ESTHER MARGARET THEDOSIA CROUSE, 80 of Rockport, Texas passed away September 10, 2000 at a local hospital. She was born Feb. 22, 1920 in Chicago, Illinois to James and Matilda Majewski. She is survived by her son,  David F. Crouse of Corpus Christi; her daugher-in-law, Betty Pepper and her husband James, of Rockport; two grandchildren, Joy Armstrong of Fort Smith, Arkansas and Bethany Crouse of Corpus Christi, Tx.; and two great-grandchildren, Joshua McMath and Pashia Armstrong, both of Fort Smith. Rosary was recited Sept. 12 at Charlie Marshall Funeral Home Chapel, Aransas Pass. Graveside services were conducted Sept. 13 at Prairie View Cemetery, Aransas Pass.

  LINDA SUZANNE HENDRICKSON, 46, passed away Sept. 05, 2000. She was born in San Antonio, Texas on Nov. 24, 1953. She was a prior resident of San Antonio and a resident of the Rockport, Texas area for the past 10 years. She worked in the early 1990 s in commercial property management business. She is survived by her father, J. D. Jones and stepmother, Faye, of Schertz, texas; twin sister, Lisa Parsons and her husband, Jon of Shiro, Texas; one niece, Kristi Garcia of Mathis, texas and her maternal grandmother, Rebecca Hess of San Antonio. Private family services were held.

  JAMES G. KAUTZ, 77, died Sept. 04, 2000. He was born April 08, 1923, one of four children born to Harry G. Kautz and Mary L. givens of West Point, Nebraska. He was educated at West Point and Linclon, Nebraska. He married Mary Martha Scott at Jewett, Texas in 1956. He served in the Pacific Theater during World War II and also in the Phillipines, Okinawa and Japan. He had been a resident of Rockport, Texas for the past 53 years. He was co-owner of the Jane Ellen Motel in Rockport for 30 years and owner of Coastal Pest Control Company for 25 years. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, VFW and a life member of the Disabled American Veterans. He was active in Little League Baseball in Rockport for many years. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years. Mary M. Scotty Kautz of Rockport; two sisters, Jane E. Roquette and Jean Anderson and her husband, Roy, all of Rockport; two nieces and three nephews. Rosary was recited Sept. 6 at the Charlie Marshall Funeral Home Chapel, Rockport. Funeral Mass was celebrated Sept. 7 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial followed at Rockport Cemetery.

  BEVERLY ANN McWHA, 50, of Ingleside, Texas passed away Sept. 8, 2000 at her home. She was born July 27, 1950 in Freer, Texas to Buddy and Veta Ruth Truesdell. She is survived by her husband, William McWha of Ingleside; her son, Dustin Dear of San Antonio; her daughter, Dawn Potter of Corpus Christi; her mother, Veta Ruth Truesdell of Corpus Christi; her brother, Jerry Don Truesdell of Ingram, Texas; her sister, Carolyn Truesdell of New Mexico and her grandson, Euel Martin Potter III. Services were conducted Sept. 11 at Charlie Marshall Funeral Home Chapel, Aransas Pass with Rev. Jack Keenon officiating. Interment was private.

  GEORGE PRESTON WHITE, 95, a resident of Aransas Pass, Texas since 1980, passed away Sept. 9, 2000 at a local hospital. He was born Aug. 20, `905 in Tyrone, Ireland to George and Nellie White. He served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II and Korea. He retired from Firestone after 20 years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #320 in Bedford, Pennsylvania and was an active member of Masonic Lodge # 1018 in Aransas Pass. He was a member of Bedford Royal Arch Chapter 255, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Jaffa Temple AAONMS of Altoona, Pa. Order of the Eastern Stars Aransas Pass Chapter 162, Elks Lodge #1707 of Bedford, Pa., American Legion of Bedford, Pa., Senior Friends, AARP and he worked with the Heart of America Show in public relations for 12 years. He was preceded in death by his father in 1932, his mother in 1924, his son George in 1987 and his two sisters, Elizabeth and Nan. He is survived by his wife, Sara White of Aransas Pass; his daughter-in-law, Eleanor Wilson of Aransas Pass and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Masonic graveside services were conducted Sept. 11 at Prairie View Cemetery, Aransas Pass with Rev. Margaret Decker officiating and under the direction of Masonic Lodge #1018 of Aransas Pass.

The Coastal Bend Herald      September 21, 2000

  IDA IRENE CAVITT, 76, passed away Thursday, September 14, 2000 at a Brownsville Nursing Home. She was born December 30, 1923 in Aransas Pass, Texas to Ira and Hazel Cavitt. She retired as a service representative from South Western Bell Telephone Co.
She was preceded in death by, her parents, and her brother, Carl Cavitt.
She is survived by her brother, Homer Cavitt of Houma, Louisiana; four sisters, Helen McEntire of Blanco, Texas; Ida Cavitt of Corpus Christi, Texas; Mamie Jo (Ralph) Roberts of Conroe, Texas; Dorothy Heiptinstall of Austin, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside services were conducted Saturday, September 16, 2000 at 2 p.m. at Prairie View cemetery with Rev. Bob Smith officiating.

 HERBERT LAWRENCE DAVIS, 86, passed away Sunday, September 17, 2000 in Rockport, Texas. He was born September 12, 1914 in Naravisa, New Mexico to Lucius and Maude Davis. Mr. Davis served in the Seabees during WWII and was a member of Pipefitters Union Local 798 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
He is survived by several nieces and nephews who will dearly miss him.
Memorial services will be held at a later date in Garfield, Kansas.

ASA OTIS DOWSON, 83, of Aransas Pass, Texas, passed away Sunday, September 17, 2000 at a local hospital. He was born February 09, 1917 in Ohio. He was a Winter Texan for the past 15 years and moved to Aransas Pass full time in June. He was retired as Chief of Police in Sand Lake, Michigan.
He is survived by 3 sons, John (Julia) Dowson of Highland, Michigan; Larry (Patricia) Dowson of Wichita, Kansas; and Roger (Nora) Dowson of Boyne Falls, Michigan; one brother and one sister.
Funeral services will be conducted in Howard City, Michigan at a later date.

  CALLIE IOLA MYERS, 69, passed away Sunday, September 17, 2000 in Rockport, Texas. She had been a resident of Rockport since 1980 and had served in the U. S. Navy from 1954-1956. She was also a member of the Lamar Women s Club.
Mrs. Myers is survived by her husband, Fred Myers of Rockport; her son, Calvin Lee Myers of Houston; her step-son Gregg Myers of Houston; her daughter, Rhonda Moore of Houston; four grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside services were held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, September 09, 2000 at Lamar cemetery with Reverend Charles Fake offficiating. Visitation was held from 5-9 p.m., Monday, September 18, 2000 at Charlie Marshall Funeral Home, Rockport.

 MANUEL R. LOPEZ, Sr., 74, a lifelong resident of Aransas Pass, Texas, passed away Monday, September 18, 2000 at a local hospital. He was born January 04, 1926 in Kemah, Texas to Guadalupe and Juanita Lopez. He was a member of St. Mary s Star By The sEa Catholic Church and was a member of Lulac Council #630 of Aransas Pass where he served as Sgt. Of Arms and was retired from Brown and Root.
He is survived by his wife Enedina Lopez of Aransas Pass; two sons, Manuel (Mary) Lopez, Avery (Sandy) Hernendez all of Port Aransas; two daughters, Peggy (Tony) Falcon and Debbie (Robert) Lopez all of Aransas Pass; huis mother, Juanita Lopez of Aransas Pass; five brothers, Henry (Emma) Lopez, Robert (Lydia) Lopez, Benny (Carmen) Lopez all of Aransas Pass; Abe Lopez of Alamo, Texas; Ralph Lopez of Portland, Texas; four sisters, Josie Tamayo of Aransas Pass; Beatrice (Frank) Rinche of Rockport, Texas; Margaret (Joe) Ortiz, Mary Jane Abergo all of Aransas Pass; 16 grandchildren, Ashley, Nicole Lopez, Juanita Moses, Naomi, Nicky, Jr., Damien, Sally and Jonathan Falcon, Crystal, Sammy, Odelia, and Mary Ann Lopez, Stephanie, April Moreno, Avery, Jr., Loraine and Nina Hernandez and six great-grandchildren.
Rosary was recited Wednesday, September 20, 2000 at 7 p.m. at Charlie Marshall Funeral Home Chapel, Aransas Pass. Mass will be celebrated Thursday, September 21, 2000 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary s By The Sea Catholic Church with Father Mike Lenihan as celebrant. Burial will follow at Prairie View Cemetery.

  GAIL DEAN STANLEY, 41, passed away Friday, September 15, 2000 in Rockport, Texas. She was born on February 16, 1959 in Brownsville, Texas to James and Geraldine Tucker.
She is survived by four brothers, Jesse and Bruce Tucker both of Aransas Pass, Texas; James Tucker of North Carolina; and George Tucker of Washington; and her fiancee, David Klein of Rockport, Texas.
Private family services will be held.

JOE WILLIS HOUGHTON, 54, passed away on September 11, 2000. He was born in Sinton, Texas on November 22, 1945. He was a live long resident of the Aransas Pass area. He served in the U. S. Army during the Vietnam War and received the Purple Heart Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Service Star and Army Commendation Medal. He was also a member of the VFW in Aransas Pass, Texas.
He is survived by his two sons, Joel Houghton of Ft. Worth, Texas; and Jason Houghton of Corpus Christi, Texas. He will be deeply missed by both.
Funeral services were held on Sunday, September 17, 2000, 2: p.m. at Charlie Marshall Funeral Home Chapel, Aransas Pass, Texas. Private interment.

  ROBERT PAUL LeFRANCOIS passed away Sunday, September 17, 2000, in Port Aransas, Texas. He was born on December 29, 1931 in New Haven, Connecticut. His parents were Joseph Laurent LeFrancois and Leda Adele Lessard LeFrancois.
He had 5 brothers, Andre, donald, Maurice, Gerald, and Laurent LeFrancois; and seven sisters, Therese, Lorraine, Beatrice, Marguerite, Gisele, Dorothy, and Pauline, and is survived by 8 of them. He is also survived by three children, Robert, Christina and Desiree. His sisters, Lorraine Chargin and Dorothy Parillo, who both live in California, traveled to Port Aransas to handle the burial of their brother s ashes. He leaves many cherished friend in Port Aransas, where he made his home and found his final peace.
He was known locally as 'FRANCOIS' and was a frequent commentator on Port Aransas events by way of the Letters to the Editors of the South Jetty, and as his sisters relate, were widely read in California. They describe their brother as unique, sincere, child-man, who had a lot of boy in him and showed his inner feelings and gave himself from his heart. He held the title Zen Poet and proclaimed himself the Town Poet.
On Wednesday, at sunset, a gathering of friends buried his ashes in places that he loved. He concluded his correspondence with friends and his life, Adieu, walk with love, Francois Poet.

Aransas Pass Progress Paper   Wednesday, October 04, 2000

  Juan R. CASTRO, 75, died Sept. 22, 2000. He was born June 24, 1925 in Aransas Pass, Texas. Juan was a life long resident of Aransas Pass and was employed for many years at Wood Lumber Company and then went to work for Coastal Materials. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Victoria Castro of Aransas Pass; three sons, Juan Castro, Jr., Oscar Castro and Romeo Castro, all of Aransas Pass; seven daughters, Mary Lue Wade and her husband, Charles; Sandra Cadina and her husband, Art; Lisa Anne Culberth and her husband, Mark; all of Wichita Falls, Texas; Josphine Friesenhahn and her husband Richard; Elva Grifflin and Ena Silcox, all of Aransas Pass; and Corinne Cordova and her husband, Raymond of California; two brothers, Joe Castro of Corpus Christi, Texas; Rudy Castro of Aransas Pass, Texas; three sisters, Nora Longoria of Port Lavaca, Texas; Patricia Castro of Oklahoma; and Rita Castro of Aransas Pass, Texas; 19 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren. Rosary was recited Sept. 26 at the Charlie Marshall Funeral Chapel, Aransas Pass, Texas. Mass was held Sept. 27 at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Aransas Pass. Burial followed at Prairie View Cemetery, Aransas Pass.

  Capt. Edward Charles Sugarfoot HALL, 86, a resident of Aransas Pass, Texas, for over 44 years passed away Sept. 26, 2000 in Austin, Texas. He was born April 19, 1914 in Louiston, Maine to Charles and Rose Hall. A fishing guide by trade, he was a member of the Boatman s Association and VFW Post 2932 of Aransas Pass. He was preceded by two children, Joseph Patrick Hall in 1997 and Roberta Mae Hall in 1995. He is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Edward Charles and Marianne Hall of Del Rae, Florida; Thomas Edward and Connie Hall of Ingleside, Texas; and Richard Charles and Valerie Hall of Austin; one daughter, Annette Jean Lane of New Braunfels, Texas; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be conducted at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 at Ransom Road Park, adjacent to Hamptons s Landing in Aransas Pass. Expressions of sympathy may be made by donations to Christopher House Hospice of Austin, 2820 E. Martin Luther King Blvd., Austin, Tx. 78702.
  I pray that I may live to fish until my dying day,
  And when I come to my last cast I then most humbly pray,
  When in the Lord's great landing net and peacefully asleep,
  That in His mercy I be judged big enough to keep.

  Johnny Wayne HEDGCOTH, 48, passed away Sept. 27, 2000. He was born in Alice, Texas, on Feb. 16, 1952. Johnny was a resident of the Aransas Pass and Rockport area for the past 14 years. He was a retired Master Sergeant from the U.S. Army National Guard after serving for 23 years and eight months. He was owner and operator of Preventative Maintenance Inc. in Corpus Christi from 1990 to the present. Johnny was a member and vice president of the Corpus Christi Executive Association a member of the Association of General Contractors, Mathias Masonic Lodge and Al Amin Shriner Golf Unit. He was also a member of the Rockport Country Club. He is survived by his loving wife of 14 years, Joyce Elaine Hedgcoth, of Rockport; one son, Brandon Givens of Rockport; three daughters, Jennifer Reed and her husband Audie, of Portland, Texas; Morgan Hedgcoth of Rockport, Texas; Michele Neal and her husband, Chuck, of Bishop, Texas; his father and stepmother, John and Regina Hedgcoth of Mathis; one brother and sister-in-law, Patrick and Felicia Hedgcoth of Gonzales, Louisiana; three sisters, Ann Thibedoux and her husband, Jerry; Patsy Combs and her husband, Ricky; and Judy Wright, all o9f Breaux Bridge, Louisiana; and three grandchildren, Baylee and Reagan Reed of Portland; Allen Neal of Bishop. Services were held Sept. 30 at Charlie Marshall Funeral Home Chapel in Aransas Pass. Interment followed at Prairie View cemetery in Aransas Pass.

  John William LEHMAN, 80, passed away Sept. 25, 2000 in Corpus Christi, Texas. Prior to moving to Fulton, Texas, four years ago, he had been a resident of Portland, Texas. He served in the U.S. Army and was a member of the VFW in Aolbuquerque, New Mexico. He was retired from Consolidated Freight Ways. Mr. Lehman is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Helen Lehman of Fulton; two sons, William Lehman of Ohio and Stanley Lehman of Pennsylvania; two stepsons, Rick Measel of New Mexico and Randy Measel of Pennsylvania; two daughters, Edna Locknecker of New York and Rita Novack of Pennsylvania; a step-daughter and her husband, Carletta and Calvin Stout of Fulton; a brother, Paul Lehman of Pennsylvania; a sister, Dorothy McGinley of Connecticut and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

  Manuel R. LOPEZ, Sr., 74, a lifelong resident of Aransas Pass, Texas, passed away Sept. 18, 2000 at a local hospital. He was born Jan.04, 1926 in Kemah, Texas to Guadalupe and Juanita Lopez. He was a member of St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church and was a member of the Lulac Council #630 of Aransas Pass where he served as Sergeant of Arms and was retired from Brown & Root. He is survived by his wife, Enedina Lopez of Aransas Pass; two sons and daughters-in-law, Manuel and Dottie Lopez and Avery and Sandy Hernandez, all of Port Aransas, Texas; two daughters and sons-in-law, Peggy and Tony Falcon and Debbie Robert Lopez, all of Aransas Pass; his mother, Juanita Lopez of Aransas Pass; five brothers, Henry Lopez and his wife, Emma, Robert Lopez and his wife, Lydia, and Benny Lopez and his wife, Carmen, all of Port Aransas; Able Lopez of Alamo, Texas; and Ralph Lopez of Portland, Texas; four sisters, Josie Tamayo of Aransas Pass; Beatrice Rinche and her husband, Frank, of Rockport, Texas; Margaret Ortiz and her husband, Joe, and Mary Jane Abrego, all of Aransas Pass; 17 grandchildren, Ashley, Nicole Lopez; Juanita Moses; Naomi, Nickey, Jr., Damien, Sally and Jonathan Falcon; Crystal, Sammy, Odella and Mary Ann Lopez; Stephine, April Moreno; Avery, Jr., Loriane and Nina Hernandez; and Xavier Morales; six great-great-grandchildren. Rosary was recited Sept. 20 at Charlie Marshall Funeral Home Chapel, Aransas Pass. Mass was celebrated Sept. 21 at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church with Father Mike Lenihan as celebrant. Burial followed at Prairie View Cemetery.

  James E. McCOMBS, 81, passed away Sept. 20, 2000. He was born in Rotan, Texas on Dec. 21, 1918, James was a retired farmer and had been a resident of Portland, Texas for the past three and one half years. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was a lifetime member of the VFW. He is survived by five sons and daughters-in-law, Leon and Becky McCombs of Portland; Wayne and Bonnie McCombs of Kissimmee, Florida; Roy and Ronda McCombs of Corsicana, Texas; David and Mary Ann McCombs of Lexington, Texas; Terry and Tamra McCombs of Buda, Texas; one daughter and son-in-law, Sandy and Johnny Cofer of Athens, Texas; one brother, Winfred McCombs of California; one sister, Stonie Wilder of Hobbs, New Mexico; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Private graveside services were held in Lexington.

  John A. ROBERTS, Jr., 84, passed away Oct. 01, 2000. He was born on June 16, 1916 in Blooming Groove, Texas, John was a resident of Corpus Christi, Texas since the early 1940 s and served in the U.S. Navy. He was Justice of the Peace, Nueces County, Pct. 8 and County Commissioner, Nueces County, Pct. 4, a member of the Masonic Lodge and served as a public servant for many years. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Jean Roberts of Corpus Christi, Texas; one son, John A. Roberts III and his wife, Rhonda of Freer, Texas; one daughter and son-in-law, Anetha and Nick Wylie of Cleveland, Texas; two sisters, Polly Henry and Clara Beckman both of Huntsville, Texas; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren. Graveside services were held Oct. 4 at Seaside Memorial Park cemetery in Corpus Christi with Rev. Mike Herrington officiating.

  Josephine Maynard RUIZ, 74, passed away Sept. 29, 2000 in Fulton, Texas. She was born Oct. 31, 1925 in San Antonio, Texas to Frank and Florence Morales. She lived in San Antonio until moving to Fulton 13 years ago. She retired as manager of Carl's Clothing Store in San Antonio. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Dena Ruiz of Rockport, Texas; three daughters, Charlotte Koubek and her husband, Emmanuel of Fulton; Pat Marmolejo of San Antonio; and Norma Murray and her husband, Larry, of Spring Branch, Texas; a sister, Mary Nell Maher of McKinney, Texas; nine grandchildren, Shelia, Tracy, Roxanne, Lisa, Lori, John, Jennifer, James and Jared; five great-grandchildren, Kayla, Todd,Jr., Jerry, Jonathan, and Holli. Graveside services were held Oct. 1 at Rockport cemetery with Rev. Charles Fake officiating.

  Dixie Mae SINGLETON, 69, passed away Oct. 1, 2000 in Rockport, Texas. She was born in Elgin, Texas, on Nov. 6, 1930 to Edwin and Jesse Mundine. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Julie Beth Downs in 1972 and her husband in 1983. She is survived by three daughters, Sandra Coats of Rockport; Janet Rose of San Antonio; and Pamela Vargas of Huston; 12 grandchildren; and six great-granchildren. A graveside service was held Oct. 4 at Rockport cemetery with Rev. David Mundine officiating.

  Darlene VEST, 57, passed away Sept. 28, 2000. She was born July 20, 1943 in Aransas Pass, Texas. She was a housewife and lifelong resident of Aransas Pass and a member of Temple of Praise Church in Aransas Pass. She is survived by her loving husband of 15 years, Orville Vest, Sr., of Aransas Pass; one son, Luther Boogie Hunter of Virginia; a stepson, Orville Vest Jr. of Rockport, Texas; two daughters, Kathy Lynn Hunter of Virginia; and Crystal Lynn Vest of Aransas Pass; two step-daughters, Eillen Vest of Galveston and Lorie Vest of Corpus Christi; three brothers, James Yardley of Washington; David Yardley of Ingleside; and Robert Yardley of Rockport; two sisters, Shirley Wright ot Texarkana; and Mary Gillock of Rockport; two grandchildren; and eight step-grandchildren. Services were held Oct. 1 at the Charlie Marshall Funeral Chapel in Aransas Pass with Rev. Bob Jayne officiating. Burial followed at Prairie View Cemetery, Aransas Pass.