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Biela
Jessie James Alois Biela a resident of Von Ormy left this world to meet his Creator on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at the age of 70. Jessie was preceded in death by his parents Alois and Mary Biela; brothers Pelagius “Gus”, Florian, and Daniel Biela and sister Bernadine Urbanczyk; brothers-in-law Hubert Kosub, Clarence Maha, and George Stanush; sisters-in-law Rosa Biela and Sylvia Biela. He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years Jean (Kelsay) Biela; daughter Debra Dyanne Martinez and husband Ray; daughter Natalie Michele Biela and fiancé Ernest Palomo; daughter Pamela Darlene Ramos and husband Samuel; and daughter Charlene Renee Elizondo and husband Erasmo; and his former wife and the mother of his children, Patricia Szalwinski. His grandchildren are Kristine Martinez, Rachel Martinez, Christopher Jasik and his wife Stephanie, James Biela, Cassie McLaurin, Victoria Ramos, Octavia Ramos, Darren Oropeza, Krystal Elizondo and Heather Elizondo. Jessie also leaves behind a great-granddaughter Zoey Jasik and step-granddaughters Hannah and Eileen Jasik. He is also survived by sisters Apolonia “Loni” Kosub, Ida Schneider and husband Leo, Philomena Lyssy and husband James, and Gladys Maha; brothers Lewis, Felix and wife Kathryn, Clarence and wife Peggy, and Alvin and wife Dede; brother-in-law Henry Urbanczyk; sister-in-law Marlene Rhew and cousin-in-law and preacher Mr. and Mrs. William Kindla of San Antonio. Jessie served in the United States Army at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and was honorably discharged the 28th day of February 1967. He is a retiree of HEB Grocery Company; where he met his wife Jean. Jessie and Jean purchased land in Von Ormy Texas where together they enjoyed a passion for raising cattle, turkeys, rabbits, and other farm animals. Pa and Ma loved to spend time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, taking the little ones with him when feeding the animals, going for long drives with his wife, and family gatherings. We were privileged and lucky to celebrate his 70th birthday this past December 22nd, 2009 and very glad we did so. We love you “Honey”, “Dad”, and “Pa” and will miss you tremendously!! It’s not good-bye; but “C-YA LATER”! Visitation began at 5:00 P.M. Sunday, and a rosary was recited at 7:00 P.M. Sunday, January 31, 2010, at Vinyard Funeral Home Chapel in Poth, Texas. Funeral Mass was celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Monday, February 1, 2010, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Poth, officiated by Father Ed Pavlicek. Interment followed at Blessed Sacrament Cemetery in Poth. Serving as pallbearers were Joey Biela, Bryant Biela, Shaun Biela, Christopher Jasik, Ronnie Maha, and James Biela. Vinyard Funeral Home, Poth, Texas, 830-393-2588, vinyardfuneralhome.com.

Rodriguez
Marta Hernandez Rodriguez, lifetime resident of Rossville, passed away January 29, 2010, at her home at the age of 90 years, 10 months, and 2 days. Marta was born on March 27, 1919 to Victor Hernandez and Josefa Casias Hernandez in Rossville. On May 5, 1935 Marta married Pedro U. Rodriguez in San Antonio. Mrs. Rodriguez was a devoted housewife and mother who loved sewing and gardening tomatoes, okra, roses, and crape myrtles. Above all, she loved spending time with her family and friends. Mrs. Rodriguez is survived by her children, Maria Eliza Falcon of Fresno, California, Jose Reyes Rodriguez and wife Florencia of Fort Worth, Frank Rodriguez and wife Dora of Poteet, Edward Rodriguez and wife Frances of San Antonio, Celia Ramos and husband Rodrigo, Olga R. Hernandez, Raul Rodriguez and wife Alice, and Johnny Rodriguez and wife Anita, all of Poteet; sisters, Olivia H. Ramos of Somerset and Audelia H. Lopez of San Antonio; sister-in-law, Margarita R. Martinez of Poteet; 36 grandchildren; 87 great grandchildren; 38 great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and loved ones. Marta was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Pedro U. Rodriguez; daughter, Susana Rodriguez; brothers, Simon Hernandez and Jose Hernandez; sisters, Elena H. Ramos and Consuelo H. Gonzales; and son-in-law, Arturo Falcon, Sr. Visitation began at 5:00 P.M. Monday at the Vinyard-Trevino Funeral Home. A talk was held at 7:00 P.M. Monday, February 1, 2010, officiated by Henry Gonzalez in the Vinyard-Trevino Funeral Home Chapel in Jourdanton. Funeral services were held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, February 2, 2010 in the Vinyard-Trevino Funeral Home. Speaker Jesse Ortiz officiated. Interment services followed in the Rossville Cemetery in Rossville. Serving as pallbearers were Carlos Bernal, Jr., Eric Gonzalez, Daniel Ray Rivera, Jr., Matthew Ryan Ramos, Raymond Anthony Ybarra, Peter John Rodriguez, Alejandro Carrillo, and Christopher Rodriguez. Arrangements under the direction of: Vinyard~Treviño Funeral Home, Jourdanton, Texas, 830-769-3958

Garcia
Dolores S. “Lolo” Garcia, resident of Jourdanton passed away on Monday, February 1, 2010 at The Heights at the age of 84 years, 4 months, and 16 days. Lolo was born September 15, 1925 in Tilden, the son of Santiago Garcia and Julia Segura Garcia. He lived most of his life in Tilden until 2007 when he moved to Jourdanton. He worked for the Texas Highway Department and retired after 25 years of dedicated service. He then worked the next 10 years for McMullen County. On September 10, 1943, Dolores married Desideria “Challela” Serrata in Tilden. She preceded him in death on May 9, 1997. Mr. Garcia was a hard-working man who loved spending time with his family and enjoyed dancing. Lolo is survived by his children, Guadalupe Almandarez and husband Victor of Beeville; Maria Gonzales and husband Pete of Karnes City; Felipe Garcia and wife Mary of Tilden; Angie Martinez and husband Pete of Christine; and Armando Garcia and wife Faith of Jourdanton; twenty-four grandchildren; thirty-three great-grandchildren; numerous great-great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; sisters, Luisa Gutierrez of Tilden and Sandy Bravo of Dallas; and son-in-law, Julio Huerta of Jourdanton Mr. Garcia was preceded in death by his parents, Santiago and Julia Garcia; daughter, Elena Huerta; brothers, Santana Garcia, Tomas Garcia, and Julian Garcia; and sisters, Andrea Serrata, and Tilia Serrata. Visitation began at 5:00 P.M. Tuesday, in the Vinyard-Trevino Funeral Home in Jourdanton, and a rosary and prayer service were held at 6:30 P.M. Tuesday, February 2, 2010 in the Vinyard-Trevino Funeral Home in Jourdanton. Funeral services were held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, February 3, 2010 in the Vinyard-Trevino Funeral Home in Jourdanton, officiated by Rev. Frankie Arisole Jr. Interment followed in the Hill Top Cemetery in Tilden. Serving as pallbearers were his grandsons, Jesse Huerta, Cory Garcia, Richard Almandarez, Raymond Almandarez, Pete Gonzales Jr., Cody尩Garcia, Sammy Gonzales,Pete Martinez Jr., and Steven Martinez. Arrangements under the direction of: Vinyard - Treviño Funeral Home, Jourdanton, Texas, 830-769-3958, vinyardtrevinofuneralhome.com.

Chapa
Ezequiel Chapa, longtime resident of Charlotte, passed away Tuesday, January 26, 2010, at his residence, at the age of 61 years, and 18 days. Ezequiel was born January 8, 1949, in Pearsall, the son of Luis Chapa Sr. and Concepcion Palomo Chapa. He loved going to church, playing with his toy cars and was always seen with “Brownie” his stuffed puppy. Ezequiel also enjoyed watching football, wrestling and the San Antonio Spurs. Ezequiel is survived by his sister, Irma Elizondo and husband Elias of Charlotte; his brothers, Luis Chapa Jr. of Charlotte; Job Edward Chapa and wife Judy of Jourdanton; Cornelio Lopez and wife Janie of San Antonio; his sisters, Delia Ramirez and Sonia Jackson, both of San Antonio; his loving provider of over 30 years, Juanita Segundo; numerous, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends. Mr. Chapa was preceded in death by his parents, Luis, Sr. and Concepcion Chapa. Visitation began at 5 p.m. Thursday, January 28, 2010 in the Vinyard-Trevino Funeral Home in Jourdanton, and a prayer service was held at 7p.m. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Friday, January 29, 2010, at the El Calvario Baptist Church in Jourdanton, officiated by Rev. Ricardo Garcia. Interment followed in the Charlotte Community Cemetery in Charlotte. Serving as pallbearers were, Edward Chapa, Elias Elizondo III, Ricardo Garcia Jr., Hector Brown, Luis Garcia Jr., and Hector Rodriguez. Arrangements under the direction of: Vinyard - Treviño Funeral Home, Jourdanton, Texas, 830-769-3958 vinyardtrevinofuneralhome.com.

Spacek
Ernest William Spacek, longtime resident of Jourdanton, was called home by our Lord on Sunday, February 7, 2010, at the age of 91. He was born on January 24, 1919, in Jourdanton to parents Edmund and Veronica (Netardus) Spacek. He attended Jourdanton schools and was a proud Navy Veteran of WW II. On January 28, 1942, he married Augusta (Gussie) Kempen of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Las Gallinas. They moved to Jourdanton in the late 1940s. Ernest was a skilled welder and operated the Spacek Machine Shop and also raised and sold hogs. Later he operated Spacek Irrigation. Hard work and involvement with others brought Ernest happiness and fulfillment. He enjoyed meeting people and sharing stories. His smile and gentle ways will be missed. Ernest led an active life. He was an accomplished businessman, farmer, fisherman and domino player. He also enjoyed tending his garden and his goats. He had a deep pride in his Czech heritage. Above all else, Ernest loved being a Servant of the Lord. His commitment to his Christian faith was amazing. His memory and example will be cherished by many. Ernest was a member of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church and held numerous offices and was active in many areas, including church council, lector, hospitality ministry, maintenance manager, picnic chairman, Men’s Club, nursing home volunteer, and Christian Assistance Ministry (CAM) representative. He received both the Archbishop Award and the Guardian Angel Award for his church work. Ernest worked tirelessly for the St. Matthew’s Cemetery Association for many years and just recently passed his duties on because of ill health. Ernest was an active member of Jourdanton Society #87 of the Czech Catholic Union of Texas (KJT), and served as State Director for many years and Honorary State Director. He was also a sales representative for Catholic Union Insurance. In 1991 Ernest was honored as Fraternalist of the Year. He was a member of RVOS Lodge #127 and served as State Director and sales representative. Ernest was active also in SPJST Lodge #202. He was a member of the American Legion for 62 years and had served as past Post Commander and served as Chaplain until his death. In earlier years, Ernest was a 4-H leader and worked closely with the county extension agents and was an Honorary FFA member. He helped organize the Atascosa County Livestock Association and served as a Director. In later years, he joined the Jourdanton Senior Citizens and demonstrated his leadership qualities, as well as participating in club functions. Affectionately called “PoPo” by his grandchildren, he will be greatly missed by family and friends. Mr. Spacek is survived by his wife of 68 years, Gussie Spacek of Jourdanton; daughter, Patricia “Pat” Harper and husband John of Jourdanton; son Ernest “Ernie” Spacek, Jr. and wife Gloria of Spring; daughter-in-law, Linda Spacek of Pleasanton; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; numerous niece and nephews and many friends. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son Robert “Bobby” Spacek; brothers, Joe Spacek, Louie Spacek, infant Edmund Spacek; sister, Marie Netek. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. and a rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 1, 2010, in the Vinyard-Trevino Funeral Home in Jourdanton. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, February 12, 2010 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Jourdanton with interment following in the St. Matthew’s Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Johnny Spacek, Jerome Spacek, Jimmy Spacek, Don Netek, Michael Netek and Paul Heath. Arrangements under the direction of Vinyard-Trevino Funeral Home, Jourdanton, Texas, 830-769-3958.

Salazar
Armando Salazar, age 61, of Pleasanton, passed away Thursday, February 4, 2010. Armando was born May 21, 1948 in Leming. He is preceded in death by his parents Domacio and Tomasa (Moreno) Salazar. Mr. Salazar is survived by his daughters Monica Guzman and husband Pablo of Jourdanton, Alicia Salazar of Devine, Rebecca Ambriz and John A. of Pleasanton, Angelica Martinez and husband Jimmy of Jourdanton, Amanda Marie Salazar of Pleasanton and Tracy Mendez and husband Joseph of Tyler; brother Abel Salazar of Stockdale; sisters Estella Prouty and husband Jesse of Dallas and Emma Anger of Leming. He also leaves behind 15 grandchildren. Visitation was held Tuesday, February 9, 2010 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m.at Hurley Funeral Home. A graveside service was held at 2:15 p.m. that day at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio. To leave a memorial or tribute visit www.hurleyfuneralhome.com.

Reeves
Homer Reeves of Christine, passed away Thursday, February 4, 2010 at the age of 73. Mr. Reeves was born April 30, 1936 in Millet. Homer is survived by his wife Mary Reeves of Christine; daughters Joyce Reeves-Stacy of Christine and Cynthia Sue Reeves of Pleasanton; brothers George W. Reeves of San Antonio, Ira L. Reeves and wife Dorothy of Pleasanton and Eddie Marvin Reeves and wife Sherry of Dilley; sisters Helen Roman and husband Jimmy of New Mexico and Alice Jean Cook of Colorado; grandchildren Wendy Cummings Garza and husband Alex, Brandon Cummings and wife Brandi, Kimberly Koonce and husband Ben and Justin Stacy. Visitation was held Sunday, February 7, 2010 at Hurley Funeral Chapel from 2-8 p.m. Services were held Monday, February 8, 2010 at 2 p.m. at Hurley Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Odyssey Hospice Inpatient Unit, 13431 Blanco, Road, San Antonio, Texas 78216. To leave condolences visit www.hurleyfuneralhome.com.

Garcia
Alfred W. Garcia, Sr., age 81, of Poteet, passed away Monday, February 1, 2010. Mr. Garcia was born February 4, 1928 in Tallulah, Louisiana. He is preceded in death by his parents Catarinio and Luz Garcia and daughter Shirley Lou Reyna. He is survived by his wife Mary Jane (Martinez) Garcia of Poteet; sons Fred Garcia, Jr. and wife Adela of Poteet, Larkin Joseph Garcia and Angie Arce of San Antonio, Alfred Garcia, Jr. and wife Linda of Poteet and Larry Garcia and wife Esmeralda of Poteet; daughters Linda Ruiz and Alfred Casas of San Antonio, Virginia Garcia and Patty Sandoval of San Antonio, Mary Lou Stephens of Poteet and Josephina Garcia McCann of Pleasanton. He also leaves behind 38 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Visitation was held from 2-9 p.m. on Sunday, February 7, 2010 at Hosanna Baptist Tabernacle Church in Leming with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Funeral services were held Monday, February 8, 2010 at 10 a.m. at Hosanna Baptist Tabernacle Church with interment at First Memorial Park in Von Ormy. To leave a memorial or tribute visit www.hurleyfuneralhome.com.

Martinez
Gatha Martinez of Poteet passed away Friday, February 5, 2010 at the age of 60. Gatha was born June 16, 1949 in San Antonio. She is survived by her husband Rudolph Martinez of Poteet; sons David Clark of Somerset and Bobby Wolfe and Roy Wolfe both of Orange; brothers Ufra Carroll Richardson, Jr. of Poteet and Jerry Love Richardson of San Antonio; sister Judy Ellison of California and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation was held Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at Hurley Funeral Chapel from 2-9 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Services will be Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 10 a.m. at Hurley Funeral Home. To leave a memorial or tribute visit www.hurleyfuneralhome.com.