Robert Warren McDaniel
1929-2015
Robert Warren McDaniel, who was also known as Bob and Tex, died Sunday, July 5, at the Kerrville VA Hospital from pancreatic cancer and other medical complications. He was born on Sept. 26, 1929 in Beaumont.
In 1951, Robert graduated in civil engineering from Texas A&M; University, serving as commander of Company B Engineers during his senior year.
Subsequently, Robert served in the Army Corps of Engineers in Korea as a first lieutenant. During his active service from 1951 through 1953, he served as a water supply officer for MASH units around Pusan, Korea. After leaving the military, Robert became a consulting civil engineer for municipal water and sewage treatment systems in cities and communities around South Central Texas.
Robert also wrote and published a book entitled "Patillo Higgins and the Search For Texas Oil" about his great-uncle. Patillo Higgins'conviction, drive and determination single-handedly jumpstarted the Texas Oil business at the beginning of the 20th century.
In the late 1980s, Robert "retired" to own and operate Hilltop Christmas Tree Farm at his home near Cat Spring. He finally semi-retired to the Texas Hill Country around Medina in 2003 - just a couple of miles from his great-uncle Patillo's vacation cabin where Robert and his bride, Pat, spent their honeymoon in 1951.
Robert will be missed by family and friends, who take comfort in the hope promised by Jesus Christ that he is resting in a far better place now.
He is survived by his wife, Pat; son David; daughter Beth; granddaughter Nikki; grandsons, Dusty and Hunter; and great-grandson Blake.
Robert was interred on Monday, July 20, at Fort Sam Houston National cemetery in San Antonio in a private ceremony. His public post-interment memorial service will be held at 3 pm, Thursday, July 23, at Fort Sam Houston National cemetery.
It was Robert's wish that no ephemeral commemoratives such as flowers be made for him. Instead, he requested that donations be made to the Bandera County Helping Hand, Food Pantry Program. Telephone is 830-796-8300.
Thomas Nelson Neeley
2015
A Celebration Of Life for Thomas Nelson Neeley will be held at 2:00 pm this Friday, July 3, at Grimes Funeral Home.
Neeley quietly passed on June 30, 2015 and is now with his Lord.
He is survived by his wife Carol Smith Neeley and many family members.
Alfred A. Voss
1930 - 2015
Services for Alfred Voss will be held Friday, July 17, at Galloway Funeral Chapel in Beeville, Texas, at 11 am. Survivors include his daughter, Susan Burke of Bandera, and son, Al Voss Jr. of Medina.
Patrick Tankersley
2015
After a lengthy illness, Patrick Tankersley, 67, died peacefully in his sleep Tuesday, July 14. At the time of his death, he was residing near his sister at a Bandera nursing facility.
Born and raised in Mercedes, Patrick graduated from Mercedes High School in 1966, and received his business degree from Pan American College in Edinburg.
As a young man working with his father and other mentors, Patrick learned the produce business before opening Sou-Tex Produce Distributors in the mid-1970s through the end of the '90s. He also operated Sou-Tex Oil & Lube and Hydraulic Services at his shed located on the railroad tracks in San Juan, Texas. Patrick and his family lived in the McAllen and Mission areas.
Married in 1976, Patrick is survived by his two daughters, Lauren Leigh Tankersley of Houston and Careese Lane Tankersley of Dallas. He also leaves behind a brother, Lawrence Lane Tankersley, of San Antonio; sister Mary Beth Wright and brother-in-law Donald Wright of Bandera; and several nieces and nephews and cousins.
Patrick was predeceased by his parents, Bob and Aileen Tankersley; and older brother Ross Tankersley, who had resided in Cold Spring.
The family would like to thank Patrick's high school friends, especially Gary Stotler and Tommy Terry, for keeping in touch through the years of his illness. Also, with deep appreciation, the family would like to thank the staff of the Bandera Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center for their loving care of "Tank" for the last seven years.
A celebration of life service will be announced at a later date.
Dorothy Mueller
1920 - 2015
Dorothy "Gregg" Gregory Mueller, affectionately known as Mimi, 95, of Valley Mills, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, July 10.
Gregg was born on Feb. 9, 1920 in Corning, New York to the late Morris Creveling and Doris Neer Gregory. She graduated from Corning Free Academy in 1937, attended Wellesley College and later worked as a fashion merchandizer for Macy's in New York City. She married
Sidney James Mueller in October, 1942 and together they had four children.
Mimi raised her children on Indian Springs Ranch in Tarpley. During this time, she taught school in nearby Bandera while attending Trinity University where she graduated with a Masters of Education. After she retired from teaching school, she sold the Indian Springs Ranch and moved to Washington DC where she worked for the Education Research Information Center. Eventually, she returned to Texas where she would be closer to her children and lived in Austin and Houston, then relocated to Valley Mills.
She loved to read and will always be remembered for being the best dessert maker of the entire family.
Gregg is survived by her children, Judith Boyce of Houston, Robert Mueller and wife Phyllis of Houston, Gretchen Mueller of Valley Mills and Richard "Dick" Mueller and wife Donna of Valley Mills; brother Dick Gregory and wife Jane, sister Ellen Gregory; grandchildren Josh Boyce and wife Rosine Derricott, Sean Mueller and wife Heidi, Gage Mueller and wife Amy, Greg Mueller, Courtney Mueller Hall and husband Kerry Don and Michael Rowe and wife Erin; and six great grandchildren Layla, Myles, Preston, Colton, Finn and Able.
The family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to those who provided love and care to Mimi, to Hospice for all of their assistance, and to everyone for all of the prayers and support.
At Mimi's request, there will be a private family service where her ashes will be scattered over Indian Springs Ranch. Also, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice.
Joyce T. Venske
1933 - 2015
Joyce T. Venske, 81, of Lakehills, passed away in her home on Wednesday, August 5, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Charleston, South Carolina, to Talmadge Traywick and Carolyn Woodward Traywick on August 15, 1933. She was married
to Ronald L. Venske.
Joyce is survived by her children, Vicki Hicks (Floyd) and Carolyn Vogt (Jason); a sister, Margaret Tucker of Dover, Delaware; her aunt, Otis Woodward of Charleston, South Carolina; grandchildren, Ron (Lani), Gabriel (Brittney), Jordan, Tristan, Breckenridge, Merrick and Shane; great grandchildren, Skylar, Kannyn and twins Ezra and Evelyn Joyce who are due in September; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents; step-father, Herbert Kampmeyer; and sisters, Frances Holsomback, Rose Ann Ashcraft and Mary Rozen.
A private service will be held in Charleston, South Carolina, at a future date.
Donations may be made in Joyce's memory to The Wounded Warrior Project, Fisher House Foundation, or a charity of your choice.
Scott Alexander Serene
1972-2015
Scott Alexander Serene passed away peacefully at home Tuesday, August 4, in the arms of his loving wife. Born on July 27, 1972, in Stratford, New Jersey, Scott's most extraordinary passion for life was evident to everyone who met him.
The only child of his caring parents, Scott married
the beautiful love of his life, Tracy Moore, on April 15, 2000. Together they had four amazing children who bear the likeness of their beloved daddy both physically and in spirit. Scott fondly referred to Carson, Cain, Carly and Camlin as his "4 Cs" and doted on them in the most magical way. To know Scott was to know how deeply a man could adore his children and wife.
There was nothing Scott loved more than to be with Tracy. His devotion to her shone brighter than the stars. Scott also enjoyed CrossFit, being active with his children and watching the sun set in the evenings with his bride at his side.
Scott's wit, humor and dashing good looks brought great joy to his friends around the country and online where he connected with others. But it was his indestructible attitude and determination that made the biggest impact on those he met.
Scott accomplished so much in his 43 years. Among so many other things, he fulfilled his dream to start Kettlebells for Brain Cells, raising money for the American Brain Tumor Association. In lieu of flowers, Scott would want donations made to the ABTA at http://abta.org.
Scott is survived by his wife, Tracy; their children, Carson, Cain, Carly and Camlin; and his parents on whose support he always leaned, Betty and Jan Serene.
A memorial service was held Saturday, August 8, at nineteen:ten church.
Stephen Rodriquez
1950 - 2015
Stephen J. Rodriguez, aka "Julio", "Jackie" and "Javier", passed away August 1 in Bandera. He was born in Corpus Christi to Steve and Lillian Rodriguez on Oct. 20, 1950.
He married
Lynda Van Damme on March 28, 1979, in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
He attended Little Flower Catholic School, Horace Mann Middle School and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio. He attended Southwest Texas University in San Marcos studying animal sciences before his love of the horse trade tore him away from his home and his studies.
Julio started his career as a jockey, advanced to a horse trainer and finally to a ranch foreman. He won races and was a well know horseman. His love of his trade took him from Bandera to Louisiana, Kentucky, California and New Mexico but he always came home to his beloved Bandera. He loved what he did and would have never changed his path even though many tried to sway him!
He is preceded in death by his wife, Lynda, and his father, Steve.
He is survived by his children, Stephen William and wife Montesa, John Aaron and wife Kim; mother, Lillian; siblings, Lilli Ann Gonzalez (Jesse), Dr. Richard Aaron and John Thomas (Sylvia); step grandchildren, Haley, Bree and Keoni; uncle Antonio Rodriguez (Sylvia); aunts Maria Teresa Casanova and Lenora Mueck; nieces, nephews and many other relatives.
Julio always had a smile on his face and was a kind, caring man. He was always the life of the party, even if the party had not started. He is already missed by his family and friends.
The immediate family is grateful to friends, family and caregivers who have been so supportive in this difficult time. They will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
Memorial Services will be held at 10 am on Saturday, August 15, at Grimes Funeral Chapel in Bandera.
