Matagorda County Centenarians

Deceased County Residents Who Reached the Age of 100 and Beyond

A centenarian is a person who has attained the age of 100 or more.  These are the centenarians who have been identified to date. The page is for all of Matagorda County and additions of others buried in the County are welcomed. Submissions can be emailed .
 

Phebe Anderson, age 104, died Oct. 19 in the Cypress Woods Care Center in Angleton.

Funeral services will be 2 p. m., Wednesday Oct. 22 at the First Baptist Church in Bay City with Dr. W. D. Baker and Dr. Michael Zimmerman officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.

Visitation with family will be from 6 – 8 p. m., today at the funeral home.

Anderson was a long time resident of Bay City before going to Angleton to live. She was born July 14, 1893 in Fairfax, Mo., to parents William and Susan Prettyman Dwyer. She had been a member of the First Baptist Church of Bay City for over 80 years. She was a charter member of the Business and Professional Women’s Club. At one time she owned and operated the Better Business Bureau in Bay City, and she had also sold Luziers Cosmetics.

Survivors are daughters, Beth Duncan of Angleton, and Edna (Hannah) Pfleghar of Carson City, Nevada; four grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and eight great great grandchildren; nephew, Carl Anderson of Matagorda; nieces, Betty Jane Izzard of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Mary Ann Honeycutt of Harwood, Texas.

She was preceded in death by husband Bill Anderson; daughter, Wilma Bradshaw; sister, Mary Anderson; and brother, Ira Dwyer.

Pallbearers were Carl Anderson, Tom Anderson, Billy McDowell, Roy Lee Anderson, Andy Anderson and Frank Baethe.

Service under the direction of Dick R. Elkins, Bay City Funeral Home.

Bay City Tribune, October 21, 1997
 

Having lived a blessed and wonderful life of 105 years, Louise peacefully passed on the evening of February 8, 2008.

She was born in Hutchinson, Kansas on April 9, 1902 to Herbert Brown and Elizabeth Lord Brown. Louise spent her childhood in Houston, Velasco-Freeport and graduated high school in Bay City, Texas. Following her Mother's death she left the University of Texas to help her Father care for her younger sister, Betty. She married Leonard Alexander Barr upon his return from U.S. Army service in France during World War I. After their four children were grown they lived in Mexico, Sicily, Germany and several states before settling in Bay City, Texas where they were active in community life and St. Mark's Episcopal Church. Leonard died in 1977 after a beautiful marriage of 56 years. Louise spoke several languages, wrote two books and inspired many with her love, boundless optimism, kindness and wisdom.

Louise's loving family includes, present and past, siblings the Rev. Lawrence Lord Brown and wife Anna, Ruth and Harry Webb and family, Betty and Lloyd Farr and family, Herbert Brown, Jr. and family; children, Leonard, Jr. and Minerva Barr and family, Cliff and Lucy Barr and family, Bob Barr, Nancy Barr and Barbara Barr and family, Betty and N.G. Norton and Gary Wagner and family. She is survived by many nieces and nephews, by thirteen grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and has had the pleasure of seeing and holding several of her grandchildren's grandchildren.

Louise had many friends at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Austin where she was an active member. Friends Janie Rivera, Bertha Riojas and Jennifer Lynn supported her with loving care at Westminster Healthcare during the last several years. The family appreciates the kindness and companionship of the residents and staff at Westminster Manor in Austin.

A memorial service was held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at the Westminster Manor Chapel conducted by the Reverend Rhoda Montgomery of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. Burial will be at a time to be determined in Van Vleck, Texas at the side of her husband, Leonard Alexander Barr.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Austin.

Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas 78705 (512) 452-8811. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com

Bay City Tribune, Published February 13, 2008
 

Funeral Services for Mrs. Ann Elizabeth Baxter, 101, were held Sunday afternoon at the Matagorda Cemetery. Mrs. Baxter would have been 102 December 17.

Mrs. Baxter, reported to be Matagorda County’s oldest citizen, was born on the Matagorda Peninsula and lived in the county all her life. She died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Lou Ellis, at Matagorda Friday night.

Surviving are five daughters, Mrs. Will McNabb, Mrs. E. C. Baker, Mrs. Lou Ellis, and Mrs. Lydia Moberly of Matagorda and Mrs. Amos Lee of Bay City; 23 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, and 16 great-great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Baxter lived to see three of her children celebrate their 50^th wedding anniversaries: Mrs. Lee, Mrs. Baker and Mrs. McNabb

Matagorda County Tribune, August 25, 1949
 

Funeral Services for Julia Belanger, 102, of Concord, NC will be held at 10 a. m. Thursday, Aug. 26, 1999 at The Church of God of Prophecy in Bay City with Rev. Robert Collins and Rev. James Logan officiating.

Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Van Vleck.

She died Aug. 20 at Big Elm Nursing Center in Kannapolia, NC.

She was born Dec. 8, 1896 in Saint Martinsville, La. to the late Victor and Adolphina Estave Guillotee.

She was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy, a former resident of Bay City from 1932 to 1993, when she moved to Midland, N. C. to live with her daughter.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jules Joseph Belanger, Sr. on June 14, 1960; her son Jules Belanger, Jr. on March 28, 1992; and by six sisters and one brother.

Survivors include a daughter, Flavia B. Thompson of Midland, NC; son and daughter-in-law, C. V. and Ann Belanger of Beaumont; three grandchildren, Darryl Thompson of Concord, NC, C. V. Belanger, Jr. of Flower Mound, Tex. and Elizabeth Ann Belanger of Richardson; and four great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Bennie and John Stevens, Owen Middleton, Bill Bell, Donald Berglund and Richard Franklin.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, August 25, 1999
 

Over a century of living ended when, Mabel Green Birkner passed away September 20, 2004 at the age of 103 in Bay City. Mrs. Birkner was born on May 12, 1901 in Neiderwald, Texas to William Wyatt Green and Docia Almedia Lovett Green. She was the only daughter in a family of nine.

She spent most of her young life in Hays County and the Austin area and attended Austin High School. On September 15, 1920 she was married in Creedmoor, Texas, to Joe A. Birkner, Sr.

In 1926, with three small sons, the Birkners moved to Bay City to engage in cotton farming, the dairy business and later, building construction. Five more children were born in Bay City. Mrs. Birkner served as the bookkeeper at Birkner’s Dairy until the family sold the dairy and established the Birkner Lumber Company.

A gentle lady and devoted mother of eight children, she was an active member of the First Christian Church where she taught Sunday school and sang in the Church Choir. In the late 70’s, the Birkners returned to the church of their childhood and joined The First United Methodist Church, which she attended regularly.

For over fifty-five years, Mrs. Birkner enjoyed hunting with her husband and family in the Texas Hill Country. She was an excellent marksman and was featured at the age of ninety-nine in USA Today and Texas Parks and Wildlife as the oldest registered female hunter in Texas. On her last hunt at the age of 101, she killed a deer and a hog.

She told many stories of her life during the amazing century of inventions and changes that she witnessed. One story was a move the Green family made from Buda to McCaulley in West Texas for her Mother’s health. To support the family, her father and brothers farmed cotton and opened a small grocery store. After her Mother’s recovery, they moved back to Creedmore but returned by wagon and mule teams. She slept in the wagon at night, except for one night when a storm struck and they spent the night in a schoolhouse in Hillsboro. The trip took over a month.

Mrs. Birkner was happiest surrounded by her large and loving family, hosting family gatherings, and cooking wonderful meals. She was interested and involved in the lives of her beloved family until the very end of her life. She enjoyed playing the piano and singing at family gatherings, and was a champion at needlepoint. She lived in her own home until she moved to The Legacy a year ago.

She is predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Joe Birkner, in 1981, her daughter Mabel Birkner Wakefield in 1974, her eight brothers Bill Green, Emmitt Green, Otis Green, Ragen Green, Wyatt Green, Luke Green, Preston Green and Tom Green, and her parents. Her nephew, Alfred Birkner, also predeceases her.

She is survived by her children, Joe A. Birkner, Jr. and wife Dorothy, Bay City, Otis H. Birkner Sr. and wife Doris, Bay City, Otha W. Birkner and wife Melba, Vanderpool, Jack W. Birkner and wife Mary Lou, El Campo, Mary Kiesling and husband Larry, Kenedy, Anna Ruth Klein and husband Robert, Tomball, Kathleen Stevens and husband Richard, Fort Worth; her nephew, Kenneth Birkner, San Antonio, twenty five grandchildren, fifty-eight great-grandchildren and thirteen great-great grandchildren.

Honorary pallbearers will be her granddaughters: Cindy Duncan, Linda Burgess, Donna Sutherland, Mary Ann Harrison, Kathleen Nichols, Lisa Selph, Kay Cole, Marla Menard, Patty Lampley, Alexandra Stevens Hillebrecht, and Diane Cowart.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons: Wyatt Birkner, Donald Birkner, Timothy Birkner, Otis Birkner, Jr., Charles Birkner, Joe Klein, Jeffrey Klein, Larry Kiesling, Jr., Jack Birkner, Jr., Richard P. Stevens, Bobby Wakefield, Scott Wakefield, David Wakefield, and Glen Wakefield.

The family wishes to acknowledge the excellent compassionate care of the staff of The Legacy.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p. m. on Thursday at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at The First United Methodist Church, Bay City at 2 p. m. Friday. The Reverend Pauline Harvey will conduct the Celebration of the Life of Mabel Green Birkner, our dear Mother. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

The Bay City Tribune, September 22, 2004
 

Funeral services for Cynthia Caroline “Callie” Carrington Blaylock, 101, of Bay City were at 2 p. m. Saturday, May 2 at the First Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Zimmerman and Rev. W. D. Baker officiating. Interment followed at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City.

Blaylock passed away Wednesday, April 29 at the Legacy Healthcare Center in Bay City. She was born Feb. 13, 1897 near Sargent to John Cockrell Carrington and Heppie Stephens Carrington. She was a resident of Bay City since 1898, when her family moved to Bay City and her father became Matagorda County Surveyor.

She joined the First Baptist Church in 1909, graduated from Bay City High School in 1915, and then worked in the County Surveyor’s office for her father. The loves of her life were her family, the church and the library.

She began substituting at the library for Mrs. Grover Moore, the librarian and neighbor, in the 1930’s, and then became the librarian in 1947 and continued until she retired in the middle 1970’s. She continued to work part time at the library until she was 90 years old. She entered Matagorda House in November of 1993 and lived there until her death.

She is survived by one daughter, Cleo Barkley of Houston; one son and daughter-in-law, Al Blaylock and Nancy of Dallas; three grandchildren, Margaret and husband Dr. Charles Goolsbee of Houston, Layton Blaylock and wife Nita of Austin, Susan and husband Dr. Paul Funk of Dallas; two great grandchildren, Leeann and Layton Funk of Dallas; and by her special friend, Helen “Boo” Neary.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Hulen Allen “Buck” Blaylock, and a grandson, Norman Barkley, III.

Pallbearers were Dr. Fred Matthes, Carl Anderson, Pat Matthes, Dr. Bryan Simons, E. M. Huitt, and Donald Pollard. Honorary pallbearers were Harley Savage, Dr. Clyde Funk, Roy Sanders, James Sowell, Glyn Kinsey, Gerald Ussery, Stan Eldridge, Wayne Michael, Robbins Odom, Gaston Morton, Rector Walton, Gerald Rowland, Morris Richardson, and Hollie Briscoe.

The family suggests that memorials may be made to the Bay City Library, the First Baptist Church, or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City.

The Daily Tribune, Wednesday, April 15, 1998

Miss Jadie Branstetter was born December 24, 1907 in Meade, Kansas to Peter Jefferson and Mary Jane Hudlow Branstetter. She graduated from high school in Bay City, Texas & continued training at Hotel Deise in Beaumont, Texas where she became a registered nurse. She served her country as a 1st Lt. in the US Army Nurse Corps for 3 years during WWII. Following the war she went to Galveston to teach and train others at the state hospital UTMB. She held the positions of supervisor of the Medical & Surgical part of the hospital for 40 years.

Retirement was spent traveling abroad and in the states. She enjoyed her home, gardening, handy work and was seen regularly at church and its functions. Late in life her natural creative talents came alive. She studied art and earned many rewards in her works in landscapes and floral oil paintings.

Miss Branstetter was preceded in death by her parents and seven siblings Walter, Charles, Harry & Jennings Branstetter, Clarinda B. Dervage, Pearl B. Stien, & Birdie B. Streadl. After a long life she joined her parents and brothers and sisters in Heaven on December 6, 2008. She is survived by four nieces and two nephews.

Graveside services were 3:00 PM Monday, Dec. 8, 2008 at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck, TX with Rev. Mark Brumbelow officiating.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

Services will be held for Mrs. Kathryan “Kate” Calhoun, of Bay City and a lifetime resident of Matagorda County, 10 a. m. Thursday at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.

Officiating at the services will be the Rev. Milton McWilliams of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.

Calhoun died November 9, 1982 at her residence.

Survivors include sons, C. L. Calhoun of Corpus Christi, Walter H. Calhoun of Bay City; daughters, Mrs. John P. Mitchell of Rockport, Mrs. H. M. Kelly of Bay City; sister, Mrs. A. B. Lorino of Houston; several nieces and nephews.

Burial will follow services at Cedarvale Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Hugh Strickland, George Deerman, Jack Ellercamp, W. H. Broughton, Richard Weinberg and John Underwood.

Services under the direction of Dick R. Elkins Bay City Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, November 10, 1982

Services were held Sunday at Our Lady of Perpetual Care Church in Bay City for Macedonio Carrio, who at 106 years was the oldest Matagorda County resident. He died Saturday morning at Matagorda County General Hospital.

The native of Starr County was born in 1850 and had been a resident of Matagorda County since 1906. He was a retired farmer and lived in the Midfield area.

About two weeks ago he broke his hip in a fall, but had been in good general health prior to the fall.

Sunday the services were conducted by Rev. J. P. Shannon with burial at Cedarvale Cemetery.

He is survived by four sons, Manuel and Julius Carrio of Houston, John Carrio of Midfield, Frank Carrio of Mount Clements, Michigan; five daughters, Mrs. Edward Hernandez, Mrs. Ann Miller, Mrs. Oren Talbitzer, Mrs. Lucio Gusman, all of Houston, and Mrs. Jesus Augular of Palacios, and 32 grandchildren.

The Daily Tribune, June 4, 1956

Matagorda County’s oldest citizen, Mrs. Ora M. Cash, age 103, died Wednesday at Matagorda General Hospital. Although she had been hospitalized since January 7, 1969, Mrs. Cash had remained mentally alert, and able to be in a wheel chair throughout the day until a week ago. On Monday night of this week she required round-the-clock nurses, quietly losing strength each day until 3:30 p. m. Wednesday when she seemed to rouse momentarily, then just as quietly took a last soft breath.

Born in Pike County, Missouri, Mrs. Cash came to Bay City as a bride in 1899. Her late husband, William Cash, was one of the prominent early business men, and together they did a great deal to help in the early progress of Bay City. Their life together was centered around their home church and community affairs and when Mr. Cash died his death occurred just five months before they would have celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary.

Mrs. Cash taught Sunday School for many years, and served at some time in every activity of the church work. She was one of the two first women to serve on the school board. And she was a charter member of the early women’s organizations in town, such as the still existing Chautauqua Club.

In recent years she enjoyed reading the progress of the world in the years she lived in Bay City. After the historical event of the first men on the moon, she laughingly remarked that it was a long way from her first trip to Bay City from Wharton. The road from Wharton was rut-deep mud, and took the cart pulled by small donkeys all day and into the night to get to Bay City.

Funeral services will be held Friday at 4 p. m. at the First Baptist Church, with burial in Cedarvale Cemetery. Rev. W. D. Baker and Rev. Wm. D. O’Neal will officiate.

Mrs. Cash is survived by two daughters: Mrs. Clara Mae Cochran and Mrs. Mary E. Hurst, both of Bay City; two grandchildren: Mrs. Sam W. Waters of Galveston and Dr. M. L. Hurst of Dallas; three great-grandchildren: Sharolyn and Wendy Hurst and Scott Thomas Waters.

The Cancer Fund, in memory of the only son of Mrs. Cash, the late T. C. Cash of Tyler, and the Memory Book of the First Baptist Church are the tributes Mrs. Cash would have selected.

The Daily Tribune, Thursday, October 14, 1971

Faye Curtis, 100, passed away Tuesday, May 30, 2006 at her home in Grand Prairie, TX. She was born January 6, 1906 in Kensington, KS to the late Warner & Mary Olive “Dollie” Jones Sanford. She worked for Jack Hollister Insurance and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by her best friend & caregiver: Louise Head Cole of Irving; nephew: Jim Curtis; 3 nieces: Shirley Pickel of Bay City, Phyllis Sewell of Weslaco, TX, and Verna Barker of Austin. Mrs. Curtis was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Charles Willis Curtis; daughter: Mary Jo Poland; sister: Lula Pickel; and brother: Walter Sanford.

A Funeral Service will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, June 3, 2006 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Tom Morgan officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery. Pallbearer will be: Jim Craft, Jim Curtis, and Rupert Franzisko. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Callier Grimes, Jack & Lane Hollister, Dr. Russell Matthes DDS, and Bobby Wilkinson. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home (979) 245-4613.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

Mrs. Leona Dykes, 103, of Houston, died December 30, 1978 at her residence in Houston. She was born, November 14, 1897 in Matagorda County. The deceased was a member of Bethel Baptist Church Missionary Society, Bible band, Mother Union, Mission Chorus, and mother of the Church. Survivors include daughters, Mrs. Trulah Davis of Houston and Mrs. Lillie Gordon of La Marque, a son, Andrew Lee, Jr., of Houston, sister, Mrs. Mosella Hardeman of Bay City, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at Bethel Baptist Church on Saturday, January 6, 2 p. m. Rev. L. C. Cunningham will officiate. Interment at East View Cemetery, Bay City. Arrangements under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home, 5730 Calhoun Road, Houston.

The Daily Tribune, January 5, 1979

Anna Rugeley Gartrell, 100, of Autumn Hills Nursing Home in Richmond, died at that nursing home Feb. 13, 1977. She was born July 10, 1876 in Matagorda, Texas. She is survived by one son, Nicholas V. Gartrell of Harper; four grandchildren, James W. Gartrell, Jr. of League City, John A. Langston, Jr. of Rochester, Minn., Mrs. Robert J. Tiffany, Jr. of Houston and Harry P. Gartrell of Dallas and six great grandchildren. Services will be held Tuesday, Feb. 15, at 12 noon at the Holy Cross Catholic Church with Father Charles Sonnier officiating. Burial will be in Cedarvale Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Emil Ottis, David Hinton, E. L. Miller, J. W. Gartrell, Jr., H. P. Gartrell and R. J. Tiffany, Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Dick Dawdy, D. B. Hinton, Rowland Rugeley and J. C. Lewis. Services under the direction of Dick R. Elkins Bay City Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, February 14, 1979

A man who witnessed the beginning of a new era when the Lucas gusher came in at Spindletop some 70 years ago died yesterday at the age of 100.

Curtis G. Hamill was standing on a derrick platform 40 feet off the ground January 10, 1901, when the gusher hit at Spindletop Hill south of Beaumont, Texas. The full force of the stream of oil hit Hamill in the face, signaling the start of the greatest oil boom in history. He landed on the derrick floor below, miraculously uninjured.

Hamill, whose son, P. R. Hamill lives in Bay City, was born in January born in January 24, 1872, in Iowa and also lived for a time in Pennsylvania before moving to Texas.

He led a farm boy’s life through much of his youth and was forced to leave Baylor University after a serious case of pneumonia.

He met his wife, the former Eva Estelle Smith, in Bell County while he was selling smoothing irons from house to house. They were married in 1893.

After acquiring a farm near Waco, he was ruined by a sudden storm. He went to work for a Waco dairy but soon was offered a job by elder brother, Jim, who broke into the drilling business by working on the first great artesian well in Texas. Younger brother, Al, was a partner in the firm, called Hamill Brothers of Corsicana.

Hamill accepted the job and that led him to the derrick platform and the Lucal Well at Spindletop.

On his 97^th birthday, he looked back on the historic moment.

“If there hadn’t been a Spindletop, there would be no oil business today,” he said. “It was sure something to be a part of it. I’m glad I was there but I’d hate to go through it all again.”

Survivors include two sons, Claude of Houston and P. R. of Bay City, Tex.; a daughter, Ethel Semple of Burney, Tex., and two grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held Saturday afternoon in the First Baptist Church at Bay City. Burial will be in Cedarvale Cemetery at Bay City.

Curtis Gainer Hamill

Curtis Gainer Hamill, 100, a resident of Houston passed away March 1. Survivors include: 1 daughter, Mrs. Ethel Semple of Boerne; 2 sons, Percy R. Hamill of Bay City and Claud B. Hamill of Houston; 2 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Mr. Hamill moved to Bay City from Kerrville in 1922 and lived here 15 years before moving to San Antonio where he lived for 17 years. He later moved to Houston where he resided for 11 years. He was a member of the Kerrville Baptist Church and the Oddfellows. Funeral services will be held March 3 at 2 p. m. at the First Baptist Church with Rev. W. D. Baker and Rev. G. Wayland Elmore officiating. Interment will be at the Cedarvale Cemetery with pallbearers being: T. Austin Castleton, Otis Russell, Harry Cowger, H. Norman Barkley, W. J. Luder, Jr., Frank Hurley, Jr., Hugh Strickland and J. W. Sanders. Mr. Hamill’s remains will lie in state at the home of his son, P. R. HAmill from 2 p. m. Friday until 12 noon Saturday when he will be taken to the First Baptist Church. Taylor Brothers Funeral Home in charge of funeral arrangements.

The Daily Tribune, March 2, 1973

Funeral services for Micaela Garcia Hernandez, 100, of Van Vleck, were held at 2 p. m. Monday, Nov. 21, 1994, at the Rose of Sharon Pentecostal Church with the Rev. Janie Robles officiating. Burial was in Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.

Mrs. Hernandez was born June 2, 1894, in Monelova, Coahuila, Mexico, to Mateo and Estanislada Zamarron Hernandez and died Nov. 19, 1994 at her home.

Formerly of McAllen, she has resided in Van Vleck for the past seven years and was a member of the Rose of Sharon Pentecostal Church in Bay City.

Survivors include two daughters, Sabina H. Ramirez of Van Vleck and Dominga H. Lira of Edinburg; two sons, Vacilio Hernandez of Woodville, Calif., and Leon Hernandez of Florida; 40 grandchildren and 39 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Heriberto Hernandez and son, Manual Hernandez.

Pallbearers are Bert Munoz, Ray Garza, Tony Pompa, Louis Carrion, Tito Mendez, Ruben Ramirez, Joaquin Lira and Manuel Lira.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City.

The Daily Tribune, November 22, 1994
 

Pauline Huebner was born Aug. 21, 1894 and died March 23, 1996, at her home on the family ranch near Bay City.

Daughter of Franz and Marie Louise Kehrer Huebner, Miss Huebner was schooled at home by various live-in teachers She learn to play the piano at an early age and continued her music all of her life. She attended school at Bon Avon in San Antonio and later studied and taught at the Houston Conservatory of Music. Pauline shared her talent on many occasions and for 30 years was the pianist and organist for the First Presbyterian Church, where she was a lifelong member. She will be remembered for her love of family and God. Her family having participated in the development of Matagorda County and Bay City, Pauline particularly enjoyed sharing stories about the early days.

She is survived by her sister Marguerite Poole, niece Pauline Blair, nephew John and Myrtle Huebner, great nieces and nephews Jan Huebner Harmon and husband Rich, Julia and Miranda; Kristi and Greg Meyer, Clay, Keith and Bryan; Molly and Keith Dunn, Kaitlyn, Bethany, Anna and John; Mike and Debbie Coppock, Travis and Taylor; Jeff Coppock and Susanna Coppock. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Adolph, Otto and John Huebner.

Services will be held at 2 p. m. on Tuesday, March 26, 1996, at First Presbyterian Church in Bay City with Reverends Todd Collier and Allan Anderson officiating.

Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery. Pallbearers are Mike Coppock, Greg Meyer, Doug Huebner, Lawrence Gwin, Jr., Wayne Yanko and Edwin Cerny. Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Bay City Public Library, the Presbyterian Children’s Home or the charity of choice.

The Daily Tribune, March 24 or 25, 1996

A memorial service for Nellie G. Jesse of Kerrville, formerly of Markham, will be held 2 p. m. Sunday at the Markham Methodist Church with the Rev. William A. Haskell officiating. Burial will be in Cedarvale Cemetery, Bay City.

Mrs. Jesse was born Dec. 6, 1887, in Gonzales, Texas, and died May 16, 1988, in Kerrville.

She was the first telephone switchboard operator in Markham.

Survivors include a daughter, Kay Conlee of Kerrville; a son, Walter V. Jesse of Austin; and three grandchildren, Carolyn Robertson and Kathy Jo Hanson, both of Houston, and Vinna Farhoudi of Kerrville.

Memorial gifts can be made to the Markham Methodist Church.

The Daily Tribune, May, 1988

Mrs. Roxie Emma (Dunlap) Johnson, a resident of Pasadena, Texas for the last five years and formerly of West Columbia, passed away August 6, 2007. She lived to be 100 years old having been born July 18, 1907 to Sarah Emma Dunlap and Doctor Meakins Dunlap of Rosefield, Louisiana.

Funeral services will be held at Baker Funeral Home in West Columbia, Texas on Thursday, August 9, 2007 at 10:00 a. m. with Pastor Danny Johnson officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday, August 8, 2007 from 5:00 p. m. until 7:00 p. m. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Pallbearers are Glenn Daley, Great Grandson, Bryan Daley, Grandson, Danny Dahlgren, Tim Pelata, David Banks & Ray Johnson. Honorary pallbearers are Joe Ori, Johnny Chancellor, Chris & Daniel Fabrygel, James Patterson & Joe Jackson.

Roxie married Robert “Bob” Johnson April 17, 1921 and were married for 62 wonderful years. She was one of the sweetest people anyone could ever know and was the salt of the earth. She was an extraordinary woman with a tender heart, a strong faith in God and a limitless capacity to love unconditionally. She loved to sit out on her front porch on a cool spring morning, drink a hot cup of coffee, gaze at her beautiful flowers and watch the hummingbirds fly around her feeder. She had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed sharing stories with family and friends. These special memories have now become jewels for her family to treasure forever.

When talking about her early life, she said, “Times were hard then, but we didn’t know it.” However, she loved her new conveniences. Air conditioning, washers, dryers and clothes that don’t have to be ironed were wonderful luxuries that became necessities. Two of her sons fought in WWII and her father fought in the Civil War. In 1943, she and her husband owned a shoe shop and then later owned and ran the Pit, a Bar-B-Q restaurant in West Columbia, Texas.

She is survived by her daughter, Roxie Marlene Johnson Miller of Lake Jackson; granddaughter, Carolyn Jean Davis Daley of Pasadena; great granddaughters, Dana Carol Daley Pelata of Clear Lake and Angela Marlene Daley Banks of Deer Park; great grandsons, Bryan Daniel Daley of Pasadena, Danny Curtis Dahlgren, Eric James Williams of Tekemah, Nebraska and Jason Lee Reynoldson of Omaha, Nebraska; great great grandsons, Logan Alexander Pelata and Gavin Connor Banks.

Arrangements are by Baker Funeral Home, 634 S. Columbia Dr., West Columbia, Texas. Online Condolences may be sent to www.bakerfuneralhome.net .

Courtesy of Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

Mrs. Victoria Lewis McElrath, 101, of Markham died late Sunday afternoon at the home of her son, G. C. McElrath in Markham. She was a lifelong resident of the Baptist church and a Matagorda County resident for 27 years.

She was the widow of the late Frank A. McElrath who died several years ago.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. Tuesday in the drawing room of the Bay City Funeral Home with Rev. Robert E. Black of Markham First Baptist Church and Rev. Ferman R. Weedon of Bay City First Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in Cedarvale Cemetery.

Survivors, besides the son, include one daughter, Mrs. Minnie Leathers of Snow, Okla.; nine grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. Three children preceded her in death.

Pallbearers will be G. L. McElrath, Carl McElrath, George W. Hall, Richard Bowers, Hoyt Johnson and Weldon Bowers.

Mrs. McElrath was born in Bloomfield, Mo., to a college professor and his wife as the Confederate troops were moving into camp at that town. Her father later became a lieutenant in the Confederate army and was among those that did not return after the war. Her mother died at the age of 35.

She married her husband in 1879 and moved with him to Bay City 27 years ago.

The Daily Tribune, December 31, 1962

DICKINSON - Edna "Eshie" Long Muller, 102, of Dickinson, died Sunday, Feb. 20, 2005.

She was born Aug. 7, 1902, in Albany, to the late Will and Florence Mangum. She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church of Dickinson, a life member of VFW Post 6378 Ladies Auxiliary of Dickinson, and she was a Gold Star Mother.

Survivors: daughters, Virginia Long Meyer and Joyce Long Rogers, both of Dickinson; son, Steven Long of Houston; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: husbands, Jacob Hayward Long and Harry Muller; daughter, Lee; son, GM3C William Frank "Billy" Long, USN; five sisters; and two brothers.

The family will receive visitors 5-9 p.m. tonight at James Crowder Funeral Home chapel.

Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Faith Lutheran Church.

Burial with full VFW Auxiliary honors will be 3:30 p.m. at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City. James Crowder Funeral Home, Dickinson, 281-337-1515.
 

The Victoria Advocate, Monday, February 21, 2005

BLESSING [Matagorda County, Texas] - Martha Eureka Martin Neuszer was born on Feb. 24, 1906, in Gillette, Karnes County. This baby girl, destined to live life to its fullest, was the daughter of Eureka Billings Martin and Frank Duffy Martin. Mrs. Neuszer was a longtime resident of Blessing. She died on May 2, 2007, in Matagorda General Hospital, Bay City, after having lived over a century at the age of 101 years, 2 months, 8 days.

Mrs. Neuszer was preceded in death by her husband, Leo P. Neuszer; her parents; two brothers, Clyde and Earl Martin; and three sisters, Eula Martin, Selma Rollins, and Leona Rackley; her son-in-law, Bob Ackerman of Blessing, and one infant granddaughter, Connie Lynnette Neuszer.

She is survived by one daughter, Margie Ackerman of Blessing; one son, Leo Neuszer and wife Nalona of Bay City; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; sister, Dora Martin of Columbus; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Martha Eureka Martin completed high school, in Sample, in April 1925. She later married Leo P. Neuszer, in Gonzales, on Dec. 21, 1927, after which time they later moved to Matagorda County in 1927, first in Deutschburg Community, then to the Blessing Community. The family moved to the present home site in January 1939, where Mrs. Neuszer lived until November 2005, before becoming a resident in the Matagorda House Nursing Home.

During her latter years Mrs. Neuszer remained quite active in spite of her advanced age. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Blessing. She was an avid member of the Midfield Home Demonstration Club. Her publicized hobby has been crocheting baby and children's caps. In April 2001, M.D. Anderson-Houston recorded 810 caps, which she donated to their children's unit. Since then, until November 2005, Mrs. Neuszer continued to crochet caps for the hospital, as well as for Women's Pregnancy Center in Bay City.

Funeral services, conducted by her grandson-in-law, the Rev. James Collins, will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, 2007 at Palacios Funeral Home in Palacios.

Interment will be at Hawley Cemetery immediately following the services.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.taylorbros.net.

Funeral services are arranged by Palacios Funeral Home, Palacios, 361-972-2012.

Published in the Victoria Advocate on 5/4/2007
 

Margaret Rosamond “Rose” Langham Newman, 102, passed away at her home on Tuesday July 21, 2009.
 

A lifetime resident of Bay City, she was born to Bay City Pioneers Charles and Martha Dantzler Langham. Meeting her at Heaven’s Gate are her parents, her husband Charles, her sisters Charlotte, Martha, and Connie and her beloved grandson Blake Newman Bunk. Surviving to cherish her memory are her daughter, Nanci Bunk and husband Dr. John Bunk, grandsons Charles and wife Denise, Craig and wife Elizabeth and great-grandchildren Foley Blake, Samantha Rose, Carter Langham and Charles Davis Bunk, niece Martha Engman and dear friend Annelle Gann.
 

She was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School for over 70 years and served tirelessly and lovingly in numerous capacities. She was the Chamber of Commerce Woman of the year in 1978 and Methodist Woman of the year in 1968. She was a charter member of the Pink Ladies at Matagorda General Hospital with over 8,000 hours served, and a charter member of the Pilot Club, being Pilot of the Year in 1973. She was a past Matron and Deputy Grand Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star and was awarded the Grand Cross of Color for organizing and working with the Rainbow Girls. She was on the Board of the Bay City Cemetery for many years where she served as Vice President. Also, she was Matagorda County Treasurer for two terms in 1936.

She was a compassionate, loving, totally unselfish and generous lady who never said “No” to any individual group with which she was associated.

The family will be eternally grateful to her wonderful caretakers, Melba Edison, who cared for her for over 6 years, Dora Jackson, and Ernestine Sardinia as well as the wonderful people with Houston-El Campo Hospice.

The family will receive friends from 7pm to 8pm Friday, July 24, 2009 at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 10:00 AM Saturday, July 25, 2009 at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Pauline Harvey officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery. Pallbearers are Charles Bunk, Craig Bunk, Foley Bunk, George Chadwick, Jim Gann and Dennis Gann. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Bay City.

Bay City Tribune, Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Hilario Perez, who would have celebrated his 104^th birthday on Nov. 6, died at his home, 1705 Avenue L, Bay City Monday.

Perez, a native of Mexico, had been residing in Bay City for the past 33 years.

Rosary will be said at 7:30 o’clock Tuesday night followed by requiem mass at 9:30 a. m. Wednesday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with the Rev. J. P. Shannon officiating.

Surviving are daughters, Mrs. Guadalupe Martinez and Miss Janie Perez, both of Bay City, and Miss Luz Perez, Mexico; sons, Pedro Perez, Tom Perez, Rosalio and Jesse Perez, all of Bay City; a brother, Carman Perez, Corpus Christi; 39 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren.

The Daily Tribune, August 22, 1961

Cedarvale Cemetery

Nicholas Perez, 101 year old resident of 1606 Avenue K, died late Friday afternoon in Matagorda General Hospital after an extended illness.

Perez, a Bay Citian for 38 years, was a member of the Catholic Church. The Rosary was recited in the drawing room of the Bay City Funeral Home Sunday evening at 8:00 p. m. A Requiem Mass at Holy Cross Catholic Church with the Rev. C. J. Martin as the celebrant was held this morning at 9:00 a. m. with committal services following at the Bay City Cemetery.

Survivors include five daughters, Mrs. Annie Zamora of Bay City, Mrs. Josefa Trevino of Cuero, Mrs. Natvidad Gauna of Earth and Mrs. Josefina Medina of Mark[ham]; four sons, J. C. of McAllen, Lorenzo of Bay City, Isidore of El Paso, Isidro of Houston; 63 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

The Daily Tribune, September 30, 1963

Funeral services for William Louis Reitz, 100, of Blessing will be held 10 a. m. Saturday at Palacios Funeral Home with the Rev. Herbert A. Willke officiating. Burial will be in Hawley Cemetery, Blessing.

Mr. Reitz was born July 17, 1889, in Bernardo Prairie, Colorado County, Texas, to John and Otillia Burttschell Reitz and died Nov. 8, 1989, at Matagorda General Hospital, Bay City.

A resident of Blessing since 1961, he was a member of the Catholic church.

Survivors include two daughters, Maxine Hilton of Floresville, Texas, and Willie Marie Holsworth of Palacios; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.

Mr. Reitz was preceded in death by his wife, Essie Reitz, on July 27, 1984.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Palacios.

The Daily Tribune, November 9 or 10, 1989
 

Rosary will be recited at 8 p. m. Wednesday for centenarian Mrs. Romulo[a] Reyes, 102, of 1009 Avenue J at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, and mass will be held at 8 a. m. Thursday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

Mrs. Reyes died Tuesday afternoon and is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Juna Molinar of Bay City, 23 grandchildren, 86 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. She was born on Feb. 12, 1861 in Mexico and was a longtime Bay Citian.

The Daily Tribune, May 8, 1963

[Died May 7, 1963]

Cedarvale Cemetery

CEDAR LANE - Edna "Grandma" Ross, 102, went to be with the Lord on Nov. 14, 2009 at her home in Cedar Lane. Grandma was born on April 11, 1907 in McComb, Okla. to parents Elvira and Wade Hampton. She was a long time member of the Cedar Lane Baptist Church and was a member of the Home Demonstration Club since 1967.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harvey Lee Ross; her son, Gale Ross; three sisters; and four brothers.

She is survived by her son and his wife, Don and Maxine Ross; and five grandchildren, Patricia Reaves and her husband David, Steve Ross, Fay Allen and her husband, James, Darron Ross and his wife, Sharilyn, and Gaylynn Goodman and her husband, Jimmy. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Clay and Raelynn Scroggin, Lacy and Doug Rosson, Bruce Meyer, Stephen and Jennifer Ross, Jimmy Don and Wendy Ross, Caren and David Murdoch, Tony and Tiffany Ross, Cory Kruse, Ryan Goodman, Blaine Ross, Jordan Ross, and Mackenzie Goodman. She has 11 great-great-grandchildren, Stephan Lee Ross, Noah Rosson, Travis Ross, Madalyn Lamb, Sarah Ross, Taylor Ross, Austin Ross, Tyler Rosson, Trenton Ross, Levi Scroggin, and Camden Ross.

A visitation was held on Monday evening from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Bay City Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009 at the Cedar Lane Baptist Church with Rev. Maurice Morrow and Rev. David Roach officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.

Pallbearers will be Steve Ross, Darron Ross, Stephen Ross, Tony Ross, Bruce Meyer, and Clay Scroggin.

Honorary pallbearers will be the deacons of Cedar Lane Baptist Church, Glenn Roberson, Ray Horton, Larry Lewis, Jimmy Grisham, Paul Hill and Raymond Brooker.

She loved her immediate family and always wanted to be helpful. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Services are under the direction of Bay City Funeral Home.

The Victoria Advocate, November 17, 2009
 

A funeral mass for Annie Sliva, 100, of Bay City, is scheduled for 10 a. m. Tuesday, March 28, 1995, at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Msgr. James Brunner officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

A rosary was said at 7:30 p. m. Monday, March 27, 1995, in the Chapel of Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

Mrs. Sliva was born Jan. 31, 1895, in Latium, to Paul and Frances Zaboralek Pisklak and died Sunday, March 26, 1995, in Bay City.

She was a member of the Catholic church and was married to Emil Sliva in Bellville on Sept. 15, 1916.

Survivors include four sons and daughters-in-law, Sylvester and Bernice Sliva, Benjamin Sliva, Gilbert and Jan Sliva and Frank and Barbara Sliva, all of Bay City; five daughters and sons-in-law, Carmel and Frank Harrison and Ann and John Webber, all of Bay City, Marie and Ambrose Harrison of Hope, Ark., Gertrude and Marshall King of Lake Charles, La., and Flo and Alvin Saha of Angleton; 24 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers are Joey Sliva, Steve Sliva, Hurshel Harrison, Mark King, Kelly Webber, Paul Sliva, Britt Saha and Stuart Sliva.

Memorials may be made to the Holy Cross Catholic School Foundation.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home of Bay City.

The Daily Tribune, March 28, 1995
 

Alva Lee Stanford, 101, of Bay City passed away December 18, 2006. She was born September 30, 1905 in Saltillo, Tennessee to Jim and Isabelle Hopper Meador. She had been a resident of Bay City since 1928 and was a very active member of the Pentecostal Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Willard F. Stanford, daughter Jo Etta Fern Stanford and grandson Buddy Hammock. Survivors include two daughters Ural Lee Donohoe of Bay City and Joyce Hammock of Killeen; six grandchildren Bruce, Terry & Roger Donohoe, Tony Hammock, Fawn Acuff, and Bobby Hammock and by fourteen great grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 10:00 am Friday, December 22, 2006 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Sam Starks officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City. Pallbearers include Bruce Donohoe, Terry Donohoe, Roger Donohoe, Tony Hammock, Jonny Hammock and John Milner. The family would like for you to wear something red if you plan to attend the funeral service. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home in Bay City. 979-245-4613.

www.taylorbros.net
 

Vevi Stevens died peacefully surrounded by a loving family on December 3, 2006.

She was born October 27, 1906, to Benjamin and Mattie Meredith Stevens in Markham.

Preceded in death by brothers, Luther Stevens of Wharton, Lee, Abe, Ben, John M. and Robert Stevens of Matagorda County, and sisters, May Werlla, Frances Patterson and Mollie Bullard. She and her family demonstrated an intense loyalty to family and a strong strength of character with their beliefs and lives.

She is survived by three nieces and seven nephews and their families, Jack and Margaret Stevens of Cedar Lane, Tece and John Parker of Van Vleck, Abe Jr. and Charlotte Stevens of Cedar Lane, Bennie and Laverne Stevens of Bay City, John Francis and Ruth Stevens of Sargent, B.F. and Jeanne Stevens of California, Anna Ve and Jerry Farr of San Marcos, Billy Jr. and Marion Bullard of Cedar Lane, Mollie Ann and Roger Gaeckler of Cedar Lane and Lonnie and Elisa Bullard of Markham.

Miss Stevens and her sisters all were teachers graduating from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos. They completed their degrees in the summertime and began teaching at age 16. Miss Stevens began her teaching career in a one-room school in Sargent in 1945 and taught math in Bay City for the remainder of her career. Miss Stevens, her sisters and their brother, John, who was a school board member, were honored in 1962 and featured in the Houston Chronicle for collectively contributing 137 years to public school education. Since then, five siblings have collectively contributed an additional 160-plus years to education.

From 1946 to 1988, Miss Stevens, the last surviving charter member of Cedar Lane Baptist Church, was an inspirational and lively leader of its youth. She with other assistants, including “Mr. Joe” Wyse, taught life lessons mixed with a sense of fun and life-changing directions toward discipline, love and Biblical values in a training union class at Cedar Lane Baptist Church known as the “Go-Getters.” She sponsored and participated in many memorable and exciting events for the youth, such as trips and picnics to the beach, to parks with volleyball and/or crochet, church-associated meetings for the youth and Playland Park. She mixed these activities often with visits to an elderly or shut-in person. Her influence and the memories from those times with “Miss Vevi” have had a long-lasting impact on Cedar Lane Baptist Church.

Miss Stevens has been a lifelong resident of Matagorda County and an active rancher for most of her life. She had her own cows until recently and harvested her own pecans. She demonstrated a strong sense of independence and unyielding work ethic despite the interest and willingness of her brother, John, and other siblings to share her ranging responsibilities.

Her declining years were enhanced by her timely and sharp sense of humor, her never-ceasing thoughtful attitude toward others and five years of excellent support from her caregivers. She was an amazing lady and loved by everyone who knew her.

Visitation was from 6 until 9 p. m. Monday at Bay City Funeral Home.
 

Services were Tuesday at 10:30 a. m. at Cedar Lane Baptist Church with the Pastor Zak Nicholson officiating. Burial was at Cedarvale in Bay City.

Pallbearers: Mark Grisham, Jody Wyse, Ray Horton, Butch Beavers, Mike Pruitt, Ronnie Pruitt, James Lee Stevens and John Drachenberg.

Honorary pallbearers: E.M. Huitt, Tom Uher, Elmer Billington, Phillip Bowie and Glen Robinson.

Those who wish to make donations can either make donations to the Stevens Family Scholarship for local youth at Texas State University through Anna Ve Farr at 1022 Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos, Texas 78666, or to Cedar Lane Baptist Church, Attention: Treasurer Barbara Bevers, at P.O. Box 90, Cedar Lane, Texas 77415.

The Daily Tribune, December 6, 2006

“Uncle John” Sutherland knew that he would live to see his 101^st birthday. A devout Baptist, he often said that the Lord had promised him he that he would, according to his daughter, Mrs. Stella Norton. And he did. He outlived his 101^st birthday by four days.

The end, when it came, was mercifully swift. He died peacefully, Saturday afternoon, shortly after speaking to his daughter, Mrs. Norton. He was exceptionally alert all morning and remained so until the very end, she said.

John Sutherland was born on June 22, 1864 in a little settlement called Old Sweet Home which no longer exists. It was located near the present town of Yoakum, Tex. His father was a soldier in the Confederate War, and his grandfather was the Alamo messenger who escaped the massacre there. His grandfather lived to be 105 years old.

“Uncle John” married the former Miss Estelle M. Anderson in 1885. She died here in 1933.

Sutherland originally came to Bay City to set up one of a line of lumber yards called Alamo Lumber Company. He was later manager of the Company’s Bay City office, and directed the plant here until his retirement in 1959.

Bay City’s third mayor, he was elected to his first term in 1907, and he remained in office until 1915. He was returned to office from 1917 until 1919.

During his 14 years in office, Bay City grew and improved to an extent of which “the most sanguine never dreamed,” according to The Tribune of 1911, a fact which was created “almost, if not entirely, to the mayor’s personal efforts.”

“The little city was lifted out of the mud that bogged horses and vehicles, the mayor obtaining 600 cars of free gravel from the railroad. The sewer system and the water works were installed,” according to the Tribune’s 100^th Anniversary Issue of 1945.

He was instrumental in the removal of a raft of debris on the Colorado which caused numerous floods here. During World War I, Sutherland was very active as a Liberty Loan Drive speaker. He also helped found the Bay City Public Library and the First Baptist Church’s library.

He was a member of the Baptist Church since his conversion as a boy of 14.

“Uncle John” was also an early oil man, and was one of the developers of “Big Hill.” Later the Matagorda Oil Company organized by Sutherland sold their interest to the Gulf Sulphur Company.

During the past several years, old age gradually crept up on “Uncle John,” although more slowly, perhaps, than on many others. He remained very alert for his years, but his eyesight and hearing both deteriorated to where he could only distinguish light from dark, and he lived in an increasingly silent world.

Several months ago, he fell and broke his hip, but he had entirely recovered from his injury. He returned to his beloved home at 3021 Avenue L St., where he had spent so many happy years, about six weeks ago. There he was well enough to receive visitors, and did so until the very end.

Saturday afternoon at 1:30 p. m. “Uncle John” finally rested. It had been a long, full life.

Funeral services will be held today at 3 p. m. in the Sanctuary of the First Baptist Church with the minister, Dr. William B. Williams and a grandson, Rev. Billy Norton of the New Gulf Baptist Church officiating.

Burial will follow in Cedarvale Cemetery under the direction of the Bay City Funeral Home. Graveside services will be conducted by the Bay City Masonic Lodge #865. Sutherland was the oldest living Mason in the State, having joined in 1885.

Pallbearers are D. F. Wiginton, Sims McDonald, J. C. Sloan, R. L. Carroll, Connie Anderson, Ira Clements, W. H. Sloan and Dr. D. A. Einkauf.

Honorary pallbearers will be all deacons of the First Baptist Church. Sutherland had been a deacon of the church since 1901.

Survivors include one son, George, of Wadsworth, four daughters, Mrs. Stella Norton, Mrs. Ethel Kinsey, both of Bay City, Mrs. Johnny Elenburg of Dallas, Mrs. C. J. Rounsaville of Mt. Pleasant; seven grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren.

The Daily Tribune, June 28, 1965

Funeral services for Ella Hawkins Taylor, 101, of Bay City will be held at 2 p. m. Sunday at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Bay City with the Rev. Hugh Jones officiating. Burial will be in Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City.

Mrs. Taylor, who was born on Sept. 16, 1886, in Hawkinsville, died Feb. 20, 1988, at Matagorda House Nursing Home.

She was a resident of Bay City for nearly all her life and was a lifelong member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. She was the wife of the late Seth S. Taylor, the founder of Taylor-Steves Furniture Company and Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Frances Taylor Steves and Bert C. Steves of Bay City; five grandchildren, Taylor and Sandra Steves and Savanna and Albert Franklin of Bay City, Marthella and Ed Simpson of Kingwood, Diana and John Null of Missouri City and Lewis and Judy Steves of Bellevue, Wash.; 13 great-grandchildren, Mary Frances Steves, Scott Steves, Jean Claire Kubeczka, Kerry Savage and Rob Glassett, all of Bay City, Martha Lindsey of Dundee, Ill., Steve Simpson of Glen Burnie, Md., Dan Simpson of Kingwood, Chris Null, Bradley Null and Tracy Null, all of Missouri City, and Dana and Sarah Steves of Bellevue, Wash.; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be great-grandsons Steve and Dan Simpson, Chris Null, Rob Glassett, Scott Steves, Kirby Savage and Gary Kubeczka.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Bay City.

The Daily Tribune, Sunday, February 21, 1988

Funeral service for Mrs. Margaret Young Times, age 103, of Bay City, will be held Thursday, August 25^th, at 1 p. m., at the First Sacred Memorial Christian Church in Bay City, with Rev. H. S. Williams, officiating, and Rev. A. H. Floyd, presiding. Burial will follow in Eastview Cemetery in Bay City.

Visitation will be Wednesday until 9 p. m. in the Chapel of Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home, and Thursday from noon until 1 p. m. at the church.

Mrs. Times was born in Edna, Texas, on Wednesday, September 30, 1891, to Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Young, and died Wednesday, August 16, 1995, in Sweeny House, Sweeny, Texas.

She was married to the Rev. Clarence Times of Live Oak, whom she assisted in the rearing of five children by which she provided motherly love and Christian principles.

In her Christian living, she exemplified true Christianity, and was recognized for her dedication, devotion and loyalty to her church and God. While a member of First Sacred Memorial Christian Church, at which one time her husband was pastor, she served the role of “First Lady” remarkably.

Mrs. Times was recognized throughout the community for her elegant character, her radiant smile and extraordinary cheerfulness. She was admired for her “beautiful snow white hair,” and for such kindness she shared with loved ones and friends.

Survivors include 6 grandchildren, Clark Murphy, Jr., Doreen Loretta Times Coyle, Clarence Times, Pravis Times, Donald Ray Murphy and Calvin Murphy. Also 15 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren. She leaves also 5 nieces, Mrs. Lucille Mosley Johnson of Bowie, Maryland, Ms. Eula Brown and Ms. Alberta Brown of Bay City, Mrs. Nona Peters of Los Angeles, California, and Mrs. Francis Grice of Inglewood, California. She is survived also by a host of other relatives and a family of friends. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. Clarence Times, January 24, 1966, five step-children and one grandson.

Active pallbearers include Clarence Times, Pravis Times, Calvin Murphy, Joe Times, Jimmie Times and Felix Walley.

Honorary pallbearers include the Deacons, Trustees and Elders of First Sacred Memorial Christian Church.

Arrangements with Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home in Bay City.

The Daily Tribune, August 23, 1995