Kingsville Record & Bishop News

Matthew John Brown (Matt), native Texan and Upshur County landowner, passed away in a car accident on March 16th 2023 in Jacksonville, Texas. Matt was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on July 8th 1986. Matt was raised in Kingsville, Texas with three siblings, with whom he shared a tight bond; his memory will be carried on through their love of tennis and fishing. Matt was a USPTA Certified Professional Tennis Coach who helped many people develop their talent and love of tennis. He was an avid fisherman who loved the south Texas coastline and whose fish stories matched his catch. The ultimate grill master, Matt spent over 10 years learning how to grill nearly any meal on any pit. He was an...

On February 22, 2023, the Reverend Dr. Robert Hugh Johnston, Jr. of Victoria, Texas, loving husband and father of four passed away from natural causes at the age of 92. Robert was born on November 25, 1930, to Robert Hugh Johnston and Neddie Lane Johnston. He was a polymath: cardiovascular surgeon, colonel in the U.S. Army, pilot, and Episcopal priest. He attended Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas and after transferring, he graduated from Baylor University in 1954. He then attended Baylor Medical School in Houston. He trained as a cardiovascular surgeon with Dr. Michael DeBakey and Dr. Denton A. Cooley. He then continued to practice medicine for more than 50 years - including...

Mario Saldana Garcia, 92, of San Antonio passed away January 15, 2023 at home surrounded by family. He was born May 2, 1930 in Kingsville to Juan and Feliciana Saldana Garcia. Mario proudly served in the U.S. Air Force, was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Victoria, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He retired from Celanese Corporation in Kingsville. Mario was charming and sociable. He loved cars and maintaining his home. His happiest moments were with his friends and family. He was an avid Astros and Cowboys fan. He is survived by his daughter, Sylvia King of Willis; step-daughters, Velma Rendon (Rey) and Leticia Gonzalez of San Antonio, Debbie Pfeifer...

James Alexander Rickard died peacefully at his apartment in Austin, Texas, on Friday, the 16th of December 2022. He was 96 years of age. He was born in Austin on the 9th of July 1926, the son of Dr. John Allison Rickard and Bessie Mae White Rickard. Jim grew up mostly in Kingsville, Texas, where he made lifelong friendships. He attended Texas A&I University, now known as Texas A&M University at Kingsville, where he received both his BS (summa cum laude) and MS in 1948. He then entered the University of Texas, where he met and married Marjorie Claiborne Bell in 1952 while both were associated with the University. After earning his PhD in nuclear physics in 1953, Jim and Marge...

Julie Lynn Brandt entered eternal rest August 24, 2022, at the age of 62. She was born July 28, 1960 in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, to the late Paul and Joyce Okerman. She was a free spirit, always smiling and laughing and loved her life. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, aunt, friend, daughter in law, sister in law and teacher. She was preceded in death by her late husband, Richard Alan Landeche; her parents, Paul and Joyce Okerman; her grandson, Nicholas Alan Brandt; in-laws Cecil and Gwen Brandt. Julie leaves behind her husband, Willie Brandt of 31 years, her daughter Kristin (Tony) Mechell, her daughter Rebecca (Scott) Stewart; grandchildren Alexis Lynn...

James Burt Sr., 71, of Yorktown passed away at home with his wife by his side on August 8, 2022. James was born July 3, 1951 in Fort Payne, Alabama to the late James and Edith Colvin Burt. James proudly served his country in the Army from 1971-1974. He married Phyllis Ann Salge on January 18, 1980. James was a proud employee of McAda Drilling Fluids for over 20 years. When he wasn't working he loved spending time with his family, bbqing and sitting around a camp fire. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing trips down Padre Island, deer and dove hunting and racing pigeons. He also enjoyed watching the Alabama Crimson Tide Football games and vacationing with his...

Sue Williams, a longtime resident of Bayview, Texas, peacefully passed from this life on Friday, June 17, 2022. She was born to the late Wilbur B. and Stella Mae Garey Willbanks on August 9, 1941 in Brady, Texas. Sue was a graduate of H.M. King High School in Kingsville, Texas and attended college for two years. She was co-owner and Secretary/Treasurer of Bayview Orchard Service before her retirement. Her husband, John L. Williams continues to own and operate the family business. She loved birds and collected many figurines; she also enjoyed playing card games with friends. Left to treasure Sue's memory is her loving husband, John; her son and daughter-in-law, Troy and Wendy Williams and...

Marian McConnico Harrel was born to Johnny B and Kate Clark McConnico at Sinton Hospital on November 28, 1927. After 94 years, she passed peacefully on February 20, 2022. Raised in Gregory, Texas she graduated as salutatorian in 1944. Marian attended Texas A & I University where she was elected Lantana Queen of 1948 and Aggie Sweetheart of 1949 and graduated with degrees in home economics and education. Teaching a total of 27 years in Gregory, Robstown and Ricardo, she spent the majority of her career at Ricardo Elementary teaching second grade. She is fondly remembered by many of her former students as a teacher who made a significant impact on their lives. She was a member of Delta...

Evelyn T. Shimek Nix, 87, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on November 27, 2021. She was born on September 2, 1934, in El Campo, Texas, to the late John V. and Bertha Socha Shimek. Evelyn was a graduate of El Campo High School and Texas A&I University in Kingsville. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in Education. Evelyn taught in the Corpus Christi, and Kingsville School districts for over 30 years before retiring. She was married to the late Charles Miller Nix for 53 years, they had several businesses, including Ranching in Kingsville, where they lived for 36 years. Those who knew Evelyn were blessed by her charm, class, spirit, and her amazing smile. She was an excellent...

Kenneth Noble Suggs, age 73, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 7, 2021 in Alice, Texas. He was born on January 26, 1948, to James L. Suggs and Ellen Shafer Suggs in Bishop, Texas. Noble was a lifelong resident of Bishop where he graduated High School. He proudly served in the United States Army. He married his loving wife, Karen in 1971 and had three children. He worked for Celanese Chemical Plant as an Operator for 30 years. Noble coached baseball and soccer, was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bishop. He also had the honor of serving as the City of Bishop Mayor and Municipal Court Judge. Noble enjoyed spending time at the lake house at Lagarto Creek and "The Ranchito"...

David Bruce Harrison, age 72, of Lenoir City, Tennessee passed away on Monday, September 20, 2021. David was born November 4, 1948. He lived in the Kingsville (Sarita, Riviera, and Bishop) area for fifty years before relocating to East Tennessee. He worked for the King Ranch, the KPD, and Virginia Chemicals before retiring from Celanese. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Lynn, his two sons, Mark Christopher of Chattanooga, TN and Michael Paul of Santa Rosa Beach, FL. His daughters Lisa Blea and Leslie K Locker both live in Texas, and his daughters Sara Lee Wilkins and Elizabeth L Harmon both live in Lenoir City, TN. David "Pop" Harrison will be missed by so many including 16 grandchildren...

Stephen Scott Gafford, of Alice, Texas, passed away at the age of 62. He was born on March 20, 1959 to Robert Howard Gafford and Melba Wilcox Gafford. He was raised in Kingsville, Texas where he spent many years working in the oil and gas industry and on the family ranch. Stephen was a unique man, full of character and surprises. He enjoyed fishing, tinkering on his computer, and connecting with people. Preceding Stephen in death were his father, Robert Howard Gafford; his grandparents, William and Una Wilcox and Howard and Thelma Gafford; and three of his siblings, Cynthia Diane McCauley, Robert Howard Gafford II, and William Lester Gafford. Stephen had a large family. Those grieving...

Dora Cantu-Garcia, age 99, of Kingsville, TX. went peacefully to be with our Lord and Savior on July 9, 2021. Dora was born August 26, 1921 in Tienditas, TX. to Toribio Cantu and Isabel Garcia-Cantu. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister. Dora married Luciano Garcia in 1941 and established residence in Kingsville, TX. where they would raise their family. Preceding her in death were her husband, parents, brothers, Noe, Louis, Humberto, Toribio and Homero Cantu, and great granddaughters, Alyssa and Alexandra Ramirez. Left to cherish the fond memories of her rich and vibrant life are her 5 children; Homero Garcia (Peggy) of Kingsville, TX., Maria (Pique)...

Elia Rita Cantu, age 87, passed away on September 3, 2021, at her home in Spring, Texas. Elia was born on August 11, 1934, in San Antonio, Texas, to Eliseo and Elvira Ramirez. She grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas. Elia graduated from Roy Miller High School, The University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor's degree and St. Mary's University with a Master's degree. After graduation, she began her teaching career at South Park Junior High. Her love for reading led her to become a librarian at several schools in CCISD and, finally, a librarian consultant for the school district. She worked in CCISD for over 40 years until her retirement in 1995. Elia married her high school sweetheart, Higinio...

Alicia Rangel Cardenas, 94, of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, passed away peacefully in her home in Montgomery, Texas on Friday, July 2, 2021 with her family at her side. She was born to the late Braulio Rangel and Consuelo Villarreal on March 12, 1927 in Monterrey, Mexico. She was the oldest of 6 siblings. She owned a beauty salon in Mexico where she worked as a beautician for many years, as she would provide for her parents and siblings at an early age. After a courtship through letters, she would marry Jose Francisco Cardenas on December 5, 1960. She moved to Chicago, Illinois where she worked in public schools as an aide, and later became a truant officer for the Hispanic community. ...

Sherryl Lynn Paulk Stolz, known by family and friends as Nonnie, was called home to our Lord on Sunday, June 20, 2021, at 3:20pm. She left this world peacefully and surrounded by love and her daughter, Sarah Lawson and son-in-law, David Lawson, and granddaughters Kaylynn and Karlee Lawson. She was preceded in death by her loving and beloved husband of 47 years, Leon D. Stolz, just 5 months prior on January 20, 2021. Her life was a living example of her favorite Bible verse, Ephesians 4:32 ? "And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ." She loved to love on people. It did not matter if you were "blood-kin" or not, once you...

Tyler David Williams died on May 21, 2021 at the age of 22 in San Marcos, TX. He was born on December 9, 1998 in Corpus Christi, TX. Tyler was baptized on January 24,1999 at St. Paul Lutheran-Bishop and confirmed on May 5, 2013 at Cross Lutheran in New Braunfels, TX. As an inquisitive boy who was intelligent beyond his years, Tyler excelled in academics and participated in many gifted and talented programs in school. Tyler had a love for reading as a child; he was the kid who could read an entire Harry Potter book in a day then talk incessantly about it until he read the next book. Tyler was also incredibly athletic. All Tyler had to do was try and he performed well at any sport including...

Marvin Wuensche was born to William and Alma Wuensche in Thorndale, Texas on March 27, 1926. The family moved to Bishop, Texas when Marvin was five years old. He graduated from Bishop High School, and then joined the U.S. Air Force on February 19, 1944. He was a tailgunner on the B-17 Bomber. After the military, he met Patricia Tomlin on a blind date on July 4, 1949. They were married on February 9, 1951 and recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Marvin is survived by his loving wife, Patricia, daughter Lisa, grandchildren, Valerie and Nash Thomas, sister Frances Kahanek, sister-in-law, Sandi Geisendorff, III, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A private family memorial...

After a lifetime devoted to helping others, Dr. Charles Kenneth (Ken) Landrum left this earthly world on the evening of Monday, February 22nd, surrounded by loved ones. Ken was born in Kingsville on November 3, 1929 to William Miles Landrum and Ruth Pfannkuche Landrum. He graduated from King High School and Texas A & M University, where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets, was a Ross Volunteer and served as Company Commander of E Air Force. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the USAF Reserve. He met his first wife, June Poteet, in Kingsville and they married in 1952. Ken received his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine and completed his residency in...

Santiago "Jim" Rodriguez went to be with the Lord February 17, 2021 at the age of 98. He was born in Poth, Texas October 1, 1922 to the late Francisco and Irene Rodriguez. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, March 5, 2021 at First Baptist Church in Bishop with interment to follow at Chamberlain Cemetery in Kingsville. Pallbearers will be Sam Garcia, Jr., Charlie Brown, Joe Driscoll, Juan Jose Chico, Gilbert Robles and Julian Martinez, Jr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter Irene Martinez; brothers Serafino Rodriguez and Lee Rodriguez and sisters Rosalie Rodriguez and Minerva Rodriguez. He is survived by his daughters Mary Esther Brown and...

Santiago "Jim" Rodriguez went to be with the Lord February 17, 2021 at the age of 98. He was born in Poth, Texas October 1, 1922 to the late Francisco and Irene Rodriguez. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, March 5, 2021 at First Baptist Church in Bishop with interment to follow at Chamberlaine Cemetery in Kingsville. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter Irene Martinez; brothers Serafino Rodriguez and Lee Rodriguez and sisters Rosalie Rodriguez and Minerva Rodriguez. He is survived by his daughters Mary Esther Brown and Hope (Henry) Molina and son Master Sergeant Santiago Rodriguez, Jr. and his wife Elizabeth; sisters Irene Rodriguez,...