William “Bill” Cobler
1944-2016
William “Bill” Cobler, 72, of Bandera, passed from this life’s journey to the next on July 25 – the same day as he began his earthly journey in 1944.
He grew up in the Houston area and graduated from Bellaire High School.
Bill served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War era, and was always very proud of being a Marine.
Outdoor activities always brought great pleasure to Bill and he was happy to go fishing or hunting. While he was more active, Bill was involved with horses and enjoyed riding in the hills of Texas.
His many occupations include serving as a Harris County Sheriff Deputy, owning and operating oilfield hot shot service trucks and retiring from government service at the Kerrville Veterans Medical Center.
Bill was an endowed life member of Rising Star Masonic Lodge #429 in Center Point, and a life member of Disabled American Veterans.
Bill is survived by his wife, Claudia; son Bill Cobler and his wife, Myla, of Cut and Shoot; and stepson Ken Blackburn and his wife, Kristy, of Kerrville.
Bill also cherished being part of his grandchildren’s lives – Kelley, Ty and Jack Cobler of Cut and Shoot and Brooke and Pat Blackburn of Kerrville.
He was predeceased by his parents, Regina and Floyd Cobler, and brother Thomas Cobler.
The family thanks special friends for making this time of transition less difficult, Lawson Wooten of Richmond, Texas; Ray Albritton and Steve Carvajal, both of Bandera; and Dennis Luby of Bellaire. Additionally, special thanks go out to the caring hospice staff at the Kerrville VA Hospital.
No services are planned.
Bernard Richter
1943-2016
A wonderful father, Bernard E. Richter, 73, went to be with the Lord at 11:35 am, Thursday, July 28.
He was born on April 11, 1943, in Stockdale, Texas.
Bernard served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1970. He was an excellent farmer and mechanic.
He is survived by his wife, Norma Jean Richter; daughters, Barbara L. Reed and her husband, Jason, and children, Michael, Wesley, and Tara; Susan A. Walker and her husband, Robert, and children, Britny and Dillon; and Laura J. Richter and her husband, Roy, and children, DJ and Colton; stepdaughters, Billie Gutierrez, Rebecca Trussell and Sarah DeLuco and their families; brother Larry Richter; and sisters, Janie Zidek, Evelyn Lopez, Phyllis Davenport-Davis and MaryAnn Korzekwa-Wells.
Bernard was predeceased by his father and mother, Emil M. and Barbara F. Richter; brother Chester M. Richter; and granddaughter Heather Richter.
A rosary was held Monday, August 1, with Mass following at noon at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Comfort, with Father Lawrence McLure as celebrant. Burial followed in the Comfort cemetery.
Pallbearers were Jeremy Korzekwa, Frank Lee Schmidt, Michael L. Rupke, Colton Richter, Dillon E. Rhodes and Gabriel Gutierrez.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
David Lester Rollison
2016
David Lester Rollison, 78, of Bandera, passed away peacefully, Monday July 18, in the comfort of his own home.
After serving 20 years in the United States Army that included two tours in Vietnam, he retired as a CW4 in 1978.
At that time, David rediscovered his passion for arts, which ranged from whimsical sculptures, intricate woodwork and beautiful oil paintings. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles with friends and family.
In summary, David exemplified a true Christian spirit in his family, and with his friends and any stranger in need. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Medina.
David is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mona; daughters Danita, Myra, Mona, Lisa and Christina; and 10 great-grandchildren Ricky, Daniel, Matthew, Lisa, Corey, David, Cameron, Shelly, Derek, Shawn, as well as by many loving grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
David was a loving father, husband, grandfather and friend to all.
Graveside services were held Monday, July 25, at Fort Sam Houston National cemetery with Brother Allie Balko officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you plant a living tree or to donate to the US Army Emergency Relief Fund, 200 Stovall Street, Room 5S33, Alexandria, VA 22332-0600, https://www.aerhq.org/Donate or call 1-866-878-6378.
Bobby Lee Solomon
1932-2016
Bobby Lee Solomon, 83, died Tuesday, August 2.
He was born in Mena, Arizona, on Dec. 3, 1932, to Ruth and Edward Solomon.
Bobby enlisted in the United States Air Force after graduating from high school and served for 23 years at home and abroad.
In life, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Bobby also loved the Lord dearly and was known for always helping anyone in need.
He will be missed by family and friends alike. Bobby has gone to be with Christ and the rest of his family, who had gone before him.
Bobby leaves behind his daughter, Michelle Cockerham; sons, Mike Solomon and his wife, Lisa, and Pat Solomon and his wife, Melanie; granddaughters, Makayla and her husband, Stephen, and Chelsea and her husband, Mark; grandsons, Tyler and Ryan; and great-granddaughter, LanaRae.
Bobby was predeceased by his wife, Gynneth Kay Solomon; mother Ruth Glover; and brother Ron Solomon.
Graveside services were held Saturday, August 6, at Pipe Creek cemetery with Mr. Martin Smith officiating.
Helen Joan Brown
1931-2016
Helen Joan Brown, 85, of Lakehills, passed away Tuesday, August 2, at her home.
She was born in Ludlow, Kentucky, on Feb. 24, 1931, to George and Grace Phelps. Helen married
Conrad Brown on July 7, 1972, in San Antonio.
She was talented and capable as demonstrated by the many positions she held during her years of employment. Helen enjoyed working with people as a bank teller, doctor’s assistant and an EMS technician.
Helen is survived by her husband, Conrad J. Brown, of Lakehills; daughters, Cheryl Cloud of Boerne, Linda Riojas of Somerset, Kathy Ren of Richardson and Rhonda Schlegel of Park City, Utah; sons, Mike Willis of Boerne and Rodney Brown of Lake Forest, Illinois.
A memorial service will be held at 10 am, Thursday, August 11, at Lakehills Baptist Church with Pastor John Work officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001.
Sherman Rueben Vangsnes
1928-2016
Sherman Rueben Vangsnes, 88, passed away early the morning of Sunday, August 7, at the Alpine Nursing Facility in Kerrville.
The youngest of nine brothers and sisters, Sherman was born May 6, 1928, in rural Walcott, North Dakota.
After being drafted into the United States Marine Corps, he proudly served his country from 1951-1953 in Korea.
In 1955, Sherman began his agricultural career with the Soil Conservation Service in Hastings, Nebraska. Later, he was transferred to Tombstone, Arizona. In 1960, he moved to Chickasha, Oklahoma, where worked with watershed research. The data that he and his colleagues collected is still being used today.
After a transfer to Weslaco, in 1969, Sherman continued working with the Department of Agriculture until his retirement. In total, he worked for the US Department of Agriculture for 30 years.
After retiring, Sherman moved to Bandera in 1989. As an active member of the community, he coached Little League baseball and was involved in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.
He enjoyed square dancing, became Master Gardner and was an avid member of the Bandera Garden Club. As a member of Pipe Creek Presbyterian Church, Sherman supervised Sunday school for several years.
He will be remembered for his quick wit, big smile, warmth and charm.
Sherman is survived by his three sons, Lynn Vangsnes and his wife, Bonnie; Bradley Vangsnes and his wife, Suzan; and Donn Vangsnes and his wife, Shelly; stepchildren, Kittrin Prasil and her husband, Ed; Cynthia Lappin; and James Lappin and his wife, Maria; 12 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his first wife Joanne in 1980 and Sherlie Lappin Vangsnes in 2014.
A Celebration of Life will begin at 11 am, Friday, August 19, at Pipe Creek Presbyterian Church, 8589 Highway 16 South, in Pipe Creek.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Sherman’s name may be sent to the Pipe Creek Presbyterian Church.
