Category: Obituaries

The residents of Devine are saddened by the passing of a dear friend. Michael James Oberdick (Mike) went to meet his Lord on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at the age of 68. Mike served our community as the Animal Control officer since 2008 and will be remembered for his kindness toward the many animals he dealt with through the years. Aside from the many animal control calls, Mike received calls from people requesting the removal of a skunk or other furry critters, a particular canine began a ritual with Mike by getting out of his yard so he could be picked up and get a ride home in the animal control truck.
Mike was born in New Jersey on September 5, 1955. After graduating from Colonia High School, he went to work at CITGO Petroleum eventually becoming a terminal manager and was licensed in multiple disciplines. He also worked on Petty’s Island in his long career with CITGO. Mike was eventually transferred to the San Antonio area by CITGO.
His love of country took him to Moore, Tx. He sold his place in Moore and moved outside of Devine where he and Patti Oestreich established a Tennessee Walker breeding ranch business. Every aspect of working with the horses became a passion and a love, especially the foals. Mike loved horses and he loved to ride. He participated in many trail rides including the Pony Express Ride and was a proud member of the Laredo Trail Ride. He also played the part of a ranger in a movie about Texas Rangers.
Michael is survived by Patti Oestreich with whom they shared almost twenty years together. He is also survived by his parents Cornelius and June Oberdick of New Jersey; daughter, Allison Pirelli and husband of Pennsylvania; sisters Kathy, Lori, and Lisa; brothers, Tom, Richard, and Neil; granddaughter and grandson; step-daughters and husbands, Misha and Rodney Clark and grandchildren and Hether and Kevin McCullar and grandchildren; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and a special aunt, Rose Cherego of New Jersey. And of course, his many beloved dogs and horses whom he had frequently wished to be with for eternity.

Angela (Judy) Rose Shirley-Holcomb-Law died at the age of 86 on June 10, 2023. She was born April 4, 1937 in Philadelphia, PA. She spent the beginning of her life there until she met and moved to Texas with her late husband, Harvey Holcomb. Here they raised 3 children, whom she loved and cherished until her last day. She gave everything she had to provide the best life she could for them.
She later went on to marry her second husband, John Law, the love of her life. They spent their years together in the Catholic Church spreading the word and love of God while spoiling and loving their grandkids and pets. He passed before her, but she is now in Heaven, reunited with her loving husband.
Judy was the sweetest woman in the world, the best God-loving wife, mother, aunt, friend, and most importantly Mawmaw. She had no greater joy than watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow. She would tell of all of their successes and memories to anyone who would listen. There was no greater supporter than Mawmaw.
She was a brilliant woman who spent her time giving. Her most proud years of work are when she was working in low-income apartment management and worked into her 80s. She loved numbers and doing all the math that most people would rather not deal with, but more so, she loved helping those in need have a place to call home.
She once had a dream where she showed up to the pearly gates greeted by all of her beloved animals who passed before her and I have faith that that’s exactly how she was greeted the day she left this Earth for Heaven.
She is preceded in death by spouses John Law and Harvey Holcomb, parents Joseph and Angela Shirley, grandson Joey Carroll, sister Joan “Sis” Searcy, brother Dan “Danny” Shirley and brother-in-law Don Leist.
She is survived in death by her 3 children; Harvey Holcomb Jr., Cindy Holcomb Carroll and Eric Holcomb; her 5 grandchildren; Beau (Traci) Carroll, Dawn (Joshua) Walker, Whitney (Jayson) Williams, Cheyenne (Joe) Holcomb and Erica (Welden) Rappmund; her 9 great-grandchildren; Paige Walker, Preslie Walker, McKenna Williams, Ian Walker, Heston Holcomb, Kolton Schroat, Kynzli and Tenley Carroll, and Katie Rappmund; siblings; Phina Leist, Joe “Jr” (Dotty) Shirley, sister-in-law Gail Shirley,and brother-in-law Bill Searcy.
A rosary and service is planned for Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 9:30am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 108 S Washington Dr, Devine, TX 78016 with a private burial to follow.

George Ronald Hurley, age 57 of Devine, Texas entered eternal rest on Sunday, June 25, 2023. He was born in Hondo, Texas on April 2, 1966, to parents, George Robert Hurley and Ruth Ann Banks Hurley Haven.
He is preceded in death by maternal grandparents Helen Lee Banks and Nobal Earl Banks. George is survived by his parents, siblings Guy Robert Hurley and wife, Sandra, Shirl Grego and husband, Scott, aunt Margie Williamson, uncle James Banks and wife, Marilyn, nieces Elena and Libby, nephews Daryl, Cris, Nick, Gavin, Tyler, and Garrett, numerous cousins and friends.
George proudly served in the US Navy for eight years before finding his true passion working for Sea World of San Antonio. His strict attention to detail won him many accolades for safety.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 7, 2023, 2:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. at Primrose Funeral Home in Devine with a meal and fellowship to follow immediately at his favorite restaurant, Taqueria Jalisco 743 SH-173 Devine, Texas.
Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the online guestbook may do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services, 303 W. College Ave., Devine, Texas 78016, (830) 663-4445.

Glenn William Hans, of Castroville, passed away on June 29, 2023 at his home at the age of 91. He was born May 2, 1932 in Castroville, Texas to the late Harry Hilton Hans and Alice Thresa Brieden Hans.
Glenn attended St. Louis High School in Castroville and graduated in 1949 at the age of 16. He worked for two years before joining the United States Navy, serving for four years. He then became a Master Plumber, working for Martin Bauml Plumbing and later Robert Bauml Plumbing.
On February 9, 1957, Glenn married Joyce Marie Rihn at St. Louis Catholic Church in Castroville. They were blessed with sixty-six years of marriage, four children, nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
After his first retirement as a Master Plumber, Glenn worked at St. Louis Catholic Church for eighteen years doing maintenance. Glenn served on the Castroville City Council in the 60’s and was the President for the Local 142 Credit Union in the 90’s. He was recently recognized for being the longest serving member of the St. Louis Men’s Society, having joined in 1950. On November 4, 2022, St. Louis Catholic School renamed their Comet Character Award the Glenn Hans Comet Character Award. This special recognition was a tribute to when he was a high school student and designed the school’s mascot the Comet, and because of his involvement with St. Louis Parish and School throughout his life.
Survivors include his wife, Joyce Hans of Castroville; children and their spouses, Douglas Hans of Castroville, Donald and Judy Hans of Allen, Cheryl and Kent Howard of Castroville, and Dennis and Bekki Hans of Castroville; grandchildren, Lacy Bishop (Paige), Dillon Hans, Alec Hans (Brooke), Hayden Hans, Paige Suehs (Mark), Travis Howard, Mykal Hans (Jackie), Kolbi Hans (Devin Fortson), Kortni Mangold (Trevor); great-grandchildren, Whitley Bishop, Pate Bishop, Addison Hans, Catlynn Suehs, Kais Suehs, Brent Suehs, Jade Suehs, Rae Mangold, Warner Mangold, and Gwyn Mangold; sister and brother-in-law, Jacqueline and Nelis Beck of Castroville; in-laws, John Rihn (Linda) of Castroville and Ronald C. Keller of San Antonio; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Glenn was preceded in death by his parents; daughter-in-law, Rolinda Hans; brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Rosie Hans; his sister and brother-in-law, Leatrice and Robert Bauml, Sr.; his brother-in-law, Louis Rihn; and his sister-in-law, Betty Rihn Keller.
Visitation will be Wednesday, July 5, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home with the Holy Rosary recited at 6:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 6, 2023 at St Louis Catholic Church. Interment will follow at St. Louis Catholic Cemetery in Castroville, Texas with military honors.
Memorials may be made in Glenn’s memory to Kinetic Kids or St. Louis Catholic School.
Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Visit www.tondre-guinn.com.

Stefanie Maria Vera, age 68 of Devine, Texas entered eternal rest on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. She was born on November 28, 1954, to parents Domingo and Maria Hernandez Vera in Devine, Texas.
She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Tim H. Vera, Vicente Vera, Jesus Vera, Esmeregildo Vera, Josesito Vera, Domingo Vera, Jr., sisters Lorenza Martinez, Cecilia Hernandez.
Stefanie is survived by her brother, Albino Vera, sisters Marcy Jay, Josephina Salinas, Miquelia Castillo, Romalda Vera, Lupe Moore, nephews and nieces, Anthony Vera, Joshua Vera, John Vera, John Moore, Gabriel Rene Vera, Alfonso Vera, Alvino Vera, Jr., Frankie Salinas, Lupe Vera, Vanessa Vera, Adela Moore, Connie Salinas, Mary Salinas, Elena Salinas.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 8:00 A.M. Primrose Funeral Services Chapel Devine, Texas. Rosary will be held on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 9:00 A.M. with Mass to begin at 10:00 A.M. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Devine, Texas with interment to follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the online guestbook may do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services, 303 W. College Ave., Devine, Texas, 78016, (830) 663-4445.

Jerry Gray Jones was called to his eternal home June 26, 2023, fifty-six days after losing the love of his life, Lou Ann. Since her passing, he longed for the time that they would be together again. Jerry was born March 26, 1933 to Sam and Elsie Jones in San Antonio, TX. He graduated from Devine High School in 1950 and married Lou Ann Montgomery on May 29, 1955. They were married for almost 68 years and were blessed with four children.
After graduating high school, Jerry enlisted in the United State Air Force during the Korean War and served his country as a radar specialist from 1950 to 1954. After marrying Lou Ann, Jerry worked Civil Service and was later called into the ministry and pastored several churches throughout South Texas. As a pastor, Jerry enjoyed sharing the gospel with others at every opportunity. He was always available, day or night, whenever there was a need in the congregation or community.
Jerry loved deer hunting, traveling with Lou Ann and camping in their RV, spending time with the grandchildren, and family get togethers.
In 2018, Jerry and Lou Ann moved to Kingwood to live with their youngest daughter Betty and her husband Todd. He spent his final years there and enjoyed watching westerns on TV and spending time with 3 of his great grandchildren, Caleb, Hannah, and Molly. The family would like to express their gratitude to Susan Finley for giving up so much to care for both Jerry and Lou Ann and being a good friend to them. We are forever grateful for the loving care she gave them.
Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Lou Ann, his parents, Sam and Elsie Jones, brothers Edwin Jones, Thomas Jones, and Romie Jones, sisters Cleo Wheeler, Shirley Johnson, and Cherry Jones. He is survived by his brother David Maurice Jones, sister-in-law Mildred Jones, children Johnny (Karen) Jones, Carol (Mike) Newbery, Kathy (Kirby) Haertner, Betty (Todd) Rogers, grandchildren, David (Natasha) Jones, Jessica (David) Bonnet, Joey (Leslie) Newberry, Jennifer (Jason) Moseley, Amanda (Ryan) Meegan, Emily (Justin) Robinson, Bradley (Stephanie) Rogers, and Erin Flowers, 14 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 10 AM on June 30th at Primrose Funeral Home in Devine, Texas. A visitation will be held preceding the funeral beginning at 8 AM. Interment will be at the Tomerlin Cemetery.

Thomas (Tommy) David Johnson, 71, of El Campo, peacefully passed away on June 19, 2023. He was born on December 15, 1951, to Cleo Nelvin Johnson and Helen Fern Ellis Johnson. He grew up in and around Lytle, Texas with his parents and sister Sue.
After graduating high school in Lytle, Texas, he went on to play football on scholarship at New Mexico University, and then at San Angelo State. He went to work at the Texas State Penitentiary at Huntsville, and then enjoyed a successful career in sales as a manufacturer’s representative with several companies, capping off his career at Team Associates in Houston.
He married Mary Helen McDonald in 1979 and had their son Hunter Thomas Johnson in 1986. Tommy and Mary enjoyed hunting together and bringing Hunter on countless road trips. During that time, he also built many friendships in El Campo. After Mary passed away, Tommy and Hunter spent several years in Houston before moving to El Campo in 2000. Soon thereafter, Tommy met Mary Williamson and they were married in 2005.
Tommy was an avid hunter, enjoying numerous hunting trips throughout his life across the United States, Canada, and Bolivia.  He loved many other outdoor activities, including fishing across the world and at his “honey hole” on the bay. He especially enjoyed spending time at the San Miguel with his family and friends.
Tommy was great at the things he loved. He was an excellent gardener, and anyone who knew him loved his tomatoes. One of his greatest gifts was his ability to tell a story. But in recent years, when Tommy became a grandfather, he found his greatest joy – his grandkids.
Tommy is preceded in death by his parents Cleo and Fern Ellis Johnson and his first wife Mary McDonald Johnson. He is survived by his wife Mary Williamson Johnson; son, Hunter Johnson and wife Elizabeth, and children James, Henry, and Catherine; daughter Laura Williamson Duncan and husband Tyson, and their children Tyson Dove and Mary Margaret; daughter Sarah Williamson Burden and husband Michael, and their children Ila and Harrell; son Thomas Williamson; and sister Cleo Sue Johnson Huntsman and husband Emet (Buster) Huntsman.
Viewing will be 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, June 23, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church, El Campo, followed by the Funeral Service with Rev. Dr. Erin McGee officiating. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, June 24, 2023, at the Lytle Masonic Cemetery in Lytle, Texas.
Pallbearers are Miltie McDonald Devin, Sean Huntsman, Shelley Huntsman Jones, Jay McDonald, Robert “Chico” McDonald, Touchstone McDonald, Zach Montello, Christopher Raun, Paul Schnake, Brooks Ware, Ryan Ware, and Andrew Webster.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Transplant Foundation or Ronald McDonald House.
Triska Funeral Home, El Campo,TX, 979-543-3681

July 14, 1934 – June 18, 2023
Peggy Montgomery, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend went to be with the Lord on June 18, 2023, at the age of 88. Peggy was born on July 14, 1934, to Eugene and Nina Whorton in San Antonio, Texas.
Peggy is preceded in death by her beloved daughter Teri Lynn Montgomery; both her parents and sister Evelyn McBee.
Peggy will be missed by many including her loving children Tammy McDaniel (Michael), Timothy Montgomery (Vaña), Randy Montgomery (Tammye), Ronald Montgomery (Melissa); sister Patsy Henager (Thomas) as well as 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Elmer Dale Stehle, age 72 of Leakey, Texas, entered eternal rest on Saturday, June 24, 2023. He was born on March 26, 1951, to parents, Elmer Phillip and Mary Eunice DuBose Stehle in Hondo, Texas.
Elmer is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer Phillip Stehle and Mary Eunice DuBose Stehle.
He is survived by his children Troy Stehle, Traci Blackman and husband Brent, Phillip Stehle and wife Krystal, Tyla Stehle, Jessica Gutierrez and husband Matt, grandchildren Korin Ricord and husband Dillon, Alissa Stehle, Gabi Blackman, Karissa Stehle, Cayden De La Cruz, Ty Stehle, Ryan Gutierrez, Kalli Stehle and Sadie Gutierrez, siblings Lynda Johnston, Cindy Kendrick and husband Randall, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Dale was blessed by his nine grandchildren. He loved spending time with them and was extremely proud of each of them.
Dale spent his life in Devine where he served as a Texas State Trooper, and then Constable. After he retired, he enjoyed his hill country life in Leakey, Texas.
Dale loved Devine and the surrounding communities. He loved his work, and he loved sports. You could always catch him at a softball or football game telling stories and sharing words of wisdom. He also had a love for coon hunting in his younger years.
We know he has touched many lives and leaves behind many fond memories for many friends and family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
Services are pending at this time. In lieu of flowers, you can make donations to the Medina County Sheriff’s Brown Santa. Please send donations to: 801 Avenue Y, Hondo, TX 78862, In Care of Cara Thomas
Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the online guestbook may do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services, 303 W. College Ave., Devine, Texas 78016, (830) 663-4445.