Category: Obituaries

Dolores Delgado Ortiz, age 88, of Devine, TX, passed away on January 29, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Born on November 27, 1937, she lived a life defined by her Catholic faith, strength, wisdom, and love for her family.
Whether she was cooking favorite meals, tending her garden, cheering at family events, or traveling with her husband, she brought warmth and cheer to everything she did.
She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Jose O. Ortiz, son Javier (Odilia) Ortiz , daughter Graciela (Ivan) Molina, and grandchildren Monica, Valerie, Javier Jr., Vanessa, Jaclyn, Jon Michael, Ana, Laura, Ivan, Kristianna, and Christopher along with many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren who will continue to honor her memory.
She was preceded in death by her parents Simon and Maria De La Luz Delgado, siblings Inez, Guillermo, Apolinar, Celia, Teresa, Jose, Simon, Maria, and Eliseo. She was also preceded by three sons Elisandro, Cristobal, and Rolando Ortiz.
Her love, strength, and spirit will remain with us always.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 5:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. with a rosary recited at 7:00 P.M. at Primrose Funeral Services in Devine, Texas. Mass will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Bigfoot, Texas with interment to follow at Longview Cemetery.
Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the online guestbook by visitation www.primrosefuneralservices.com Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services, 303 W. College Ave., Devine, Texas 78016, (830) 663-4445.

San Antonio Tx
Billy was born in Corpus Christi, Tx. He attended and graduated from Pearsall ISD 1981. After graduation he worked in the oilfield for several years until his enlistment in the US Coast Guard. He retired from the USCG and moved to San Antonio for a few years then was in Springfield, IL for several more years until moving back to San Antonio, Tx.
He is survived by 2 sons William Austin Cole (Sarah)and Travis Cole and 1 daughter – Kali Cole. His mother – Linda Cole and Sister – Margie (Randy) Zinsmeyer, Nephews – Beau (Sierra) & Tyson Zinsmeyer. Grandchildren – Makenna , Michael and Abeline Cole as well as multiple Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. He was predeceased by his father William James Cole, Sr. He had a large group of friends in Pearsall and surrounding areas he cherished from his high school days.
His final resting place will be Feb 2, 2026 at 2:30 pm in Ft Sam Houston Memorial Cemetery with full military honors.

Billy was born in Corpus Christi, Tx. He attended and graduated from Pearsall ISD 1981. After graduation he worked in the oilfield for several years until his enlistment in the US Coast Guard. He retired from the USCG and moved to San Antonio for a few years then was in Springfield, IL for several more years until moving back to San Antonio, Tx.
He is survived by 2 sons William Austin Cole (Sarah)and Travis Cole and 1 daughter – Kali Cole. His mother – Linda Cole and Sister – Margie (Randy) Zinsmeyer, Nephews – Beau (Sierra) & Tyson Zinsmeyer. Grandchildren – Makenna , Michael and Abeline Cole as well as multiple Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. He was predeceased by his father William James Cole, Sr. He had a large group of friends in Pearsall and surrounding areas he cherished from his high school days.
His final resting place will be Feb 2, 2026 at 2:30 pm in Ft Sam Houston Memorial Cemetery with full military honors.
Memorials can be made in his honor to a benefit of your choice.

Joe Castillo, Jr., born on January 26, 1953, in Stanfield, Arizona, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, at the age of 72, where he later made his home in Lytle, Texas.
Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. A proud Native American man with a wild and free spirit, Joe lived life on his own terms. He had a heart full of love, a contagious laugh, and a way of making everyone around him feel joy and warmth. Though his wings were ready, our hearts were not.
Joe worked for many years as a roofer, providing for his family through hard work, strength, and dedication. Outside of work, he loved to joke, dance, and have a good time. He was always the life of the room, and his favorite song, “Free Bird,” perfectly captured his free spirit and love for living.
Above all else, Joe was the best dad ever. He was the proud father of seven children—“and counting,” as he liked to say—and his family was the center of his world. He adored his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy.
Joe shared a deep and loving bond with his beloved wife, Virginia “Vicki” Torres, whom he cherished deeply. He welcomed her family as his own and loved them with unwavering loyalty and care.
He is survived by his loving wife, Virginia Torres, and his children and their spouses: Jojo Castillo and Sandra Lopez; Tony and Michelle Castillo; Monica Castillo and Lorenzo Olvera; Debby Flores; Katie and David Chlad; Joelouis Barlow and Virginia Reese; Marjorie Castillo and Terrance Bedingfield Jr.; Amy Castillo and Carlos Ortiz; Olivia and Rudy Rodriguez; Stephanie and Dan Booth; Pedro and Loretta Guerrero; Santiago and Marissa Morantez; and Anna Marie Guerrero.
He is also survived by his siblings, Constance Ochoa, Anita Ochoa, and Louie Castillo, along with many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.
Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Marjorie Galvan Hernandez; his father, Jose Castillo; his brother, Daniel Castillo; his sister, Marjorie “Hope” Ochoa; and his grandson, Gabriel Benegas, who now welcome him home in heaven.
Joe now rests in the promise of eternal life, as written in Scripture:
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” — John 11:25–26
A Funeral Mass will be held on January 26, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Church in Lytle, Texas. An open reception will follow the service at the Rodriguez residence.
Joe Castillo, Jr. will be remembered for his love, strength, laughter, dancing, and the powerful legacy he leaves behind through his family. He was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.

Natalia Police Report

1/5/2026 – Officers responded to the 500 Blk of 5th street for a theft that had occurred the case is being investigated.
1/6/2026 – Officers were dispatched to the 600 Blk of 4th street for a dog bite that occurred the victim was take to the hospital for the bite case is still pending investigation.
1/8/2026 – Officers responded to the St Hwy 132 for illegal dumping the individual was advised and picked up the trash.
1/9/2026 Officers were dispatched to the 600 Blk of 4th St for a verbal disturbance; everyone was separated and no charges were filed.
1/9/2026 – Officers were dispatched to 3rd St and 471 for a couple arguing upon arrival they were separated and the female left the area.

Barbara Lee Smith passed away on December 31, 2025. Barbara was born July 12, 1940 in San Antonio, TX.
She was independent and strong-willed, living life on her own terms and loving her family deeply.
She is survived by her sons James Woodcock and wife Missy, Greg Woodcock and wife Tena, and Fred Smith Jr.; grandchildren Chris, Logan, and Savanah Woodcock; Jaren and Lily Woodcock; Jayden Causey; sister Sissy Joyce; four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Lytle Methodist Church, 19341 S. Somerset St., Lytle TX 78052.

Robert David Brown passed away on January 7, 2026, at the age of 70.
Robert was born in San Antonio, Texas, on October 26, 1955, to Robert (Bob) Brown and Ruth Hernandez Brown.
He moved to Devine at age 10 after his father, Mr. Brown Sr., had the opportunity to open a Chevrolet dealership in town. It was then that Robert discovered his first passion—the auto industry.
He began with humble beginnings at the dealership; his first assignment was washing cars for years.
Robert graduated from Devine High School, Class of ’74, and went on to college with all his Beatles albums—music being another of his passions.
He attended the University of Texas at Austin, graduating in the Class of ’78 with a degree in Business Administration.
One of his proudest memories from this time was driving from Austin to Devine almost every weekend to sell cars and continue learning about the auto industry.
Along his college journey was his high school sweetheart, Connie, whom he married on July 8, 1978. They shared a son, Robbie. Connie sadly passed away in 1999.
Robert continued to work his way up in the Brown Auto Stores, holding many titles at dealerships in Devine, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Laredo—proudly becoming one of the nation’s youngest dealers.
Over the years, he served as a salesman, sales manager, Finance Director, and ultimately CEO/President and Dealer Principal of the Brown Auto Group.
He also served on the Board of Directors for the Bank of Texas and the Texas Auto Dealer Association. Robert was a proud member of the Texas Exes Alumni Association. Hook ’em!
He carried on his parents’ legacy and commitment to supporting the communities served by the dealerships.
Robert was a dedicated season ticket holder for the San Antonio Spurs for more than 30 years. He attended games regularly, inviting family, friends, and employees, and donated his seats in the Super Box countless times for charity.
In 2008, Robert found love again, marrying Thelma Romero Brown on November 13, 2010. Together, they had three beautiful children: Victoria, Delilah, and Armando.
Robert held many titles and accolades, but the one he valued most was being a dad.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert B. Brown and Ruth Marie Hernandez Brown; his first wife, Connie; his infant son, Baby Boy Brown; and his brother, Michael.
He is survived by his wife, Thelma Romero Brown; his children, Robbie, Victoria, Delilah, and Armando; his siblings, William George Brown and wife Tammy of New Braunfels, and Jeannette Brown Perez and husband Carlos of Del Rio; his grandchildren, Robbie and Milli; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Honored to serve as pallbearers are: Robert (Robbie) Brown, Armando Jorge Brown, Carlos Perez, Pete Ortiz, Christopher Ortiz, Emmanuel Cuevas, Jorge Alberto Romero, Gustavo Gallegos.
Honorary pallbearer, William George Brown.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm at Primrose Funeral Service of Devine, Texas. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 1:00 pm at the First Baptist Church of Castroville, Texas, with interment to follow in Evergreen Cemetery in Devine, Texas.
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.

We are sad to announce the passing of JoAnn Marsh Davis, born September 21, 1946, passed on December 22, 2025. She resided in Seguin, Texas for the last couple decades of her life where she is survived by her Husband Mike Palmer.
JoAnn went to school and later taught in Natalia and Devine, where her parents were very active in the Church of Christ.
She is predeceased in death by her Son Joey Nathan Davis.
She is survived by her eldest Son Carl Von Oberlender and his spouse Loyd Hawkins; Son Terry Jay Oberlender and his wife Bernarda Oberlender; Grandchildren Samantha Bailey Oberlender, Branden Chase Oberlender and his wife Sara, Tristen Seth Oberlender and his wife Lahni, Jayven Blane Davis and Jaya Mae Davis; Great Grandchildren Jade Aura Dubose, Bluenn Fleur Dubose, Riley Grey Oberlender and Weston Tate Oberlender.
A graveside service will be held Sunday, January 18th at 2 PM at Evergreen Cemetery in Devine, Texas.

Della Marie Linehan of Natalia, Tx, was born September 20, 1934, in Seagraves, Tx. At the age of 91, she peacefully left this world surrounded by family and entered the pearly gates on January 4, 2026.
She is preceded in death by her husband Jimmy of 64 years, parents, John C. and Viola Bluhm, along with six sisters and two brothers.
Della is survived by her children, Joe “Doc” Linehan, Brenda Fernandez (Mike), Janice Gray (Ricky), Monty Linehan (Lisa), eleven grandchildren, twenty-eight great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandkids.
Della, also known as Del and Mom, but most importantly, Granny, and Mimi, lived a life defined by faith. Her heart for her family, friends, and Church has been felt for many decades and across generations. Countless people were blessed with her gifts. Whether through sewing, quilting, embroidery, upholstery, baked goods, handmade jewelry, or something grown in her garden. No project was ever too big or small for her loving hands. She lived to serve others first, and few have ever loved as fiercely or as faithfully as she did.
Service officiated by Grandson, Chestly Gobar.
Honorary Pallbearers: Joe “Doc” Linehan, Monty Linehan, Mike Fernandez, and Ricky Gray
Pallbearers: Kellen Nixon, Antonio “Nano” Ramirez, Frankie Reyes, Jr., Aidan Villarreal, Alec Villareal, and Joshua Ramon
A visitation was held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm at Primrose Funeral Services at 303 West College Ave, Devine, Texas, 78016.
The funeral service was also held at Primrose Funeral Services on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 10:00am with interment to follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Devine, Texas.
If you would like to express your condolences, or share a memory, please do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Primrose Funeral Services in Devine, Texas

Marjorie Louise Knappick Marbach, age 88 of Devine, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2025, at her home with her family by her side.
Margie, as her family and friends called her, was born April 29, 1937, in Leming, Texas to parents Adolf Walter Knappick and Alma (Neal) Knappick. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband, Paul Marbach, and brother, Anton (Tony) Knappick.
Marjorie is survived by her children, Jim (Ande) Marbach of Carlsbad, NM, Cindy Stein of Hondo, TX, John Marbach of Devine, TX, Randy (Tina) Marbach of San Marcos, TX, eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and half sister, Peggy Biela.
Visitation will be held at Primrose Funeral Services in Devine, Texas on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, with a Funeral Service at 3:00 pm. Interment will follow in Saint Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Cal-Farley’s Boy’s Ranch at 600 SW 11th Ave, Amarillo, Texas 79101
If you would like to share a memory or express condolences, please do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com
Arrangements are under the care of Primrose Funeral Services of Devine, Texas.