Richard Hayes “Rick” Cooley, age 69 of Natalia, Texas passed away on Thursday, December 15, 2022. He was born on October 29, 1953, in Hamlin, Texas. He is preceded in death by his father, Jake Cooley; mother and step-father, Annie and Otto Mann, Jr.; Step-brothers, Jerry and Robert Mann. Rick is survived by his wife of 46 years, Gail Cooley; daughters, Melinda Dugosh and husband, James; Robyn Wheeler and husband, Buddy; granddaughters, Allison and Annie Dugosh; grandsons, Bo and Duke Wheeler; brother, Kenneth Cooley and wife, Georgia; step-sisters, Emily Briscoe and husband, Ben; Marylin Ingerick, Nancy Wanner and husband, Bill; step-sister-in-law, Linda Mann- Gewin and husband, Mike; step-brother, James Mann and wife Janie; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, 10:00 A.M. at the First United Methodist Church Devine, Texas with interment at Miguel Cemetery in Bigfoot, Texas. Anyone that would like to make a donation in Rick’s name may do so to the Devine First United Methodist Church or Devine Masonic Lodge #590. Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the online guestbook may do so at www.hurleyfuneralhome.com
Frank Webb Murrah of Quihi, passed away on December 6, 2022 in Castroville at the age of 49. He was born July 27, 1973 in Del Rio, Texas to Thomas Watson “Watt” Murrah and Barbara Webb Murrah. Frank graduated from Medina Valley High School in 1991. He was a skilled stone mason and founded his own company, Murrah Lathe and Plaster. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved the outdoors. Survivors include his daughter, Madison Murrah of Rio Medina; mother, Barbara Murrah of Castroville; step-mother, Jackie Murrah of Castroville; former step-father Gary Humphreys of Del Rio, sister and brother-in-law, Kate and Cliff Fowler of Devine; niece, Corinne Fowler; nephew, Owen Fowler; step-sister, Julie Ryczek and Al of Huntersville, North Carolina, step-brother, Steve Tedford and Denise of Castroville; his sweetheart, Julie Boehme Guinther of Castroville and his “bonus” kids, Hayden and Addie Guinther; as well as numerous cousins, other relatives, and friends. Frank was preceded in death by his father, Watt Murrah; and his grandparents, Harold and Corinne Webb, and Jake and Elizabeth Murrah. Visitation will be Thursday, December 15, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home with a Memorial Service at 6:00 p.m. Services will conclude at the funeral home. Memorials may be made in Frank’s memory to Scottish Rite Hospital for Children or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Visit www.tondre-guinn.com.
Laurel Jane Delbrail Oppelt passed away at her home in La Coste on December 11, 2022 at the age of 87. She was born October 2, 1935 at her grandmother, Allie Laura Brown Delbrail Winter’s home in Moore, Texas to Lester Delbrail and Edith Coggins Delbrail.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dale Delano Fell, Jr. He passed away peacefully at home on December 6th at the age of 61 after a 15 month battle with Glioblastoma.
A humble and faithful man of God, Gene Harlen Morris, 63 of Castroville, Texas, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 5, 2022.
Jeffrey Scott Wilson, age 59 of Lakehills, Texas entered eternal rest on Tuesday, November 29, 2022. He was born on June 26, 1963, to parents, James and Jean Wilson, in San Antonio, Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Steve Wilson. Jeffrey is survived by his wife and best friend, Liz Wilson; daughters, Amanda McNeely, Brandy Ates (Garrett), Bobbi Jean Wilson- Decker (McKrae); grandchildren, Colsten, Brianna, Adrian, Everly, Damen, Aven, Oliver; brother, Glenn Wilson (Sherry); sister, Debbie Woerner (Paul); numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 8, 2022, 10:00 A.M. with service starting at 12:00 P.M. Hurley Funeral Home Chapel Devine, Texas with interment to follow at Longview Cemetery Bigfoot, Texas. Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the online guestbook may do so at www.hurleyfuneralhome.com
On Tuesday, November 22, 2022 one of Moore, Texas’ all time favorite sons, Amado Pete Martinez, better known as “Rojo”, born November 10, 1968, passed away unexpectedly. His sudden passing is not only an immense loss that will forever leave a void in his family but also to the many close friends he had. Rojo was the kind of guy that if you considered him a friend you always had a true friend. He was living in Lawrence, Kansas when he passed. He never forgot his boyhood roots that were firmly planted in the Moore Hollow area, and his final wish was to have his ashes spread amongst departed family at the Moore Catholic Cemetery and at the 4 Feathers Ranch in rural Frio County so he could be sure to come home one last time. Rojo dearly loved his wife, kids and grandkids. Him and his wife loved dancing together and always stood out on the dance floor. He was a hands on type of dad always going to the their sporting events, taking them on adventurous vacations, ballgames, fishing and hunting. One particular proud dad hunting moment was last deer season, when he was by the side of his son and his son bagged his first whitetail buck ever – a trophy sized 10 pointer. He loved doting on his grandchildren taking them to the local ice cream parlor for a big ol’ cone of their favorite flavor. He was also over the moon at the recent news of a granddaughter on the way. He was a staunch supporter of his NFL team the Buffalo Bills. Rojo is preceded in death by his mother Josie Hill Martinez, father Ernesto H. Martinez, grandmother Juanita H. Martinez, aunt Lupe Hernandez. He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years Norma Martinez, daughters Josie Martinez Bank (husband Chad), Callee Martinez Hinojosa (husband Ruben), son Aiden Martinez. Grandchildren Champ and King Bank, Davilyn and Evalynn Hinojosa, brother Ernest “Gugi” Martinez, and stepmom Carmen Tellez Roberts. A memorial service will be held at The Core Church, 1910 Haskell, Lawrence, Kansas on December 9, 2022 at 7pm.
John William (Dub) Allen of Cotulla, Texas was born July 1, 1930, in Dallas, Texas. He went to be with the Lord at the age of 92 on December 2, 2022. He is preceded in death by his parents, Willie Andre Allen, and Mary Hattie Silvey. Dub is survived by his wife of 69 years, Mildred Center Allen, sons, John W. Jr. (Bill) (Frances) of Devine, Andrew C. (Andy) of Cotulla, Timothy W. (Tim) (Marlene) of Odessa, daughter Joyce L. (Cissy) of Cotulla; grandsons Mathew Q. of Desloge, Missouri, John W. III of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Thomas M. of Cotulla, T. Blayne of Odessa; and 7 great grandchildren. Although he considered Cotulla home, he still had strong ties to Medina County, especially Black Creek as that was the home of his youth and at times, his early adult hood and many family members living in the area. He worked many jobs, but he was happiest on the back of a horse, looking at cattle. In later life when sitting on a horse wasn’t feasible anymore, Dub could be found in the local coffee shops and restaurants regaling people with stories from years gone by. He will be missed by not only his family, but also many friends and community members who knew and cherished him. Viewing and visitation will be held at Peters Funeral Home in Cotulla on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, from 4 pm to 9 pm. Services will be held on Thursday, December 8, 2022, at 10 am at the First Baptist Church in Cotulla followed by graveside at the Cotulla Southwest Cemetery.
ROY EDWARD WALTERS was born December 11, 1948. He passed away December 2, 2022 at the age of 73. Roy was a 1967 graduate of Sam Houston High School. He attended Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 142 trade school and worked as a pipefitter for 42 years. Roy married his high school sweetheart, Roberta, in 1969. They were married for 53 years and were blessed with four children, 11 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Roy was an avid outdoorsman. He looked forward to family vacations in Jackson Hole, Wyoming where he enjoyed horseback riding in the mountains and fishing for rainbow trout. He also loved spending time with his family in Port Aransas. His excitement and dedication to saltwater fishing caused him to acquire the nickname Old Salty. Over the years, many of his catches caused a lot of commotion on the beach. Crowds would gather to see what he had landed from the surf. Roy took great pride in supporting his children and grandchildren in their extracurricular activities. He was a diehard Lytle Pirate fan and was easily recognized by his loud cheering during events. This tradition continued with his grandchildren and he traded in his black and gold for a variety of school colors. Whether it was sports or band the kids knew he would be there cheering them on. Roy was also a great storyteller. His tall tales were infamous and he was an expert at “pulling your leg.” His laughter was contagious and he was loved by many. From the first time you met Roy he made you feel like you were a lifelong friend. He will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents Lester and Marie Walters, his son David Brian Walters and his brother Mark Walters. He is survived by his wife Mary Roberta, daughter-in-law Kelly Lindholm, son and daughter-in-law Corey and Chelsea Walters, son-in-law and daughter Lance and Jenni Hagdorn, son and daughter-in-law Rorey and Emily Walters, his brother and sister-in-law Les and Carroll Walters, his brother and sister-in-law Gary and Debbie Walters, 11 grandchildren, one great grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 7, 2022 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Hurley Funeral Home – Lytle, 14822 Main Street, Lytle, Texas 78052. Funeral Services will be celebrated on Thursday, December 8, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Saint Matthias Episcopal Church – Devine 901 North Teel Drive, Devine, Texas 78016. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Devine. For personal acknowledgments, please visit www.hurleyfuneralhome.com Arrangements entrusted to Hurley Funeral Home – Lytle, 14822 Main Street, Lytle, Texas 78052.
LOUIS LEON EHLINGER SR. of Devine, TX, passed to his Heavenly home at the age of 95 on November 30, 2022, in Lytle, Texas. He was born in Devine, on July 29, 1927, to Willie and Theresa Ehlinger as the 7th of 12 children. The Ehlingers were a very close-knit family and were faithful members of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Devine where Louis and his brothers served as altar boys. The church and their faith were central parts of their lives, which Louis continued with his own family. Louis was a proud 1945 graduate of Devine High School where he was the quarterback and captain of the 1944 37-A Champion, Devine Warhorses! He turned 18 after graduation and enlisted in the U.S. Navy not knowing what he would be facing in his future, as WWII was still in full swing. But, on September 2, 1945, the war ended while he was still in boot camp. During those post-war months, Louis had the opportunity to play on a newly formed Naval Base baseball team, even though he had never played much baseball besides sandlot ball in Devine as a kid, using old, used tattered gloves and baseballs. The base teams were important for military morale, as well as entertainment to a nation that was coming out of a very difficult time. Louis played for 6-7 months in the Navy before being discharged and heading back home to Devine. More baseball opportunities were ahead for Louis as he played semi-pro, minor-league baseball several years for the Vernon Dusters in Vernon, Texas, where he met his future wife, Betty Alley. They married in 1948 and had two sons before moving to Devine in 1961 when he started working at Medina Base in San Antonio, Tx. He had a dangerous job as part of the “Handling Crew” who moved bombs to and from huge concrete igloo bunkers. In November 1963, he and his crew escaped an explosion there that was covered nation-wide. In 1966 Louis went to work in Devine for the Gayle Meat Company on Windy Knoll. After one year, Louis and first-cousin, Francis Schmidt, bought the company and renamed it the Devine Meat Company. Louis worked at the meat market and processed quality products for local and surrounding areas for 25 years! He said, “It was hard work, but you had to like it because of the good people around you!” He also served on the Devine ISD School Board, as did his father, and his son, plus served as Precinct 4 County Commissioner for 2 terms. After living in Colonial Oaks for years, Louis and Betty built a home on family land that has now been in the family for 110 years. Lou & Betty loved helping others in need, be it family or friend and spending many fun times with their three granddaughters, who they adored. They had 67 years of a loving marriage with lots of fun and happiness until her passing in 2016. Louis stayed busy on the farm with his cattle, going to church, visiting, and checking on his siblings when he became the “oldest of the last 6 kids”! He loved meeting up with his siblings and in-laws for birthday dinners and the monthly “Card Party” where he played “Pitch” with his brothers, brothers-in-law, and nephews, and on a good day might win up to a $1.45! Louis was known for his hard work ethic, great sense of humor, friendship, and his love for his immediate and extended family. He was always ready with a smile and hearty handshake or hug for his family and many friends. Louis was a hard-working, honest, and fair businessman who took pride in what he did, the family he raised, and being a caring Christian. But for all his accomplishments, Louis was first and foremost a humble family man who loved and respected his wife, and was very proud of his sons, granddaughters, and great-grandchildren. He was also a loving son, brother, and uncle. Louis said many times, “I have been so lucky!” “I have learned that if you treat people right, they treat you right!” That is the example he set for us and the legacy he leaves us. We will all miss him very much. Louis was preceded in death by wife, Betty, in 2016, his parents; brothers: Bill, Herb, Alex, Ferd, and Arthur Ehlinger; sisters: Annie Marie Haass, Laura Mae McMillan, and Marian Tschirhart. Louis is survived by: Sons: Louis L. Ehlinger Jr. and wife, Gail of Comfort, Tx, and Richard Ehlinger of Devine; Granddaughters: Keri (Ehlinger) and husband, Kurt Shell of Buda, Kelsey Ehlinger of Boerne, and Erin (Ehlinger) and husband, Brandon Dodd of Chattanooga, Tennessee; great-grandchildren: Hadley, Emery, and Beckett Shell, Alexis and Bryson Dodd; Sister: Alda Rose McAllister of Devine; Brothers: Marvin Ehlinger of Pearland, TX, and Melvin Ehlinger of McAllen; Brother-in-law Alex Tschirhart of Castroville, Sister-in-Law June Ehlinger of Devine; and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. Services for Louis Ehlinger Sr., were held on Dec.6, 2022 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Devine, Texas under the direction of Hurley Funeral Home in Devine. A visitation was held from 2pm-9pm on Monday, December 5, 2022, with a rosary to be recited at 7:00pm at Hurley Funeral Home Chapel in Devine. A Mass service took place on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at 10:00 am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Devine with interment to follow in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the guest book may do so at www.HurleyFuneralHome.com Arrangements are under the direction of Hurley Funeral Home – Devine. 303 W. College Ave, Devine, Texas 78016.
