Obituaries

Rupert Gilbert Carroll

Rupert Gilbert Carroll of Brookshire, Texas, 77, passed away May 15, 2009 due to a tragic accident. Gil, a Korean veteran, was born in Dallas, Texas; received his Bachelor degree from Washburn University-Topeka, KS, and a Masters degree from UCLA. Gil was a well-traveled person who enjoyed sharing his adventures with family and friends.
Gil is survived by his brother, Mike McRoberts and wife Carole of Katy; cousin, Carolyn Eckert and husband Chris of Houston; nephews, Ashby McRoberts and Paul Eckert; niece, Emily Eckert; and a host of friends.
A memorial will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, at the Schmidt Funeral Home Chapel, in Katy, with Rev. Jerry Thomas officiating. Gil was laid to rest next to his mother, Gladys Faye Schuetz, at the Katy Magnolia Cemetery.
Funeral services held under the direction of Schmidt Funeral Home, 1508 East Avenue, Katy, Texas, 281-391-2424.
Virginia Gamble, age 68 of Hempstead, Texas, passed away on May 24. She is preceded in death by her parents, Pat and Lou Johnson; and brother, Malcolm Johnson; and is survived by her son, Curtis Gamble; daughters, Debbie Jean Ly and husband Fenton, and Anita Francis Gamble; sister, Molly Johnson; grandchildren, Christine Marie Gamble, April June Carpio, Gabriel James Carpio, Stephanie Jean Ly, and Curtis Edwin Gamble Jr.; and niece, Monica Moore.
Visitation was on Tuesday, May 26 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Canon Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Services were on Wednesday, May 27 at 1 p.m. at Canon Funeral Home with Pastor Edd Wunderlich officiating. Interment followed at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery. Video tributes and guest books at www.canonfuneralhome.com.

 

Mr. Charles Julius McDonald

Mr. Charles Julius McDonald passed away on April 25, 2009 at the age of 68 years old.
He is survived by his daughters, Laura and Jason Huddleston (Chattanooga, TN), Kara McDonald (Knoxville, TN), Deborah McDonald (San Antonio, TX), grandsons; Caien Huddleston and Cadyn Huddleson and sister; Karen and Charlie Brown (Aurora, CO)
Charles is preceeded in death by brother Stanley McDonald.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 1, 2009 from 10AM to 12PM at Pattison United Methodist Church. A graveside service will follow at Pattison Methodist Cemetery in Pattison TX.
Arrangements made by Palmer Mortuary, 1116 N. Austin St., Seguin, Texas 78155 and can be reached at 830-379-9430 or by visiting their website at www.palmermortuary.com.

Mr. Zenophin “Mucka” Bankett, was born on May 28, 1932 and passed away on April 4, 2009. His life will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 11 at Mt. Zion CME Church, located at 4998 Mt. Zion Road in Sunnyside, Texas. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. prior to service. Interment will be at Mount Zion CME Cemetery.
In God's care he leaves his loving sister, Mrs. Theola Mason and many other dear relatives and friends.
Final arrangements were entrusted to Mabrie Memorial Mortuary, located at 5000 Almeda in Houston, Texas 77004. They can be reached at 713-942-7673.
 

Lloyd Henry Caldwell

Lloyd Henry Caldwell, of Texas City, Texas, passed away at his residence on Friday, February 13. He was born August 31, 1966 in Rosenberg, Texas, where he attended public schools.
He graduated from Sul Ross State University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree on December 16, 1989. He attended Progressive Baptist Church. Lloyd was employed by Sulzer Pumps Houston, Inc of Brookshire, Texas for 17 years. He was a very loyal employee having to make the two-hour commute to work each day.
Lloyd was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, grandson and friend. He was very supportive of his children, and he volunteered as one of the track coaches for his daughter who competes during the National Junior Olympics each year. He traveled all over the United States with her training and encouraging her to do her best. He was very excited about his son beginning to play basketball and was always there to support him.
Lloyd was preceded in death by his grandmother Elnora Davis, mother Linda Fay McDonald, and father Lloyd Henry Huff. He leaves to cherish his memories grandfather Jessie Caldwell, wife Jacqueline Denise Caldwell, daughter Lauryn Denise Caldwell, son Jathan Lloyd Caldwell, sisters Kalandrian Raven and Jessica Dearbonne, and 2 nephews J’Sean & Brandon.
Public visitation was held on Wednesday, February 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Carnes Funeral Home, 3100 Gulf Freeway, Texas City, Texas. Funeral Services were at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 19 at Progressive Baptist Church, 320 South Bell Drive, Texas City, Texas. Rev. Jonathan Steel Sr., Pastor and Rev. C.L. Wallace, Pastor of Mother Zion Baptist Church of Wharton is the Eulogist. Interment was on Thursday at 3 p.m. at Murphy-Jones Cemetery in Richmond, Texas.

Jane Short

Jane Short, was so many things. She was a devoted mother, horse lover, talented musician, sharp mathematician, master teacher, and a wonderful friend. Jane and her daughter, Julie, shared their love of horses and animals. Showing and caring for horses provided many wonderful memories for the two of them. Jane was very proud of all of Julie’s accomplishments, especially her law degree. Their dog, Fiona, was spoiled by Grandma Jane’s Jack in the Box runs for cheeseburgers. When trying to find Jane’s house all you had to do is look for the herd of cats in the driveway.
She was born to be a teacher and passionately did so for seventeen years. Anytime, anywhere if someone needed help with mathematics, Jane was there for them. Her genuine compassion for her students and her subject area was evident. Every Saturday morning, adults and kids of all ages knew where they could get help with their math problems. With her Crystal Light in one hand and black Sharpie marker in the other, she could solve any mathematical dilemma.
Jane truly lived a life of service and no matter what personal difficulties she faced, she always dedicated her time to mentor teachers and serving children. She was loved by her fellow educators and anytime you needed some words of wisdom you could count on her witty advice to brighten your day. The impact she had on everyone was profound. From academics to being a true warrior, the lessons she taught many the strength to handle life’s adversities.
Being a friend of Jane’s was like having your own “red hat society”. Laughter and the daily scoop were always on the menu. Jane was fun loving and had a smile that made you feel at home. She will be missed, but her legacy will live on in the lives she has touched.
Jane passed away Tuesday, February 10, at her home in Brookshire at the age of 57. She is survived by her daughter Julie Quaranta, and her husband, Chad, of Brookshire; brother Bill Carlsen, and his wife, Margot, of Port Arthur; brother-in-law Norman Schultz, of Houston; nieces, nephews, and many other dear family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Carolyn Schultz.
Visitation was from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 12 at the Schmidt Funeral Home in Brookshire, Texas.
Funeral Service was at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 13 at the Royal High School Auditorium with Pastor Dottie Dumas, officiating. Interment was a a private family interment. In lieu of usual remembrances, friends who wish make memorial gifts to the The American Diabetes Association, Always and Forever Memorial and Honor Program, P.O. Box 2680, North Canton, OH 44720.

Carol E. Schlosser

Carol E. Schlosser, was born November 4, 1933, in Belleville, Illinois, the daughter of Harry and Alvina Carnaghi. She grew up in Belleville and was a graduate and member of the National Honor Society at Belleville Township High School.
In 1969, Carol moved to Houston, Texas and later moved to Victoria, Texas where she lived until 1991. She returned to Belleville in 1991, to care for her elderly parents. In 2008, Carol became a resident of the Four Fountains Convalescent Center in Belleville, and in December she moved to The Oaks of Brookshire in Brookshire, Texas.
Carol greatly enjoyed cooking, but her true passion in life was her family. The times she spent with her sons, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were the most cherished moments of her life.
Carol passed away Saturday, February 14, at the age of 75 after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer. She is survived by her sons Steve Schlosser and his wife, Myra, of Houston, Texas and Jeff Schlosser and his wife, Cathy, of Cypress, Texas; mother Alvina Carnaghi of Houston; grandchildren Stephanie Zientek, Eric Schlosser, Elizabeth Bennett, Jessica Schlosser, Allison Schlosser, Tim Schlosser, and Taylor Schlosser; great grandchildren Noah Zientek, Mikayla Zientek, and Peyton Bennett; and aunts Martha Lauf and Mildred Kassing. She is also survived by many other family members and friends. Carol was preceded in death by her former husband, William “Bill” Schlosser and her father, Harry Carnaghi.
Graveside service was at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 15 at Carrington Cemetery, Sunnyside, Texas with Pastor Greg Deskins, Officiating. In lieu of usual remembrances, friends who wish may make memorials to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22538, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1538.

Royce Hopkins

Royce Hopkins, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully at his home on February 6, 2009. He was born in Headrick, Oklahoma on May 20, 1924 to Roy and Lillie Hopkins. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp at the age of 18 in 1943 and served until his honorable discharge in 1947 as a 1st Lieutenant. During this time he served as a B-17 bomber pilot in the 8th Air force, 306th Bomb Group, 367th Bomb Squadron (the “Clay Pigeon Air Force”). He flew 26 combat missions over Germany and the 306th was known as the “First over Germany.” Royce earned 4 air medals, 5 battle stars, a commendation medal for a special assignment, a purple heart and two Presidential commendations. Royce graduated from Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas with a BBA, Accounting with Honors in 1950. He was the President of the International Fraternity of Delta Sigma Pi and became a life member. He joined the Lynn Elliott Company and EIM companies in Houston, Texas in 1951 as an accountant and became General Manager of EIM. While there he developed a unique flow valve controller which he was able to have patented. He left after 17 years and joined Texas Steel and Wire as Vice President and General Manager in 1968. While at Texas Steel and Wire he planned and oversaw the building of a new plant and served as part of a five man executive committee which covered Houston, Dallas, New Orleans and Miami operations. In 1977 Texas Steel & Wire was sold to Davis-Walker Corporation and he became a Group Vice-President. While he was there he participated in the expansion into Memphis, Tennessee and Gulfport, Mississippi and joined the executive committee. He retired in 1981. He moved to Brookshire, Texas in 1974. Since his retirement he became active in the Republican Party where he became a Precinct Chairman and a member of the Waller County executive committee. He was active in the formation of the Waller County Economic Development Committee and he served on its Board. He was a member and director of the I-10 West Chamber of Commerce and a member of the I-10 West Economic Development Committee. Royce also supported the development of the Houston Executive Airport and assisted with helping the airport gain FAA approval. He was also a Director of the Waller County Toll Road Authority. Royce always supported the 306th Bomb Group Association where he served as Treasurer for a number of years and assisted with the formation of the Thurleigh Airfield 306th Bomb Group Museum. He was a long time member of the First United Methodist of Brookshire serving in various capacities, most recently as a member of the Board of Trustees.

Royce was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Lillie Hopkins and his brother Lemac Hopkins.

He is survived by his wife Mollie of Brookshire, daughters Sharon Harvey and her husband Peter of Topsham, Maine, Kim Montag and her husband Jeff of McAllister, Montana, Kit Hopkins of Houston and his son Mike Hopkins and his wife Andrea and grandson Chris of Cedar Park, and granddaughters Jennifer Shepherd of Longmont, Colorado, Joy McLain of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Lois Ann King of Plano, his sisters Joye McLain of Oklahoma City, Lois Ann King of Plano and many nieces and nephews and friends. He had a strong sense of honesty and doing what was right and was always willing to help out his friends and family. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Visitation was from 4 - 6 P.M. on Sunday, February 8, 2009 at the Schmidt Funeral Home Chapel in Brookshire, Texas. Funeral Services were held on Monday, February 9, 2009 at 10:00 A.M. at the First United Methodist Church, 707 Cooper at 7th Street in Brookshire, Texas. Graveside services followed on Monday at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas. Friends and family were invited to return to the First United Methodist Church in Brookshire for a light lunch following the graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the 306th Bomb Group Association c/o Joel LaBo, Treasurer at 875 S. Worth, Birmingham, Michigan 48009 or the First United Methodist Church of Brookshire, PO Box 397, Brookshire, Texas 77423. Schmidt Funeral Home Home, 819 Waller Avenue Brookshire, Texas 77423, 281-934-2424.

Shunell Lacole Mathews

On October 9, 1971 a baby girl was born to Cedar and Charles Lewis in Sunnyside, Texas whom they named Shunell Lacole. She grew up in Sunnyside community. She attended school at Royal I.S.D. where she graduated in 1992. She was pronounced dead at Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital on May 24, 2007 following her nephew’s graduation.

Shunell was employed at the Royal I.S.D. Transportation Department and Early Childhood Center. She was a faithful, devoted worker who loved children and always wore a smile on her face.

Chunell confessed her belief in Christ at an early age at Mt. Zion C.M.E. Church. An active member of New Prairie View Baptist Church in San Felipe, Texas, she worked with the youth department, sang in the choir and also worked helping in the pastor aide committee. Her vision was to see the New Prairie View Praise Team grow.

On August 22, 2000 she united in marriage with marvin Lee Mathews, Jr. She leaves cherished memories of her to her beloved husband Marvin; a wonderful mother, Cedar Marie Thomas and a loving step-mother, Janet Lewis; two daughters, Franchesta Jerrels and Sharionna Mathews, both of Pattison, Texas, who attend school in Royal I.S.D; one step-daughter, Myeisha Mathews of Mexia, Texas; two loving sisters, Evangilist Tonya Scott of Pattison and Charlene Hogan of Prairie View; one Godsister, Yatosha Burton of Rosenberg, Texas; three brothers, Thomas Penrice of Brookshire, Texas, Cedric Penrice (Deronda) of San Felipe and Danny Vanduren of Monaville, Texas; three step-brothers, Dejuan, Justain and Delma Hudson of Rosenberg, Texas; and a host of neices and nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, family, and friends.

She was preceeded in death by her father, Charles Lewis. She had one Godchild, Xavier Evans, and two Godmothers, Willie Bee Hamilton and Shirley Joiner.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 2, 2007 at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor Lee Jones officiating. The eulogy will be given by her Pastor, Louts Garcia of New Prairie View Baptist Church.

Deacon Willie B. Banks, Sr.

Deacon Willie B. Banks, Sr., 82, entered into eternal rest Tuesday, May 22, 2007. He was born in the Pattison/Brookshire area, and has remained here throughout his life.

In his demise, this loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, is preceded in death by his lovely wife of 62 years, Jemmie. He leaves to mourn four children, Willie Banks, Jr. of Illinois, Oscar Banks, Sr. of Houston, TX; Joslyn Banks-Harris and Madelon Bluntson of Brookshire, TX, and a host of family and friends.

A faithful member of St. Paul Baptist Church for 38 years, he served as Sr. Deacon, Director of Building Visions, Sr. Saints Honoree, Pastoral Study Devotional Leader, Member of the P.C. Branch Educational Scholarship Committee, General Finance and Pastoral Care Committees, and Co-Captain for Texas/Louisiana Day. He retired from building construction (35 years) and Waller County Road and Bridge (15 years).

Funeral services will be held June 2, 2007 at St. Paul Baptist Church at 1335 Waller Avenue in Brookshire, TX at 11:00 a.m. Viewing will be held one hour prior to services. Public viewing will be held at Singleton’s Mortuary in Hempstead, TX on June 1, 2007 from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m.
 

Eva Elizabeth Rayborn Bundick

Elizabeth Rayborn Bundick, born Sept. 24, 1912 passed away on March 15, 2007.

Graveside services for Eva Elizabeth Rayborn Bundick, 94, of Caldwell are set for 2 p.m. Sunday at Bundick Cemetery in Smiley.
Arrangements are under the direction of Koenig and Strickland in LaGrange.

Mrs. Bundick died Thursday at Brazos Assisted Living Center in College Station.

She was a schoolteacher for more than 45 years and belonged to numerous organizations.

Survivors include three daughters, Jo Fruge' and Tom Althaus of Caldwell, Yvonne and John Nash of Lake Jackson and Ruth and Randall Hughes of Georgetown; a son-in-law, Kenneth Vance of Sulphur, La.; a brother and sister-in-law, Pete and Nadine Rayborn of Weatherford; three sisters, Jo Webb of Slaton, LaVerne Riley of Albuquerque, N.M., and Johnnie Phillips Kouhtek of Huntsville; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives.

Memorials may be made to Southern Care Hospice, 3206 Longmire Drive, Suite C, College Station, Texas 77845.

John H. (J.J.) Reinhardt II

John H. (J.J.) Reinhardt II passed away tragically in an automobile accident March 18, 2007.

JJ is survived by his parents John Henry and Kathy Reinhardt; brother, Kevin Reinhardt and wife Lanette; sister, Janice Jenkins; nieces and nephews, Dylan & Kameryn Reinhardt & T.J., Daniel and Jessica Jenkins; numerous other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be Thursday, March 22, 2007 from 5-8 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Canon Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 23, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Waller, Texas with Pastors Edd Wunderlich and Jeffrey Marsh officiating. Interment will follow at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in memory of John Henry “JJ” Reinhardt II to Coastal Conservation Association, 6919 Portwest Dr., Suite 100, Houston, TX 77024, for his love of fishing, or to St. John’s Lutheran Church Building Fund, St. John’s Lutheran Church, PO Box 210, Waller, Tx 77484, for his faith in God.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Canon Funeral Home in Waller.

Steven McDowell Schmidt

Born September 9, 1954 in Houston, Texas, Steven McDowell Schmidt, Sr. was the son of Milton Henry and Racheljane McDowell Schmidt. He grew up and attended school in Brookshire, graduating from Royal High School in 1972. Steve attended Sam Houston State University for one year, then left to attend Commonwealth College of Sciences. While at Commonwealth, he was employed as the night-man at Settegast-Kopf Funeral Home in Houston. After his graduation from mortuary school, Steve joined the family funeral business, serving his apprenticeship at Schmidt Funeral Homes in Brookshire and Katy, eventually becoming the owner of Schmidt Funeral Home in Brookshire.

He married Donna Pfeffer on September 19, 1976 at St. John Lutheran Church in Bellville. They made their home in Brookshire where they have been members of the First United Methodist Church. In August 1985, Donna joined Steve in the family business, and, on April 20, 1986, Steve and Donna opened Schmidt Funeral Home in Bellville.

Active in community and county affairs, Steve volunteered his time in numerous organizations. A former Brookshire City Councilman, he had served as the city’s representative for the Houston Galveston Area Council. He had also served as President of the Royal FFA Parade Committee and in various capacities in the First United Methodist Church. Steve was a director of the Waller County Child Protective Services Board and for a number of years he was a volunteer firefighter serving as Fire Chief with the Brookshire Volunteer Fire Department. Steve was a member of the Bellville Lions Club, he had also been a member of Austin County Crimestoppers, and had served as the Waller County representative for both Texana MHMR and for the 100 Club. He was a director for the Brookshire-Katy Drainage District, a dual member of the Brookshire Masonic Lodge #1066, AF & AM and the Bellville Masonic Lodge #223, AF & AM, and a member of the Brookshire Chapter #652, Order of the Eastern Star. Steve was also a member of both the Texas Funeral Director’s Association and the National Funeral Director’s Association.

A devoted husband and father, Steve was particularly proud of his two sons, Steven and Ryan. He taught them the importance of family, God, and service to others, and instilled his love of competition in both of them.

He also raised them with the understanding that “quitting is not an option.” Steve enjoyed attending their sporting and school events while they were growing up, and he treasured the times spent hunting, fishing,and traveling with his family. An avid runner, he also enjoyed playing ping pong and arm wrestling. “Wednesday Night” with his buddies was the highlight of each week for Steve, especially after he was diagnosed with cancer.

Steve passed away Saturday, February 24, 2007 at his home in Brookshire at the age of 52 after a long, courageous battle with cancer. He leaves behind his wife of over 30 years: Donna Schmidt of Brookshire; SONS: Cpt. Steven M. Schmidt, Jr., U.S. Army, Iraq, and his wife, Dawn, of Deland, Florida, and 2 Lt. Ryan A. Schmidt, U.S. Army, Korea; mother: Rachel Schmidt of Brookshire; brother: Milton H. “Hank” Schmidt, Jr. and his wife, Sandy, of Katy; and SISTERS: Marian Lane and her husband, Art, of Virginia Beach, VA and Carol Rupe and her husband, Robert, of Katy. Also surviving Steve are his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Milton and Carole Pfeffer of Bellville; sister-in-law: Jan Barnett and her husband, Jack, of La Porte; numerous nieces, a nephew, other relatives and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father.

All of Steve’s “Wednesday Night” buddies served as honorary pallbearers.

A Prayer Service was held Wednesday, February 28, 2007 at 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Brookshire, Texas with Dr. Roy Taylor, officiating and Dave Harris, assisting.
Funeral Services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 1, 2007 at St. John Lutheran Church in Bellville, Texas with Pastor David Henske, Pastor Jennie Jones and Father Timothy Bucek, officiating.

A private family graveside was held in the Pilgrims Rest Cemetery in Bellville.

In lieu of usual remembrances, friends who wish may make memorial gifts to the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 397, Brookshire, TX 77423, St. John Lutheran Church, 520 North Holland, Bellville, TX 77418 or to the charity of their choice.

Lewis Payne

Lewis Payne, 71, of Baytown, TX was born "just ahead of the snow" December 21, 1935 in Grapeland, TX, and passed away Saturday, February 10, 2007 in a Houston hospice. He was a 1954 graduate of Cedar Bayou High School and a member of Memorial Baptist Church. He retired from GEON Chemical Plant in 1999 following 39 years of dedicated service. He was an avid reader and enjoyed attending various author book signings. He was a skilled handyman and woodworker who enjoyed completing many and varied projects for his wife, daughters, grandchildren and friends. He was lovingly referred to as "Mr. Fix-It" by all who knew him. He also loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and riding motorcycles. Assisted by his wife, he liked to work in his yard, as evidenced by the number of times that the Lakewood subdivision "Yard of the Month" sign was placed in their yard. He was known for his precision and mastery of lawn mowing. Out of all of things that he enjoyed, it was his family that brought him the most joy. The best gift he gave to his wife, daughters, grandchildren and extended family was uninterrupted time, love and devotion. Lewis was a very special man and was loved by all.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Alma Payne and sister and brother-in-law, Noma and Johnie Durnell and is survived by his wife of 51 years, Shirley Payne of Baytown; daughters and sons-in-law, Terresa and Greg Katt of College Station, Lisa and Steve Watkins of Baytown, and Tracey and Bobby Baillio of Tomball; brother and sister-in-law, Charles Junior and Doris Ann Payne of Friendswood; and grandchildren, Melissa, Brandon, and Ryan Watkins, Lindsey Katt, and Zachary and Hayden Baillio.

Serving as pallbearers will be Greg Katt, Steve Watkins, Bobby Baillio, Curt Flippo, Marshall Nay, and Bennie Simkins. Honorary pallbearers will be Garnett Jones, Roy Cone and Jimmy McKey.
His family will receive friends at Navarre Funeral Home Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Thursday, February 15, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Melvin Marx officiating. A graveside service for his family will follow at the Field Store Cemetery in Waller, TX at 3:00 p.m.

Arrangements are under the direction of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Baytown, TX.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at the Cypress Station Hampton Hospice and the nurses at the St. Luke's ICU 5, 7 South for the love, kindness and tender care provided to our dear dad and husband. Also special thanks to the staff at the Barbers Hill Kindergarten Center, BHISD employees along with Forest Ridge Elementary and CSISD employees in College Station, TX. In addition, we express our appreciation to our family and friends for the support provided during this very difficult time.

Alex Edward Kominczak

Alex Edward Kominczak was born on July 17, 1930 in Chappell Hill, Texas, the son of Tony and Willie Mae Kominczak. Alex was the fifth of six children.

Alex was united in marriage to Aline Pechacek on November 2, 1952. Their union was blessed with three children, Deborah, Randy and Russell. For the past 40 years they made Houston, Texas their home before retiring to Pattison, Texas. Alex was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Alex passed away Sunday, February 4, 2007 at his home at the age of 76. He is survived by his wife of 54 years: Aline Kominczak of Pattison; Daughter: Deborah Hauptman and her husband Ricky of Bellville; son: Randy Kominczak and his wife Karen of Houston; Daughter-in-law: Kim Komiczak Todd of Houston; 10 grandchildren: Patrick, Debbie, Eric, Cindy Hauptman; Andrea and Seth Boots; Kevin, Brian and Christopher Kominczak; 4 great grandchildren: Elizabeth, Rebecca Hauptman; Blake and Reagan Kominczak; sisters: Helen Bush and Albina Tarnowski; Brothers: Zigmond and Bill Kominczak; Caring and Loving Neighbors John and Terry Gatlin and Alonzo Burr; and many other dear friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tony and Willie Mae Kominczak; brother Tony Kominczak; son Russell Kominczak and great-granddaughter Taylor Marie Kominczak.

Pallbearers: Patrick and Eric Hauptman; Seth Boots; Brian and Christopher Kominczak and Melvin Pechacek Jr.; Honorary Pallbearers: Kevin Kominczak, David Rhodes, Steve Rosilier and Stanley Choura.

Family will receive visitors on Tuesday, February 6, 2007 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Schmidt Funeral Home Chapel. Rosary will be recited at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pattison, Tuesday at 7 P.M. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 7, 2007 at 10 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery, 1101 Antoine Drive, Houston, Tx.

John Harold (Hal) Wilde

John Harold (Hal) Wilde, beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully at his home January 10, 2007. He was born October 4, 1921 to Thomas John and Mary Ann MacDonald Wilde in Melville Saskatchewan, Canada.

Hal enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force (1941-1944) and was a bomber pilot in the European Theater. His love for flying continued as a hobby. He graduated with a Civil Engineering degree from the University of Manitoba and an Aeronautical Engineering degree from the University of Michigan. He was a member of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers and a 47 year employee of Union Pump Co. Hal was a long time member of the San Antonio German Shorthaired Pointer Club and the Gulf Coast GSP Club where in 1980 he originated the "Dog Snake Avoidance Program". He was an avid bird dog trainer and enjoyed field trialing.

Hal was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Ronald J. Wilde. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary, of Brookshire, daughters, Julie Fred and her husband Randy of St. Mary's, Kansas, Cindy Reeves and her husband Randy of Tomball, Laura Turk and her husband Tom of Bulverde, 18 loved grandchildren, sister, Kathleen MacPherson, brothers, Hugh Wilde and his wife Marilyn and Ralph Wilde and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Hal was unique, devoted to his faith and family, and had a strong sense of honesty and pride in a job well done. He was a mentor to those with whom he worked and an inspiration to all who knew him.
Visitation was Monday January 15 from 5-8 p.m. with a Rosary at 7 p.m. at the Schmidt Funeral Home in Brookshire. Requiem Mass was said at 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 16 at Queen of Angels Roman Catholic Church in Dickinson, TX. Internment will be in St. Mary's, Kansas. Pallbearers were his brothers, cousin, sons-in-law and grandsons. In lieu of flowers, the family sincerely requests that memorials be directed to Taping for the Blind, Inc., 3935 Essex Lane, Houston, TX 77027 or Texas Right to Life Education Foundation, 6776 S.W. Frwy. Ste. 430, Houston, TX 77074.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Schmidt Funeral Home in Brookshire.

Grace Blakeney

Grace Blakeney, a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister and grandmother passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2007 in Memorial Katy Hermann Hospital at the age of 75.

She is survived by her husband of more than 50 years Delbert Blakeney of Sargent; Daughters: Doyleen Fairchild and her husband Philip of San Felipe, Doris Kimball and her husband Kim of Sealy; Sons: Doyle Blakeney and his wife Carolyn of Sealy, Daniel Blakeney of Brookshire; Brother: Glen Reue and wife Cindy of Joshua, Texas; Sister: Helen Williams and her husband Billy Don of Katy; Grandchildren: Phyllis Fairchild, David Blakeney, and Michael Kimball of Sealy, Darrell Blakeney of Lufkin; Dustin and Daniel Blakeney of Okinawa, Japan; and many other friends and relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents and grandson Philip Fairchild, III. Grace was known to most as the school secretary at Royal Middle School. Grace enjoyed puzzles, traveling and spending precious time with her family. She was also a Cub Scout leader and worked in the 4-H organization.

Funeral service was held on Friday, January 12, 2007 at the Schmidt Funeral Chapel in Brookshire with Reverend Shelli Williams, officiating. In lieu of usual remembrances, friends who wish may make memorial gifts to the American Cancer Society, 6301 Richmond Avenue, Houston, Texas 77057-5905.
Arrangements were under the direction of Schmidt Funeral Home in Brookshire.

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Death Notices

Jack E.E. Smith age 79 passed away April 11, 2007 in Houston, Texas after a valiant battle with leukemia.

Ora Bernice Farmer, age 89, born on her family farm in Waller, passed away on April 14, 2007.

See complete obituaries at www.canonfuneralhome.com