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May 13, 1931 — October 30, 2024

Sara Louise Hicks passed on October 30, 2024, at the age of 93 at her home.
For over 55 years, she lived in Devine, Texas with her husband, Howard R. Hicks. Sara was a long-time Certified Public Accountant. Encouraged by her husband, she opened her own office in Devine in the mid-1960s at a time when female business owners were uncommon. Sara’s office ladies were lifelong friends, including Tereasa Baker, Edanna Park, Katherine Briscoe, Martha Zabel, Sandy Joplin, Wanda Gardner, and other semi-closeted rabble rousers. She also enjoyed working with sharp business minds like Frank Coyne, Joe Briscoe, Frank and Bill Bain, Doug Semlinger, and Kim Aaron. During the mid-1960s, Sara and Howard joined the 1st Baptist Church, where she served as treasurer for decades. Sara was a founding director of the State Bank of Texas, now the Devine branch of American Momentum Bank. Always a lady, she had high ethics and meticulous accounting that she either cultivated in or mandated of her colleagues and clients.
Sara Lynn was born in 1931 to Marcella Lynn (Brown) and Carlton Trimble. Although they divorced, each married a kind spouse, Tom Brown and Minerva Trimble, and provided Sara with half siblings: Barbara and Mike Brown, and Robert and Richard Trimble.
Sara met Howard in 1956 when he visited her church in Odessa (possibly wife scouting). Although Sara worried she might be an old maid at 24, Howard proposed within the month. After marriage, Howard encouraged Sara to complete her college degree and later built and expanded-expanded–and expanded her CPA office. They had 3 daughters–Linda, Martha, and Beth. During tax season, Olivia Munoz (Fraga) helped with childcare and became a beloved family member, as did her future husband, Ray Fraga. For her children, Sara encouraged education, making your own money, and honesty. She had a gentle sense of humor and was loving, wise, and capable of listening through endless cups of tea. She always had a novel at hand and a well-used library card. She was a true feminist and a champion of self-reliance even as she modeled a partnership marriage. In 2004, Sara and Howard lost their youngest daughter, Beth, to a criminal act by a still-unknown perpetrator. We take solace from believing Sara, Howard, and Beth are together.

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Margaret “Peggy” Elizabeth Been Lewis, 82, of Lytle, Texas, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2024. She was born on September 15, 1942, in San Antonio, Texas, to the late David Lee Been and Margaret Louise Roeper Been.
A proud graduate of Lytle High School (Class of 1961), Peggy went on to earn her nursing degree from the Baptist Memorial School of Nursing, a career in which she found deep fulfillment. Over the years, she worked as a hospital nurse, a psychiatric nurse, and ultimately retired as a beloved school nurse in Lytle, touching the lives of countless students and families.
Peggy had a deep love for the simple pleasures of life, especially the beauty of the Texas countryside. She enjoyed spending time fishing, antique shopping, and decorating her home with items that told stories and added warmth. She was also a talented pianist and loved playing classical music. Peggy’s spirit was one of kindness, generosity, and a deep commitment to her family and community.
She was preceded in death by her parents, by her husband, Leonard L. Lewis Jr.; her son, Dr. David Cos; and her brothers, David “Tommie” Been, Michael Allen Been, John Timothy Been, and William Lee Been.

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Minnie Gilley St. Clair, 92, of Devine,Texas, passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2024. She was born on August 27, 1932 in Karnes County, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Caleb and Finley Gilley, her husband, Rodney St. Clair, and daughter, Rhonda Marcum.
From the time of their marriage in 1950, Minnie was a helpmate to Rodney, first and foremost. They raised 5 children and made their home in Corpus Christi. In 1980, they moved with Rodney’s job to Devine where they found lifelong friends and a new church family at First Baptist Church.
Minnie contributed to the financial needs of the family by babysitting, ‘taking in ironing’, selling Avon, working for and learning from Dr. Hanna, and being the church secretary at FBC, Devine, where she worked until her retirement. She served at church by singing in the choir, teaching children and adults, and serving as WMU director. Rodney and Minnie loved to travel in the U.S., especially to support their family by attending ball games, weddings, and special events.
Minnie is survived by her children: Craig and Debbi St. Clair of Venus, Sondra Blakelock of Carrollton, Terri and Rick Atkinson of Alvin, and Lea and James Rhame of League City; son-in-law: Mark Marcum of Natalia; sister: Linda Hartsfield of Kenedy; sister-in-law: Nella Blyler of Inverness, Florida; grandchildren: Seth and Chrystal St. Clair, T.C. St. Clair, Charla Blakelock, Whitney and Matt Persson, Trey and Amy Atkinson, Rachel and Rodgers Kahindi, Claire and Matthew Wall, Jacob and Jennifer Rhame, Meaghan Rhame and Ray Martinez, Zachary Rhame and Diana Charles, and Jenna and Josh Allred; 22 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

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March 19, 1930 – November 24, 2024

Freeman Travis White, 94, passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 24, 2024. He lived in Devine, Texas, with his beloved wife of 66 years, Wilma, who preceded him in death. Together, they raised four children and were active members of the First Baptist Church of Devine, where Freeman served faithfully as a deacon.
Born in Plaska, Texas, on March 19, 1930, Freeman was the youngest of ten children born to John and Addie Olevia White. At the age of eight, his family relocated to Lytle, Texas, where Freeman graduated from high school.
After graduation, Freeman worked in the oil fields north of Houston, but he felt a strong calling to serve his country. Inspired by his five older brothers who served in World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. In December 1950, Freeman was called to active duty. He completed boot camp and specialized training before being deployed to Korea, where he joined the 1st Marine Infantry Division. Most of his time in Korea was spent in the combat zone, where he was injured by a hand grenade. He returned home in 1952.
It wasn’t long after his return that Freeman met Wilma, and they married on June 24, 1955.
Freeman worked for Shell Oil for nearly 38 years, primarily at the field near Bigfoot, Texas. After his retirement, he turned his focus to raising cattle and farming. He was also a skilled welder, crafting everything from practical items like trusses and cattle guards to artistic creations such as furniture, horseshoe sculptures, crosses, and even miniature hats. Freeman took great joy in using his talents to create lasting gifts for his family and friends.

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In loving memory of our beloved brother, Armando ‘Mando’ Chapa.
Mando went to be with our Lord and Savior on Nov. 14, 2024, at the age of 69.
Born on Dec. 28, 1954, he was raised in Devine. Mando graduated from Devine High School in 1974 and resided in San Antonio.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Juan and Lucia Chapa, his brother Adolph Chapa, and sisters Amada Torres, Amalia Ramos, Amelia Murray and Aurora Koethe.
He is survived by his four children, Robin, Armando Jr., Aaron and Tina, and his nine grandchildren, along with his brother Ralph Chapa, his sisters Hortencia Munõz, Andrea Lopez, Angelina Ramirez, Anna Martinez, Diana Scott and Rosie Alvarado. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Dec. 4 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Devine.
We love you, Mando.