Gilbert Rudy Villarreal, age 56 of Natalia, Texas entered eternal rest on Monday, July 24, 2023. He was born on August 5, 1966, to parents Salomon and Pauline Mendez Villarreal in San Antonio, Texas. Gilbert is preceded in death by his parents Salomon and Pauline Mendez Villarreal, brother Freddy Villarreal. He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Martina Isabel Villarreal, numerous God children, nieces, nephews, and relatives. Mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 28, 2023, 10:00 A.M. St. John Bosco Catholic Church with interment to follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic cemetery. 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.
Kelly Gael Kathleen Howard Cruz of Devine, Texas suddenly and unexpectedly passed away at home on July 16, 2023. She was born in Elgin, Illinois on February 24, 1970 to Daniel and Linda Boeger Howard. Kelly attended the Devine schools from 4th grade through High School and was a 1988 graduate. She worked for Tex-Spice of Devine for 10 years and while raising Alexis she attended college and graduated from UTSA in 2000, majoring in history. Kelly was a teacher in the Natalia ISD at the Junior High level where she taught 8th grade American History, 7th grade Texas History, 6th grade Social Studies, and Reading/English during her career that spanned over 22 years. She was also the cheerleading sponsor for the Junior High squad for several years. She is preceded in death by her husband, Alex Patrick Cruz, her mother-in-law, Minnie Duncan Cruz; father Daniel Howard and stepmother Stephanie; paternal grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Robert and Mary Ellen Kelly Howard Kadlec and Gale Howard; maternal grandmother Sandra Pool Boeger and uncle James Boeger. She is survived by her beloved daughter and granddaughter, Alexis Cruz Mangold and Emerson Rose Shavers; son-in-law Kolton Mangold; father-in-law, Alex Cruz; sister-in-law Melissa Cruz and husband, Manuel Rodriguez; mother Linda Howard; grandfather Russell Boeger, sister Brigid Howard Urrabazo and husband, Bobby; brother, Ryan Howard and sister-in-law, Tricia; aunts Kathy Howard Cuddeback, Cheri Becker Howard and Teresa Cunningham Boeger; uncles Rick Boeger, James Howard and Larry Cuddeback; nieces and nephews Amber, Autumn, Glenn, Austin, Canton, Rylee, and Kennedy: Cousins Ericka, Beth, Jill, Cheyenne, Shoshone and Seneca. Kelly had an endless love for her daughter, Alexis and their adventures in life together. We will truly miss all of her endless stories about her adventures with Emmie–”GiGi” was her favorite. Her nephew, Canton had a special place in her heart, where she was always his #1 fan and we know now she has the best seat in the house. She had an endless love for everything history, 80s music was her favorite genre, her pets including Bug, Lucy, Lola, and Petunia; Texas Tech football, the Kansas City Chiefs, and especially her students and co-workers. She will be truly greatly missed. Visitation was held from 5:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. on Monday, July 24th at Primrose Funeral Services in Devine, TX. As well as a Rosary at 7 P.M. Funeral Services were held Tuesday, July 25th at 10:00am at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Devine, Texas. Services were concluded at the Church. Services are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services in Devine, Texas.
Reuben Hernandez passed away Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at age 61. Born December 21, 1961 in Castroville and attended SW High School. He was a man of many talents who enjoyed complex projects, music and electronics, preferably working alone. He is survived by his daughter Natalie Hernandez (Alex) and children, sisters Odelia (Lilly) Rodriquez (Jerry), Berta Hernandez (Fred Garza), Rosemary Riso (Johnny- deceased), Elizabeth (Liz) Hernandez, and former wife Deane Hinson. Reuben was preceded in death by his son Reuben Jr., parents Jerry Lazona Hernandez and Gloria Ybarra Hernandez, brother Jerry Hernandez. Reuben enjoyed more than anything testifying about his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to any and all people he encountered. He never met a stranger, loved all the animals that came into his life – they loved him back. He, as his friends and family know, revered the Beatles. We will miss you dearly, dude! Rock and roll! Many thanks to Alamo Hospice and Margie Summers R.N. for all they did for Reuben. God bless them. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 29 at 10 a.m. in St. Andrews Catholic Church in Lytle (beside the US Post Office).
William “Bill” Milton McDonald, age 82, passed away on Thursday, July 13, 2023, in New Braunfels, Texas. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Joy Ann McDonald; daughter, Miltie McDonald Devin of San Antonio; son, Touchstone Kyte McDonald (Jill) of San Antonio; step-children, Jeff DuBose (Heather), Jana Seibert (Marvin) and Jill Curtis (Darrell); grandchildren, Kyte, Maddox, Leavy, Peyton, Maggie, Jennifer, Chelsea, Jacob, Jace, Aaron, Audra, Nolan, Jerrod, Jordan, Caleb and Colton, 26 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren and sister, Kathleen McDonald Ware. A lifelong South Texan, he was born on August 13, 1940, to Milton “Mac” Ross & Gladys Touchstone McDonald. Bill graduated from Devine High School and continued his education at Trinity University where he graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree. After college, he served his country as a Lieutenant in the United States Army. Upon completion of his service, he made his home in Lytle, TX where he started a family and began farming. He farmed his family’s land both close to home in Lytle as well as near Pearsall on the Wolfe Ranch (now known to the family as the San Miguel) and joined Vogel and Fey Farms and Valliant Vegetable Company as one of the owners. Bill created his own language known as Woop Talk (Woop is Wolf) and the family still speaks it today. He loved the outdoors, was an avid hunter and might we say an excellent shot and traveled across North America in search of trophy animals of which his beautiful mounts suggest he got them all. He was a volunteer of the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo on the Operations Committee and took pride in ensuring the arena dirt was top notch for all athletes, two-legged and four. Due to his hard work as a volunteer, he helped SALE get “Rodeo of the Year” for 14 years in a row and held a Director Emeritus position upon his passing. Bill was on the Board of Lytle State Bank for 47 years of which 13 were as Chairman of the Board, a bank that his grandfather, Dr. R.B. Touchstone chartered and father, Milton Ross McDonald served as President until his passing. Bill was a quiet man so when he spoke, people listened. He was genuine and caring which made people want to be around him. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Gladys; brother Robert “Bob” Bayard McDonald; sister, Mary McDonald Johnson and son-in-law, Robert S. Devin Jr. A Celebration of Life will be held on August 12, 2023, at Schattenbol at DeCock Farms, 2374 US-90 E. Castroville, TX 78009 from 5:30pm to 9:30pm. The family welcomes anyone who was in some way touched by him to come by and share stories, remember the great man that he was and maybe ask a few of us how to speak Woop. Why? Because we ubbards tabetsy porsoure (we love him infinitely and without question) and wish to celebrate the amazing man he was.
Reuben Hernandez passed away Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at age 61. Born December 21, 1961 in Castroville and attended SW High School. He was a man of many talents who enjoyed complex projects, music and electronics, preferably working alone. He is survived by his daughter Natalia Hernandez (Alex) and children, sisters Odelia (Lilly) Rodriquez (Jerry), Berta Hernandez (Fred Garza), Rosemary Riso (Johnny- deceased), Elizabeth (Liz) Hernandez, and former wife Deane Hinson. Reuben was preceded in death by his son Reuben Jr., parents Jerry Lazona Hernandez and Gloria Ybarra Hernandez, brother Jerry Hernandez. Reuben enjoyed more than anything testifying about his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to any and all people he encountered. He never met a stranger, loved all the animals that came into his life – they loved him back. He, as his friends and family know, revered the Beatles. We will miss you dearly, dude! Rock and roll! Many thanks to Alamo Hospice and Margie Summers R.N. for all they did for Reuben. God bless them. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 29 at 10 a.m. in St. Andrews Catholic Church in Lytle (beside the US Post Office).
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.
