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Linda Ann Barker Casburn

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

Devine HS Homecoming Nov 8-9

For the past 72 years, the Devine Ex-Students/Teachers Association (DExSTA) has honored ex-students and teachers who attended school or taught in Devine over the years, from “way back when” to the newly graduated class of 2024!
This November 8th & 9th will be the 72nd Homecoming of the Association and you are invited to attend this special celebration. 
It all starts on Friday night, Nov.8, at Warhorse Stadium as the Devine Warhorses take on Memorial HS in the annual Homecoming football game. Come early to sign in at the DExSTA table and sit with your school friends before the 7:00pm kick-off!
At halftime, the ex-students of the Honor Class of 1974 will be on the track to be introduced and recognized for their 50th Class Reunion. Be sure to hoot and holler with them to show that you are glad they are there to celebrate!
On Saturday, Nov. 8th, Homecoming festivities continue at the Devine VFW hall (Old Green alamo) starting at 1:00pm! This is again a special gathering for all Devine alumni to visit and catch up on old friendships and spend time with former classmates; and refreshments will be served. Also, at this event the 50th Reunion Class of 1974 will be honored again and will give a class presentation. This is always a treat, not just for the honor class, but for all of us in attendance. If you were in school with the class of ’74, this is a great opportunity to come and see the big group of them and reminisce about your school days back in the 70s!


This year all former Band Members will also be recognized and honored! So many of you were in the Colt and Warhorse Bands and marched in parades, at halftime at football games, and performed at contests and concerts during your years at DHS and DMS/DJHS. Those special memories can be relived with your bandmates, and at our Band Memory table, which will include lots of pictures, instruments, and even band uniforms!
Another special thing at the Saturday event will be the annual display of hundreds of pictures and posters of students, teachers, classrooms, etc., from the over 100 years of school in Devine. This is the once-a-year time that these are displayed for everyone to see, so please come by to enjoy things from the DExSTA archives. You are also welcome to bring any pictures, class posters, old school newspapers, uniforms, yearbooks or school memorabilia to display too.
OK, now that you are interested, where can you get more information??
If you are already a member, fliers were mailed to you, but if you are not, just come by the DExSTA table at the game on Friday night or to the Saturday event and we can help you out! You can also check out the Devine Ex-Students/Teachers Association Facebook page and the Devine News for more information or contact DExSTA at 210-289-6205 (Pres. Nancy Saathoff)!
WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU @ DEVINE HOMECOMING 2024!

SCHEDULE :

Welcome Home….Vietnam Veteran tells his story, set to speak Nov. 11

By Catherine Richard
Cris Vieyra, Marine Corps Sergeant and veteran of the Vietnam War will be speaking at the Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans ceremony on November 11 at 10 a.m., at the Natalia Veterans Memorial.
The goal of the event is to “welcome home the veterans who never got the recognition they deserved,” said Ruby Vera, a Natalia Alderman and one of the main organizers of the event.
“I want the small community veterans to come together,” Vieyra said.
Vieyra pointed out that many veterans return from their service and feel estranged from the people they once knew and the place they once called home, not speaking about their service or seeking support.
This is especially pronounced for Vietnam Veterans, who were in many cases ostracized upon their return from service by anti-war protesters.
“I never told anyone I was a Vietnam Veteran,” Vieyra said.
Vieyra had joined the Marine Corps on August 2, 1964, mere months after graduating from his high school in San Antonio.
“No draft, no war, strictly volunteered,” Vieyra said.


The military was offering four years of school for four years of service. Wanting to go to college but lacking the funds, it seemed like a good deal for Vieyra.
Because of this, Vieyra, a private first class at the time, did not expect much when he departed with 30,000 other marines from Camp Pendleton on Sept. 2, 1966 on a ship for what was supposedly a training exercise.
It came as a surprise, then, when on the second day at sea, he and the other marines were told by their captain that they were being deployed to Vietnam.
Sure enough, weeks later, Vieyra landed with the second wave of Marines on the beaches of Chu Lai, which was only 30 miles away from the Ho Chi Minh trail, one of the supply lines for the Viet Cong fighters.
“It’s a different world,” Vieyra said.
The first wave of U.S. troops had come through already and had secured the area. The job of the second wave was to hold it.
Part of Vieyra ended up working with the Navy Seabees, guarding them as they cleared out the dense jungles to prevent ambushes from the guerrilla fighters.
“Their job was to move the jungle back. And they did,” Vierya said. “My job was to ride with this guy on the bulldozer and make sure he doesn’t get shot by a sniper.”
“All you are doing is looking,” Vieyra said. “You better hope you are not the Marine who fails to do his job.”
With the placement of their base next to the Ho Chi Minh trail, one of his unit’s jobs was to cut the supply line which was bringing resources from north to south.
Eventually, in the November of 1967, Vieyra’s deployment came to an end. He was sent home with around 270 Marines, back to Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, a base which is no longer open.
It was at this point that he was faced with the realities of the anti-war sentiments that were raging in America.
As they stepped off the plane, the Marines were greeted by protesters.
“They were screaming ‘go home, baby-killers, we don’t want you here,’” Vieyra said.


It was because of this pressure that Vieyra and other veterans felt compelled to conceal their military service and time in the Vietnam War.
Vieyra decided to finish his four year enlistment and then retire.
“The good Lord had blessed me with coming home,” Vieyra said. “I did not need to push my luck again.”
After serving as an sergeant for a year at Camp Pendleton in California, Vieyra returned to San Antonio with his wife and son.
Vieyra got a job as a construction worker, partly because the company did not require him to talk about his military record.
After about six years in construction, he decided to apply for a job that could utilize his skill set from the Marine Corps.
“I can run forever and shoot whatever I’m aiming at,” said Vieyra. “So I became a San Antonio police officer for the next 30 years.”
It was not until 2009 that he began to look at his time in Vietnam differently.
After his retirement from the SAPD, he and his wife went on a road trip to Mount Rushmore.
While they were there, a ceremony was held to honor veterans. The announcer of the ceremony named the America’s different wars, and any veterans from that war would stand up. That is, until she asked veterans of the Vietnam War to stand up.
Vieyra looked around him. No one stood up.
The announcer repeated herself. Finally, one veteran stood up. Suddenly, dozens of others stood up along with him. The announcer asked them to come up to the stage and say their name and rank.
“Some of them couldn’t even say their names, they were bawling.”
This experience changed Vierya.
“In 2009, my whole goal changed,” Vieyra said. “I was now a veteran who was proud to be a veteran.”
After years of hiding his military history, he began to get involved with his local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Now, Vieyra has made it his mission to help other veterans, both young and old.
“So many times, we fall through the cracks,” said Vieyra. “Some don’t get the help they need.”
In 2012, the national Commemoration of Vietnam Veterans was authorized and launched by the president at that time, Barak Obama.
The Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Ceremony aims to bridge the divide between the different service members and the communities they live in.
With the past few ceremonies, this event has drawn in anywhere from 300-500 people from all over Medina County. Music will be provided by the Mustang Band. Streets will be closed at 9 a.m. and the ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. Veterans will be honored and relatives of veterans will be able to commemorate their loved ones.
“The help we never got is the help we give now.”

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Rare Stage 5 restrictions for water use could hit Devine soon

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR Butch Cook:
If the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone doesn’t receive a substantial amount of rain in the near future, the City of Devine may find it necessary to implement Stage 5 Water Restrictions for what is more than likely, the first time ever. I was on the City Council when the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) began operating in 1996 when the city was required to pay for its allotted acre feet of water, which is now approximately $6000 per month of tax payer money. The EAA was originally formed to prevent a federal takeover of the aquifer under the Endangered Species Act; to preserve and protect the valuable state water resource, along with the endangered species in the aquifer-fed Comal and San Marcos Springs which satisfied federal requirements.
Even though the City of Devine doesn’t sit above the Edwards Aquifer, most of our public water comes from the Edwards from our two wells on FM 1343, which is pumped into the city storage tank by Warhorse Stadium, and then into our two water towers – so we are at their mercy and must abide by their guidelines for the acre feet we use.


Here is where the confusion comes in with regards to Stage 4 and Stage 5 restrictions: when the aquifer level drops to certain levels at key locations, the EAA reduces its allotment to the City of Devine by pre-determined amounts for Stage 4 and Stage 5. We began the year with an allotment of 911 acre feet which was then reduced 37% to 750 feet for Stage 4, and will soon be reduced even further for Stage 5.
The EAA provides a list of recommendations to consider for compliance; however, they are not individual mandates and each city is allowed to determine which guidelines it will follow, if any. The City of Devine can decide what its requirements are for each stage but if the City exceeds its allotted acre feet by the EAA, there will be a SUBSTANTIAL FINE imposed on the tax payers.
Stage 5 recommendations by the EAA include:

  • All outdoor irrigation, including drip irrigation, hand held watering and watering with buckets is prohibited at all times.
  • The filling, refilling or adding potable water to private swimming, wading or Jacuzzi type pools is prohibited.
  • Use of water to wash any motor vehicle, motorbike, boat, trailer, airplane or other vehicle is prohibited.
  • No applications for new, additional, expanded, increase -in-size water service connections, meters and service lines shall be allowed or approved.
  • Aesthetic water use is prohibited. Basically any non-essential use of water. My personal opinion is not allowing hand-held watering to keep valuable trees and plants alive is not required at this time. The City of Devine is in good shape to finish the year under the required quota by the EAA with the mandates imposed in Stage 4, but only with a concerted effort to manage and conserve our water usage – especially the watering of lawns with sprinkler systems which currently is not allowed. This mandate does not pertain to those who have private wells which pull from the Carrizo aquifer.
    Recent posts on our City of Devine City Hall Facebook page were intended to alert the community to the Possibility of severe sanctions.
    Fortunately, November and December are historically lower-usage months with less need for watering lawns that are about to go dormant, but we have been in an incredible drought for quite awhile.
    Special Meeting Nov. 7
    This issue will be discussed at length and how to proceed at a Special City Council meeting next Thursday, November 7, 6:00 pm at the Community Center.

Remembering “Coach J”

Devine ISD Athletic Director and Head Girls Basketball Coach Jim Sessions left his mark on literally thousands of Devine youths over the more than a quarter century in which he taught and coached in this small, extremely tight-knit community.
Coach Sessions’ passing is a gut-punch to all who knew him but is especially difficult to former players and students, both past and present.
The love and mutual respect are evident in each reply as former Arabians and Warhorses bid adieu to a man they simply knew as “Coach J.”
In memory
“Coach J had a really good sense of knowing if someone was struggling with something.  On days when no one knew I was having an off day, he would ask if everything was okay.”—Gehrig Runyan, Class of 2019
“It takes a special kind of coach to make an athlete understand the meaning of grit.  Coach J created a culture for so many Arabians that made us excited to play the game of basketball.  He was able to instill a certain confidence in me that I did not carry in any other sport.  I will always be thankful for the 4 years I got to spend with Coach J and all of my teammates.  We all love you and will miss you ( and your cookies) so much!”—Megan Runyan, Class of 2021
“Even though I did not have Coach J as a coach or teacher, he always treated me with the same kindness as if I had known him for years.  It did not take much to know the great heart he had.”—Brooke Runyan, Class of 2021
“One of the great pillars of DHS. A man who shaped many students lives from athletics to academics. You always knew if you needed a smile you could walk past him on his bench outside his classroom. RIP to not only my coach but my friend!”—Beau Cardenas Class of 2017
“The district championships and success we had reflect our joy and passion that we played with for you. We knew you cared for each one of us and I sure hope you knew how much we loved you. I will cherish the memories forever. THANK YOU!”—Baylee (Quisenberry) Cardenas, Class of 2016
“Coach J treated us like his own and pushed us to be our best every single day. We played hard for him because we knew he loved us. I hope he knows how much we loved him. He let us be ourselves; we had a lot of fun and earned a lot of wins. I will cherish the memories of being an Arabian and playing for Coach J forever. We are all better for knowing Coach J and will miss him dearly.”—Preslee Quisenberry, Class of 2019
“Thank you for always believing in me and always having my back no matter what I went through. You allowed us to simply be our true selves. You were inspiration to so many. I love you and I will miss you always coach J (aka Juicy J).  #TheJungleForever “POST UP”  John 3:16.”—Jenna Sadler, Class of 2017
“I moved to Devine junior year, and I came from a toxic environment in basketball, and I was blessed to have you remind why I loved this sport so much. You always celebrated me and always made sure I knew I was worth something. I would not have known how special I was without your presence in my life. Thank you for treating me like your own and taking me in without even knowing me. I was blessed to have you in my life, God truly gained a beautiful angel. XOXO Coach J, till we meet again.”—Vanessa Oyola (aka VO), Class of 2017 
“Coach J was an amazing basketball coach but an even better human. He left his mark on every student and player he met. We will miss you so much Juicy J but find comfort knowing you have the best seats in the world watching Arabian Basketball from heaven with Neva. #thejungleforever”—Tori Martin, Class of 2016


“One of the best human beings I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Thank you for the laughs, love and support you gave to not only myself but the entire community. Fly high, Coach J!”—Dylan Montes, Class of 2015
“You taught us more than just how to play basketball or do fancy things on computers. You were more to all of us than just a teacher/coach. The Jungle will forever cherish the memories we got to make with you. We love you Juicy J!”—Kailee (Ramirez) Dougherty, Class of 2016
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalms‬ ‭73‬:‭26‬ We have our Lord’s assurance that the sufferings of life cannot compare to the glory that is coming, for we have hope that is anchored in Christ, and an inheritance that is secured for us in heaven. As you look down from Heaven onto all of the fields/courts/courses you ever set foot, I hope you smile at the lives you touched and the legacy you leave.
PS: I will miss your delicious cookies and running through cookie drill. You had such a special way of pushing one beyond what they thought capable of themselves. You will be sorely missed. That final buzzer may have sounded but your legacy lives on. Rest easy, Coach.”—Sierra (Taylor) Zinsmeyer, Class of 2012
“I will be forever grateful for the blessing of a coach, mentor, and friend that God placed in my life. Coach J, you will be missed by the many lives you have impacted in Devine. However, this is not the end, God has the final word! I will miss you on this Earth but pray for Jesus to come quick, so that we may share His peace in heaven. Romans 10:5-11.”—Evan Mata, Class of 2021
“Mr. Sessions was a person full of love and light. Although I did not have him as a coach, he was one of my favorites. Mr. Sessions was the biggest fan of each and every kid. He would always tell me how great of a job I did after our Cross Country meets, come into my mom’s classroom and joke around with us, I would always beg him for some of his famous cookies, and he would always give in. I truly will miss him and seeing his smile when I would pop into Devine for a quick ‘hello.’ He was an amazing person with an amazing spirit and truly blessed with love from God. I have peace knowing he will be up in heaven coaching and smiling down on everyone he has ever encountered. See you soon Mr. Sessions, I hope you will have some cookies ready for me! Mathew 6: 33-34.”—Audrey Longoria, Class of 2022
“There are a million things to say, but most importantly, thank you, for all lessons you taught us, on and off the court, all the laughs & all the memories we have. Even though you are gone you still inspire SO many of us. I will never forget you. Rest easy Coach J.”—Elyse Espinoza, Class of 2016
“This is not a goodbye this is a farewell and see you soon, Jimbo. I will forever cherish every moment and greatest lesson you have taught me growing through high school and carrying it on to my future career. Your legacy to our maroon-and-gold will forever carry on and be remembered. Thank you Coach J for the best HS basketball memories!”—Yessika Garza, Class of 2016
“You were a great coach, teacher, and mentor, and playing for you was such a great time. I did not get to work with you but coached against you. I think playing Devine was always the hardest game we played, both physically and mentally. You would always give positive words, and I knew you truly meant it. If I had any questions, you were always willing to answer no matter the time. I cannot thank you enough for that! I knew my own two girls would probably never get to play for you but now, they will not get to truly know who the ‘Coach J’ was that I grew up with. Give my grandpa a hug. Love always!”—Katy (Herrera) Palacios, Class of 2004
“Coach J, words cannot express how hard it is to say goodbye to someone who left such a big impact on me both as a player and as a person. You saw the potential in me like no other and knew you could push me beyond my own limits, and for that, I am grateful. I will forever hold the memories I made playing for you (and the taste of your amazing cookies), close to my heart as those were some of the best times of my high school career. We love you and will miss you down here, but your legacy will live on through all of us. Until we see you again, stomp that foot a little louder in heaven like you would on that court. Rest easy, Coach.”—Ally Taylor, Class of 2021

By Jerel Beaty
Staff writer

Read the full story on www.devinenewsmembers.com

Dance & Golf Fundraiser Nov 9th

Dance & Golf in honor of three special DHS classmates Nov. 9
By Catherine Richard
The Devine Golf Course will be holding its second annual Angels in the Fairway tournament and dance on November 9. Tournament registration will begin at 9 a.m. and the dance will begin at 7 p.m.
The event is held in honor and loving memory of Dillon Burleson, Samantha Buvinghausen, and Jacob Sanchez, who were all members of the Devine High School Class of 2006.
All proceeds of the event will go to the Angels in the Fairway Scholarship.
The entry for the tournament is $100 a player, with cart, food, dance entry and green fee included. The first place prize $1,200, the second is $800 and the third is $400.
The benefit dance will cost $10 per person, with music performed by Kris Gordon.
To register, call the Devine Golf Course at 830-665-9943 or Ali at 210-508-6606.