Vacek, Anna (Chylek)

Mrs. Anna Vacek Dies At 90; Rites Held Here Monday

Funeral services for Mrs. Anna Vacek, who would have been 91 next month, were held at Hubbard Funeral Home and St. Michael's Church here Monday morning; with burial in St. Michael's Cemetery.

Msgr. A. F. Drozd officiated.

A bedridden invalid the past four years, she died Friday, Dec. 23, at the home of her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Kasper.

Born January 26, 1865, in Moravia, Europe, she was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Chylek. When she was 7 years old she came to this country with her parents and family, who settled at Hostyn, near La Grange. In 1882 she was married to Joseph J. Vacek, and they settled at Ammannsville. They moved to Dubina in 1904 and to Weimar in 1917. Mr. Vacek died in 1939 and Mrs. Vacek afterward lived in the homes of her several children.

She was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church and the Christian Mothers.

Surviving her are five daughters, Mrs. Philomena Sassin and Mrs. Marcella Kasper of Weimar, Mrs. Mary Mazoch of Granger, Mrs. Jennie Horak of San Antonio and Mrs. Dora Sury of Houston; one son, J. F. Vacek of Weimar; 14 grandchIldren and 25 great-grandchildren; a sister. Mrs. Agnes Kuchar of Ennis; a half sister, Mrs. Malie Kristek of Flatonia; and two half brothers, John Slubar of Weimar and Frank Slubar of Houston. One son, Raymond, died in 1917 and two of her children died as infants.

Pallbearers for the funeral were Victor Sassin, Willie Sassin, John Kolar, Joe Vacek, Raymond Vacek and Emil Mazoch.

Weimar Mercury, December 30, 1955, page 1

Vacek, Emil C.

Death Claims Emil C. Vacek

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon for Emil C. Vacek, 72, chairman of the board of First State Bank and prominent in business and civic life here for nearly 50 years.

Mr. Vacek died at 6:10 p.m. Saturday, minutes after suffering a heart attack. He had had a severe attack several years earlier, but had recovered enough to resume an active life.

Services were held at Hubbard Funeral Home and St. Michael’s Catholic Church, with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Oswald Kahlich was celebrant of the mass. Present also were Rev. Harry Mazurkiewicz of La Grange and Rev. Evan Gautreau, a missionary priest here temporarily.

Director 20 Years

He had been a director of the bank since Dec. 20, 1949, chairman since 1962. In 1963, in the interest of his health, he retired from his other business interests.

Born Dec. 31, 1896, at Swiss Alp, he was a son of Staches and Frances Balcar Vacek. They moved to Holman when he was a baby, the father going into the general merchandise business there. Emil Vacek took over management of the family-owned store for four years, before coming to Weimar in 1920 to be a clerk in First State Bank. He was a cashier when he resigned 18 years later to open a life insurance agency. In 1941 he bought the Western Auto Associate Store here; in 1951 he became a real estate dealer; and in 1953, in partnership with his son and son-in-law, he bought Weimar Courts. Meanwhile he also continued his insurance business until his 1963 retirement.

During World War II, when there were help shortages everywhere, he helped out for two years as an assistant cashier at Columbus State Bank. During his early years in the Weimar bank, in 1924, he helped set up the bookkeeping system in Farmers State Bank in Schulenburg.

Honorary Fireman

Mr. Vacek was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and KJT. He was an honorary member of the Weimar Fire Department, having served more than 20 years as a volunteer fireman; and a past president of the Chamber of Commerce.

His wife, the former Wilma Mensik, whom he married June 17, 1918, died Nov. 15, 1965.

Surviving are one son, Gene Vacek of Weimar; three daughters, Mrs. Everett (Judith) Renger of Hallettsville; Mrs. G. E.(Dorothy) Rodgers of Weimar and Mrs. Bernice Kana of La Grange; 15 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; three brothers, Jimmie of Galveston, Frank of Holman and Adolph of Schulenburg; and one sister, Mrs. Agnes Crawford of Smithville.

One brother, Steve, two sisters, Mrs. Annie Mazoch and Mrs. Lena Adamcik, preceded him in death.

Pallbearers were the directors and advisory directors of First State Bank: John Heger, Charles Herder Jr., Frank Kahlich, Dr. J. E. Cummins, Arthur Beken, Joe Adamcik, Edwin Haidusek, E. J. Seifert, and H. Ed. Rabel.

Weimar Mercury, October 30, 1969, pages 1 and 10

Vacek, Frances (Balcar)

Funeral Services For Mrs. Vacek, 81, Set Friday

Funeral services for Mrs. Frances Vacek, 81, who died at her home here Wednesday after an illness of several months, will be held tomorrow (Friday) morning at Hubbard Funeral Home and St. Michael's Church, with burial in the Catholic cemetery at Holman.

Services at the funeral home will begin at 9 and at the church at 9:30. Msgr. A. F. Drozd will officiate.

Born Feb. 26, 1874, in Moravia, Europe, Mrs. Vacek was brought to this country as a child by her parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Frank Balcar. She was married to Staches Vacek at Ammannsville In 1893, and they lived in various parts of Fayette County before moving to Holman in 1902, when Mr. Vacek became owner of the Holman Store. When he sold out to his son, F. J. Vacek, and Frank Miksch in 1922, the couple moved to Weimar to spend the rest of their days. Mr. Vacek died in 1926.

Mrs. Vacek was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, the KJZT and Christian Mothers.

Two of her nine children preceded her in death. One daughter, Mary, died as an infant in 1900, and another, Mrs. Lena Adamcik, died in 1924.

Surviving are five sons, Emit of Weimar, Frank J. of Holman, Steve of Rosenberg, Jimmie of Galveston, and Adolph J, of Schulenburg; two daughters, Mrs. Annie Mazoch of Holman and Mrs. Agnes Crawford of SmithvIlle; 25 grandchildren and 39 great grandchildren.

Weimar Mercury, June 3, 1955, page 1

Vacek, Grace (Parma)

Grace Vacek Services Held on June 26

Grace Vacek, 84 , of Weimar passed away on Thursday, June 23, at her home.

The funeral was held on Sunday, June 26, at St. Michael Church with Father John Bily officiating.

Grace lived in Weimar for 63 years where she was a housewife and a member of Catholic Daughters and P.T.A.

Grace was born on June 21, 1927 to John A. Parma and Wilhelmina Blumrich Parma in Hallettsville.

She graduated from Schulenburg High School and attended the University of Texas at Austin.

She married her sweetheart, Gene Vacek, on March 29, 1948 in Schulenburg.

Grace enjoyed playing golf, spending time at the coast with her family and friends and loved watching sports.

She was an avid Houston Rocket fan.

Grace is survived by her four children, Dinah Jungmichel of Austin, Susie Babylon of Katy, Mike Vacek of Weimar and Jim Vacek of Cypress.

She is also survived by her eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Grace was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her sister, Tudy Glithero.

Pallbearers were Hank Babylon, John Glithero, Gene Renger, Charles Kana, John Rodgers, Chad Hamilton, Lee Mueller and Taylor Vacek. [Interred in St. Michael Cemetery]

The Weimar Mercury, July 14, 2011
Transcribed by Sandra Long Anders

Vacek, Joseph David "Jay"

J.D. "Jay" Vacek, 65, of Altair, passed away Friday, August 3, 2001.

He was born September 26, 1935 in La Grange to Adolph and Rosie Gillar Vacek.

A quail and pheasant hunting guide, he was a financial advisor, a veteran of the U.S. Navy Seabees and Catholic by faith.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a daughter, Kelley Ann Vacek.

Survivors include his wife, Debra Vacek of Houston; daughters and son-in-law, Kari and Pete Hazen of Auburn, California, and Koni Laynie Vacek of Madison, Wisconsin; grandsons, Kevin Jamison Vacek, Chauncey Elias Vacek and Menelik Amon Diagne-Vacek; granddaughters, Sydney Kelley Hazen and Smantha Carol Hazen of Auburn, California, and Keanna Lanae Vacek; sisters, Rosalyn Eversole of Altair and Alice Anne Day of Conroe.

Graveside services were held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 8, from St. Anthony Catholic Church Cemetery with Father Dan Kahlich officiating.

Interment followed at St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery.

Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus was in charge of arrangements.

Honorary pallbearers were Clarence Vinklarek of Bastrop, Jerome Vinklarek of Houston, Jerome Gillar of Witting, George Gillar of Manchaca, George Vacek of Austin, Robert Freytag of Houston, Edward Psencik of Kaufman, Bill Levis of McKinney, and Craig Courtney, Alan Earnest, Hugh Flewellen, Jim Rosenblad of Houston.

Sympathy is extended to the family in their loss.

Eagle Lake Headlight, August 16, 2001
Submitted by Ron New

Vacek, Joseph John

Items From the West End of the County

J. J. Vacek, respected citizen of this community, died at the family home, Thursday, after a long siege of ill health. Burial took place at St. Michael's Cemetery, this city, Sunday morning. Deceased is survived by his widow, Mrs. Annie Vacek, one son,Julius F. Vacek, four daughters, Mrs. Ed Horak of San Antonio, Mrs. Steve Kasper and Mrs. Frank Sassin of Weimar, Mrs. Mary Mazoch of Granger, one brother Emil Vacek of Moulton, and three sisters, Mrs. Joe Dobrva of Ammannsville, Mrs. Frank Balcar of Schulenburg and Mrs. Annie Sobotik of Frenstat. Mr. Vacek was a former business man of Ammansville, but account of ill health retire some years ago.

Colorado County Citizen, July 20th, 1939

Weimar Citizen, 81, Passes Away

Mr. J. J. Vacek Laid to Rest Here Last Saturday Morning

Mr. Joseph John Vacek, aged 81, passed away at the family residence here on Thursday of last week. Funeral services were held Saturday at St. Michael's Church at 8:30 in the morning with Rev. John Morkovsky officiating. Interment was made in St. Michael's Cemetery immediately following the services.

Pallbearers were six grandsons of the deceased.

Mr. J. J. Vacek, Sr. was born on July 8, 1853, in Austria. He came to the United States with his parents in the year 1873 and settled at Hostyn (then called Bluff), Texas. In 1883 he was married to Miss Annie Slubar. Five children were born to this union.

Mr. Vacek had quite a varied life. For several years he taught school at Ammannsville. Later, in the year 1887, he began carrying the mail, his route being from Weimar to Holman (Pecan) and on to Ammannsville, making the trip three times each week. Of course that was in the horse and buggy days and a trip of that nature usually made a full day's work. At the time he was mail carrier, he also served as constable. In 1890 he became postmaster at Ammannsville, which position he held for fourteen years. At the same time he served as postmaster, he also ran a saloon and general merchandise store. Quitting this business in 1904, he moved to Dubina and engaged in farming until the year 1917, when he moved with his family to Weimar and retired from active duty.

Mr. Vacek was one of the charter members of the K. J. T. Lodge, founded fifty years ago at Hostyn. This lodge celebrated its fiftieth anniversary at Dubina a few weeks ago. Funeral services were in charge of this lodge. Only four members of the original 150 charter members are still living. They are Mr. Alois Kallus of Wied, V. M. Darilek of Praha, Mr. Joseph Janad[sic] of Hostyn and John Vana of Burleson county.

He is survived by his widow and five children: J. F. Vacek, Mrs. Frank Sassin and Mrs. Steve Kasper of Weimar; Mrs. I. J. Mazoch of Granger, and Mrs. E. R. Horak of San Antonio Also surviving are thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; one brother, Mr. Emil Vacek of Moulton, and three sisters, Mrs. Annie Sobotik of Caldwell, Mrs. Matilda Balear of Schulenburg, and Mrs. Lena Bobrava of Ammannsville.

Mr. Vacek was, at the time of his death, 81 years and 5 days of age.

The Mercury joins a host of friends of the family in words of sympathy and condolence to the bereaved ones.

Weimar Mercury, July 21, 1939

Vacek, Rosie (Berger)

Rosie Berger Vacek, 91, of Weimar died Nov. 22 at Colorado-Fayette Medical Center.

Funeral services were held Monday, Nov. 24 at 11 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church with burial in the church cemetery. The Revs. John Kahn and John Bily officiated.

Born Feb. 18, 1912 in Weimar, she was the daughter of Adolph Berger Sr. and Anna (Schenk) Berger. She married Victor Vacek Sr. Oct. 23, 1939 in Weimar. She was a member of St. Michael’s Cathollic Church, the St. Anne’s Society and was a homemaker and dairy farmer.

Survivors include her children, Jeanette Walla of El Campo, Donna Sharek of Houston, and Victor E. Vacek Jr. of Katy; one sister-in-law, Hattie Ripper-Berger of Schulenburg; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sisters, Annie Hoelscher and Martha Bayer; and six brothers, Adolph Berger, Jr., Charlie Berger, Emil Berger, Fred Berger, Albert Berger, and Edward Berger.

The Fayette County Record November 28, 2003
Transcribed by Jennie Muggli

Vaclavik, Anna (Trcka)

Former Garwood Woman Dies In Corpus Christi

Mrs. Frank Vaclavik, formerly of Garwood, died at the home of her son, Victor Vaclavik in Corpus Christi at seven o'clock on last Saturday morning after an illness of three years.

Funeral services were held from ___ Funeral home in El Campo on ___day morning and from St. Mary's Catholic Church in Nada at nine o'clock Burial was made in the Nada Catholic Cemetery.

Mrs. Vaclavik was born Annie Trcka in Cxecho-Slovakia[sic] seventy-two years ago, but had made her home in the United States since her early life.

She leaves her husband, three sons, Henry and Victor of Corpus Christi and Alphonse of Houston, one sister, Mrs. E. Krenek, Sr. of Nada, two brothers, Paul Trcka of League City and Michael Trcka of Ganado and other relatives including her niece, Mrs. Fred ?. Frnka of Eagle Lake. Mrs. Frnka was in Nada for the funeral services.

Deepest sympathy is expressed to the family in their sadness.

Eagle Lake Headlight, December 12, 1947

Vaclavik, Eddie F.

Eddie Vaclavik

Funeral services for Eddie F. Vaclavik were held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church Tuesday, with the Rev. Werner Buckholt officiating. Burial was in St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery.

Mr. Vaclavik, after an illness of 7 weeks, died in St. Luke’s Hospital in Houston, May 22. He was 68.

A son of Pete and Frances Krenek Vaclavik, he was born in Fayette County, Aug. 23, 1907 and had lived in Columbus 26 years.

Rosary was recited at Henneke Funeral Home Monday.

In addition to his wife, Mary, he is survived by a daughter, Mrs. E. J. Bertsch of Columbus; 3 sons Delvin of Lemoore, Calif., Edwin of Houston and Harvey Vaclavik of Brookshire; 6 sisters, Sophie Krivacka of Seguin, Annie Krivacka of Fayetteville, Lilliam [as printed] Kramer of Fayetteville, Alma Elley of New Braunfels, Frances Hendrix of Austin and Mary Fry of New Braunfels; 2 brothers, Tom Vaclavik of Taylor and Joe Vaclavik of Fairfield; and 12 grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Butch Bertsch, Michael Bertsch, Paul Cernosek, Wayne Kotrla, Roy Weid and Hubert Girndt.

Henneke Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Colorado County Citizen, May 27, 1976
Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

Vaculik, Method

Columbus, May 11.--Rev. Vaculik, Catholic priest at Nada, twenty-five miles south of this place, committed suicide yesterday by cutting his throat with a razor and by shooting a pistol ball through his brain. The deceased was an educated and talented man and very popular.

The unfortunate deed was committed in his private apartments and there was no eyewitness to it. The cause is supposed to have been temporary insanity. Justice Cheatham today held the inquest, which failed to disclose any further facts. The bloody weapons were brought here by him with the inquest returns. [Interment in St. Mary's Cemetery]

Weimar Mercury, May 14, 1904, page 8

Valchar, Annie (Malinovsky)

Funeral Services For Mrs. Valchar, 68, Held Friday

Funeral services for Mrs. Jerry J. (Annie) Valchar, 68, of New Bielau were held Friday morning, May 8, at Hubbard Funeral Home and St. Michael’s Catholic Church. with interment in Masonic [Odd Fellows] Cemetery. Rev. Henry Rolf officiated.

Mrs. Valchar, an invalid for the past five years, died Tuesday, May 5 at her home.

She had lived in the Weimar area most of her life. Born in Czechoslovakia July 22, 1895, she was a small child when she came to this country with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Malinovsky, who settled at Oakland. She was married to Mr. Valchar Oct. 2, 1916,

Her husband survives, along with two sons, Jerry E. Valchar of Temple and Johnnie Valchar of Weimar; three daughters, Mrs. Frank (Ruby) Rokyta of Victoria, Mrs. Andrew (Ollie) Koslowski of Grand Rapids, Michigan and Mrs. Julius (Milady) Ermis of Weimar; 16 grandchildren; and three sisters, Mrs. Frances Hermis of Schulenburg, Mrs. Joe (Mary) Dusek and Mrs. Joe (Rosie) Vanzura, both of Weimar.

Serving as pallbearers were John Fojt, Jaro Fojt, Willie Hajek, Emil Dusek, Joe Dusek Jr., and Rudy Hermis.

Weimar Mercury, May 14, 1964

Valchar, Henry Edward

Henry E. Valchar Services Held October 10

Henry Edward Valchar, 87, of Weimar, died October 8, at the Schulenburg Regency Nursing Center.

Services were held on October 10 at the Hubbard Funeral Home in Weimar. Reverend Sirnic, pastor of United Church of Christ, officiated. Interment was in the Masonic Cemetery.

Mr. Valchar was born July 10, 1909, in Oakland to Joe and Theresia (Coufal) Valchar. He attended the County Line School, was a farmer and a rancher, and was a lifelong resident of the area. He was a member of the Vsetin Brethren Church and the S.P.J.S.T. Lodge.

He is survived by three nephews: Jerry E. Valchar of Temple, Jaro Fojt of Weimar, and Johnnie J. Valchar of Schulenburg; and three nieces: Wilma Fojt of Weimar, Ollie Kozlowski of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Milady Ermis of Weimar.

Mr. Valchar was preceded in death by ten sisters, one brother, two nephews, and two nieces.

Pallbearers were Robert Valchar, Gary Valchar, Nick Henry, Linda Pavlicek, Allen Pavlicek and James Roznovak.

Weimar Mercury, October 17, 1996, page 2

Valchar, Jerry Joe

Stroke Fatal to Jerry J. Valchar, Retired Farmer

Funeral services were held here Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 12, for Jerry Joe Valchar, 76, retired farmer, who died Sunday about 7 p.m. at Youens Hospital, after a stroke.

Mr. Valchar, a lifelong resident of this area, was first stricken Friday morning at his home in the New Bielau community.

Rev. Frank Kostohryz officiated in the services at Hubbard Funeral Home, assisted by Rev. Frank H. Horak Jr. of Weimar. Burial was in the Masonic Cemetery here. Mr. Valchar was a member of the Czech Moravian Brethren Church in Vsetin.

Born March 20, 1892, near Oakland, he was a son of Joe and Theresa Coufal Valchar. His mother preceded him in death only the past November, at the age of 102.

He married Miss Annie Malinovsky here on Oct. 2, 1916, and they settled in the Oakland section. Mrs. Valchar died May 5, 1964, and Mr. Valchar moved to the farm of his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Julius Ermis, at New Bielau.

Surviving are two sons, Jerry E. Valchar of Temple and Johnnie J. Valchar of Albuquerque, New Mexico; three daughters, Mrs. Frank (Ruby) Rokyta of Victoria, Mrs. Andrew (Ollie) Kozlowski of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Mrs. Julius (Milady) Ermis of Weimar; 16 grandchildren; one brother, Henry of Oakland; and four sisters, Ms. John (Annie) Fojt of Weimar, Mrs. John (Vlasta) Wojtek, Mrs. Frank (Lydia) Roznovak, and Miss Martha Valchar, all of Oakland. Six sisters preceded him in death.

Pallbearers were Emil and Joe Dusek, Rudy Hermis, Willie Hajek, Jaro and Johnny Fojt.

Weimar Mercury, January 13, 1966

Valchar, Martha

Martha Valchar Funeral Held Here Dec. 18

Funeral services for Martha Valchar, 84, of Weimar were held Sunday, Dec. 18, from Hubbard Funeral Chapel, with burial in Masonic Cemetery. Rev. Henry E. Beseda officiated.

Miss Valchar died Saturday, Dec. 17, at 2:25 p.m. at Colorado-Fayette Medical Center.

Born August 26, 1904, in Colorado County, she was a daughter of Joseph and Theresa (Coufal) Valchar. She lived in the Weimar area all of her life.

Survivors are a brother, Henry E. Valchar of Weimar, and several nieces and nephews. A brother, Jerry Valchar, nine sisters, three nieces, three nephews and a great-nephew preceded her in death.

Pallbearers were Julius Ermis, Jaro Fojt, Kenneth Fojt, John Valchar, Robert Valchar and Gary Valchar.

Weimar Mercury, December 22, 1988
Transcribed by Dennis Boatright

Valdez, Lola (Soto)

Valdez

Lola Valdez, 83, of Eagle Lake, passed away Aug. 21, in Houston, following an extended illness.

She was born in Bay City, Nov. 9, 1920, to Jose and Josefa (Barrientes) Soto. She began school in Arcola and graduated from Eagle Lake High School Class of 1939. She left Eagle Lake for a short time, married Victor Valdez in Glen Flora, Nov. 12, 1945, and has resided in Eagle Lake since. She was an employee of Wilcox Minimax for 12 years before her retirement and a member of Living Hope Church in Eagle Lake.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sisters, Mary Cordova, Candida Saenz and Cirilda Lopez; and brothers, Phillip Soto Sr. and Joe Soto.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Alice Valdez and Miguel Meusz of Sugar Land; sons and daughter-in-law, Frank and Diane Valdez of Baytown and Vic Valdez of Houston; sister, Janie Guerrero of Houston; grandchildren, Erika Valdez of Houston, Ryan Valdez attending Baylor University in Waco, Justin Valdez of Baytown, Lance Cpl. Michael Meusz, United States Marine Corp. stationed in New River, N.C. and Jonathan Meusz attending Sam Houston State in Huntsville.

Funeral services were conducted Aug. 25, from the Chapel of Dulany Funeral Home with the Revs. Joe and Mercy Fling officiating. Interment followed at Lakeside Latin Cemetery in Eagle Lake.

Colorado County Citizen, September 1, 2004
Courtesy of The Citizen

Valdez, Sergio Emanuel

Sergo Emanuel Valdez
September 26, 1985 – December 24, 1996

A vigil for Sergio Emanuel Valdez, 11, of Eagle Lake was held Dec. 26 at the Roman Catholic Parish of the Nativity in Eagle Lake with the Rev. Eddie Winkler officiating.

Additional services and burial were held later in Mexico.

Valdez died Dec. 24 at John Sealy University of Texas Medical branch Hospital in Galveston, Texas.

He was born September 26, 1985, in Victoria, Damps, Mexico, the son of Sergio Nicholas and Guadalupe Yolanda Reyes Valdez.

Valdez was a resident of Eagle Lake for the past five years and a fifth grade student at Rice Consolidated Eagle Lake Middle School and a member of the Eagle Lake Roman Catholic Parish of the Nativity.

Survivors include parents, grandparents, Jose Reyes and MaTeresa Cepeda, both of Cuidad Victoria, Mexico; two brothers Eder Samuel and Sarael Valdez, both of Eagle Lake, and other relatives and a host of loved ones whose lives he touched.

Dulany Funeral Home, Eagle Lake, directors.

Banner Press, January 2, 1997

Transcribed by Judy Talkington

Valdez, Victor F.

Victor F. Valdez Sr., 82, of Eagle Lake, died Wednesday, Jan 15, 1997, at Gulf Coast Medical Center Hospital in Wharton.

Born March 10, 1914, in Luling, he was the son of Francisco and Gavina (Fernandez) Valdez. Mr. Valdez had been a resident of the Eagle Lake area for over 60 years. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, for which he won the American Theatre Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Victory Medal. On Nov. 12, 1945 he married Lola Soto in Glen Flora. In 1979 he retired from Gifford-Hill Sand and Gravel and was a member of the Vine of the Lord Church of Eagle Lake.

Services were held Jan. 19 in the chapel of Dulany Funeral Home in Eagle Lake, with Revs. Joe C. and Mercy Fling officiating. Interment with military honors followed in Lakeside Cemetery in Eagle Lake under the auspices of Eagle Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8783 and the National Guard.

Serving as pallbearers were Mr. Valdez’ sons Frank Valdez and Vic Valdez Jr., Alfred Cordova, Hector Ponce, T. J. Conde, Ben Castillo and Mr. Valdez’ grandson, Michael Meusz.

Mr. Valdez in survived by his wife, of Eagle Lake; daughter and son-in-law, Alice and Miguel Meusz of Sugarland, sons and daughters-in-law, Vic Valdez Jr. of Houston and Frank and Diane Valdez of Baytown; sisters Francisca Lira of Houston and Clotilde Ortiz of San Antonio; grandchildren Erika Valdez, Ryan Valdez, Justin Valdez, Michael Meusz and Johnathan Meusz; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Memorial donations may be made to Living Hope Church of Eagle Lake or the American Heart Association.

Colorado County Citizen, January 22, 1997
Transcribed by Judy Talkington

Valla, August A.

August A. Valla Funeral Service Held Dec. 16

August Valla, 84, of Weimar died at his home Dec. 13. Funeral services were held Dec. 16 at Hubbard Funeral Chapel. Rev. Skip Sirnic officiated at the service. Interment followed at Masonic Cemetery.

Pallbearers were: Emil Valla, Franklin Valla, Raymond Koller, Alton Barton, Gene Barton, and Arthur David.

Valla was born Jan. 2, 1914 to Martin and Frances Marek Valla in Oakland.

He attended Bila Hora school and his occupation was a farmer.

Valla went into the army June 19, 1941. He was a half track driver. He spent most of his service time in Normandy, Northern France, Central Europe, including the Ardennes and Rhineland.

The medals he received while in the service included: American Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, EAME Campaign Medal, and five Bronze Stars. He was discharged on Sept. 26, 1945 having served his county four years and three months.

He lived in this area most of his life and married Angelina Kusey on Jan. 26, 1955.

Valla was preceded in death by: his wife, Angelina Kusey; two brothers; and one sister.

August is survived by: four sisters, Tracy Koller and Christina Koller both of Weimar, Frances Barton of Columbus, and Alma Barton of Clute.

The Weimar Mercury December 24, 1998
Transcribed by Jennie Muggli

Valla, Frank C.

FRANK VALLA FUNERAL HELD HERE MONDAY

Funeral services for Frank C. Valla, 69, were held Monday morning, Feb. 11, from Weimar United Church of Christ, with burial in Masonic Cemetery. Rev. Ernest S. Dean Jr. officiated.

Mr. Valla died Feb. 9, at Rosewood General Hospital in Houston, after an illness of two months.

Born Sept. 24, 1910, at Oakland, he was a son of Martin and Frances (Marek) Valla. He married Marcella Dusek here on Sept. 22, 1936.

Survivors are a son and daughter-in-law, Franklin and Belinda Valla of Weimar; two daughters and sons-in-law, Sylvia and Ray East of Tomball and Elaine and Otto Kocian of Schulenburg; three grandchildren, Aaron and Kristi Kocian and Chandra Valla; two brothers, Emil Valla Sr. and August Valla of Weimar and five sisters, Mrs. Tracy Koller and Mrs. Christian Koller of Weimar, Mrs. Emma David of Beasley, Mrs. Frances Barton of Columbus and Mrs. Alma Barton of Clute.

Pallbearers were Melvin David, Alton Barton, Raymond Koller, Bubba Valla, Tommy Guthman and Ray Jurecka.

The Weimar Mercury, Thursday, February 14, 1980
Transcription by Dennis Boatright

Valla, Martin

Final Rites for Martin Valla, 79, Held Here Monday

Funeral services for Martin Valla, 79, of Bila Hora were held from Hubbard Funeral Home here Monday afternoon, Oct. 16, Rev. F. Kostohryz of Temple officiating. Interment was in the City Cemetery.

Mr. Valla died at his home south of Weimar Saturday night, after several years of illness.

Born in Vsetin, Moravia, Nov. 6, 1870, the son of Martin and Anna Valla, came to this country with his parents at the age of 7, and had lived in Lavaca County all his life. He married Miss Frances Marek at Hallettsville January 20, 1903, and they settled in the Bila Hora community, where he was a farmer.

He had regularly attended the Vstin[sic] Lutheran Church for many years.

Surviving in addition to his widow are three sons, Emil and Frank of Weimar and August of Bila Hora; five daughters, Mrs. Henry (Theresa) Koller of Weimar, Mrs. John (Emma) David of Beasley, Mrs. George (Christina) Koller, Mrs. Leon (Alma) Barton, and Mrs. Edward (Frances) Barton, all of Weimar; two brothers, Paul of Bila Hora and John of Oklahoma; and 15 grandchildren. Three sisters preceded him in death.

Pallbearers at the funeral were Raymond Koller and Melvin David, grandsons; Joe Dusek, Jr., August Melnar and John Michalcik.

Weimar Mercury, October 20, 1950, page 1

Van Cleve, Charity

ROCK ISLAND

Funeral services for Mrs. W. R. Vancleve former of this place but for the past twenty years has made her home in El Campo and Goose creek was held at the Myrtle Cemetery Sunday afternoon at 2:30. The Rev. J. T. Little of the Trinity Tabernacle of Goose Creek conducting the services. Surviving are two children, Mrs. Maywald of Goose Creek and Elvan Vancleve of Knoxville, Ga., E. K. Turner, a son-in-law of Elcampo, a number of grandchildren and legions of friends to mourn her passing. Mrs. Vancleve united with the Free Methodist Church at an early age and lived a devoted Christian life. The floral offerings were beautiful. A large number of people from El Campo and other towns attended the funeral.

Colorado County Citizen, May 28, 1931, page 3

CARD OF THANKS

Our heartfelt thanks are extended to the kind friends and neighbors who assisted us at the funeral of Mrs. W. R. Vancleve. Also for the beautiful floral offerings.
The children;
E. K. turner
Elmer Lee and Carroll Turner

Colorado County Citizen, May 28, 1931, page 2

Van Cleve, Ruth L.

Mrs. R. L. Van Cleve; Rock Island, Texas Dec. 8. The oldest resident of this community, Mrs. R. L. Van Cleve, passed away at the residence of Mrs. M. L. Bringolf, daughter of the deceased, the only child who survives her. Mrs. Van Cleve was 94 years of age, born in Ohio and came to Texas in 1908, residing at Rock Island since that time. [Interred in Myrtle Cemetery]

Eagle Lake Headlight; December 17, 1910
Contributed by Patti Hall-Smith

Van Dorn, L. Douglas

Douglas Van Dorn Last Rites Held Here

Graveside rites were held here Saturday afternoon in Odd Fellows Rest cemetery for Douglas Van Dorn, aged 56, of Houston, who died suddenly the preceding Thursday in his Houston apartment. The Rev. William G. Hathaway officiated.

Mr. Van Dorn who was unmarried was a car salesman and had lived in Houston only 2 weeks. His former home was Austin.

He is survived by his father, W. E. Van Dorn of Austin; a sister, Mrs. L. C. Schilling of Garwood and 2 nephews, Denver and L. C.[sic] Schilling of Columbus.

Colorado County Citizen, September 1, 1960, page 4

Van Hoozer, Marguerite L. (Holder)

Van Hoozer

Marguerite L. Van Hoozer, 83, of Garwood, passed away Dec. 7, at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Katy.

She was born Nov. 9, 1921, to Willie Newton Towns and Velma Haye Holder and married James C. Van Hoozer Sr. on Jan. 4, 1941. She was a retired bookkeeper.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband.

She is survived by her daughter, Anne Lynnette Burke and husband, Henry of Garwood; Son, James Charles Van Hoozer Jr. of Houston; sister, Sharon Lewis of Fort Worth; brother, Phillip Bruce Welborn and wife, Carolyn of Fairfield; grandchildren, Darren Ray Burke of Garwood, James Robert Burke of Canyon Lake, Michael Lee Burke and wife, Kristi of El Campo, Lisa Christine Nguyen and husband, Tun Han of Richmond, and Jace Wayne Van Hoozer and wife, Amy of Houston; great-grandchildren, Amber Brown, Ashley Burke, Brandon Burke, Cody Burke, Sable Box, Capri Box, Karis Johansen, Kanen Johansen, Kade Johansen and James Charles Van Hoozer III.

Funeral Services were conducted Dec. 10, at the First Baptist Church in Eagle Lake with the Rev. Chris Thacker officiating

Colorado County Citizen, December 15, 2004
Courtesy of The Citizen

Van Houton, Julia (Good)

FUNERAL TODAY FOR FIRST WHITE CHILD BORN IN EAGLE LAKE

Funeral Services Will Be Held At Methodist Church For Mrs. Julia Van Houten, Citizen Here Many Years Ago.

Funeral services for Mrs. Julia Van Houten, 74, of San Antonio, the first white child born in Eagle Lake, will be held from the Methodist church here at 2 o'clock this (Friday) afternoon. Interment will be made in the Masonic Cemetery. Mrs. Van Houten died Wednesday in Dallas while visiting at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Charles Robertson. She was a member of the Lauren Heights Methodist Church in San Antonio and took an active part in the Woman's Missionary Society.

She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Martha Harvin and Mrs. Charles Robertson of Dallas, and Mrs. W. B. Loughborough of San Antonio, nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Mrs. Van Houten was born in Eagle Lake during the first year of the Civil War. There was no town here then, just a store or two. She was born at the old Good homestead, down near the lake. Her father was James B. Good.

The home in which Mrs. Van Houten was born was a story and a half house , built of cedar, the lumber for which was hauled here by wagon from old Indianola.

Her grandfather, Gamaliel Good, who built the home, conducted the stage line from Houston to San Antonio, the only means of travel in that day. And this home, where she was born, was the stage depot and headquarters for this entire section of the country.

Mrs. Van Houten’s grandfather was the first settler in this section and owned practically all of the land for six to ten miles around what is now Eagle Lake. His name appears in nearly all deeds and land transfer records.

At the age of five or six years, Mrs. Van Houten, with her family, moved to Columbus, where her father was made the first duly appointed sheriff of Colorado County, After his term of office, they returned to the family home here, her father being one of the stage drivers on the first regular established stage traffic between the towns of Houston and San Antonio.

Mrs. Van Houten’s husband was the first railroad agent for Eagle Lake, and for many years conducted the affairs of the railroad, even before the present Southern Pacific lines extended further west than Alleyton.

Mrs. Van Houten was a splendid woman, a woman of charming manner and ways of the Old South. Many old friends will regret deeply her passing.

Eagle Lake Headlight, April 17, 1936, page 1

Van Nort, Myrtle I.

Myrtle I. Van Nort

Myrtle I. Van Nort of Eagle Lake passed away August 25 in Weatherford, Texas.

She was born September 6, 1916 in Brenham.

Myrtle was a housewife and of Baptist faith.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Roy A. Van Nort; sisters, Stella Trulove, Dorothy Schrader, Lucille Motl and Lillian Hansen.

Survivors include, son, Roy D. Van Nort of Eagle Lake; grandchildren, Deanne Van Nort of New Braunfels, Dianne Weaver and husband, Rick, of Weatherford, Dean Van Nort and wife, Janet, of Topeka, Kansas, and Devin Van Nort and wife, Melinda, of Montgomery, Texas; great-grandchildren, Jerry, Jason and Leslie Purtle; Boyd, Rami, Rikki, and Kay Kay Weaver; Ashley Van Nort and other relatives and loved ones.

Funeral services were held Friday, September 1 at 2 p.m. from the First Baptist Church in Eagle Lake with Rev. Chris Thacker officiating. Interment followed in the Masonic Cemetery in Eagle Lake. Eagle Lake Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers were Monroe Schrader, Nick Schrader, Randall Schrader, Marcus Schrader, Marqueta Russell, Bill Williams, Robert Buerger and David Jones.

Sympathy is extended to the family in their loss.

Eagle Lake Headlight, September 7th, 2006
Submitted by John Konesheck

Van Wagner, Felix

FORMER OAKLAND MERCHANT BURIED

Funeral services for Felix Van Wagner of Mathis, who many years ago was a merchant at Oakland, were held here last Friday, with interment in the City Cemetery. He is survived by a sister, Mrs. Estelle Walden, of Houston.

Weimar Mercury, February 25, 1949, page 1

Van Wagner, Josephine (Austelle/Austeel))

DEATH OF MRS. R. VAN WAGNER

Friends here were deeply grieved to learn of the death of Mrs. R. VanWagner of Oakland, which occurred at the home of her son, Mr. Felix VanWagner, at Mathis, Texas, the first of the week, where she was visiting. Her health had not been overly robust, but friends of this section did not realize her condition was so serious.

The remains were brought to this city Wednesday afternoon and laid to rest [Weimar Masonic Cemetery] by the side of her beloved husband, Mr. R. VanWagner, who died many years ago.

We are hopeful someone will send in a suitable obituary regarding this beloved lady, in time for our next issue.

In the meantime our heartfelt sympathy goes out to her bereaved ones.

Weimar Mercury, February 3, 1933, page 1

LIFE HISTORY OF MRS. JOSEPHINE VANWAGNER

Mrs. Josephine VanWagner was born in Jackson, Miss., in the year 1850. living there until the age of eight years, when her father, A. B Austeel, having inherited from his father the family plantation near Nashville, Tenn., moved to that State. She came to Texas in 1868 on a visit to her uncle and aunt, Col. and Mrs. T. J. Wooldridge, and the following year met and married Mr. R. VanWagner, who was a merchant in Oakland. Texas, at that time, and continued in that business until his death.

Of this union six children were born, namely: Rupert, Jr., John. Smith. Felix, Willis and Estelle. Also left surviving are several grandchildren. brothers and one sister.

She maintained the old homestead at Oakland, and resided there, except when on visits to her children. She was visiting her son, Felix Van Wagner, at Mathis, Texas, at the time of her death.

Mrs. VanWagner's death is deeply and sincerely deplored by a large circle of friends throughout this section.

Weimar Mercury, February 10, 1933, page 2

Oakland News

Several from here attended the funeral of Mrs. Josephine VanWagner at Weimar. Rev. Reindorf performed the ceremony before a large concourse of relatives and friends. Mrs. Van Wagner passed away at the home of her son, Felix, of Mathis, Jan. 31. She was an unusually healthy lady ‘till about two years ago, when she had a stroke of paralysis and had another stroke a few days before her death. Everything human hands could do was done, but the Lord needed her and said “Come.” Seems like I can hear her saying, “loved ones, do not grieve for me, I have only gone on before to await your coming, where all is beauty, love and joy.” She was one of our oldest and best citizens, and her passing away is deeply and sincerely deplored. She was the best of neighbors and friends--like ray of sunshine wherever she went--was the mother of six children, five of whom survive--Rupert of Childress, John of Pleasanton, Felix of Mathis, Willis of Oakland and Mrs. W. J. Waldem of Houston, and four grandchildren. Our heartfelt sympathy is extended her bereaved ones.

Weimar Mercury, February 17, 1933, page 8

van Wagner, Rupert, Sr.

Van Wagner, R. Sr.

The spirit of Mr. R. Van Wagnor, Sr., peacefully took its flight Friday at the noon hour and winged its way back to the God who gave it life and to that beautiful celestial city from whence no traveler returneth.

Mr. Van Wagnor was born at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., March 22, 1831. In 1849 he left the old homestead and went to the wilds of Nebraska, finally locating at Omaha, then a village of four or five hundred inhabitants. After a few months' stay at Omaha, not being satisfied with its future prospects he left for Texas and located at Columbia, on the Brazos river (sic), then the center of activities in the new state. Here he spent several years associated with an uncle in the growing and manufacture of cane sugar, and was among the first of the early sugar makers in Texas.

In the fall of 1859 his firm decided to establish a business in the West where they had acquired considerable landed interests, and settling at Prairie Point, now called Oakland. Here with a partner, Joseph Andrews, he established a mercantile business which had scarcely begun operation when the civil war broke out. Andrews went out in answer to the first call for confederate volunteers and was killed in a heroic charge at Shiloh. A few months after Andrews left Mr. Wagnor joined Griffin Battalion of volunteers and left for the front. Later this command was known as the Texas 13th and saw active service in defending the coasts from Federal attack.

At the close of the war he returned home, walking all the way from Galveston to Oakland, where he undertook without capital to establish a business and pay a debt that had accumulated of nearly $10,000.

In 1869 he married Miss Josephine Austelle, his present surviving widow, reared a large family, paid the old debt with interest and placed his business on a solid foundation, which standard he kept and maintained up to the time of his death.

Six children were born to this union, all living except one, named Smith, who preceded him to the grave some 12 years ago. Those surviving are Rupert of Mangum, Okla.; John and Willis of Mathis; Felix of Oakland and Mrs. Estelle Van Walder of Houston, all of whom were present to witness the last sad rites of this their muchly beloved father.

The funeral cortege left here at 12:30 o'clock Monday and slowly wended its way to the beautiful city of the dead. Interment was held at the Odd Fellows Rest at Weimar, Brothers Sellers and Gibbons conducting the sad and impressive ceremony.

The coffin was hand made of Walnut, which had been sawed and put away for this purpose 26 years ago. After his death a note was found telling where same could be found and bearing the request that some carpenter that had worked for him make his coffin.

The floral tributes were beautiful.

Honorary pall bearers were: Messrs. J. P. Mayes, Sr., J. A. Fowlkes, Walton Morrow, Valentine Schott, Friench Simpson, J. W. Holt, H. J. Strunk, T. W. Coleman, Wm. Schott, Wm. Lawrence. Active pall bearers were: Messrs. M. Rhodes, T. J. Wooldridge, J. M. McIntosh, W. D. Obenhaus, J. A. Pierce, O. H. Bock, W. C. Bouldin and F. A. Strunk.

Mr. Van Wagnor was a scholarly gentleman and lived a noble life. He was as polished and refined as Lord Chesterfield and truly it was his affable manner that won for him the friendship and esteem of all who knew him. His friends will ever hold in pleasant memory, his kindly greetings and genial disposition. He professed to have faith in Jesus Christ years ago, but as yet had not united with the church of his choice. His many deeds of kindness and acts of charity are as numerous as the sands of the seashore. He was at the time of his death, perhaps the oldest living pioneer citizen of this place.

He has passed through the valley of the shadow of death and we would ask you not to mourn as they that have no hope, but so live that when thy summons comes from on high, thou may be prepared to meet your loved ones in the beautiful city of God.

Our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy goes out to the sad hearts in this dark hour of bereavement and may the great God that giveth sorrow lighten the weight of grief.

Tenderly inscribed in loving memory of him by a sincere friend of the family.

Mrs. Pearl Pierce

Weimar Mercury, September 20, 1912
Transcribed by Judy Talkington

Van Wagner, Smith

An unexpected and very sad death occurred at Oakland last Tuesday--that of Mr. Smith Van Wagner, the bright and promising young son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Van Wagner of that city. He had been slightly ill for several days,but it was not regarded as anything serious, and until congestion suddenly set in the worst was not realized. Everything possible was done for him by attentive physicians and loving relatives and friends, but it availed nothing. The writer met Smith only a few days before his death , and marveled at his appearance, he at the time being in prime of vigorous young manhood, healthy, happy and contented. It is hard to realize that such a change could be brought in so short a time. He was a young man of integrity, upright in habits, the possessor of a large circle of friends wherever known, and his death is deeply and sincerely lamented. HIs remains were laid to rest in the Masonic cemetery here Wednesday afternoon at 3:30. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family in their distress.

Weimar Mercury, September 29, 1900, page 5

Van Wagner, Willis

TRAGIC DEATH OF WILLIS VanWAGNER OF OAKLAND

News reached Weimar early Friday morning of the tragic death of Mr. Willis VanWagner of Oakland, son of the late R. VanWagner and wife of that community. Particulars as obtained by this reporter are as follows:
Willis had not been seen about the little community all of Thursday, and inquiry shed no light on his whereabouts. No one around his usual haunts had seen him since the day before. Continued inquiry brought no futher news, and the people of Oakland who were used to seeing the young man at various times of the day began to get uneasy. Searching parties were organized in the afternoon and every nook and cranny were thoroughly ransacked. About dusk, so we are informed, someone using a flashlight threw its rays into an old well back of the VanWagner store property, and there in the bottom of the eighty foot well was seen the body of the young man, standing upright in the water, but evidently dead, leaning against the water pipe in the well.
This well at one time had a curbing that extended some distance up from the ground, but later when a windmill was installed this curbing was cut down to several inches and its top covered. Evidently the young man in wandering around at night had stumbled into the well. How his body had righted itself is a mystery, unless stunned by the fall, the cold water had partially revived him and he righted himself, only to succumb to cold and shock of the fall. He had evidently been in the water for many hous when found.

After the body was located, a negro man was hired to go down in the well tie a rope around it and it was hauled to the surface. Life, of course, was extinct by that time.

The body was tenderly prepared for burial, and late Friday afternoon was laid to rest in the Weimar [Masonic] cemetery near the body of his beloved parents, who had preceded him to the grave many years before.

Willis VanWagner was born at Oakland June 1, 1878, and departed this life Sept. 8, 1939. He leaves one sister, Mrs. W. J. Walden of Houston, and two brothers, Mr. Rupert VanWagner of Childress and Mr. Felix VanWagner of Mathis. A friend pays him this tribute:

“He was active in Christ’s kindom work from early boyhood. He was all that could be asked as a loyal brother is the very hearty testimony of his living brothers and siter. He was always a dutiful son to his parents. He was also a good citizen of his community, taking an active part in all the affairs while health permitted”.

The last sad rites for this fine young man were conducted by Rev. C. L. Boone, local Baptist pastor. Pall bearers were: Messrs. M. Rhodes, J. W. Carson, W. J. McKennon, W. C. Brown, T. J. Wooldridge, Simpson Hughes, Jim Mayes and C. W. Frazer. Honorary pall bearers named by the family were: Lee Fowlkes, Otto Strunk, George Strunk, Oscar Sanders, R. S. Hughes, J. O. Cherry, John K. McKennon, Fed Campbell, W. L. Scott and Oto Havemann.

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to his bereaved ones.

Weimar Mercury, September 16, 1938

Vana, Oswald A. “Ozzie”

Vana

Oswald A. "Ozzie" Vana, 87, of Waco, passed away Aug. 26 in the Schulenburg Regency Nursing Center.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Agnes Vana; five brothers and three brothers-in-law.

He is survived by his wife, Luana Sunderman Vana of Schulenburg; sister, Mary Ann Hammond of Kennewick, Wash.; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Vera Kaulitz of Richmond, Wash., Henry and Alice Sunderman of Eagle Lake, Margaret Sunderman of Victoria, Dick and Jane Williams of Grand Junction, Colo.; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, from Lakeside Cemetery in Eagle Lake with the Rev. Eddie Winkler, Pastor of the Roman Catholic Parish of the Nativity in Eagle Lake, presiding.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of South Texas, 1908 North Laurent, Victoria, TX 77901-5468

Colorado County Citizen, September 15, 2004
Courtesy of The Citizen

Vana, Pauline (Mozisek)

Pauline Vana Funeral Service Held July 27

Mrs. Frankie (Pauline) Vana, 74, of Weimar, passed away July 25.

Funeral services were held at St. Michael Catholic Church with Father John C. Buy officiating.

Interment followed at the St. Michael Cemetery.

Pauline was born on June 22, 1933, to John and Philomena Mozisek in Lavaca County.

She married Frankie A. Vana on Nov. 11, 1954, at St. John.

Pauline was a devoted housewife and mother. She remained by her husband's side throughout their • marriage. She enjoyed doing all the farm work with her husband. She operated machines and did daily tasks with him.

Although bound to a wheelchair, she remained determined to take care of her house and husband. Nothing could slow her down.

She was loved and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her husband; daughters, Beatrice Stoever of Schulenburg, Dolores Stoever of Weimar, Josephine Beem of Yoakum, and Mildred Nietsche of Katy; sons, Victor Vana of Elgin, and David Vana of Weimar, sisters, Margaret Kunz of Columbus and Bessie Dornak of Hallettsville; and 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by both parents, two brothers and a sister.

Pallbearers were Jeremy Stoever, Josh Stoever, Ryan Nietsche, Dean Dornak, Johnny Novak, Thomas GabIer, Delbert Kunz, 'Robert Chaloupka, and Wade Holub.

Weimar Mercury, August 2, 2007, page 2A

Vana, Raphael E.

Raphael Vana Funeral Services Held April 28

Raphael E. Vana, 86, died April 25, 2003 at Golden Age Manor Nursing Home.

Funeral services were held Monday, April 28 at Assumption Catholic Church in Houston. Interment followed at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery in Weimar.

Mr. Vana was born June 4, 1916 in St. John to Willie and Mary Vana. On June 11, 1940 he married Edna Kainer and they were married for 53 years.

He worked as a gas station attendant with his father-in-law in Weimar. He served in the United States Army as a cook on a ship.

Mr. Vana and his wife moved to Houston in 1952. He worked for the City of Houston Water Department for 21 years and kept working after he retired.

He was a parishioner of Assumption Catholic Church for over 40 years.

Mr. Vana is survived by daughter, Teresa Santos and husband Oscar, of Houston; sons, Chris Vana and Raphael F. Vana, both of Houston; daughter, Rebecca Bush of Houston; daughter, Veronica Shreves and husband of Illinois; 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by sister, Juanita Bruce of Houston; brothers, Alfonse Vana of Schulenburg and James Vana of Austin; and many family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Edna; parents, six brothers and two sisters.

The Weimar Mercury, May 15, 2003
Transcribed by John Konesheck

Vance, Delia Jane (Ringenberg)

Delia Jane (Ringenberg) Vance

Delia Jane (Ringenberg) Vance was born December 13, 1917, to George and Ruth Ringenberg in Eustis, Nebraska. She died September 5, 2007, in Columbus, Texas.

She was the oldest of three children raised on the family farm.

She attended Chicago Evangelistic Institute after high school.

She taught school in the hills of Kentucky before she went back to Frontier County to teach in one-room schools.

Her mode of transportation to work was by horseback and most of her students were her own cousins. She married the Reverend Milford G. Vance on November 30, 1944. As a minister's wife she was involved in several Evangelical United Brethren congregations in Nebraska and Iowa.

Delia was preceded in death by her parents, sister Vera Fielbert, brother Cloid Ringenberg, husband Milford G. Vance, step-son Vernon Vance, step-daughter Willemina Kiemme, and step-sons-in-law Alvin Kiemme and John Geary.

Survivors include son Dr. Melvin G. Vance and his wife Rev. Linda Vance, daughter Rev. Ardith J. Nelson and her husband Walter, step-son Kenneth Vance and his wife Helen, step-daughter Virginia Geary, step-daughter-in-law Phyllis Vance, sister-in-law Gwen Ringenberg, grandchildren Carrie Vance and her husband Matthew Knoester, Amy Vance, and Sara Nelson, 11 of 15 beloved step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, and step-great-great-grandchildren, one niece, 3 of 4 nephews, and numerous friends.

A memorial service was held for Delia J. Vance on September 8, 2007, 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of Eagle Lake. Officiating the service was the Rev. Thom Elliott of Rockport. [Interment in Lehrer Memorial Cemetery]

Sympathy is extended to the family in their loss. 

Eagle Lake Headlight, September 13th, 2007
Submitted by John Konesheck

Vanderpool, Lauren (Cole) Selph

Vanderpool

Mrs. Lauren Selph Vanderpool, age 99, passed away Friday, April 4, at the Eagle Lake Community Hospital.

Funeral services were held for Mrs. Vanderpool Monday, April 7 from the Dulany Funeral Home Chapel in Eagle Lake with Rev. Avery Sullivan of the First Baptist Church of Sheridan officiating. Arrangements were under the, direction of Dulany Funeral Home in Eagle Lake.

Interment was held at Cheetham Cemetery in Sheridan.

Mrs. Vanderpool was born January 31, 1887 in Lavaca County (near Hallettsville) to James Cole and Sarah Ann Burge Cole. She had been a resident of our area all of her life and was a member of the Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her two husbands, Mack Selph and Dee L. Vanderpool; three sons, M. E. Selph, Ed Selph and Henry Selph; four daughters, Mrs. Novella Humbird, Laura Lee Wiley, Ann Miller and Feb Brisco; plus four grandson, three grand daughters and six great-grandchildren and one great great grandson.

Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Opal Varley of Sheridan and Mrs. Sadie Eaton of Sacramento, California; 20 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren and numerous great-great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Gene Selph, Edward Briscoe, Melvin Selph, Dean Varley, Ed Varley and Richard Varley.

Colorado County Citizen, April 10, 1986, page 2

Vargas, Jesus Marioi

Jesus Mario Vargas

Jesus Mario Vargas, 49, of Eagle Lake passed away February 13.

He was born on February 25, 1957 in Reynosa, Mexico.

Jesus was preceded in death by his father, Jesus Mario Vargas, Sr.

Survivors include wife, Cindy Aguilar Vargas of Wharton; children, Dominic Vargas of California, Angelica Vargas of Wharton and Lisa Vargas of Rosenberg; his mother, Maria Inez Fuentes Vargas of Eagle Lake; brothers, Eddie Vargas and Fernando Vargas of Eagle Lake; sisters, Marina Cavazos of Rosenberg and Yvonne Brown of Florida.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, February 18 at 10 a.m. at the Vine of the Lord Church in Eagle Lake. Interment followed at the Nativity Cemetery in Eagle Lake.

The family appreciates the help and support of the Barry Shepard with Eagle Lake Funeral Home and Rev. Paul Aguilar.

Eagle Lake Headlight, March 1st, 2007
Submitted by John Konesheck

Varley, Opal (Selph)

Mrs. Opal Selph Varley, age 81, of Sheridan, passed away Thursday, May 25 at Mrs. Varley home in Sheridan.  Born in Lavaca County, on Oct. 30, 1907 to Madison Selph and Laura Cole Selph.  She and her family moved to Sheridan in childhood and has lived in Sheridan most all of her life. 

Mrs. Varley and her husband Tom were united in marriage on May 14, 1927 in Columbus.  A marriage that lasted 52 years until his death in 1979.

Mrs. Varley had been an active and faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Sheridan for many years.

Preceeded in death by her parents; husband, Tom Varley; Four Sisters, Ann Miller, Laura Lee Wiley, Novella Humbird and Feb Briscoe; Three Brothers, M.E. “Buster” Selph, Ed Selph and Harry Selph.

Survivors include: daughters, Bernice McCauley of Sheridan, Virginia Varley of Sheridan, Linda Newman of Gillett, Wyoming.  Sons, Ed Varley of Bastrop, Richard Varley of Grapeland, Dean varley of Sheridan, Dean Varley of Houston, and Larry Varley of Sheridan.  Sister, Sadie Eaton of Sacramento, CA..  24 Grandchildren, 32 Great Grandchildren and 6 Great-Great Grandchildren.  Numerous Nieces and Nephews, other relatives and a host of loved ones.

Funeral services were held from the Dulany Funeral Home Chapel, Eagle Lake, Sunday, May 28, at 3 p.m. with Rev. Scott Jordan, Pastor, First Baptist Church of Sheridan Officiating.

Inerment followed in the Cheetham Cemetery in Sheridan.

Pallbearers were Mrs. Varley 4 sons, Ed, Richard, Dean and Larry Varley as well as 4 of Mrs. Varley Grandsons, Rickey and Bernard Varley, Tim Newman and Ron Scott.

Colorado County Citizen, June 7, 1989
Submitted by Regena Williamson

Varnell, Edward

Edward Varnell Funeral Services Held Dec. 27

Edward "Glenn" Varnell, 56, of Houston, died unexpectedly on Dec. 22, due to heart and cancer complications.

Funeral services were held in Houston on Saturday, Dec. 27.

Interment followed that afternoon in the Weimar Masonic Cemetery.

Glenn was born Sept. 7, 1947, in Houston.

His work involved the sale of piping for municipal water transportation.

He was a devoted father who taught his sons the joy of being outdoors and how to maintain and repair anything on their vehicles and around the home.

He loved to make "deer lease chili" and "Grandpa's soup."

He enjoyed the fireside flavor, regardless of the amount of finger blood that fell into the concoctions as he cut up the ingredients.

Glenn spoke hightly of his fellow Houston AA group members. He was a friend and father figure to many people.

Glenn is survived by his father, W. T. Varnell of Humble; sisters, Gloria Webre and Karen Dennis Gregory, both of Houston; step brother, David Cook of Houston; and sons, Chad Varnell and Brian Varnell of Dripping Springs; as well as their mother, Doris Varnell of Austin.

Additional relatives include the Ray Varley family of Weimar; Robbie Varnell family of Pearland; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Glenn was preceded in death by his mother, Dora Wolfe Varnell and stepmother, Lula Cook Varnell.

Weimar Mercury, January 15, 2004

Varnell, Thomas Ransom

Graveside Service Here For Varnell

A graveside service was held Sunday, July 27, at Weimar Masonic Cemetery for Thomas Ransom Varnell, 64, of Uvalde. Rev. Tim Edwards officiated.

Varnell, who was retired, died Saturday, July 26, at 9:30 a.m. in Uvalde, of heart disease.

Born July 15, 1922, at Hallettsville, he was a son of W. T. and Emmie (Reed) Varnell. He lived here during his boyhood, attending Weimar schools. He served in the US Coast Guard in Jamaica, from 1942 to 1946.

Survivors include his mother, who resides at Parkview Manor; two brothers, W. T. Varnell of Weimar and R. J. Varnell of Pearland; and two sisters, Ann V. Varley of Port Lavaca and Hattie V. Kinchloe of El Campo.

Weimar Mercury, July 31, 1986
Transcribed by Dennis Boatright

Varner, Francis

Sheridan News

The people of this community were grieved Monday to hear of the death of Mrs. Francis Varner of San Antonio, formerly of Cheetham. Her body was brought to Cheetham and buried in the Cheetham cemetery. We extend our depest[sic] sympathy to the bereaved ones.

Weimar Mercury, July 20, 1917, page 4

Varner, Frank

Cullings from Cheetham

Mr. Frank Varner, a former resident of this place, died at Arola last Wednesday, and his remains were shipped to this place [Cheetham Cemetery] for interment last Thursday. Frank was a young man well known in this vicinity, he having been mostly raised here. He was a sober, steady, industrious young man and his untimely death is sincrerely regretted by all who knew him. We extend our heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family.

Weimar Mercury, January 2, 1904, page 1

Varner, Jessie Goss

Mr. Varner Dead.

Mr. J. Varner, section foreman for the S. A. & A. P. railway, died at his home here Wednesday at 1 p. m., aged about 40 years. The remains were laid to rest in the [Cheetham] cemetery at Sheridan, Texas, at which place the funeral was held from the home of W. T. Scott, brother-in-law of the deceased. Relatives and friends of Mr. Varner accompanied the remains to Sheridan, including a delegation from the local Wooden lodge, Mr. Varner having been a member of the Dilworth camp, W. 0. W, at Dilworth, Gonzales county and having a policy for $2000 in that order payable to his wife.
For the past two years he had been gradually going down as the result of a cancerous growth on his neck, suffering very much toward the last. He was a good straight, hardworking man, liked and respected by all who knew him, and his tragic end is regretted by the entire community, which joins in extending sympathy to the bereaved wife and children. Halletssville[sic] New Era.

Weimar Mercury, February 6, 1914, page 2

Varner, unnamed child

CULLINGS FROM CHEETHAM

The 10-day-old infant of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Varner of Dilworth was buried at this place [Cheetham Cemetery] Friday. Though young it had endeared itself to its parents, and it was with bitter grief that they bowed to the will of Him who said, “Suffer little children to come unto me.” Our sympathy is extended them.

Mr. Jesse Varner and Mrs. Melissa Scott of Dilworth, who came here on the sad mission to bury the infant child of Mr. Varner, returned home Friday.

Weimar Mercury, November 5, 1904, page 8

Vasek, Joseph Willie

Joe W. Vasek Buried Here in Catholic Cemetery

Funeral services for Joe W. Vasek, cattleman of Borden, were held at the Hubbard Funeral home in Weimar, Feb. 26, with continued services in St. Michael's Catholic church there. Burial was in St. Anthony's parish cemetery at Columbus. The Rt. Rev. Msgr. Anthony Drozd, The Rev. Thomas Flanagan and the Rev. Emil Vinklarek officiated.

Mr. Vasek, was 58. Born at Hostyn Hill near Ellinger, he was a son of Joe and Anna Sikora Vasek. He died in Youens hospital at Weimar Feb. 24 after having suffered with heart trouble for some time.

In 1925, he married Albina Vasek, who died in 1929. His marriage to Gertrude Legler took place in Wharton in 1931. The couple lived in Houston and Fayetteville before moving to Borden in 1940, when they built the Borden store, later selling it to Mr. and Mrs. Rud. Thumann, in 1949. They built Lakeview Cafe and operated it until Mr. Vasek's health failed, then they leased the cafe and Mr. Vasek took up cattle raising.

Survivors include Mrs. Vasek and 2 children, James Vasek of Eagle Lake and Mrs. Walter A. Vornsand of Weimar, and a grandchild Carolyn Vasek of Eagle Lake; also 3 brothers, Louie of Fayetteville and Bill and John of Houston and 2 sisters, Mrs. Louis Stolar and Mrs. Bertha Janish of fayetteville.

Pallbearers were Harry Taylor, P. M. Sanders. I. V. Ermis, Bill Kainer, Rud Thumann, George Pokluda, George Musny and Oscar Hoelscher. [Later reinterment was made in St. Michael's Cemetery]

Colorado County Citizen, March 6, 1958, page 12

Vasek, Olga Mae (Taylor)

ALICE — Olga Mae Vasek, 67, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2001, in an Alice Hospital.

Mrs. Vasek was born Nov. 3, 1933, in Osage, Texas, to Harry H. and Ioma Taylor. She was a homemaker and a volunteer at Alice Regional Hospital. She was a member of Morningside Drive Church of Christ.

Surviving are her husband, James A. Vasek of Alice; two daughters, Susie (Jack) Freiley and Nancy Vasek, all of Beeville; a sister-in-law, JoAnn Vornsand of Weimar; two granddaughters, Mandy Freiley of Corpus Christi, and Kimberly Freiley of Lubbock; and other family members and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. today, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2001, at the Holmgreen Mortuary Chapel in Alice. Burial will be Friday, Sept. 28, 2001, in the Masonic Cemetery in Weimar, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cam Bandina, c/o Mike Bishop, 1909 Clarice, Alice, TX 78332 or a favorite charity.

Holmgreen Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Alice Echo-News Journal, Wednesday, September 26, 2001
Contributed by Rosemary Ermis

Vasina, A. J. "Lefty"

A. J. 'Lefty' Vasina

A. J. "Lefty" Vasina, 84, of Lissie, passed away Friday, July 11, 2003 at his residence following a brief illness.

A native of Plum, Fayette County, Texas, he was born February 11, 1919 to Joseph and Ludmilla Holik Vasina.

Lefty married Gladiola Hartman at Holy Cross Catholic Church in East Bernard on March 4, 1946.

A member of the Lissie United Methodist Church, he had been resident of Lissie for the past 57 years, retiring from Tennessee Gas Pipeline, a division of Tenneco, in East Bernard on July 1, 1982 after 32 years of distinguished service.

Preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Vlasta Elolf and Mary Cervenka; brothers, Joe and Jerry Vasina; and daughter-in-law, Deloris Schmidt Vasina; survivors include his devoted wife of 57 years, Gladiola Hartman Vasina of Lissie; a daughter, Marilyn Frank and husband, Paul, of Alpharetta, Georgia; sons, Kenneth and Terry Vasina, both of Houston; sister, Lydia Mechura of Rogers, Arkansas; grandsons, Ryan and Stephen Frank, both of Georgia; nieces, nephews, other relatives and loved ones.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, July 14, from the Chapel of Dulany Funeral Home in Eagle Lake with Rev. Bill Ramsey, Pastor of Lissie United Methodist Church, officiating.

Interment followed in Lakeside Cemetery in Eagle Lake.

Dulany Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers were Kenneth and Terry Vasina; Paul, Ryan and Stephen Frank; and Jared Smith.

Honorary pallbearers were employees of Tennessee Gas Pipeline.

For those wishing to make memorial contributions, the family requests they be directed to Lissie United Methodist Church, PO Box 668, Lissie, TX 77454.

Friends and family are encouraged to send tributes to www.mem.com.

Sympathy is extended to the family in their loss.

Eagle Lake Headlight, July 17, 2003
Transcribed by John Konesheck

Vasina, Delores Martha (Schmidt)

Delores Martha (Schmidt) Vasina, 56, of Houston, passed away suddenly May 9, at her residence.

She was born in Eagle Lake on Feb. 23, 1946 to Henry Gottlieb Schmidt Sr. and Annie May Lena (Brast) Schmidt. She was a graduate of Eagle Lake High School Class of 1964, attended Wharton County Junior College for two years then Sam Houston State. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Eagle Lake where she was baptized in May 1946 and confirmed in April 1960, taught Sunday School for several years and held a 15 year attendance record at Sunday school. She and Kenneth Vasina were married at Grace Lutheran on Oct. 17, 1969 and had lived in Houston since.

She was preceded in death by her father in 1988.

She is survived by husband, of Houston; mother, of Eagle Lake; brother, Henry Schmidt Jr. and Karyn Frayard, of Eagle Lake; mother and father-in-law, Gladiola and A. J. "Lefty" Vasina, of Lissie; sister-in-law, Marilyn Frank and husband, Paul, of Georgia; brother-in-law, Terry Vasina, of Houston; and nephews, Jared Henry Schmidt, and Ryan and Stephen Frank.

Funeral services were conducted May 13, from the Chapel of Dulany Funeral Home in Eagle Lake, with the Rev. Bill Ramsey, pastor of Lissie United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment followed in Lakeside Cemetery in Eagle Lake.

Pallbearers were Johnnie Schmidt, Leroy Brast, Jared Henry Schmidt, Robert Brast Jr., Russell Brast, Hugo Richter, Terry Vasina and Weldon Brast.

Honorary pallbearers were Edwin Schmitt and David Frayard.

Colorado County Citizen, May 15, 2002
Courtesy of the Citizen

Vasina, Gladiola Bertha (Hartman)

Gladiola Hartman Bertha Vasina, 87, of Lissie and East Bernard, passed away Tuesday, July 31, 2012, in Houston following an extended illness. Gladiola was born on July 12, 1925, in East Bernard, third child of Albert and Alvina Wilke
Hartman and was named by her sister El Birdie.

She was reared on a small farm off Hwy. 60 N between East Bernard and Wallis near the San Bernard River. She attended Bernard Prairie School through eighth grade and graduated from East Bernard High School in 1942. During the teacher shortage in World War II, she taught Grades 1, 2 and 3 at Bernard Prairie School from 1944 until 1945.

Gladiola married Adolph Jerry “Lefty” Vasina on March 4, 1946, in Holy Cross Catholic Church in East Bernard. They set up housekeeping in Lissie where they became members of the United Evangelical Brethren/Lissie United Methodist Church. She and Lefty had three children: Kenneth, Terry and Marilyn.

She and Lefty loved to dance and never missed a dance in Mixville, Wallis or East Bernard and they loved to play dominoes with friends. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1996; and Lefty passed away in 2003. Gladiola served as Methodist Church secretary in Lissie and in Eagle Lake, assistant postmistress in Lissie and bookkeeper for Bob Strunk’s house moving business in Lissie. She was a 62-year resident of Lissie.

Gladiola was preceded in death by her husband, mother and father as well as her brother, Herbert Hartman, and her sister, El Birdie Hartman KIopsteck.

She is survived by son Kenneth and wife Jo Ann of East Bernard, her son Terry of Houston, and her daughter Marilyn and husband Paul Frank of Cummings, Ga. She is also survived by grandson Ryan Frank and wife Rebecca and great-grandson Cayden of Cummings, Ga., and by grandson Stephen Frank and wife Rose of Austin.

Visitation will be at First United Methodist Church, Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2012 at noon. Funeral Services will follow at First United Methodist Church, Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2012 at 2 p.m. with Pastor Alex Lupo officiating in East Bernard. Burial will take place in Lakeside Cemetery in Eagle Lake.

Pallbearers are Paul, Ryan and Stephen Frank; nephews, Wilmer Klopsteck and Ronald Hartman and Terry Vasina.

Suggested memorials may be made to Lissie United Methodist Church, P.O.Box 668, Lissie, TX 77454; or First United Methodist Church, P.O. 476, East Bernard, TX 77535.

Wharton Journal Spectator, August 4, 2012

Vasut, Agatha (Noska)

Agatha Vasut

Agatha Vasut, 86, of the Brushy Community passed away Feb. 21 at Christus St. Catherine Hospital in Katy.

She was born Feb. 5, 1923 to Adolph K. Noska and Sophie Ruether in Frelsburg. On Jan. 30, 1945 she married Harry L. Vasut. She was a homemaker and enjoyed gardening and baking for family and friends. She was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and St. Ann’s Altar Society in Frelsburg.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; sisters, Regina Richter and husband Connie and Veronica Vasut and husband Eddie; brothers Rudolph Noska and Raymond Noska; sisters-in-law, Willie Mae Skalitsky and husband Christian, Carrie Mae Zapp and husband Olie, Sylvia Richter and husband John, Helen Bordovsky and Ellen Vasut; brothers-in-law, Frank Vasut, Arthur Kahlden, Walter Ben Vasut and wife Adeline, Leslie Vasut and wife Macy, Deonies J. Wasut and baby boy Vasut.

She is survived by sons, Jimmy Vasut and wife Judy of the Brushy Community and Allen D. Vasut of Haslet; granddaughter, Tammy Vasut of Houston; sisters-in-law, Lillian Kahlden, Dorothy Wasut and Pearl Noska, all of Columbus; brother-in-law, Clarence J. Wasut and wife Beetsy of Fayetteville.

Funeral services took place Tuesday, Feb. 24 at Sts. Peter Paul and Catholic Church in Frelsburg with the Father Wayne Flagg officiating. Interment followed at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Frelsburg.

Colorado County Citizen, February 25, 2009
Contributed by Judy Talkington

Vasut, Daphene (Zahradnick)

Daphene Vasut

Daphene Vasut, 72, of Nora Springs, IA, passed away Tuesday, May 6, at the Nora Springs Care Center, Nora Springs.

Daphene was born December 30, 1935 in Columbus, the daughter of David and Mary (Schmidt) Zahradnick.

She attended school in Eagle Lake. She married Emil Vasut, Sr. November 15, 1953 in Eagle Lake where they lived and farmed.

Daphene later worked at the F & W Food Market in Garwood. She also worked at Dan's Minute Stop in Eagle Lake. She moved to Nashua to be close to her daughter in 1996, later moved to Charles City and in 1998 to Nora Springs Care Center.

Daphene enjoyed embroidering, baking, shopping, playing dominos, reading and especially reading the Bible. She did a lot of writing letters and playing pool. Everyone she cared about she gave them a nickname. She was known by her grandkids as MeeMaw. Daphene was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Eagle Lake and St. John's Lutheran Church in Nashua, IA.

Daphene is survived by her three children, Rosemary Tobin and her husband, Robert and Emil Vasut, Jr. and his fiance, Vonda Obermeier all of Charles City, IA and Paul Vasut and his wife, Tricia of Eagle Lake; two grandchildren, Karl and Kelly Vasut of Eagle Lake; sister, Evelyn Hunick of Jacinto City; and brother, Robert Zahradnick and his wife, Bobbie of Sandston, Virginia; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Karl Vasut, Kelly Vasut, Justin Jobe, Brennan Jobe, Victor Brewer and Frank Navarro.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Emil (Sept. 28, 1996); and one sister, Dorothy Newsom.

Funeral Services were held at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Nora Springs, IA on Friday, May 9, at 2 p.m. and at Eagle Lake Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 13, at 10 a.m. Burial was in Lakeside Cemetery in Eagle Lake. Services were under the direction of Eagle Lake Funeral Home.

Memorials may be given to Juvenile Diabetes Research or the charity of your choice.

Sympathy is extended to the family in their loss.

Eagle Lake Headlight, May 15, 2008, page 4
Submitted by John Konesheck

Vasut, Harold J.

Harold J. Vasut Rites Held Friday

Friends and relatives were saddened to learn of the death of Harold John Vasut Tuesday. January 4. in the Veterans Hospital in Houston.

Mr. Vasut was born February 5, 1924 in Fayetteville. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. Joe W. Vasut, Following a tour of duty in World War II he worked as a mechanic, his latest employment was with Smith Taylor Ford. He was known to friends as "Slim."

Funeral services were held at the Mill Bauer Chapel, Friday. January 7 at 9 a.m. with the Rev. Edward Geiser officiating. Interment was in Lakeside Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth; and a sister. Mrs. Norma Zatopek of Columbus: and other relatives and friends.

Eagle Lake Headlight, Thursday, January 13, 1977
Contributed by Rosemary Ermis

Vasut, James D. "Jimmy"

Vasut, James “Jimmy” D.

James “Jimmy” D. Vasut, 62, of Columbus passed away July 23 at Columbus Community Hospital.

He was born Dec. 28, 1946 in Columbus to Harry L. Vasut and Agatha M. Noska.

He married Judy Assmann Vasut May 29, 1971.

He was a lifetime resident of Columbus and a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Frelsburg.

He was also a member of the National Rifle Association.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with family and friends, especially at deer camp. He was a collector of many things such as coins and arrow heads.

He was preceded in death by his parents; special sister-in-law, Clara Mae Surrett of Brenham; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Richard and Sadie Assmann of Industry.

He is survived by his wife; daughter, Tammy Vasut of Houston; brother, Allen Vasut of Haslet; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Larry Assmann and wife Mary of Brenham, Marvin Surrett of Brenham; Lillie Mae Assmann of Industry; Mildred Siptak and husband Butch of Nelsonville and Linda Vasut and husband Larry Gene of Lissie; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services took place July 25 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Frelsburg with Father Wayne Flagg officiating. Interment followed at the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Glenn Noska, Larry Assmann, Johnny Richter, Eddie Vasut, Marvin Breneman and Colby Kulhanek.

Colorado County Citizen, July 28, 2009
Contributed by Judy Talkington. Photo courtesy of The Citizen

Vasut, John Paul

John Paul Vasut

July 6, 1919 - December 28, 1989

John Paul Vasut, 70, a longtime resident of the Eagle Lake area, passed away at his home early Thursday morning, December 28, 1989 after a lengthy illness. Funeral services were held Saturday, December 30 from the Dulany Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend Don A. Storey officiating. Mrs. Alice Schmidt provided the organ accompaniment. Pallbearers were George Cason, Heyne Dromgoole, Jack Dromgoole, Frank Klement, Johnnie Schmidt Jr. and Bill Wilson. Graveside services, military honors and interment at Lakeside Cemetery were under the auspices of VFW Post 8783. He was born to Paul and Rosie Vasut near Rosenberg on July 6, 1919. He was a longtime resident of the Eldridge community where he farmed and raised cattle in partnership with his brothers, Charlie Vasut and Emil Vasut Sr, He served in the U. S. Army Quartermasters during World War II, transporting equipment and maieriab over the "Stillwell Road" from Ledo, India to its intersection with the 'Burma Road" in Burma and from there into China. He was honorably discharged from the military in 1945. He will be missed by all those whose lives he touched. He is survived by his two brothers; two sisters: Mrs. Johnnie Schmidt Sr. of Cat Spring and Mrs. Annie Klement of Ulysses, Nebraska, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Sympathy is extended to the family in their loss.

Eagle Lake Headlight; January 4, 1990
Contributed by Patti Hall-Smith

Vasut, Rosie

Services Held Wed. Morning For Mrs. Rosie Vasut

Last rites were conducted here yesterday, May 18th for Mrs. Rosie Vasut, 70, a member of the Matthews community for 27 years. Mrs. Vasut passed away at her home Sunday, morning. She had been slightly ill for some time but suffered a stroke Sunday and passed away suddenly.

Services were conducted Wednesday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. at the Mill-Bauer Funeral Home with Rev. A. W. Didner, Pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church officiating. Interment was in the Lakeside Cemetery beside her husband who preceded her in death in 1919. Serving as pallbearers were: G. M. Cason, H. A. Dromgoole. C.A. Brewster, Sr. A. L. Rolf, W. S. Gordy, and W. A. Schneider.

Mrs. Vasut was born April 28th, 1885 in Czechoslovakia. She married Paul Vasut there and in 1913 the family came to the United States and located in Texas. Her husband died in 1919 and in 1928 she and her family located in the Matthews and Eldridge community where she resided until her death.

Survivors include: two daughters, Mrs. Frank Klement of Ulysses, Nebraska and Mrs. John Schmidt of Bernardo; three sons, Charlie, Emil and Johnnie, all of Route 1, Eagle Lake; one sister. Mrs. Mary Kobzina of East St. Louis, Mo.: one brother, Frank Vasut of Laxly, Alabama; seven grandchildren and other relatives in Czechoslovakia.

Friends join In extending sympathy to the family in the loss of their loved one.

Eagle Lake Headlight, Thursday, May 19, 1955
Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

Vaughn, Barney William

Mr. B. V. Vaughn

The death of Mr. B. V. Vaughn occurred very suddenly at his home on the Tucker place, west of Glidden, at about 1:30 Friday afternoon. Mr Vaughn was cutting wood in the pasture and his wife had brought his lunch to him at noon. He started working again after lunch and had been cutting wood for some thirty minutes when he stopped and complained of illness. In a few moments he was dead. An inquest was held and the cause of death was given as heart disease.

Funeral services were held at 3:00 P. M. Saturday and interment made in City Cemetery. A Morman minister from Houston said the service.

Mr. Vaughn has lived in the county some seven or eight years, having lived at Eagle Lake and Alleyton before moving to the Tucker place two years ago. During recent months he had been receiving some help from the relief organization. He is survived by the wife, nee Miss Kramer and nine children, the oldest of whom is fourteen years of age.

Mr. A. H. Kramer of Victoria, father-in-law of deceased, came here to attend the obsequies. Mr. Kramer lived here for some twenty four years, moving from here in 1890.

The bereaved family has the sympathy of the entire community.

Colorado County Citizen, January 31, 1935

Vaughn, John W.

John W. Vaughn, Electrocuted, Brought Here for Burial

The last remains of John W. Vaughn who was twice convicted in San Antonio of the killing of a policeman of that city, and each time given the death penalty, his electrocution following Friday morning of this week, were brought to this city Sunday at noon and laid to rest in St. Michael's Cemetery, after brief services, in St. Michael’s Church by Rev. John Morkovsky, assistant priest in charge of said church. Quite a number of relatives, members of Mrs. Vaughn's family, and friends were present to witness the last sad rites, which took place about 1 o’clock p. m.

This case attracted a great deal of attention through the fact that the deceased had a few years ago married a young lady of this section. The devoted wife was faithful to him throughout the awful ordeal. Be it said to her credit she never wavered in her attempts to save his life and did ever thing humanly possible to avert the awful doom which the law had imposed upon him. The sympathy of' hundreds of people go out to her in the heart-breaking trial through which she has just passed.

Vaughn after his second conviction was refused a new hearing and was then sentenced to die. The date was set, but when the fatal hour arrived the machinery of the death chair refused to function, and a postponement of a week was granted. The electric machinery was sent to Houston for readjustment and then returned to Huntsville prison.

Friday morning shortly after the midnight stroke, after every resource had been exhausted for a delay or commutation of sentence, reiterating his plea of innoncence[sic], Vaughn took his seat in the fatal chair and in a few minutes was pronounced dead. The body was then prepared for burial and sent by train to Weimar for final interment.

Whatever we may have felt about innocence or guilt, it is over with now. He paid the supreme penalty, and that is what the law exacted. There is naught in our heart now but sympathy for his bereaved wife and little babe. May the good God above be merciful to them and assuage their bereavement as He alone can!

Weimar Mercury, May 6, 1938, page 1

Vavora, Martin

OAKLAND REMARKS

Martin Vavora, a Bohemian renter on Uncle Chas. Bock’s place, died last Tuesday from internal injuries received in the last storm. [Place of interment unknown]

Weimar Mercury, January 14, 1893

Vavra, Agnes

Miss Agnes Vavra, 77, Native of Austria, Dies

Funeral services for Miss Agnes Vavra, 77, resident of this area since 1882, were held from Hubbard Funeral Home and St. Michael’s Church here this (Thursday) morning. Interment was in St. Michael’s Cemetery.

Miss Vavra, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Vavra, was born in Austria in 1874, She came to this country with her parents when she was a small girl. She had been ill about two weeks before she died.

Surviving are a sister, Miss Hettie Vavra, with whom she made her home; and two brothers, John and Frank, both of this vicinity.

Weimar Mercury, July 13, 1951, page 1

VAVRA PALLBEARERS

Pallbearers at the funeral of Miss Agnes Vavra last week were August Bacak, Freddie Balzer, T. Vavra, John Vavra, Frank Vavra and Edmud Vavra.

Weimar Mercury, July 20, 1951, page 5

Vavra, Hattie

Final Rites for Miss Hattie Vavra, 70, Held June 14

Funeral services for Miss Hattie Vavra, who died June 12 at her home here shortly after a heart stroke, were held June 14 from Hubbard Funeral Home and St. Michael’s Church, with Msgr. Anthony F. Drozd officiating.

Burial was in St. Michael’s Cemetery.

Born in Austria Dec. 4, 1881, Miss Vavra had come to this country as a child, in 1882. A sister, Miss Agnes Vavra, died less than a year ago, at the age of 77.

Surviving are two brothers, Frank and John, both of this area, nine nieces and six nephews.

Weimar Mercury, June 27, 1952, page 5

Vavra, Johnnie E.

Johnnie Vavra Funeral Services Held Sept. 16

Johnnie E. Vavra, 75, of Weimar, died Sept. 13, 2003 at his home after a lingering illness.

Funeral services were held Sept. 16 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Weimar with Father John Bily officiating. Interment followed at the Dubrina Catholic Cemetery.

Mr. Vavra was born June 4, 1928 in Dubrina to John L. Vavra and Frances Mican Vavra.

He married Dorothy Selzer on June 6, 1955 in Holman.

He was a veteran and member of the American Legion. He was a farmer, rancher and worked in several stores as a clerk.

Mr. Vavra is survived by his wife, Dorothy Selzer Vavra of Weimar; sons, John A. Vavra and wife Rebecca of Weimar and David Vavra and wife Leah of Brenham; sisters, Josie Balcar of Schulenburg, George Kruppa of La Grange and Elaine Kruppa of Temple; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and four sisters.

Pallbearers were nephews, James Balcar, Leroy Bacak, Tommy Miles, Billy Miles, Gene Kruppa and grandson John C. Vavra.

The Weimar Mercury, September 25, 2003
Transcribed by John Konesheck

Vavra, Vlasta (Cernoch)

Funeral for Mrs. F. Vavra Held April 27

Funeral services for Mrs. Frank (Vlasta) Vavra, 65, were held Sunday, April 27, from St. Michael's Catholic Church, with burial in the parish cemetery.

Father Charles Carolan officiated.

Mrs. Vavra died at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 24, at Citizens Memorial Hospital, Victoria of heart disease. She had been ill five weeks.

Born Dec. 26, 1914, at Holman, she was a daughter of Steve and Mary (Kobersky) Cernoch. She was married to Frank Vavra on October 18, 1949, at Holman. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary here.

Her husband survives, along with her father, Steve Cernoch of Ammannsville; a brother, Jerome Cernoch of Ellinger; and a sister, Mrs. Amalia Barta of Ammannsville.

Pallbearers were Allen Barta, Harvey Barta, Jeff Cernoch, Bennie Cernoch, Stanley Cernoch, and Richard Miska

Weimar Mercury, May 1, 1980
Transcribed by Judy Talkington

Vawter, Archie S.

Archie S. Vawter, 81, of Sheridan, died Thursday, Dec. 25, 1997, at Rice Medical Center in Eagle Lake.

Born March 12, 1916 in Houston, he was the son of Jesse Franklin and Beulah Ann (Hopkins) Vawter.  After graduating from Houston-area schools, Mr. Vawter attended college before working as a tugboat deckhand on the Houston Ship Channel.  On Nov. 10, 1939, he married Lois Botard in the Botard home in Sheridan.  Mr. Vawter had lived in Sheridan for almost 50 years, where he was a member of the First Baptist Church.  He was retired from the Lehrer Rice Dryer in Garwood.

Services were held Dec. 28 at the First Baptist Church in Sheridan, with Rev. Brent Pittman officiating.  Interment followed in the Cheetham Cemetery, Sheridan. Services were under the direction of Dulany Funeral Home, Eagle Lake.

Serving as pallbearers were Jack Vawter, Jared Vawter, Eric Vawter, Robyn Alleway, Jakki Alleway, Lewis Botard, Warren Botard and Jim Kutzer.

Mr. Vawter is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Vera and Derek Alleway of Altair; sons and daughters-in-law, Jack and Debbie Vawter of Altair and Jesse (J.L.) and Laneil Vawter of Houston; sister Mae Farmer of Pasadena, Texas; grandchildren Robyn Alleway, Jakki Alleway and Jared Vawter, all of Altair, Karla Quigley and husband Jay of Waco, Eric Vawter and wife Kellie of League City and Monica Moore or West Palm Beach, Fla.; great-grandson James Quigley of Waco; several nieces, nephews, numerous other relatives, friends and loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, on Dec. 28, 1990; an infant sister; and sister Mina Jones of Baytown

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the givers’s choice of Sheridan organizations, including the First Baptist Church of Sheridan, Sheridan Emergency Aid, Sheridan Volunteer Fire Department; Sheridan Lions Club; SPARC; and the Sheridan Memorial Library.

Colorado County Citizen, October 31, 1997
Submitted by Regena Williamson

Vawter, Fannie Lois (Botard)

Mrs. Fannie Lois Vawter, 69, of Sheridan died Friday, December 28, 1990, at the Eagle Lake Community Hospital following a sudden illness.

Mrs. Vawter was born October 15, 1921 to Lewis and Daisy Townsend Botard.  She married Archie Vawter on November 10, 1939 at her parents home in the Sheridan Community.

Dedicating her life to the service of others in the Sheridan community, Mrs. Vawter participated in the founding of the Sheridan Emergency Aid.  She was active in the Colorado County Home Extension program, the WMU and the Cheetham Cemetery Assn.  She was especially involved with the First Baptist Church working with the young teenagers and the Friendshop Fellowship program. 

Survivors include her husband, Archie Vawter or Sheridan; daughter and son-in-law, Vera and Derek Alleway, Altair; sons and daughters-in-law, Jack and Debbie Vawter of Altair; Jesse and Laneil Vawter, Houston.  Sisters, Blanche Johnson and Maude Townsend both of Sheridan.  Brothers, L.A. Botard, Guy Botard, Albert Botard all of Sheridan; six grandchildren, Karla and Jay Quigley, Waco; Eric Vawter, Houston; Monica Moore, West Palm Beach, Fl; Robyn and Jakki Alleway, Altair; one great grandson James Quigley, Waco.  Mrs. Vawter was preceded in death by her parents. [Interment in the Cheetham Cemetery]

Colorado County Citizen, January 9, 1991
Submitted by Regena Williamson

Vayo, John

John Vayo Buried Saturday Morning In Frelsburg

Last rites for John Vayo, 56, of Cuero were held here Saturday morning. Rosary was recited in Cuero Thursday evening, then his body was brought to Columbus where Rosary services were conducted at Untermeyer Funeral home by Rev. Werner Bockholt Friday evening. Services were continued Saturday morning, with Requiem High Mass offered in Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic church in Frelsburg by Rev. Michael O’Shaughnessy of Meyersville, assisted by Rev. Bockholt. Burial was in the Frelsburg Catholic cemetery.

Mr. Vayo died in a Cuero hospital Mar. 31. He had been ill since suffering a stroke in February, 1964.

Born in Fairport Harbor, Ohio, he was a son of Joseph and Elizabeth Ladanyl Vayo. He was married to the former Nancy Walla of Frelsburg in Sugar Land, May 22, 1941.

He is survived by his widow, 2 sons, John Alan and Thomas John of Cuero; his mother; 3 sisters, Mrs. John Bezzog, Mrs. Steve Zatorske and Mrs. Andrew Szuhay, all of Fairport Harbor, and one brother, Joseph Vayo of Painsville, Ohio.

Pallbearers were a nephew, Julius Ruffeno, and close friends, Homer Webb, Alfon Migura, George Trowell, Ben Piepygrass, and Willie Ruhmann.

When he was a teenage boy, his father died and he helped provide for his mother and her family. He was employed by Diamond Alkali co. of Painsville, Ohio, for many years. He met his wife while serving in Texas during World War II. The couple first lived in Ohio, later returning to Texas and living for several years in Frelsburg. From there they moved to Dickinson, later being transferred to Cuero. He was an employe of Midstates Oil co. until his fatal illness.

Colorado County Citizen, April 8, 1965
Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

Vecera, Adolph Vit

Vecera

Adolph Vit Vecera, 83 of Eagle Lake, passed away Sunday, Dec. 28, 2003 at River Oaks Health Care Center in Columbus.

He was born June 15, 1920 in East Bernard to Klement and Anna Marik Vecera and was a resident of Eagle Lake almost 50 years.

He led a career in carpentry and enjoyed playing drums and performing with many bands in the area. He was a Seaman First Class in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He served aboard the USS Columbia (CL-56) in the Pacific eight months at sea and was awarded the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal. Vecera married Isabel Augusta Finney in Columbus on July 28, 1951.

He is survived by his wife; daughter, Mary Ethel Gertson of Eagle Lake; sisters, Beatrice Stelzel of Flatonia, Edith of Sealy, Maryann Light of Pine Bluff, Ark., Judy Rosentreter of Yoakum; brother, Victor Vecera of Flatonia; granddaughter, Tracy Marie Brewer of Eagle Lake; and great grandchildren, Justin Blair Jobe, Brenan Wade Jobe, Victor Daniel Brewer and Brandy Christine Brewer.

A vigil service was offered at 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 1 a the Dulany Funeral Home chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial followed at 2 p.m., Friday, Jan. 2 from the Parish of the Nativity's Our Lady of Perpetual Help Sanctuary with the Rev. Eddie Winkler officiating. Burial with military honors followed in Lakeside Cemetery in Eagle Lake.

Pallbearers were great grandchildren, Justin and Brenan Jobe, Victor Daniel and Brandy Brewer, Paul Vasut, Alan Ray Stelzel and Kenneth Stelzel.

For those desiring, in lieu of flowers the family requested memorial contributions be made to the Parish of the Nativity Building Fund, P.O. Box 307, Eagle Lake, TX 77434.

Colorado County Citizen, January 7, 2003
Courtesy of the Citizen

Vecera, Isabel Augusta (Finney)

Isabel Augusta Finney Vecera

Isabel Augusta Finney Vecera, 88, of Eagle Lake passed away January 19.

Isabel was born to Clark and Ada Kretzschmar Finney on July 23, 1921 in Ramsey.

She worked at several places throughout her life, Spaniel & Son, Rice Community Hospital, The White House and Harris Hamburger Place

She was involved with the Pink Ladies Auxiliary for many years and helped at the nursery at the First Baptist Church.

She enjoyed going bowling and gambling at Coushatta, but most of all spending time with her family.

She is survived by daughter, Mary Ethel Gertson of Eagle Lake; grandaughter, Tracy Jobe Brewer of Bellville; sisters, Emily Clark of Yoakum, Marietta Becker and Daniel of El Campo; brother, Robert Lee Finney and Laura of Eagle Lake; great-grandchildren, Justin Blair Jobe, Victor Daniel Brewer, Brandy Christine Brewer, Brennan Wade Jobe and wife, Lorie.

Pallbearers were Justin Blair Jobe, Brennan Wade Jobe, Victor Daniel Brewer, Brandy Christine Brewer, Victor Alan Brewer and Paul Vasut.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Adolph Vecera; and brother, James Finney

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Sunday, January 24, at the First Baptist Church in Eagle Lake, with Pastor Kevin Collison officiating. Burial was in Lakeside Cemetery, in Eagle Lake.

Arrangements were under the direction of Eagle Lake Funeral Home.

Sympathy is extended to the family in their loss.

Eagle Lake Headlight, January 28, 2010

Verse, Victor

DEATH OF A YOUNG CLEAR CREEK COLORED MAN

Victor Verse, son of Jos. Verse and wife of the Clear Creek section, died Tuesday and was buried the following day in the colored people's burying ground west of town.

"Vickey," as he was best known, was Injured several years ago in a big explosion in the Southern Pacific railroad yards in San Antonio, at which time Grant North was killed, and Lonnie Hunter was severely injured. All of these were from Weimar. Grant had lIved here for a number of years, and worked for the railroad company for awhile. Lunnie Hunter Is a son of Will Hunter and wIfe of the Clear Creek section. "Vickey" Verse never recovered from his Injuries, and has spent most of the time since the accident in the hospitals. He was brought home a few months ago in the hopes that the change would improve his condition, but it was without avail. He was a quiet, industrious young man, highly thought of by all, and his death is sincerely deplored. Much sympathy is expressed for the parents in he sad bereavement visited upon them.

Weimar Mercury, January 20, 1922, page 4

Verunac, Anna (Wagner)

Mrs. Anna Verunac, 59, Widow of Late Weimar Business Man, Expires

Funeral services for Mrs. Anna Verunac, 59, long-time Weimar resident and widow of the late Frank J. Verunac, prominent Weimar business man, were held here Tuesday morning at St. Michael’s Church, with Msgr. J. J. Szymanski of Weimar, Msgr. L. P. Netardus of Shiner, Rev. Edmund Bily of Shiner and Rev. Louis Blinks of Weimar officiating.

In ill health for several months, Mrs. Verunac expired Sunday morning at 2:25 at the Shiner Hospital.

Mrs. Verunac, nee Anna Wagner, was a native of Shiner where she was born in June of 1880, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Wagner. In 1889[sic] she was married to Frank J. Verunac and shortly afterward moved to Weimar. In 1936, her husband who for many years was one of Weimar’s prominent business men, expired. The following year, her mother, Mrs. John Wagner, passed away.

A resident of Weimar for approximately forty years, Mrs. Verunac had made many friends. Diligent and affable, she was a fine mother and reared a family of nine children, each of whom has become respected and worthy citizens of the various areas where they reside. Six of her children are well-known residents of Weimar.

A brother, Dr. Frank Wagner, is an eminent surgeon of Shiner and heads the Wagner Hospital there. Another brother, Dr Martin Wagner, is a Houston dentist. Her father, John Wagner, who is 83 years of age, is one of Shiner’s oldest residents.

Survivors include: four sons, Frank, of Chicago, Illinois, Justin of Kelly Field, San Antonio, Joe and James of Weimar; five daughters, Mrs. A. P. Kallus of Rutersville, Mrs. James G. Bartosh of Weimar, Mrs. Rudy Kloesel, Mrs. Philip Kloesel, and Miss Georgie Verunac, all of Weimar; five brothers, Dr. Frank Wagner of Shiner, Dr. Martin Wagner of Houston, Louis of Cistern, John of Floresville, and Joe of Moulton; and five sisters, Mrs. Max Walla of Schulenburg, Mrs. Frank J. Jaks, Mrs. Alfonse Grill, Mrs. Frank Dusek and Mrs. Chas. Miculka, all of Shiner; and eleven grandchildren.

Burial was in the St. Michael’s Cemetery.

To sorrowing family members and relatives, the Mercury publisher extends sincerest sympathy.

Weimar Mercury, April 19, 1940, page 1

Verunac, James J. "Cotton"

Weimar – James J. “Cotton” Verunac, 51 years, 1 month and 25 days, died at 2:15 p.m. Saturday, December 7, 1974 of leukemia with which he had been ill for about a year. He had been a patient at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Houston for three weeks.

Funeral services were held Monday, December 9 in Weimar with the Rev. Charles Carolan officiating at Hubbard Funeral Chapel and St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Weimar. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers were E. J. Seifert, Ed Rabel, Hugo Helmcamp, Walter Vornsand, Jim and Fred Heger.

Mr. Verunac was a lifelong resident of Weimar, having been born October 12, 1923, son of Frank F. and Anna (Wagner) Verunac.

After graduation from Weimar High School, he entered the US Air Force. As a staff ssergeant and tail gunner on a B-24 “Liberator” bomber, he flew 33 combat missions, winning the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, and seven oak leaf clusters.

Separated from the service in 1945, he earned a business degree attending night school at Blinn Junior College. He married Miss Margaret Tankersley June 26, 1946 at Weimar.

Mr. Verunac had been employed at Butane Gas and Equipment Co. since it was established 27 years ago. He was an air conditioning and sheet metal worker.

He was a member of St. Michael’s Church and the VFW.

Survivors include his wife; a son and daughter-in-law, Jimmy and Betty Verunac of Weimar; a daughter and son-in-law, Davis and Patsy Kainer of Victoria; one brother, Justin Verunac of Weimar; five sisters, Mrs. Rudy (Annie) Kloesel, Mrs. Martha Kallus, Mrs. Jim (Mary) Bartosh, all of Weimar, Mrs. Lillian Kloesel of Pasadena and Mrs. Georgia Lovelace of San Diego, Calif.

He was preceded in death by his father; his mother, April 14, 1940; two brothers, Frank and Joe Verunac and infant twin sisters.

Shiner Gazette, Thursday, January 9, 1975
Submitted by Rosemary Ermis

Verunac, Joseph B.

Joseph Verunac, 54, Fire Victim, Buried Wednesday

Funeral services were held here Wednesday morning for Joseph B. Verunac of Des Plaines, Illinois, 54-year-old former Weimar resident who died Sunday, March 22, of burns received two weeks earlier.

Suffering second- and third-degree burns over 60% of his body, mostly on his face, chest and arms, Mr. Verunac succumbed at 5:30 a.m. in Lutheran General Hospital, Parkridge, Illinois.

At the hospital he had told investigators that he was sitting on the couch watching television at about 1:30 a.m. Sunday, March 8, and when he lit a cigarette there was a sort of explosion and flash fire. He grabbed a snow shovel and began beating the flaming couch. A neighbor in the apartment house heard the ruckus and smelled smoke; while his wife phoned the fire department, he rushed to Mr. Verunac’s aid. He found him in the doorway of the apartment, badly burned and in a state of exhaustion.

Apparently there was no gas leakage in the apartment; up to now it has not been determined what caused the flash fire.

Mr. Verunac was born here August 24, 1909, the son of the late Frank Sr. and Anna Verunac. He left here in 1940, and his present job was as assistant parts manager for the Roto Mercury Co in Arlington Heights, Illinois. He was in the Army Air Force in World War II, part of the time based in England.

Surviving him are five sisters, Mrs. Anton (Martha) Kallus, Mrs. James (Mary) Bartosh and Mrs. Rudy (Annie) Kloesel of Weimar, Mrs. Phillip (Lillian) Kloesel of Pasadena, and Mrs. James Ross (Georgia) Lovelace of San Diego, Calif.; and two brothers, CWO Justin Verunac, with the U. S. Air Force in Paris, France, and James Verunac of Weimar. One brother, Frank Verunac Jr., preceded him in death many years ago.

Services were held at Hubbard Funeral Home, continuing at St. Michael’s Church, where Rev. Henry Rolf was celebrant of the mass and Rev. John Wagner of San Antonio gave the sermon.

Burial, with military tribute, was in St. Michael’s Cemetery. Members of the local Legion and VFW posts served as pallbearers.

Weimar Mercury, March 26, 1964, pages 1 and 10

Verunac, Unknown (Infant son)

The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Verunac, after an illness of several months, died at the family residence in this city last Sunday morning at 3 o’clock The little form was laid to rest in St. Michael’s cemetery Sunday afternoon at at[sic] 5 o’clock, Rev. C. J. Benes performing the last sad rites. Our sincere and heartfelt sympathy goes out to the bereaved parents in the loss of their loved one.

Weimar Mercury, July 18, 1903, page 5

Verunac, Unknown

DEATH OF BABY GIRL

The twelve-day-old baby girl of F. Verunac and wife of this city died Thursday of last week at the home of Mrs. Verunac’s parents near Shiner, where she was visiting, and the remains were brought here for interment in St. Michael Cemetery the following day. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Mr. and Mrs. Verunac in the death of their beloved baby girl.

Weimar Mercury, April 2, 1920, page 1

Veselka, Rafael

Heart Attack Fatal For Rafael Veselka

Funeral services for Rafael Veselka, 75, County Commissioner and former owner of Weimar Coffee Shop were held Monday, June 25, from St. Michael's Catholic Church, with burial in the parish cemetery.

Father John Bily was celebrant of the funeral mass. Pallbearers were nephews, Johnny Veselka, Larry Veselka, Alton Veselka, Irddie Vornsand, Wilbur Grohmann Jr. and Clifford Grohmann.

Veselka died at 9 p.m. Friday, June 22, at his home, of a heart attack.

Veselka was commissioner of Colorado County Precinct 2 for three full terms. He was appointed again to the office in September 1989 to serve the remainder of Comm. Butch Stunk's term when that office was declared vacated. He would have served until Jan. 1, 1991.

Before becoming commissioner, he had also served as constable of Prec. 4, Weimar, after election as a write-in.

Before moving to Weimar, he worked for Franks Restaurant in Schulenburg and Dow Chemical in Freeport. In 1946 he move to Weimar and purchased the Weimar Coffee Shop that he continued to operate until 1960. He was employed by Scott Market until his election as commissioner.

Born Oct. 24, 1914, in Schulenburg, he was a son of John and Anna (Holub) Veselka. He attended Schulenburg schools, and on Oct. 17,1939, he married Adela Grohmann at Weimar.

Veselka was a member of the Weimar Volunteer Fire Department for 43 years, Knights of Columbus for 47 years, including honorary membership, St. Joseph's Society, Lions Club, usher at St. Michael's Church and past member of the Chamber of Commerce.

His wife survives him, along with two daughters, Marilyn Horak of Katy and Betty Boethel and son-in-law David J. Boethel of Baton Rouge, La.; four grandchildren, Paul and Sally Horak, Carl and Ann Boethel; two sisters, Judith Zimmermann of Austin and Wilhemina Jurak of Weimar and two brothers, Raymond Veselka of Needville and Adolph Veselka of El Campo. He was preceded in death by a twin brother, John Veselka Jr., another brother, Herman Veselka and son-in-law, James Horak.

Veselka received an Appreciation Award from St. Michael's Parish in 1984. In 1978, Colorado County Services to Senior Citizens recognized him as a State of Texas Outstanding Older Citizen. He will be remembered locally for his willingness to cook and help at functions of many area organizations.

Weimar Mercury, June 28, 1990
Transcribed by Dennis Boatright

Vesely, Cathryn Ann (Schoellmann)

Cathryn Ann Schoellmann Vesely

Cathryn Ann Schoellmann Vesely of Woodway, Texas passed away Friday, June 6, at her home.

She was born January 9, 1943 to Henry “Ted” and Elizabeth C. Schoellmann in Nada. Cathryn attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Nada and graduated as valedictorian of her class at Sacred Heart High School in Hallettsville and graduated with honors from Incarnate Word College of Nursing in San Antonio.

In January 1966 she married Joseph R. Vesely and moved to Waco in May of that year.

She was a devoted wife and mother.

Cathryn worked as the church secretary for St. Jerome Catholic Church until she quit to stay home and care for her invalid mother. She enjoyed quilting, spending time with her children and grandchildren and her cats.

Preceding her in death were her parents; and her two brothers, Joseph C. and Thomas A. Schoellmann.

Cathryn is survived by her husband, Joe of 42 years; daughters, Mary and husband, Ray Fowler, of Allen, Texas; Christine and husband, David Coulon, of The Colony, Texas; and Anne and husband, David Anderson, of Lantana, Texas; grandchildren, Kristen and Laurie Fowler, Clayton Coulon and Cathryn Adelle Anderson; one sister, Jane Klein, of San Antonio; and one brother-in-law, Don Vesely, of Wyoming.

Pallbearers were Norman Conner, John Henery, Tony Raineri, Steve Fell, Fred Ovellette and Ted Kostohryz.

Honorary pallbearer was Robert Birdsall.

Mass of Christian burial was on Wednesday, June 11 at 10 a.m. at St. Jerome Catholic Church in Hewitt with her cousin, Rev. Eddie Schoellmann, M.M. being the celebrant. Burial followed at Oakwood Cemetery.

After the graveside services, a reception was held at Jordan Hall at St. Jerome Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jerome Catholic Church Family Abuse Center or Carleen Bright Arboretum.

Sympathy is extended to the family in their loss. 

Eagle Lake Headlight, June 19th, 2008
Submited by John Konesheck

Vester, Albert

Oak Grove Items

Jan 14--....

The entire community was thrown into a gloom Tuesday morning when the sad news of the death of Albert Vester occurred. [Interment in Live Oak Cemetery] Albert was at the time of his death 14 yr. 10 mo. and 24 days old. A better hearted boy never lived and he never tired of waiting on mother and sisters, and the nights never were to[sic] dark nor cold but what he couldn't go and do an errand for mother. It is hard indeed to give up our loved ones, and only those who have undergone a similar experience can fully appreciate the feelings of this devoted mother so suddenly bereft of her son, but God knows what is best for us all, and we commend them to Him who doeth all things well, for that consolation which He alone can give. He was sick just a few days, but he suffered untold agonies up to the time he died every thing was done that human skill could do,but to no avail. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the bereaved mother, brother and sisters in this terrible loss which they have sustained.

Golden Locks

Weimar Mercury, January 17 1913

Vester, Josephine (Fountain)

Mrs. Josephine Vester, Weimar People’s Kin, Buried At Live Oak

Funeral services for Mrs. Josephine Vester, 83, of Columbus, aunt of Mrs. J. H. Montgomery, Mrs. Jno. Mozisek and John Insall of Weimar, were held this (Thursday) afternoon at 1 o’clock at the home of Mrs. Victoria Teague, Columbus. Interment was in the Live Oak Cemetery at 2 o’clock.

Mrs. Vester, who was the wife of the late Will Vester of Columbus, was born in Louisiana in July, 1854, At the time of her death she had been living with her daughter, Mrs. Teague.

Weimar Mercury, May 2, 1947, page 1

Vester, Will

Fatal Accident to Will Vester.

Late Wednesday evening, while Will Vester, a farmer of the Borden community, was bringing in a load of baled hay, the wagon ran into a small rut, and Mr. Vester was thrown to the ground. The frightened team began running and Mr. Vester, still holding the reins, got caught between the wagon and a tree, and his life was fairly crushed out of his body. His skull was crushed in, several ribs broken and some of his teeth knocked out. He was not very far from his home at the time of the accident, and his family, hearing him cry as he fell, ran to the rescue. He was taken up In an unconscious condition, and athough[sic] every effort was made to save his life, he remained in an unconscious condition until Thursday morning about 8 o'clock, when death relieved his sufferings. Mr. Vester was farming on Mr. Stephen Harbert's place, and it was there the accident occurred. He was a kindly, good man and farmer, and very popular wherever known. He, leaves a widow and several children, to whom the heartfelt sympathy of the community is extended. [Interment in the Live Oak Cemetery]

Weimar Mercury, May 23, 1908, page 8

Vester, William Marcus

W. M. Vester Found Shot to Death Beside Highway

William Marcus (Bronc) Vester, 60, of Columbus, was found shot to death beside Highway 90 about 2 miles west of Columbus early yesterday morning,

Justice of the Peace Earl Joe Frnka returned an inquest verdict of suicide.

The body of the well-known cattleman and farmer, who lived alone near Odd Fellows Rest cemetery, was found lying on a pallet by Sykes Butler, a neighbor and lifelong friend, about 5:30 a.m.

Truck Nearby

Mr. Vester, a hole over his right ear from a frontier model .38 pIstol bullet, was lying on the pallet near his parked truck. It was located about midway between the Butler and Vincent Kruppa homes.

Mr. Vester had been reported despondent about finances and his health.

Mr. Butler said that he had talked with Mr. Vester Tuesday mornIng and that the later told him then that he planned sucicide. Mr. Vester also made arrangements with E. J. Untermeyer of Untermeyer Funeral home for his burial policy Tuesday morning, according to Deputy Sheriff. Marvin Buller.

Officials Called

Mr. Buller and Mr. Frnka were called to the scene by Mr. Butler.

Funeral services are to be held at the Untermeyer Funeral home tomorrow at 9 a.m. Burial will be in the Live Oak cemetery, near Weimar.

Survivors include Charles Leyendecker, a young boy, now here on leave from the navy, Mr. Vester had helped raise; sisters, Mrs. Victoria Teague and 3 others whose names were not immediately available.

Mr. Frnka said that a note on a piece of cardboard was found in Mr. Vester's shirt pocket. It said that he was taking a rest, and "goodby to all of you. God blest you all.”

Colorado County Citizen, June 17, 1954

Via, Edward Page

E. P. Via

Edward Page Via, 57, Western Union manager, died at his home Saturday afternoon and was buried in Odd Fellows Rest, Sunday.

Funeral services were held from the home with the Rev. J. E. Morgan, pastor of the Methodist church officiating. Masons of Caledonia Lodge No. 68 acted as honorary pallbearers and held the burial ritual at the grave, W. L. Nesbitt acting as Master and the Rev. J. W. E. Airey acting as Chaplain. The Rev. Wm. D. Wyatt, pastor of the Baptist Church, delivered the closing prayer.

Mr. Via was a native of Howard County, Missouri, having been born July 31, 1873. He has been a telegraph operator since he was fourteen years old and for twenty-six years was in the employ of the Southern Pacific Railroad.

In 1895, Mr. Via came to Texas. On November 15, 1898, married Miss Nina Eve Pearsall [sic.*] at Lockhart who with four children, his brother and three sisters survive him. The daughters are Nina and Kathryn, the sons are Edward Malcomb and Robert Story. The brother, Pearl Via, and a sister, Mrs. Lee Nelson, live in Kansas City. The other two sisters are Mrs. Ora Bellamy of St. Louis and Mrs. Ted Wack of Roodhome (or Roodhouse), Illinois.

This union was blessed with two daughters and three sons, one of whom died as a young boy. The family lived for a while in Eagle Lake, Texas, but later settled in Columbus, Texas, where Edward Page Via worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad as a bookkeeper and telegraph operator. His favorite hobby was gardening.

His sense of humor and fun-loving disposition made his home life a happy one for his wife and children and drew many friends to him. A good Christian man, Edward Page Via was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Eagle Lake, Texas. He died Nov. 22, 1930, Columbus, Texas, at the age of fifty-seven."

[*This should be Ella Nina EVE. Pearsall was her mother's maiden name.]

Colorado County Citizen, November 27, 1930, page 1, column 3
Contributed by Jeanne Walshak Boothe

Via, Ella Nina (Eve)

Funeral Services for Mrs. E. P. Via Are Held Wednesday

Funeral services for Mrs. E. P. Via, 61, who died at her home here Tuesday morning, were held Wednesday at the residence, Rev. F. D. Charlton, pastor of Columbus Methodist Church, officiating. Burial followed in Odd Fellows Rest, Columbus Funeral Home making arrangements.

Mrs. Via died suddenly Tuesday morning after a heart attack. She had been a resident of Columbus 27 years. She was born May 2nd, 1875, in Atlanta, Georgia, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward P. Eve. Her husband, Edward Page Via, preceded her in death. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by: her adopted parents, Mr. and Mrs. John T. Storey of Lockhart; two daughters, Mrs. Nina Via Remschel of Gonzales and Miss Kathryn Via of Columbus; two sons, Edward Via of St. Louis, Missouri and Robert Via of Austin; three adopted sisters, Mrs. Sam McDowell and Mrs. Will McMillan of Lockhart and Mrs. Lollie Lyons of Tulsa, Oklahoma; a brother, E. P. Eve of Somerset, Texas; an adopted brother, Jeff T. Storey of Lockhart. A daughter, Jutta Via, and a son, Charles, preceded their mother in death.

Active pallbearers were B. A. Hastings, J. H. Wooten, Wayman Kindred, Rand Thrasher, and R. Lee Hastedt, Owen G. Hoegemeyer, E. G. Miller and Chas. Klein.

Honorary pallbearers were W. L. Nesbitt, Clarence Potter, A. L. McCormick, Sam K. Seymour Jr., C. R. Grobe and Sam Hamburger.

Colorado County Citizen, February 8, 1940
Transcribed by Dennis Boatright

Vickers, Harold K.

HAROLD K VICKERS passed away on October 8. 1999 following an extensive illness with pulmonary disease. He was born May 17, 1920 in La Porte, TX and was a lifetime resident of Houston, Texas. The loss of this quiet, kind hearted, gentle spirited man will be shared by all who knew him.

He graduated from La Porte High School, attended college at San Jose State in California, where he enlisted in the U. S. Navy during World War II where he was attached to the Third Marine Division as a Pharmacist Mate. He returned to Houston after the war and graduated from the University of Houston. He worked with his father and his uncle at Vickers Motors and established his own insurance agency. He later sold the insurance agency and was a Ship Chandler in the marine supply business for 25 years before his retirement in 1985. Harold was a member of Eastwood Lodge #1383 A.F. & A.M., Houston Consistory of the Scottish Rite, and Arabia Shrine Temple and had been specially recognized in all three organizations for his fifty year memberships. Since 1948, Harold had been an active member of the Arabia Shrine Temple Patrol, he was a Past Captain, and also a member of the Royal Order of the Jesters, Court 136. He and Wilma were active members of St. Luke's United Methodist Church, and belonged to the Prime Timers Sunday School Class. They served together on the Church Board and Harold served as a Greeter and Usher. Harold is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Wilma, his son Harold K. (Kenny) Vickers, Jr. Houston, TX, daughter Kandy McBroom, La Porte, TX, daughter Karol Jordan, and son-in-law Jack Jordan, Santa Fe, TX. stepson Daren Appelt, Austin, TX, stepdaughter Rebecca Conkling and husband Bill, Lake George, CO, stepson Dr. Gary Appelt and wife Sandi, Brenham. TX, stepson Kenneth Appelt and wife Kathi, College Station, TX, granddaughter Robin Bash and husband Bill, League City, TX, grandsons Jack Jordan, Jr. and Jimmy Jordan, Santa Fe, TX, granddaughter Kristie Hoover Simms, Friendswood, TX, granddaughter Lori Rodriguez and husband Frank, with great-granddaughter Brooke, Victoria, TX, grandson Casey Vickers, Austin, TX, Step-grandchildren Trevor Watts and wife Dawn with great-granddaughter Ramey, Denver, CO, Troy Watts and wife Kelly with great-granddaughters Jordan and Taylor, New Hampshire, Dr. Erie Appelt and wife Connie, Dallas, TX. Amy Appelt, Dallas, TX, Carrie Appelt, College Station, TX, Jacob Appelt and Cooper Appelt, College Station, TX. He is survived by his sisters Doris Spangle, Houma, LA and Ida Lee Musklet and husband Larry, Bay City, TX. Memorial arrangements: Geo. II. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Dr., Houston, TX 77057. Memorial service to be held Friday, October 15, 1999, 1:30 PM, at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer (a Edloe), Houston, TX 77027 with Dr. James W. Moore and Dr. Mark C. Lewis officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a memorial contributions to St. Luke's Methodist Church, The Shriner's Crippled Children's Hospital, The American Lung Association or another charitable organization. [Weimar Masonic Cemetery] [Name and dateof newspaper not given]

Victoria, Curley

Victorian[sic]

Curley Victorian, 83, of Alleyton, passed away Oct. 28 at his daughter's residence in Alleyton.

He was born to Milton "Rooster" and Mathilda (Carlin) Victorian on Dec. 12, 1922 in Iowa, Calcasieu Parish, La. He was reared in Lake Charles, La. and lived there until he married Lillie Mae Thompson of Texas on July 22, 1942 and moved to her hometown in 1945. To many, he was Curley. To his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, he was "Daddy Freddie." To his parents, grandparents, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and Louisiana friends and neighbors, he was "Fre." To many of his Alleyton area neighbors, friends, and co-workers, he was known as "Frenchie." It did not matter to him by which of these he was called. He answered to them all with a quick wit.

He was a member of Green Grove Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon. He was a devoted mason and a retired front-end loader for Pioneer Corp. in Eagle Lake. He had the meritorious distinction of being the Honorary Mayor of Alleyton. He loved adventure, traveling and outdoor sports, especially fishing and hunting.

He was preceded in death by his wife; two sons, Murray Napoleon Victorian and Curley Victorian Jr.; one daughter, Milton Lee "Baby Lee" Victorian Chavis; parents; sisters, Mary Clarice "Gladys" Victorian Stevenson, Aurelia Marie Victorian Aikman, Mathilda "Mommie/MyMae" Victorian Richard, and Isabella "Bell" Victorian McManus; grandparents, Curley Everton "Tobe," Alphonseine Durousseau Victorian and Frederic and Sedonia Papillion Carlin.

He is survived by sons, Charles James Victorian of San Antonio and Rex Victorian of Alleyton; daughters, Curtis Mae Victorian Denley (James) of Yuba City, Calif. and Carolyn Victorian Coleman and husband Steve of Alleyton; 15 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.

Visitation took place Friday, Nov. 3 at Green Grove Baptist Church in Alleyton.

Requiem Services followed on Saturday, Nov. 4 at at New Greater Smith Chapel Baptist Church, 833 Preston St., Columbus, with burial in Alleyton Community Cemetery. The Rev. E. E. Thomas of Green Grove Baptist Church conducted the services.

Tommy E. Taylor Funeral Home in LaGrange is in charge of arrangements.

Colorado County Citizen, November 8, 2006
Courtesy The Citizen

Villa, Ben

Rites Held Mon. For Ben Villa

Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6th, from the Mill-Bauer Funeral Home Chapel for Ben Villa, retired dry cleaner who has been living with his daughter, Mrs. Jon Byrn of Sheridan. Mr. Villa passed away in the Laughlin Hospital Sunday after an illness of only six days. The Rev. Bob Smith of Houston, Methodist Minister, conducted the services. Burial was in the Myrtle Cemetery in Rock Island. Mr. Villa was born Sept. 8, 1901 in Texas the son of Joe and Emilia Salazar Villa. Surviving are: two daughters, Mrs. Byrn of Sheridan and Mrs. Dayle Roddy of Houston; and two sisters; and other relatives.

Eagle Lake Headlight, December 9, 1965
Contributed by Patti Hall-Smith

Villa, Mary Launa (Cox)

VILLA

Mrs. Mary L. Villa, age 76, of Eagle Lake, passed away March 20, at the Eagle Lake Community Hospital.

Graveside service and interment were held for Mrs. Mary L. Villa, Saturday, March 22, at the Myrtle Cemetery in Rock Island with Rev. Ray Widacki officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Dulany Funeral Home in Eagle Lake.

Mrs. Villa was born October 6, 1909, in Judsonia, Arkansas, to Robert Cox and Jane Pry Cox,

Mrs. Villa was raised in Arkansas, later moving to Houston in 1955, then to Sheridan in 1971. She had been a resident of the Heritage House Nursing Home in Eagle Lake for the past nine years.

She was preceded in death by: her parents, John and Jane Cox; her husband, Ben Villa; a grandson, Hank Matthews and a great grandson, Stephen Tyler Brown.

Survivors include two sisters, Peggy Bryn of Eagle Lake and Bobbie Roddy of Huffman; one sister, Mrs. Robert Slayton of Coffeyville, Kansas; five grandchildren, six great grandchildren, two nieces and two great nieces.

Pallbearers were Roy Sommerlatte, Dayle Roddy and Mike Ferns.

Colorado County Citizen, April 3, 1986
Transcription by Dennis Boatright

Villegas, Fabio

(See news article under Grimaldo)

Vincek, Wilhelmina (Genzer)

DEATH OF MRS. WILMA WINCEK

We regret very much that we failed to learn of the death of Mrs. Wilma Wincek in time to report same in our last issue. This esteemed lady was a victim of tuberculosis, and her death occurred Saturday, Oct. 8, at her home near this city. The remains were laid to rest in St. Michael’s Cemetery the following afternoon at 4 o’clock, Rev. Jos. Szymanski officiating. This good woman had had a hard lot in life. Her husband was a victim of the same disease, dying at their home in Lavaca county several years ago. It was while waiting on him that she contracted the disease. Everything possible was done for her, but without avail, and death to her was doubtless a relief. She leaves a little son about 2 years old, her parents and several brothers and sisters to whom our heartfelt sympathy is extended.

Weimar Mercury, October 21, 1921, page 1

Our sympathy is extended Mrs. Ed. Loprice[sic] in the death of her sister, Mrs. Wilhelmina Vincek, who died at her home in Weimar. The funeral was held Sunday afternoon at 4 o’clock. Among those from here who were in attendance at the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Loprice[sic] and family, Mr. and Mrs. Willie Genzer and little son.

Weimar Mercury, October 21, 1921, page 6.

Vincik, Albert John "A. J."

Albert Vincik Graveside Service Held Dec. 23

Albert John (A. J.) Vincik, 83, of Rosenberg, died Dec 21 at SPJST Nursing Home, in Needville.

Graveside services were held Tuesday, Dec. 23, at St. Michael Cemetery in Weimar with Father John Bily officiating.

Mr. Vincik was born May 8, 1919 in Moulton on Peach Creek. He was the son of Fritz and Francis Genzer.

He was self-employed all his life working in the Weimar, La Grange and Rosenberg area.

In his last days, he found favor with God and now rests safely at home with the Lord. An orphan child, who worked very hard all his life.

Mr. Vincik is survived by two sons, Alan J. Vincik and David Lee Vincik; one daughter, Lana D. Wickerscham; and four grandchildren.

Weimar Mercury, January 1, 2004

Vineyard, Anna W. (Byrne)

MRS. ANNA VINEYARD DIED CHRISTMAS DAY

Mother of City Marshal H. S. Vineyard Died at Rockport; Funeral Held here Tuesday Afternoon.

Mrs. Anna W. Vineyard, mother of City Marshal, H. S. Vineyard of Eagle Lake, died at her home in Rockport at half past eight o'clock on Christmas morning. The remains were shipped to Eagle Lake, arriving here on the early Aransas Pass train Tuesday morning, the funeral being conducted from the home of Mr. H. S. Vineyard at half past one o'clock Tuesday afternoon, Rev. J. A. Stephen conducting the services. Funeral services were also held at the family home in Rockport before the remains were shipped from that place.

Mrs. Vineyard, who was formerly Miss Anna O'Byrne, was born near Alleyton, in this county on June 20th, 1845. for many years she made her home at Ingleside, moving from that place nine years ago to Rockport where she has since resided. She is survived by two sons, Mssrs. H. s. Vineyard of this city, and Alex Vineyard of Austin, and one daughter, Miss Lillian Vineyard of Rockport, but who will now make her home in Eagle Lake since her mother's death.

There were many beautiful floral offerings. Interment was made in the Masonic Cemetery. The sorrowing relatives have the sympathy of the entire community in their bereavement.

Eagle Lake Headlight, Saturday, December 30, 1916

Vineyard, Benjamin Lynn

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR B. L. VINEYARD FRIDAY AFTERNOON

Death Comes To Pioneer Business Man And Loved Citizen of Eagle Lake At His Home Here Friday

In the early hours of Thursday, B. L. Vineyard, one of Eagle Lake's oldest and most loved citizens, passed from life to the "mysterious realm where each shall take his chamber in the silent halls." It was a peaceful passing. There was no pinch of pain to mar the features or draw the eye as earthly scenes faded from view; no surging sea to mar the departure, but a moving out upon a sea so calm that though moving it seemed asleep. As a tired babe closes its eyes in sleep, this good man closed his eyes upon Time and entered into Eternity. That such a passing might be his when the summons came no doubt had been his prayer, and a sweeter answer to prayer was never given, neither has hope found fuller fruition.

Mr. Vineyard -- "Ben," as he was familiarly known to old acquaintances and close friends -- was one of Eagle Lake's best citizens. He was born in western Missouri 82 years ago When a child with the family, he moved to Texas settling at Ingleside, his mother having given that name to the little settlement on the bay. When a young man, scarcely out of his teens, he came to Colorado county during the yellow fever epidemic in 1873, and for a time lived at Rancho Grande.

He was married in January of 1884 at Columbus to Miss Mattie Bowers, who, with two daughters, Mrs. John F. Foster of Houston and Mrs. T. P. Haley of this city, survives. Following the marriage ceremony, Mr. and Mrs. Vineyard moved to Eagle Lake and have made their home in this community since, with the exception of about twenty years spent in Houston, though during that time, his business interests were maintained here and he was here almost each week-end.

His first mercantile business venture was a country store near Matthews when formed a partnership with Messrs. J. U. and N. F. Frazar. This business was destroyed by fire, and Mr. Vineyard shortly afterwards purchased the interests of Mr. Ficklen and Capt. W. G. Beard in the J. F. Ficklen & Co. firm in Eagle Lake, the remaining member of the firm, Q. F. Walker, becoming a partner, and the firm of Vineyard & Walker was one of Eagle Lake's best known firms from the beginning of that partnership in 1880 until 1900, when the business was purchased and taken over by the Frank Stephens Company.

In the passing of Mr. Vineyard, Eagle Lake and this country lost one of it's early pioneers -- one who came to this section early in manhood and for more that three score years contributed a life of righteousness and service to the country he loved.

Truly, the presence of this good man will be keenly missed, for of him we have never heard one word ill spoken. As a neighbor and friend he was thoughtful and helpful and his life was thickly set with golden deeds that are sweet to dwell upon as evening falls. He had long been a member of the Baptist Church. His Bible was his daily companion, delighting in the study of Him whom he served so long.

While this noble old pioneer has passed to the reward of the faithful, his influence and life remain to bless the people with whose lives his life was so happily blended. We shall miss him, but we shall ever reverence and honor his name.

Mr. Vineyard was one of the chief contributors to the building fund when the present Baptist Church was erected here some years ago. He was a director in the First National Bank of Eagle Lake, a stockholder in the Frank Stephens Company firm, and was extensively engaged in stock raising and rice farming. He was the oldest member of the Eagle Lake Rotary Club.

Other than his wife and two daughters, he is survived by one brother, R. E. Vineyard of Wharton, a grandson, Tom Haley of this city, a granddaughter, Mrs. Gus Cranz of Fort Worth, and a great grandson, Gustav Edmund Cranz, and a cousin, H. S. Vineyard of this city.

Funeral services will be held from the family home at 3 o'clock this Friday afternoon. Interment will be made in the Lakeside Cemetery.

To the grief-stricken wife, the sorrowing daughters and other relatives, the Headlight joins with a legion of friends in expressing sympathy, deep and sincere, in their dark hour of sorrow.

Eagle Lake Headlight, September 27, 1935
Transcription by Dennis Boatright

Vineyard, Harvey Samuel

FUNERAL SERVICES AT 3:00 P.M. TODAY FOR H. S. VINEYARD

Long Time Eagle Lake Citizen, former Peace Officer, Died at Home of Daughter In Eldridge Shortly Before Noon Thursday

Harvey Samuel Vineyard, longtime citizen of Eagle Lake, and prominently connected with the community life for many years, died at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. C. A. Brewer, at Eldridge.

Mr. Vineyard had been in ill health for the past year and, for several weeks, had been under treatment in the Wharton hospital. He was brought to the home of his daughter Monday. His condition failed to respond to hospital treatment, and he gradually grew weaker, the end coming peacefully yesterday morning.

He was born at Old Engleside, Texas, April 1, 1867, and passed his seventy-third birthday nineteen days ago. He was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. S. C. Vineyard, and leaves to mourn his passing, three daughters, Mrs. Jewel Brewer of Eldridge; Mrs. Anna Lynn Hash of Dallas and Mrs. Jessie Reisen of Eagle Lake; a brother, Alex T. Vineyard of Houston; a sister, Miss Lillian Vineyard of Eagle Lake; an aunt, Mrs. Anna Stayton Vineyard of San Antonio and six grandchildren.

Mr. Vineyard was engaged in farming throughout his long life in this community, and for many years served in the capacity of a peace officer. He was city marshal of Eagle Lake for some time and later served in the capacity of deputy sheriff, and was still serving in that capacity at the time of his death. He was an efficient and fearless officer, and as a peace officer he was recognized as one of the best in the State.

He was a former member of the Eagle Lake board of aldermen, and was a member of the Masonic fraternity.

Harvey Vineyard was very popular with the people throughout the county, and had a very wide acquaintance throughout the state. He was of a happy, friendly nature, which added to his many other fine traits of character, and made him friends where ever he was known. Many friends grieve over the passing of this fine man, and join with the Headlight in expressions of deepest sympathy to the sorrowing relatives.

Active pallbearers named are: W. E. Welford, Dr. J. R. Laughlin, H. C. Fitzgerald, A. E. Witter, W. G. Darby and Dr. T. M. Neal of Wharton. [Interment Eagle Lake Masonic Cemetery]

Eagle Lake Headlight, April 19, 1940
Transcription by Dennis Boatright

Vineyard, Jessie Adele (Montgomery)

EAGLE LAKE CITIZEN DIES

Mrs. H. S. Vineyard died Tuesday night, November 5th . She was formerly Miss Jessie Montgomery, and was born on the old Montgomery plantation below Matthews on February 10, 1872. She grew to young womanhood in this community and on November 27, 1895, she was married to Mr. Harvey S. Vineyard, one of the best known citizens of this section. To this union three children were born, Jewel, Anna Lynn and Jessie.

Mrs. Vineyard was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John (G) Montgomery, one of the old pioneer families in this section. She was a member of the Episcopal Church, the Rev. A. J. Gayner Banks of Cuero conducted the funeral service. Interment was in the Masonic Cemetery. Beside her husband and three daughters, she is survived by one brother, William Montgomery of Houston; two nieces Mrs. Robert L. Elliot of Lattimore, N.C. and Mr. J. W. Hill of Rockport, Texas; one nephew Warfield Watts, a member of Capt. Hunt's Texas Cavalry

Colorado County Citizen, November 8, 1918
Submitted by Dorothy Elkins Cox

MRS. H. S. VINEYARD DIED AT THE FAMILY HOME HERE ON LAST TUESDAY NIGHT

Prominent and Beloved Citizen of Eagle Lake is Laid to Rest in Masonic Cemetery Wednesday

Universal sorrow was felt over our town and community when the news that Mrs. H. S. Vineyard was dead was spread on Wednesday morning. She died shortly after twelve o'clock Tuesday night. Although she had been unconscious for several days, and her death was not unexpected, yet it came as a shock to her friends and the many friends of the family throughout this section.

Mrs. Vineyard was formerly Miss Jessie Montgomery, and was born on the old Montgomery plantation below Matthews on February 10th, 1872. She grew to young womanhood in this community, and on November 27th, 1895, was married to Mr. Harvey S. Vineyard, one of the best known citizens in this section. To this union three children were born, Jewel, Anna Lynn and Jessie. All three daughters and the husband survive.

Mrs. Vineyard was the daughter of Mr. And Mrs. John Montgomery, one of the old pioneer families of this section of the state. She was a woman of many admirable traits of character, quiet and unassuming in her manner and always gentle and sweet of disposition. Her sterling qualities had won hosts of friends for her wherever she was known, and all who knew her loved her. She was a member of the Episcopal church with which she was been connected for many years. Rev. A. J. Gayner Banks of Cuero formerly rector of the Episcopal church here, came over from his home at Cuero and conducted the funeral services. The funeral was held from the family residence at five o'clock Wednesday afternoon, interment being made in the Masonic Cemetery.

The pall bearers were Mssrs. M. G. Calvert, H. McRee, Hayes Stephens, W. S. Strickland, Prof. J. H. Morgan and Herbert Matthews.

Besides the heart-broken husband and three motherless daughters, Mrs. Vineyard is survived by one brother, Mr. William Montgomery of Houston, two nieces, Mrs. R. L. Elliott of Lattimore, N. C., and Mrs. J. W. Hill of Rockport, Texas and one nephew, Mr. Warfield Watts, a member of Capt. Hunt's Texas Cavalry, the brother and latter two being here for the funeral.

The Headlight joins the people of Eagle Lake in extending its sincerest sympathy to the sorrowing relatives in their deep grief.

Eagle Lake Headlight, November 2, 1918
Transcription by Dennis Boatright

Vineyard, Lillian M.

Funeral Services Today At 5:00 For Lillian Vineyard

Funeral services will be conducted this afternoon, Thursday, July 23rd, at 5:00 p.m. for Miss Lillian Vineyard, who died at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday morning at the home of her niece, Mrs. J. R. Hash in Rockport, Texas.

Services will be held at the Mill-Bauer Funeral Home and interment will be made in Masonic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Claude A. Brewer, Jr., Samuel C. Hash, Harvey Riesen, James Duross, Earl Rodgers, Jr. and Leo Kretzschmar. Honorary pallbearers were named as follows: Max Conner, Dr. J. H. Foster, Bowers Tolliver, Lyle Phillips, George Cason and Ed Johnson.

Lillian M. Vineyard was born November, 23, 1879 in Austin, the daughter of Anna W. and Samuel C. Vineyard. She was a graduate of Urseline Convent and was a member of the Episcopal Church. She lived in the Eagle Lake community since December 25, 1916.

Surviving are three nieces: Mrs. Jewel Brewer, Eagle Lake; Mrs. Anna Lynn Hash and Mrs. Jessie Vandagriff of Rockport; two grand nieces -- Mrs. Joan McCreary and Mrs. Lynn Adair Helms; four grand nephews -- Claude A. Brewer, Jr., Jimmie R. Hash, Samuel C. Hash and Harvey Riesen.

Her grandfather, George C. Hatch came to Colorado County and opened a plantation in 1823. Life, those days, was in constant danger from Indians and a great deal of unrest was noticed among the population against the Mexican rulers. In light of this fact, Mr. Hatch sent his family and slaves to Tennessee; however they returned accompanied by Mr. Hatch's nephew, James Bowie, to Ingleside where the family settled and founded the city of Ingleside.

Upon arrival they learned about the struggle about to take place at the Alamo and Mr. Bowie left immediately to help in the Alamo's defense.

George C. Hatch was captured by the Mexicans and drew a black bean but was saved from execution when the U. S. Government intervened and his group was released.

Her maternal grandparent, James W. Byrne, was born in County Wicklow, Ireland in 1787 and came to Texas in 1836. He served in Captain Ira Westover's company but was saved from massacre. He later laid out and founded the town of Lamar on Lamar Peninsula in Arkansas County. He established a pretentious salt works in Lamar and continued it operation until his death. He also build a concrete Catholic Church, "Stella Maria", in Lamar, the church still being used today.

He represented the districts of Goliad, Refugio and San Patricio in the Senate of the 5th, 6th and 7th Congress of the Republic. He died during the Civil War.

A late book, "Refugio, A History" written by Col. Hobart Huson and Published by Guardsman Publishing Co., is full of historical data of the Vineyard and Byrne family residences.

Eagle Lake Headlight, July 23, 1953
Transcription by Dennis Boatright

Vineyard, Martha (Bowers)

Mrs. Vineyard Laid To Rest Saturday Morn

The Eagle Lake community received with great sadness the new of news of the death of one of its oldest and most respected citizens last Thursday afternoon, upon the death of Mrs. B. L. Vineyard at the age of 94 years.

Mrs. Vineyard suffered a broken hip in a fall six weeks ago and had been confined to Laughlin Hospital since that time. Prior to that time she had been quite active and took a great interest in community affairs.

Last rites were conducted last Saturday morning at 10:30 o'clock at the First Baptist Church with Rev. F. Parke Smith, Rector of Christ Episcopal church officiating in the absence of a Baptist minister here.

Mrs. Clara May Nash played favorite hymns at the organ during the service.

Burial was in Lakeside Cemetery with the following serving as pallbearers: Dr. Ralph Fuller, Austin; B. L. Vineyard II of Wharton; D. R. Wintermann; O. W. Powers; W. J. Brunner; Robert Samuel Martin; Gordon Birdwell and Charles Morgan. Mill-Bauer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

The deceased was born on August 2nd, 1863, and celebrated her ninety-fourth birthday in Laughlin Hospital. She was born the daughter of the late Dr. and Mrs. J. H. Bowers in Columbus. After residing in Columbus for twenty years, she and Ben L. Vineyard were united in marriage in Columbus in January of 1883. The couple came to Eagle Lake and here he was a successful rancher for fifteen years before moving to Houston in 1897. In the early 1920's the family returned to the Eagle Lake community and she resided here until her death. Mr. Vineyard preceded her in death in September of 1935 and a daughter, Mrs. T. P. Haley died in January of this year.

Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. John H. Foster of Eagle Lake; two grandchildren -- Mrs. G. E. Cranz, II, of Fort Worth and Tom P. Haley of Austin; and five great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Vineyard was a faithful member and worker in the First Baptist Church and attended services until her recent injury. In June of 1955, she was bestowed the honor of breaking the first ground for the construction of the new First Baptist Church and was recognized as the church's oldest living member.

She was a kind and devoted mother and was a lifelong friend to all who had the pleasure of her acquaintance.

Her many friends here and in the area join in extending sympathy to the family in the loss of this loved one.

[There is a picture of Martha Vineyard in the Colorado County Citizen, August 11, 1949-DA]

Eagle Lake Headlight, August 15, 1957
Transcription by Dennis Boatright

Vinson, Elinor McCormick

Elinor Vinson Graveside Service Held May 2

Elinor McCormick Vinson, 95, of Houston, died April 30. Graveside services were held Wednesday, May 2 at Weimar Masonic Cemetery with Rev. Patricia Newcomer of the First United Methodist Church officiating.

Miss Vinson was born in Weimar on Oct. 6, 1905 to William M. and Hallie McCormick Vinson.

She was the granddaughter of Stephen and Hattie Simpson McCormick and the great-granddaughter of W. B. McCormick who was one of the first settlers of the town of Weimar. The McCormicks and the Simpsons were both early and prominent families in Colorado County, coming here originally from Fairfax County, Virginia in the 1850’s.

Miss Vinson grew up in Trinity, and graduated form the University of Texas where she was a member of the Alpha Xi Delta Sorority.

She was a member of the Alexander Love Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Jefferson Davis Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

She taught school in Houston until she retired in 1968; she was a member of the Retired Teachers Association of Houston; and a member of St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Houston and a member of the Sadler Bible Class at St. Paul’s.

She is survived by cousins, Stephen H. Hudson, Cissy Hudson Moses and Ginny Hudson Klimko all of Dallas; and longtime friends Doris Steele, Marion Lewis and Lyne Tomm all of Houston.

The Weimar Mercury, May 3, 2001
Transcribed by Jennie Muggli

Vinson, Ella Mae (Johnson)

Ella Mae Vinson

Ella Mae Vinson passed away on Saturday, November 25 at Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa, California.

She was born on November 13, 1940 to Frances Johnson in Eagle Lake.

Ella was baptized at her family founded church, White Cloud Baptist in Eagle Lake. In later life, she became a member of First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Oakland, California were she grew closer to the Lord in her faith walk.

Ella attended E.H. Henry High School graduating on May 28, 1959. She was a member of the band playing the clarinet, and was Vice President of the senior student body. She then attended Trimble Technical Business College in Fort Worth, prior to marrying her high school sweetheart, Leon Alvin Vinson on April 17, 1965.

Ella always wanted to travel outside of Texas and at one point wanted to become a flight attendant upon graduation. Her union with Leon allotted her the opportunity to experience travel nationwide due to Leon's work in the aeronautical engineering profession. They lived in such cities as Baltimore, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Seattle before settling in Los Angeles, California (CA) in 1968. Ella was a stay at home mom, and was very active and instrumental in their young lives; involving herself in PTA, becoming a leader of a Camp Fire Girls troop, and other educational related activities.

Ella decided to learn how to drive, return to school, and begin her employment with Bank of America in the Business Data Processing Center in Downtown Los Angeles. She retired 20 years later to enjoy her new role as loving grandmother often traveling between Northern and Southern California to see her grandchildren.

Ella returned later to Mukilteo, Washington, just outside of Seattle, where she spent her later years with her beloved Leon until his death in December 2004. She then relocated back to California where she lived with her oldest daughter, Lisa and son-in-law, Deon in American Canyon until her death.

Ella leaves to cherish her memories her loving daughters, Lisa V. Booker of American Canyon, CA and Deborah Vinson-Johnson of Lakewood, CA; her loving sons-in-law, Minister Deon T. Booker, and Wendell V. Johnson; her beautiful granddaughter, Kyla S. Booker; handsome grandsons, Devin T. Booker, Jonathan N. Johnson, and Jared A. Johnson; five wonderful sisters, Marlene Williams of Eagle Lake, Bobbye Williams of Houston, Bernice Releford of Fort Worth, Wilma Sims of Missouri City, and Linda Brown of San Antonio; three incredible sisters-in-law, Gussie L. Mack of Fort Worth, Bettie Runnels of La Grange, and Jewel M. Jones of Carson, CA; two dear brothers-in-law, Howard Sims and Johnny Williams; one caring aunt, Lula Johnson and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 9, at White Cloud Baptist Church in Eagle Lake, under the direction of Henneke Funeral Home of Columbus. Burial followed in Willing Workers Cemetery in Columbus.

Pallbearers were Alan Sims, Corey Brown, Cedric Brown, Leon McWright, Kevin Brown and Ceciron Glover. Honorary pallbearers were Howard Sims, Joe Jones, Johnny Williams, Wendell Johnson, Deon Booker, and Anthony Hynes.

Sympathy is extended to the family in their loss. 

Eagle Lake Headlight, December 14th, 2006
Submitted by John Konesheck

Vinson, Hallie Emily (McCormick

Graveside Rites Here Wednesday For Mrs. Vinson

Graveside services were held Wednesday, Oct. 25, at Weimar’s Masonic [Odd Fellows] Cemetery for Mrs. William Martin Vinson, 87, who died Oct. 22 in a Houston Hospital after a months illness.

Rev. Lee Geldmeier, pastor of First Methodist Church here, officiated.

Mrs. Vinson, the former Miss Hallie Emily McCormick, was born near Weimar Sept. 16, 1880, the daughter of Stephen and Hattie Simpson McCormick. The McCormicks and Simpsons were early and prominent families in Colorado County, coming here from Virginia. Mrs. Vinson's grandfather, W. B. McCormick, was one of the first settlers of the town of Weimar, estabIishing a lumber business here in the early 1870s.

Mrs. Vinson attended the old Weimar Institute and Sam Houston State Teachers College at Huntsville. After her marriage to Mr. Vinson in 1904, they resided in Trinity, where he died in 1918.

Houston had been her home for nearly 40 years. She was a member there of St. Paul's Methodist Church, the Sadler Bible Class and the Ladles' Reading Club.

A daughter, Miss Elinor Vinson of Houston, survives, along with a sister, Mrs. Erle Aldridge of Ft. Worth. and several nieces.

Coming to Weimar for the services were Mrs. Aldridge of Fort Worth; Mrs. Bill Davis, Hallettsville; Mrs. Jack Draper and Mrs. Albert Hahn, Columbus; Mrs. Ernest Hudson, Mr. and Mrs. John H. Hudson and children, Dallas, and from Houston, Miss Elinor Vinson, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Estill Jr., Mrs. Albert Stelfox, Miss Louise Swilley, Albert Bunsen, Miss Kate Roberts Mrs. Henry Steels and Ms. Wilmer Goff.

Weimar Mercury, November 2, 1967, page 1

Vinson, Joe Lenard Sr.

Vinson

Mr. Joe Lenard Vinson, Sr. of Columbus, passed away December 21 in San Jose, California.

Funeral services were held for Joe Lenard Vinson, Sr. Wednesday, December 30 from St. Paul United Methodist Church In Columbus under the direction of Ben Davis Funeral Home, Inc. in Columbus with the Rev. H. Sims, pastor and Rev. B. A. Miller officiating.

Burial was at Willing Workers Cemetery.

Mr. Joe Lenard Vinson, Sr. was born in Columbus to the union of Robet[sic] Vinson, Jr. and Pearl Vinson. Joe had an active childhood. He united with St. Paul Methodist Church in Columbus at an early age.

He graduated from Columbus High School in 1960 at the age of 17. Joe enlisted in the United States Army and served for three years. After receiving an honorable discharge in 1963, he moved to East Palo Alto, California to further his career.

In 1967, he was united in Holy Matrimony with Emily Y. Collins, his high school sweetheart.

After a plumbing apprenticeship, he became a plumbing journeyman and later a foreman. In 1971, he moved with hi family to San Jose, California.

Joe Vinson became a master mason, elevating himself to the 32 degree in 1976.

In 1977, he obtained his real estate license and pursued a profession in real estate.

Joe appreciated the outdoors and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends on the lake.

Joe leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Emily Vinson; his children, Anthony Wayne Edwards of Houston, Ben E. Vinson, Donna R. Vinson and Joe L Vinson Jr., all of San Jose, California; two grandchildren, De 'Meese R. Vinson and Tasha L. Vinson, both of San Jose; three brothers, Donald R. Vinson of Stockton, California, Wayne D. Vinson of Lafayette, Louisiana, and Robert Andrew Vinson of Nacogdoches, Texas; one sister, Bernice Green of Houston; his loving mother and father, Pearl J. and Robert Vinson Jr. of Columbus; and a host of aunts, uncles, other relatives, and friends.

Pallbearers were his relatives and friends.

Colorado County Citizen, January 28, 1988, page 2

Vinson, Leon Alvin

Vinson

Leon Alvin Vinson, 65, passed away Dec. 22, 2004, at Providence Medical Center in Everett, Wash.

He was born of Columbus May 8, 1939 to Henry and Gracie Vinson.

He married his high school sweetheart, Ella M. Johnson of Eagle Lake, in 1965. He attended church often and was a member of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles. He graduated from Columbus High School as salutatorian in 1957. He received a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from Prairie View A & M University in 1962. He received a master of science in business management from La Verne University in La Verne, Calif., in 1982.

His entire career was spent in the aircraft industry. His work included top secret clearance and supervisor of the B-1 Structure Design (B-1 Bomber). He started his career at Lockheed Aircraft, Marietta, Ga., in 1962. His work took him to several states and companies with an extensive stay in Los Angeles with Rockwell International. He was employed with the Boeing Company in Everett, Wash., for the past eight years.

He is survived by his wife of Mukilteo, Wash.; daughters, Lisa V. Booker (Deon) of American Canyon, Calif., and Deborah Johnson (Wendell) of Lakewood, Calif.; sisters, Gussie L. Mack of Fort Worth, Bettie Jo Runnels of La Grange and Jewel M. Jones of Carson, Calif.; grandchildren, Kyla and Devin Booker and Jonathan and Jared Johnson; three aunts; five sisters-in-law; and three brothers-in-law.

Funeral services were conducted Dec. 30, 2004, at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Columbus with the Rev. Charles Purnell officiating under the direction of Henneke Funeral Home. Interment followed at Willing Workers Cemetery in Columbus.

Pallbearers were Deon T. Booker, Wendell Johnson, Alan C. Sims, Alex Williams Jr., Rick Williams, Anthony Hynes, Ceceron Glover, Corey Brown and Leon McWright.

Honorary pallbearers were Wayne Vinson, Robert A. Vinson, Paul Parker, Willie C. Vinson, Andrew Johnson, Howard Sims, Johnny Williams and Joe E. Jones.

Colorado County Citizen, January 5, 2005
Courtesy of The Citizen

Vinson, William Martin

W. M. VINSON DEAD AT TRINITY

News was received here Sunday afternoon about 1 p.m. of the death, from pneumonia, of Mr. W. M. Vinson, after a brief illness. The remains were buried at Trinity, Texas, under Masonic auspices Monday afternoon. [Interment made in Weimar Odd Fellows Cemetery] Mr. Vinson was married a number of years ago to Miss Hallie McCormick of this city and the widow and little daughter survive him. He was 41 years of age, well and favorably known to many of our people, a fine business man, a devoted husband and father, and standing very high in the community in which he lived. His death is sincerely deplored by many friends of the family both here and in his home town. To the bereaved ones our sincere, heartfelt sympathy is extended.

Weimar Mercury, October 25, 1918

Vinson, Willie Charles "Sunny"

Willie “Sunny” Charles Vinson

On July 11, 1937, a baby boy was born into this world to Mr. Raymond L. Vinson and Mrs. Lilia Gilcrease Vinson in the town of Columbus. They gave him the precious name of Willie Charles Vinson. He was one of the four children.

Growing up in a spiritual home, Willie confessed his belief in Christ at an early age at St. Paul United Methodist Church. He remained a member throughout his life at his home church under the current leadership of Pastor Debra Molton Brown.

Willie attended and graduated from the public schools of Columbus. Following graduation, he worked along side his father doing contract work throughout his life in his community.

Willie, affectionately known as “Sunny” was a great son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.

Sadly, he departed his earthly life on June 29.

He will be truly missed and will live forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Raymond L. Vinson and Mrs. Lilia Gilcrease Vinson; two sisters, Charles Etta Carter and Eliza Mae Harris; one brother who passed away at birth; one aunt, Ethel Johnson; two uncles, Herbert Gilcrease and Robert Vinson; and one nephew, Derek Vinson.

“Sunny” leaves to cherish his memories one aunt, Daisy Langston of Malven, Arkansas; one nephew, Raymond T. Bell of Devine, Texas; two great-nieces, Janette Semien of Houston and Angela Bell of Columbus; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, July 1 at 11 a.m. at Ben Davis Funeral Chapel in Columbus with Rev. Eugene Thomas officiating.

Interment followed at Willing Workers Cemetery in Columbus. Another life celebration by Ben Davis Funeral Home.

Sympathy is extended to the family in their loss.

Eagle Lake Headlight, July 9th, 2009

Virgil, Cora Delilah (Urps)

Virgil

Cora Delilah Virgil, 85, of Columbus, passed away Friday, July 15, in Columbus.

She was born May 14, 1920 to Ed Urps and Patsy Winn and married Eldrige Virgil in July of 1963. She worked as a self-employed café owner in Galveston and was a member of Wesley Tabernacle United Methodist Church in Galveston.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her sister, Bernice Thompson, of Chicago, Ill.; brother, Albert Urps Sr., of Texas City; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 19, at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus. Interment followed at Willing Workers Cemetery in Columbus.

Colorado County Citizen, July 20, 2005
Courtesy of The Citizen

Vogel, Johann Gottfried

Died, near Alleyton on December ??, 1879, Mr. Johann Gottfried Vogel, who had been a citizen of Colorado county for the last twenty years. He was born in . . . ., Germany, and . . . children and . . . and friends to mourn . . . [poor quality microfilm]. [Burial place unknown]

Colorado Citizen, January 8, 1800, page 3

Vogel, Sophia

The CITIZEN last week neglected to note the death of Mrs. Sophia Vogel, wife of Mr. K. Vogel, which occurred on the 28th inst., of cancer of the stomach. She was reared in this community, where she had quite a number of friends. Her remains wee committed to dust at 4 o’clock Tuesday afternoon at the city cemetery. Rev. H. C. Howard officiating. The CITIZEN extends condolence to the bereaved relatives and friends of the deceased.

Colorado Citizen, April 7, 1892

Vogelsang, Amelia Theresa (Erdmann)

Mrs. Theresa Vogelsang

Funeral services were held Monday evening at the home in the Zimmerscheidt district for Mrs. Theresa Vogelsang, who died Sunday. Mrs. Vogelsang had been in apparent good health and was trading in New Ulm Saturday. She complained Sunday evening and became rapidly worse, passing out of this life at about four.

She was 67 years of age.

Burial took place at the Frelsburg cemetery, Rev. H. C. Poehlmann officiating.

Surviving her are two sons and one daughter, Lee, Elo and Miss Ola, to whom our sympathy is extended.

Colorado County Citizen, January 18, 1934, page 1

Vogelsang, Annie (Fischer)

Post Special:  Died at Frelsburg, January 3, Mrs. Anna Vogelsang age 40 [Interment in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery]

Weimar Mercury Jan 15, 1898, page 5
Submitted by Regena Williamson

Vogelsang, Egon E.

Egon E. (Slim) Vogelsang

Funeral services for Egon E. (Slim) Vogelsang of Alleyton were held Monday at St. Roch’s Catholic Church at Mentz, under the direction of Henneke Funeral Home.  Interment was at St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery in Columbus. The Rev. Bernard Snock officiated.

Mr. Vogelsang died at his residence Friday.  He was 69 years of age.

He was born Nov., 18, 1910 at Cameron, the son of Fritz Vogelsang and the former Tonie Kuhn. He was united in marriage with the former Myrtle Braden Cotton on Nov. 26, 1960.  He was previously married to Norene Becker on Oct. 16, 1932.  He first wife preceded him in death on Spet. 11, 1958.

He was a retired welder who formerly was employed for 25 years by Shell Oil in Deer Park.  He had resided in Alleyton the past 10 years.

Mr. Vogelsang was a member of St. Roch’s Catholic Church, the Bernardo Volunteer Fire Department, and the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers Local 4367.

Survivors include his wife, Myrtle of Columbus; three daughters, Marie Brunson of Dallas, Judy Salvaggio and Sharon Cotton of Houston; five sons, Francis of Milwaukee, Danny and Wayne of Houston, Michael of San Antonio and Steven of College Station; one sister, Mrs. Irene Mees of Cameron; one brother, Charlie Bogelsang of Houston, and 19 grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Henry Kaiser, Edwin Brune, Emmitt Kveton, Hubert Kveton, Jerry Mikeska, Willi Kuchar, Gene Selph and Dr. R.R. Thomas.

The family asked that in lieu of flowers, that contributions be made to the American Heart Fund or American Cancer Society.

Colorado County Citizen, April 24, 1980, page 2
Transcribed by Laurie Albrecht

Vogelsang, Ellen Alice (Neal)

The Citizen chronicles with regret the death of Mrs. Ellen Vogelsang, wife of Mr. Henry Vogelsang, which occurrd[sic] at the residence of Mr. Lee Ramsey, last Monday. She was a lady of many estimable traits of character, a true wife and mother, with many friends. Her remains were committed to dust in the city cemetery [Odd Fellows Rest] last Tuesday. To the bereaved we tender sorrowful sympathy.--Colorado Citizen.

Hallettsville Herald, September 13, 1900

Vogelsang, Frank Gottlieb

Mr. F. G. Vogelsang

Frank Gotlieb Vogelsang was born near Frelsburg, April 18, 1856l, the son of Dietrich John and Welhelmine Vogelsang pioneers. In his early boyhood days his parents moved to a farm on Cummins Creek where his father, besides farming, also operated a saw mill and cotton gin. After his parent’s death, the deceased continued operating the sawmill and gin for a number of years in partnership with his younger brother, George. Later he moved on the other side of the creek on the farm which became his own and lived there until his death. In 1883 he was married to Miss Annie Friedericke Fischer, this union was blessed with eight children, four sons and four daughters of whom the eldest, a daughter died in infancy. On January 2nd, 1898 his wife was called to her Eternal reward leaving him a sorrowing widower with seven young children. Two years ago his health began to fail, repeated spells of severe heart trouble bringing him several times near the verge of the grave, but it was not heart trouble that was destined to put an end to his earthly life. He began to complain about violent pains in his abdomen and notwithstanding a temporary improvement in his condition evidenced in freedom from pain, the malicious growth which was the cause of his disease made steady and rapid progress. The spells of pain returned. His body reduced to a mere shadow of his former self. His physicians did everything in their power to do. His children failed not to manifest their filial love, his daughter being in steady attendance at his bedside waiting on his every need for some time also ably assisted by his sister, Mrs. John Krause, Sr., but it was beyond human power to restore health. He showed appreciation for the prayers offered by his pastor at his bedside, weakly desiring that such prayers be made for him.

The end came at 5:40 last Sunday morning. The funeral took place Tuesday morning, burial in the Lutheran Cemetery at Frelsburg, The Rev. H. Phoelhmand preaching an eloquent sermon. The Lutheran choir rendered two lovely songs. He was laid to rest by the side of his wife.

The deceased is survived by three sons and three daughters. One son, Robert John, died during the World War in a hospital in France, at the age of 23 years. The sons are Dietrich G., Otto Earl, John W. and Miss Frieda at home. Mrs. Leo Stern and Mrs. A. D. Voskamp at New Ulm. Three grandchildren, one sister, Mrs. John Krause, Sr., of New Ulm, a number of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

He was 77 years, 6 months, 11 days at the time of his death.

Pallbearers were Messrs. Henry Vogelsang, Henry Krause, James and Monroe Overgoner, Adolph Kelm, Henry Buescher, Albert Brune.

Those who attended the funeral from a distance were Mrs. John Secrest, Dr. and Mrs. D. V. Secrest, Port Arthur; Mrs. Annie Seaborn, Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Stockbridge, Mrs. B. Korn, daughter Miss Vera, Miss Mildred Schroeder all of Houston, Mrs. D. J. Currie, Dallas; Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Schultz, Bartlett; Henry Krause, Schulenburg; Mrs. H. Overgoner and sons James and Monroe, Hallettsville

Colorado County Citizen, November 2, 1933
Transcription by Judy Talkington

Vogelsang, Otto Carl

Funeral Rites Held For Otto Vogelsang

Last rites were held at 2:30 p.m. in Trinity Lutheran church in Frelsburg for Otto C. Vogelsang, 69, who died in Columbus hospital Monday after being injured in an altercation Mar. 5.

Rev. Milroy Gregor conducted the last rites for the Brushy area farmer and rancher.

According to sheriff’s department officers, Mr. Vogelsang was struck by the flat side of an ax during a dispute over a tree and fence with Albert Werland also of Brushy, Mar. 5.

An autopsy was performed on the body Tuesday in Houston to determine the exact cause of death, and no report on the pathologist’s findings had been received here yesterday, County Judge Charles D. Rutta said.

Mr. Werland was charged at the time in Justice of the Peace Bonnie Jackson’s court with assault with intent to murder.

Mr. Vogelsang lived with a sister and 2 brothers at their home on Route 1, Columbus.

He was born June 5, 1893, the son of Frank and Annie Fischer Vogelsang, and had spent his entire life in the Brushy community.

The body lay in state at Untermeyer Funeral home here until yesterday at noon and was taken to the church for the services. Burial was in the Lutheran cemetery at Frelsburg.

Pallbearers were Lawrence Kanter, Francis Derr, Richard Brown, Melvin Kurtz, Robert D. Secrest and A. D. Voskamp Jr.

Colorado County Citizen, April 4, 1963, page 1

Vogelsang, Robert John

MAKES SUPREME SACRIFICE FOR HIS COUNTY
ROBERT JOHN VOGELSANG DIES IN HOSPITAL IN GERMANY

Word was received some time ago by Frank G. Vogelsang, that his son, Robert John Vogelsang, had died of meningitis in a hospital in Luxumburg[sic], Germany. Robert Vogelsang, was a member of Company H, 55th., infantry of the United Sates army and gave his life in the service of his country. He died on the 22nd., day of December, at the age of 23 years and 7 months.

He was called in the draft in June or July of last year, but before being called he had volunteered in Captain Ben B. Hunt’s Cavalry Company.

He was born on Cummins Creek and leaves a host of friends in this country who mourn his loss, and extend their sympathy to the stricken family. He died in a noble cause--he made the supreme sacrifice for his country and for liberty and for democracy. No more can be said. [Interment in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery]

Colorado Citizen, February 7, 1919, page 1

Vogelsang, Roy N.

Roy Vogelsang, Heart Attack Victim Buried Here Friday

Graveside rites for Roy Vogelsang, 75, native of this area, were held in Odd Fellows Rest cemetery Jan. 25, the Rev. William F. Hathaway of the Methodist church officiating.

Mr. Vogelsang, a bachelor who lived at Port Arthur, died after a heart attack Jan. 23. He was a son of Henry and Ellen Neal Vogelsang and a cousin of Miss Frieda Vogelsang, Citizen correspondent from Brushy.

Other survivors include 2 sisters, Mrs. Clyde Secrest of Port Arthur and Ms. Annie Seaborn of Houston and a brother, Henry, of Smithville; nieces, nephew and other cousins.

Colorado County Citizen, January 31, 1963m page 8

Voitle, Eufraznia (Fojtik)

Eufraznia Voitle Funeral Services Held Jan. 27

Eufraznia Fojtik Voitle, 93, died Jan. 25 in Spring Branch Hospital in Houston.

Funeral services were held Sunday, Jan 27 at Waltrip Chapel with Rev. M. Eugene Vickrey officiating. Interment followed at the Weimar Masonic Cemetery.

Mrs. Voitle was born July 12, 1908 in New Bielau to Alois Fojtik Sr. and Annie Halcava Fojtik. She married Henry Voitle Sr. on Feb. 2, 1923.

She lived in New Bielau with her husband Henry and then had moved to Weimar after he had a stroke and died in 1967. Then she moved in with her daughters, Elvera and Josephine Voitle of Houston.

Mrs. Voitle is survived by four daughters, Tillie M. Kusy, Elvera Voitle, Josephine Voitle of Houston and Esther M. Ulbrich of Weimar; two sons, Henry Voitle Jr. of Houston and Anton Voitle of Fayetteville; one step-sister, Martha Rutta and one step-brother, George W. Fojtik.

She is also survived by 20 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alois and Annie Fojtik; her husband, Henry Voitle Sr.; one daughter, Lillie Mae Ahlschlager; two sisters, Betty Fojtik and two step-sisters, Frances and Rosie.

Pallbearers were her grandsons, Barney O. Guynes, Herman L Guynes Jr., James Henry Guynes, David G. Voitle, Gary Voitle and Charles H, Ulbrich Jr.

The Weimar Mercury, February 28, 2002
Transcribed by Jennie Muggli

Voitle, Frances

Mrs. Francis Voitle, 70, of Near O'Quinn, Buried Here Tuesday

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon for Mrs. Francis Voitle, 70, of near O'Quinn in Fayette county. Interment was made in the Weimar Cemetery.

Mrs. Voitle died at her home Sunday after a week's illness.

She was born in Germany on September 13, 1873, and came to this country many years ago and resided in Colorado County until about six years ago when she moved to near O’Quinn in Fayette County. She was the widow of Anton Voitle, and had attained the age of 70 years, 6 months and 13 days.

Surviving are five daughters, Mrs. Louisa Koch of Weimar, Mrs. Minnie Kimple[sic] of Wallis, Mrs. Emma Kimple[sic] of Glidden, Mrs. Rosie Kunschick and Mrs. Sophie Kunschick of Holman; four[sic] sons, Henry Voitle of New Bielau, Joe Voitle of Eagle Lake and William Voitle of O’Quinn.

Weimar Mercury, March 31, 1944, page 1

Voitle, Henry Sr.

Last Rites for Henry Voitle Sr., 69, Held Sunday

Funeral services for Henry Voitle Sr., 69, were held Sunday afternoon, Sept. 3, at Hubbard Funeral Home, with burial in the Masonic Cemetery, Rev. Frank Horak officiated.

Mr. Voitle died Friday night, Sept. 1, in Youens Hospital, after a long illness.

Born near Borden Jan. 6, 1898, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Anton J. Voitle, he was a lifetime resident of Colorado County. He married Miss Eufraznia Fojtik on Feb. 2,1924. He was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
at New Bielau.

Surviving in addition to his wife, are two sons, Henry Jr. and Anton of Houston; six daughters, Mrs. Clarence (Lillie Mae) Ahlschalger[sic] of Columbus, Mrs. Bill (Lilly) Kiefabber, Mrs. Herman (Tillie) Guynea, Misses EIvera and Josephine Voitle, all of Houston, and Mrs. Charles (Esther Mae) UlbrIch of Rosenberg; 21 grandchildren., two brothers and five sisters.

Pallbearers were Frank Pokorny, Alois Fojtik, D. H. Rutta, George Fojtik. Henry Adamcik and Leo Karstedt.

Weimar Mercury, September 7, 1967, page 1

Voitle, Mary

Funeral Held Here Tuesday For Mrs. Ferd. Voitel[sic], 45

Funeral services were held here Tuesday for Mrs. Ferd. Voitel, 45, wife of a former Fayette County commissioner, whose death occurred Sunday at the family home near here. Services were held at the Weimar Cemetery with Rev. J. G. Palmer officiating.

The deceased expired after a nine day illness from lockjaw, caused by a splinter in her hand.

Survivors are: Her husband; a daughter, Mrs. Joe Trlicek of La Grange; two sons, Lawrence and Leroy of this area; five sisters, Mrs. Sophie Kunchek of Holman, Mrs. Rosie Kunchek of Holman, Mrs. Louise Koff of Wildwood, Mrs. Minnie Klemple of Wallis, Mrs. Emma Kemple of Weimar; four brothers, Henry and Frank Voitel of Weimar, Will of O’Quinn, Joe of Eagle Lake; and a mother, Mrs. Frances Voitel of O’Quinn.

Interment was in the Weimar Cemetery.

Weimar Mercury, March 3, 1939

Vollentine, Jessie William

Jesse W. Vollentine, 56, Dies; Funeral Rites Wednesday

Funeral servaices for Jesse William Vollentine, Sr., 56, were held Wednesday afternoon at the Espiscopal Church in Gonzales, with the Rev. Edgar C. Burnz officiating, interment being made in the Masonic cemetery at Weimar.

Mr. Vollentine had been seriously ill about ten days when death relieved his suffferings at 3:30 Monday afternoon.

A son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry Vollentine, Mr. Vollentine was born August 28, 1887, in McCullough county. He was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Thatcher, daughter of Mrs. Cora Thatcher of Weimar, on May 10, 1915, and to this union three sons were born, all of whom are now in the armed forces, two of them overseas.

Mr. Vollentine for some time lived on a farm in Fayette county. In 1926 he was employed by the State Highway Department, and had been connected with this department since that time.'

Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Josephine Vollentine, three sons, Captain J. W. Vollentine, Jr., now stationed somewhere in England; Lieut. J. T. Vollentine, now in Sicily; Pvt. H. H. Vollentine, stationed at Camp Roberts, Calif.; three sisters, Mrs. Henri Janacek of Hallettsville, Mrs. Joe Seger of Hallettsville, and Mrs. B. M. Seger of Beeville.

The three sisters and one son, Pvt. H. H. Vollentine, attended the funeral.

Many friends here extend sincere sympathy to the bereaved.

Weimar Mercury, September 3, 1943

von Kahlden, Aug Hans

News was received here Wednesday morning of the death of Hans Kahlden, which occurred at his home near Holman, after a brief illness, of black jaundice. He was a brother of the late Mrs. Wm. Warnken, and at one time lived here and conducted a meat market. This is the third death in the family within the past few weeks--mother first, then daughter, and then son. The sincere and heartfelt sympathy of the entire community goes out to the family in their grief. [interment in Weimar Odd Fellows Cemetery]

Weimar Mercury, November 24, 1900, page 5

von Kahlden, Betty

Mrs. Bettie Kahlden, the aged mother of Mrs. Wm. Warnken, died last Saturday at the family home several miles from Weimar, and on the following day the remains were laid to rest in the Odd Fellow’s cemetery in this city. Mrs. Kahlden was a kind, motherly old lady, popular with all who knew her, and her death is deeply deplored. Our sincere sympathy is extended the bereaved family.

Weimar Mercury, July 18, 1900, page 5

von Lengerke, Amelia (Bock)

Mrs. von Lengerke, Pioneer of Oakland, Buried Thursday

Funeral rites were held at the family home in Eagle Lake last Thursday afternoon for Mrs. Amelia von Lengerke, with the Rev. M. H. Knox, Presbyterian pastor at Wharton, officiating. Interment was in the Weimar Masonic Cemetery.

Mrs. von Lengerke was born at Oakland and was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bock, pioneer Texas settlers. She was united in marriage to Fred von Lengerke in 1881, and to this union three children were born, one dying in infancy. She lived in the Oakland and Weimar sections until the death of her husband about thirty-nine years ago, when a few years later she moved to Eagle Lake and lived with her son and the family of her daughter. She died suddenly on Tuesday, after having visited in Weimar on the Sunday before, Decoration Day.

Mrs. von Lengerke's father served as a member of the Confederate Army and was a Texas Ranger. Mr. Bock owned one of the first business establishments in Weimar.

Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Hettie Carey; one son, Charles von Lengerke; one granddaughter, Mrs. Lorease Carey Priestmeyer, all of Eagle Lake.

Pallbearers were J. H. McCreary, V. T. Matthews, D. R. Wintermann, B. H. McElhinney, J. M. Chumney and L. D. Roberts. Honorary pallbearers named by the family included S. R. Laughlin, Dr. John Foster, Dr. P T. Gordon, J. N. Frazar, L. D. Allen, Herbert Matthews, J. J. WhatIey, Sam Holloway, C. B. Stephens, Hayes Stephens, Max Conner. Harvey Lee, Ben Ahlers, Allen Frnka, E. L. Beckman, Lyle T. Phillips, Edgar Baring, Ben Holt, George Herder, C. P. Hoyo, W. E. McRee, S. S. White, E. Roos, . Killough, Urban Burttschell, Cleveland Guynn, D. S. Taylor, R. R. Wells S. C. Cooper and I. V. Duncan.

Weimar Mercury, May 4, 1945, page 1

von Lengerke, Eda

WEIMAR LOCAL MATTERS

We are sorry to chronicle the death of Mr. and Mrs. Fred von Lengerke’s little girl, that occurred in this city last Monday morning, at 4 o’clock, of typhoid fever. This was a bright little pet with all who knew her. We drop the tear of sympathy with the parents and grieved parents, who now so sadly miss her pretty little footsteps and merry voice. [Interment in Weimar Masonic Cemetery]

Colorado Citizen, December 24, 1885

von Lengerke, Friedrich Julius Carl

Death of Fred Von Lengerke

Fred Von Lengerke, constable of this precinct and a popular and well known citizen of Weimar for many years, died last Saturday night about 11:30 p. m. Mr. Lengerke had been seriously ill for a week or ten days, and while it was known that there was little likehood[sic] of his recovering, the news which had come from his bedside for a day or two before his death had caused his friends to hope that he might recover. However, such was not to be, and he passed into the great unknown at the hour stated above.

Mr. Lengerke was serving his first term as constable, and at the recent white men’s primary he was nominated for another term. He was a very popular man, and this was shown by the throng of sorrowing friends, who followed his remains to their last resting place.

The funeral occured[sic] at 5 o’clock, p. m. Sunday [Weimar Masonic Cemetery], under the auspices of the local Hermann Sohene Lodge, of which he was a member, assisted by several neighboring lodges. The Weimar fire department, of which for many years he was an active member, attended in a body. Rev. T. O Sallee read the burial service.

A widow, a son and a daughter are left to mourn the loss of a husband and father, and to them our sympathy is extended in their hour of sorrow.

Weimar Mercury, June 11, 1904, page 5

von Roeder, Ethel (Schlenk)

Von Roeder Funeral Services

Funeral Services for Ethel von Roeder of Columbus were held Friday, August 6 at 3 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus with Pastor John Hunsicker officiating.

Burial was in Odd Fellows Rest Cemetery in Columbus.

Mrs. von Roder[sic] passed away August 3 in a Columbus Nursing Home. She was 81 years of age.

Born in St. Louis, Missiouri[sic] December 22, 1911, she was the daughter of Henry and Anna Marie (Petri) Schlenk. She married Louis von Roder[sic] October 4, 19_3 and was a housewife. She had lived in the Columbus are since 1951 and was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church of Columbus.

Her husband preceded her in death on November 3, 1979.

Survivors include daughters, Flora Roeder of Houston, Carol Hamilton of Seguin, and Connie Gordon of New Orleans, Louisiana; son, Robert Roeder of Houston; sister, Mrs. Pearl Maupin of St. Louis, Missouri; grandchildren, David Hamilton of Katy, Deborah Schindehette of Bryan, Rachel and Emily Roeder of Houston and Goeffrey Gordon of New Orleans, Louisiana; great-grandchildren, Zachery and Jennifer Hamilton.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Arthur, Norman, Roy, Ralph and Walter Schlenk; and sisters, Viola and Flora Schlenk and Leona Robinson.

New Ulm Enterprise, August 12, 1983, page 4

von Zuydtwyck, Baron Werner

On Sunday Sheriff Townsend received a cablegram from the heirs of Baron Werner von Zuydtwyck, who fell dead on the cars, of apoplexy, some three weeks since, between Eagle Lake and Columbus. Baron Zuydtwyck had some $6,000 in money, and some three or four hundred dollars worth of luggage, now in possession of the Sheriff. The dispatch wanted particulars as to his death. It is understood his visit to this country was for the purpose of securing a location and lands for immigrants.

Colorado Citizen, July 21, 1881

Voorhees, Kate Auld (Drummond)

DIED

At the family residence in Rock Island, on September 17th Mrs. K. A. Voorhees, widow of A. R. Voorhees, ni[sic] the 76th year of her age.
Mrs. Voorhees is survived by two sons, W. D. and H. S. Voorhees and one daughter, Mrs. H. F. Carter. Interment at Myyrtle[sic] cemetery, Rock Island, Texas.

Colorado Citizen, September 26, 1919, page 8

Voorhees, Phyllis (Matthews)

Phyllis Voorhees Funeral Services Held Oct. 17

Phyllis Matthews Voorhees of the Dubina area died Oct. 16 at the Colorado-Fayette Medical Center, of natural causes.

Funeral services were held Oct. 17 at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Phillip Robberson from the First United Methodist Church in Schulenburg officiating.

Burial followed at the Weimar Masonic Cemetery.

Mrs. Voorhees was born June 8, 1916 in Jackson, Miss.

Phyllis was a librarian in Laramie, Wyo. before her marriage and worked in school and church libraries most of her married life.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, George; three daughters, Mary Warren and husband David of La Grange, Sylvia York and husband Robert of Valencia, Calif., and Rosalyn Uzzel of Bedford; six grandchildren, Zachary and Timothy Warren, Austin and Travis York, Erin Denny and Todd Uzzell; and one sister, Dorothy Rowe of Helena, Ala.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Weimar and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Memorials may be made to the Weimar Public Library.

Weimar Mercury, October 22, 1998, page 2

Voorhees, Will D.

Funeral Services for W.D. Voorhees Held Sunday

Funeral services were held at the Methodist Church in Rock Island at 1:30 p. m. Sunday for W. D. Voorhees of Texas City, who passed away March 17, in John Sealy Hospital at Galveston. The services were conducted by Rev. A.F. Forester of Garwood, Pastor of the Methodist Church. Mr. Voorhees was born in Brunswick, Missouri, September 24, 1871, and had been a resident of Texas for 42 years, the last 28 of which he lived in Texas City, where he was engaged in the contracting and building business. He had been a member of the Methodist Church practically all of his life. He is survived by his wife; two daughters. Mrs. J.D. Huhn of Chicago and Miss Rosalie Voorhees of Texas City; two sons, E.D. Voorhees of Texas City and Charles A. Voorhees of Galveston; two grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. H.P. Carter of Rock Island, and a brother, H.L. Voorhees, of Klamath Falls, Oregon. [Interred in Myrtle Cemetery]

Eagle Lake Headlight, March 25, 1938
Contributed by Patti Hall-Smith

Voskamp, Anna Pauline Christine

The death of Miss Pauline Voskamp occurred at the home of her brother in New Ulm last Thursday morning. She had been with her brother about a week and had shown some improvement in her condition until Thursday. When she did not get up to breakfast that morning her brother went to her room to find that death had come but a short time before.
Miss Pauline was born in the New Ulm Prairie on August 8, 1854. At about 30 years of age she and two brothers moved to Borden where they purchased a large farm. On this farm they spent practically their entire time. At the time of her death she had reached the advanced age of 79 years, 2 months and 16 days.

The remains were taken to the home of her niece, Mrs. Walter Lucko, near Borden, where funeral services were held, Rev. W. A. Flachmeier of the local Lutheran Church officiating, and laid to rest in Miller Creek Cemetery.

She is survived by two brothers and one sister, Herman Voskamp of New Ulm, Henry Voskamp and Mrs. Henry Trojan of Borden, to whom our sympathy is extended.

Colorado County Citizen, November 2, 1933
Transcription by Judy Talkington

Voskamp, Ernst Heinrich "Henry"

HENRY VOSKAMP DEAD

Our Oak Grove correspondent reports the sudden death of Mr. Henry Voskamp, an aged and respected farmer and stockman of the Live Oak community, which occurred Thursday of last week. He had been up and about his chores, but had gone back to bed. Not being up at the usual time, investigation was made and he was found dead in his bed. He was a man of about 75 years.

Weimar Mercury, July 27, 1934, page 1

OAK GROVE ITEMS OF INTEREST

Our little community was shocked beyond words Thursday when it became known that Mr. Henry Voskamp was dead. The sudden and unexpected passing came as a terrible blow to the community in which he had lived practically all his life. Mr. Voskamp was up and about his daily chores as usual, having helped to repair something to his well that day. About 2:30 that night he was heard by his hired hand to get up and feed his hogs, come back and lay down, and death came to him some time between that hour and daybreak, for when he failed to arise at the usual time they went to see about it and found him cold in death. He had been bothered with heart trouble and low blood pressure for some time, but none of the attacks were sufficient to send him to bed. Mr. Voskamp was a good man and neighbor, and never was known to say a harmful word about about anyone. Just about nine months ago his sister, Miss Pauline, was laid to rest and now he follows. He was about 75 years of age. Funeral services were held from his home Friday afternoon at 4 o’clock, with interment in the Miller Creek Cemetery, Rev. Meyer of Weimar officiating. Our deepest sympathy is extended his sister, Mrs. Henry Trojan of the Borden section, and his brother, Mr. Herman Voskamp of New Ulm, besides a number of nieces and nephews. May God comfort them!

Weimar Mercury, July 27, 1934, page 8

Voskamp, Lillie A. (Hauck)

VOSKAMP

Funeral services for Lillie A. Voskamp was held Sunday, July 15 at St. Paul Lutheran Church with Pastor Robert Schlortt officiating. Burial was at the Odd Fellows Rest Cemetery.

Lillie A. Voskamp was born November 5, 1900 in Brenham to Fritz and. Louise Englelage Hauck. She Married L. A. Voskamp on April l l, 1920. She was a housewife and cashier for the old Orphic Theater for 13 years. She had lived in Columbus for 62 years.

Mrs. Voskamp was a member of the Ladies Aide and Senior Circle of Lutheran Church. She was one of the organizers of the Senior Circle of the Lutheran Church.

Survivors include her husband, L. A. Voskamp, Columbus; a sister, Mrs. Mathilda Kramer, Houston; three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son, Earl Voskamp.

Pallbearers were Fenton Hauck, Curtis Schonenberg, Henry Brethauer, Jr., Tom Voskamp, Richard Voskamp, and Fritz Hermann.

Colorado County Citizen, July 19, 1984, page 2

Voskamp, Louis A.

Voskamp

Funeral services were held for L. A. (Louis) Voskamp Friday, August 12 from St. Paul Lutheran Church in Columbus under the direction of Henneke Funeral Home with Pastor Robert Schlortt officiating.

Burial was at Odd Fellows Rest Cemetery in Columbus.

Mr. Voskamp was born January 7, 1897 in New Ulm to Herman L. Voskamp and Antonia Meischen Voskamp. He married Lillie Hauck Voskamp April 11, 1920.

He was a retired butcher and meat market owner. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran church and a member of American Legion Post No. 383.

He served in WW I.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillie Hauck Voskamp who passed away July 13, 1984.

Survivors include daughter-in-law, Joe Ann Voskamp of Jonestown, Texas; sister, Elenora Will of New Ulm; brother, Marcus Voskamp of Shiner; three grandchildren, Wayne Voskamp, Susan Mobley and Thomas Voskamp; and seven great- grandchildren, Christy Lea Voskamp, Travis Voskamp, Adam Voskamp, Sarah Voskamp, Mary Voskamp, Tyler Mobley and Carson Mobley.

Pallbearers were Robert Brown, Curtiss Schonenberg, Richard Voskamp, Carlton Voskamp, Tanner Voskamp and Ben Will.

Colorado County Citizen, August 18, 1988, page 2

Voskamp, Wilhelm Otto

Otto Voskamp Assassinated.

News reached Weimar Thursday of last week, just after the Mercury had been printed, that the dead body of Otto Voskamp had been found in the road west of Glidden on Rocky Hill, with his body riddled with shot. Voskamp was a wood hauler and farmer living several miles southeast of Weimar. and made frequent trips to this city and Columbus with wood. He was in Columbus Wednesday of last week with a load of wood, which he disposed of, and was returning home in the early part of the night when, the bullets of the assassin cut his life short. He was seated upon his wagon at the time of he assassination, and his dead body rolled off beside the road, where it lay all night, being found the following morning by some parties passing along the road. These parties carried the word to Glidden from which point a telephone message was sent to the officers at Columbus, who immediately went to the scene. The team carried the empty wagon home that night, but not much importance seems to have been attached to the fact that the driver was missing. Voskamp lived with his sister. The body was taken to Columbus and prepared for burial, interment taking place Thursday afternoon. Sheriff E. B. Mayes went out to the section where Voskamp lived, and as a result of his investigations placed under arrest Anton Voitle, a white neighbor of Voskamp, with whom it is said he had had some trouble. Later two negroes, Ellis Lane and Jonas Nunley, were also arrested and placed in jail. At he time Voitle was arrested he was engaged in the work of helping to dig a grave for Voskamp. Since his arrest Voitle has had nothing to say regarding the affair. The wounds in Voskamp's body showed that the assassin had used a shotgun and either a rifle or pistol in accomplishing his deadly work. Sheriff Mayes is working indefatigably on the case, and hopes to present to the next grand jury such facts as will tend to a speedy conviction of the assassin. [Interment in Miller Creek Cemetery]

Weimar Mercury, August 13, 1909, page 5

Columbus, Aug. 5.--Otto Voskamp, a farmer about 45 years of age, was killed at Pettus Branch, near Rocky Hill, a secluded spot on the Oakland road. while on his way home from town last night. He was peppered from head to feet with 22 B. B. shot and two pistol or rifle bullets in his side and head.

Negroes who live about a mile from the place of the killing heard cries and shooting in that direction about 9 o’clock last night. The body was found on the side of the road early this morning.

Justice A. A. Gregory had the body brought to town this morning to be prepared for burial.

Mr. Voskamp lived nine miles west of Columbus and sold a load of wood here yesterday afternoon. He left about dusk, driving a six-mule team. Some dry goods he was taking home were found strewn along the road near the scene of the crime.

His surviving relatives are a sister at home and two brothers at New Ulm.

No clue to the murderer has been discovered arid no motive for deed is advanced.

Weimar Mercury, August 13, 1909, page 6

Voss, Anadel (Brown)

Anadel Voss, 80, of Columbus, passed away Sept. 21 at Columbus Community Hospital.

She was born in Kinder, La. May 20, 1921 to Ezeb and Frances (Carpenter) Brown and married Roy Voss, Aug. 2, 1967.

She is survived by her husband; daughter, June McKnight of San Antonio; and brother, A. V. Brown of Houston.

Graveside service was conducted at Odd Fellows Rest Cemetery in Columbus with Dwayne Willoughby of San Antonio officiating.

Colorado County Citizen, October 3, 2001
Transcribed by Dennis Boatright

Votaw, Gertrude M. (Hoffman)

Gertrude M. Votaw, 77, of Weimar passed away June 3 at Fayette Memorial Hospital in La Grange.

She was born Feb. 10, 1925 in Smithville to Powell P. and Fannie B. (Rodgers) Hoffman. She married Edwin Votaw on June 27, 1963. She was a housewife and a member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in La Grange. She was a Weimar resident since 1957.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Powell F. and Fannie Hoffman; sisters, Ida F. Arthur, Mary R. Frnka and Rosalie Sawyers; and brothers, Thomas J. Hoffman, Felix A. Hoffman and Jessie J. Hoffman.

She was survived by her husband, Edwin Votaw of Weimar; daughters and sons-in-law, Charlotte and Roy Rau of Deer Park, Virginia and Frankie Friemel of La Grange, Lisa and Frank Moellenberndt of La Grange, Sherry and Ronnie Huebel of Weimar, Pamela and Thomas Hughes of New Mexico; sons and daughters-in-law, Richard and Phyllis Bjerke of Beaumont, Roger Hoffmann of Bryan, Charles and Barbara Hoffmann of Temple; stepchildren and spouses, Margaret and Bennie Speir of Tyler; Marilyn and Walter Kalinec of Houston, Phyllis Koopmann of Tyler, Michael and Betty Votaw of Tyler; sisters, Helen Kahanek of La Grange and Annie B. Eaton of Santa Fe; 23 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held June 8 at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in La Grange with the Rev. Robert Groenke, Jr. officiating. Interment followed at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Weimar.

Colorado County Citizen, June12, 2002
Courtesy of the Citizen

Vrazel, Frank John

Vrazel

Funeral services were held for Frank John Vrazel Friday, January 15 from St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, under the direction of Henneke Funeral Home with Father Tim Kosler officiating.

Burial was a St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery.

Frank John Vrazel was born January 29, 1907 in East Bernard to Joseph Vrazel and Mary Klimek Vrazel. He married Caroline Zatopek Vrazel February 11, 1930.

Mr. Vrazel was a retired iron worker for Cameron Iron Works for 29 years.

He was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church.

Survivors include his wife, Caroline Vrazel of Columbus; two daughters, Dorothy Hollek of Columbus and Helen Alsobrook of Houston; sons[sic], Edward Vrazel of San Augustine; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchiIdren.

Pallbearers were Paul Berriers, Charles Schiller, Herman Kusy, Albert Kusy, Albert Vrazel, Jr., Adolph Zatopek, Bennie Hollek and Edd Zatopek.

Colorado County Citizen, January 21, 1988, page 2