84, of Somerset, TX passed away November 22, 2024 in San Antonio, TX with her son by her side. Sarah was born in San Antonio on July 22, 1940 to Madrid and Olivia (Colunga) Gonzales.
Sarah grew up and attended school in Somerset. In 1963 she married the love of her life, Robert Leroy Gray. Thanks to Bob’s Air Force career, Sarah, Bob and their son, Rodney were able to travel around the world and the United States. The small family lived in Japan, England, Michigan and of course Texas, eventually returning to Somerset.
Sarah, Bob and her sister, Susie, relished trips to Kickapoo, Coushatta and even Las Vegas to gamble. Making tamales at Christmas with Susie and Beatrice was another cherished activity. She loved working in the yard and cheering Rodney on in his various endeavors and later she especially loved being a grandmother and great-grandmother.

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Lula Wheatley, of Natalia, Texas has passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones at the age of 89.
She was born and raised in Oak Grove, Arkansas. Lula loved to cook, and proudly cared for and fed all those that came through her door. She loved to garden, and raised most of the vegetables that she lovingly served. She taught Sunday School in church and was the church secretary, and worked for Levi company as well.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Dolph and Thelma Marie High; son, Ricky Dean Wheatley; brother, Ferman High; sister, Frances Sooter; grandson, Jeremiah Wheatley, nephews, Denny High and his wife Kitty, and Randy High.
Lula is survived by her husband of 63 years, Johnnie Wheatley; son, Robert (Khataza); Daughter in law, Cathy Wheatley; granddaughters, LaDonna Hiatt (Michael), Hannah Wheatley, and Lenah Wheatley; grandsons, Kenny Walker (Sarahanne), James Wheatley (Cammie Ray); brother, Ronald High (Betty); great grandson, Brady; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
There will be services held at Harvest Assembly Church in Berryville, Arkansas at a later date.

Linda Ann Barker Casburn, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, left this world on November 8, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 78. Born on August 27, 1946, in El Paso, Texas, Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur Barker and Mary Kate Reames Barker of Las Cruces New Mexico and her brother-in-law Eli Eliason of Mimbres New Mexico. She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Edwin Houston Casburn, her sister, Adel Eliason, a beloved niece Kristen (Donny) Smith and two nephews Art (Sue) Eliason and Carl Eliason.

Linda was raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico. She came from farming roots as her parents owned and operated a chili farm called FC Barker & Company in Las Cruces, NM. What began as a family vegetable farm later became a successful and well-known chili farm. Linda’s father, Arthur Barker, along with the Department of Agriculture at New Mexico State University, developed a hot chili seed called “Barkers Hot”. The new chili variety gained momentum quickly and FC Barker & Company sold the chili whole, crushed and as chili powder to local vendors as well as national chains. They were pioneers in the farming world as the first to dry, crush and grind chili into a powder. They also sold scraps to Revlon Cosmetics so that the dye could be used in products that Revlon manufactured. Upon Arthur’s death, the farmland was sold as was the business name. Today, you can still purchase Barker Chili at various grocery locations across The United States.

Linda was known for her musical talent. Her parents encouraged her at the young age of six to take piano lessons. Her talent blossomed as she learned to play the accordion in the fourth grade and the clarinet in the fifth. Linda once went on a high school band trip to California, where she played the clarinet in The Rose Bowl. She later attended the Tiffany Music Academy in El Paso and later, while residing in Houston, the Palmer-Hugh’s Accordion Academy. There, she joined the orchestra and performed in a concert at the prestigious Jones Hall. Her musical prowess earned her a guest artist spot on the Lawrence Welk Show, where she shared the stage with Myron Floren in an accordion duet.

Linda married her high school sweetheart Jack Alton Morris in 1963, and they remained married for 28 years. They had three children: Scott (Melissa) Morris, Kathy (Wilson) Korona, and Debi (Kenneth) Capps. They were blessed with many grandchildren: Joshua (Brittany) Capps, Emily (Ernie) Morales, Mason (Alyssa) Capps, Zachary (Ebonee) Morris, Lyndsey Korona, Abbie Capps, Zane Morris, and Zander Morris, great-grandchildren, Elijah, Emmett & Everett Morales, Audrey & Kenneth Capps, Lincoln Capps and Eloise Morris.

Jack and Linda lived in various places over the years including Las Cruces, El Paso, Houston, Galveston and Pleasanton. They moved to Devine in 1976, the place they came to call home where they raised their three children. Linda served as a secretary for Hurley Funeral for many years and as a musician and choir director for The First United Methodist Church. She was active in many community organizations such as The Garden Club, Eastern Star, The Chamber of Commerce and the youth group for the Methodist church. She volunteered her time from everything from accompanying high school band members on the piano for UIL competitions to volunteering at youth church camp to driving cancer patients to San Antonio to receive treatment. She enjoyed entertaining and always kept a beautiful home that was decorated for every season. She had a way of making holidays special and made everyone feel welcome who came into the family’s home. Above all, she enjoyed supporting and cheering on her children in their interest including volleyball, basketball, 4-H, stock shows, high school rodeo and more!

In 1992, Linda’s journey continued with her marriage to Edwin Houston Casburn, with whom she shared 32 years of love and music. Together, they formed a jazz band called “The Nova Tunes”. They played for numerous assisted living communities over the years, bringing much joy to the residents. Ed and Linda served in the choir for Blanco United Methodist and Bulverde United Methodist Church.

Linda also embraced her role as a stepmother and grandmother to Ed’s children Mark (Irene) Casburn, Kyle (Julie) Casburn, and Karen (Jewell) Gravell-Morris, and their children Annie (Brad) Buysee, Sarah Casburn, Benjamin (Ann) Gravell, Alexander Casburn, Amy (Noah) Austria, Garrett Casburn, Mackenzie Casburn, and great-grandchildren Willow and Violet Buysee, and Annika Austria.

Ed and Linda enjoyed a quiet life in Bulverde for many years where they hosted many family events, reunions, Christmases and grandkid sleepovers. They went on many adventures in their fifth wheel and planned many special camping trips just for the grandchildren. The grandchildren have fond memories that they will treasure of many special occasions that Grammie planned just for them. She will be dearly missed but her legacy lives on in the lives of those she loved.

There will be visitation for family and friends at Porter Loring North of San Antonio, Texas on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 10am until service time at 11am. Interment will follow at Hill Country Memorial Gardens.

If you would like to express your condolences, or share a memory, you may do so at www.porterloring.com