Davis Vernon Bell
Davis Vernon Bell, 91, passed away Sunday, May 11, 2003 in Houston. He is survived by his sons, Leo Bell and wife, Paula and Charles Bell and wife, Pat; daughters, Jewel Murphy and husband, Johnny and Evelyn Leach and husband, Don; sister, Joyce Creekmore Smith; 13 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held today from 6-9 p.m. at Rosewood Funeral Home in Porter, Texas. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 14, 2003 at 10 a.m. in the Rosewood Chapel in Porter, Texas with interment to follow at Rosewood Memorial Park Cemetery, Porter.

Beatrice "Bea" Beaumier Hedick
Beatrice "Bea" Beaumier Hedick, 90, and a lifelong resident of Brenham, passed away peacefully Thursday, May 8, 2003 in Trinity Care Center. Bea was born June 23, 1912 in Brenham to Joseph Henry Beaumier Jr. and Lila Pearl (Dierke) Beaumier and attended Brenham High School. Bea was married to Bert Hedick. Bea was preceded in death by her parents, husband and son, Donald C. Hueske. Bea is survived by daughter-in-law, Frances B. Hueske; grandchildren, Donald T. Hueske and wife, Susan, Kirby Lyn Tyndall and husband, David and Neal Alan Hueske and wife, Jodie; and great-grandchildren, Andrew and Aaron Hueske, Mason, Avery and Tanner Tyndall and Madeline and Annabel Hueske. At Granny's request, no funeral is planned. A graveside memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 16, 2003 at Prairie Lea Cemetery. Inurnment will follow. Funeral services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, 836-3611.

Albert J. "Sleepy" Heintz
Our Father, Albert J. "Sleepy" Heintz, 80, of Brenham, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Sunday, May 11, 2003. After a three year courageous battle with bladder cancer, he was able to die peacefully at his residence. He was born Feb. 9, 1923 to Ed and Rosie Feath Heintz in Plantersville, Texas and attended school there. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. "Sleepy" was a dedicated employee of Blue Bell Creameries where he worked 42 1/2 years. He was the mixer and cook for "The Little Creamery" as he affectionately called it. Sleepy walked to work daily and rarely missed a day of work. Sleepy Heintz had many hobbies including gardening, craftsmanship, bird lover, baseball and football, with his favorite being music. For many years, Sleepy was in the music business. He was gifted in being able to read and write music in addition to singing, playing the guitar and drums. He played in numerous local bands including his own band "Sleepy Heintz and the Melody Playboys" and "The Rhythm Boys." His band also played backup with Nashville stars such as Bob Wills, Goldie Hill and Hank Thompson. Survivors include son, Ronald Heintz and wife, Deidra of Cypress; daughters, Donna Culliver and husband, Tim of Brenham, and Audrey Murray and husband, Tommy of Bryan; grandchildren, Forrest Heintz, Megan Heintz, Macey Murray and Andrew Culliver; brothers, Dan Heintz and Francis "Dutch" Heintz and wife, Dolly; sisters, Annie Diehl, Elizabeth Maywald, Rose Marie Gallatin, and Madlaine Terrall. Special friends include Laura Fieseler, Eugene and Elenora Swonke and Vernon Gaskamp. He was preceded in death by grandson, Adam Culliver; five brothers, one of which was his twin; and a sister. Rosary will be recited this evening at 7 in Brenham Memorial Chapel. Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, May 14, 2003 at 10 a.m. in St. Mary's Catholic Church with Father Richard Tijerina, celebrant. Interment will follow in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be nephew Charles Heintz, Eugene Swonke, Randy Reets, Wilford Emshoff, Theodore Kwiatkowski, Marcus Mallard, Larry Carney and Paul Culliver. Funeral services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, 836-3611.

Kenney Clarence Hinze
Kenney Clarence Hinze, 83, of Burton, died May 12, 2003 in St. Joseph Regional Health Center in Bryan. Survivors include his wife, Lydia Hinze of Burton; son, Kenney Hinze Jr. of Dallas; grandchildren, Mark Hinze of Norwalk, Conn. and Nellie Jean Ward and husband Tommy of Denton; and sisters, Lucille Leonhardt of Carmine and Della Long of Pasadena. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 15 in St. John's United Church of Christ in Burton with the Rev. Glen Schoeneberg officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 14 in Foehner Funeral Home in Burton. A prayer service will begin at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Foehner Funeral Home in Burton. For more information, visit the Web site: memorialoakschapel.com.

Lydia Schramme Streich
It has pleased Almighty God to summon the soul of Lydia Schramme Streich on May 11, 2003. Visitation with family will be from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, 2003 at Brenham Memorial Chapel. The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 15, 2003 in Grace Lutheran Church. Pastors Matthew Jacobs and William H. Holzer will officiate. Interment to follow in Prairie Lea Cemetery. Lydia was born Feb. 26, 1908 to Christoph and Sophie Reue Schramme. She was baptized into the Christian faith at St. John's Lutheran Church of Prairie Hill March 22, 1908. She was confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church of Prairie Hill July 17, 1921 by the Rev. F. Apfelbach. She was united in marriage with Willie A. Streich Oct. 29, 1925. The Lord blessed this union with three daughters. Lydia was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Brenham since 1946. She was a member of the Ladies Aid and Quilting Club and was known for her beautiful quilts. Lydia also worked many years in nursing. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord for they now enjoy the Peace of Eternal Rest. Lydia was preceded in death by her husband, Willie; parents; two daughters, Dolores Dickschat and Bernadine Meyer; son-in-law, Walter Meyer; six brothers; and four sisters. Survivors include daughter, Doris Streich Schulte and husband, F.C "Sonny".; son-in-law, Leonard Dickschat and wife, Betty; grandchildren, Deborah Van Eman, Darrell and Liz Schulte, Michael and Kala Meyer, Vicky and Mark Jackson, Dean and Joy Dickschat, Brett and Becky Fawler and Darlene and Bobby Trant; 16 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be F.C. "Sonny" Schulte, Darrell Schulte, Leonard Dickschat, Dean Dickschat, Michael Meyer, Gary Schramme and James Streich. Memorials may be given to Grace Lutheran Church or the charity of choice. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant--enter thou into the Joy of the Lord." Funeral services are in the care of Branham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, 836-3611.

Lillie Niemeyer Draeger Gaskamp
Lillie Niemeyer Draeger Gaskamp, 93, of Brenham, died Tuesday, May 13, 2003 in Brenham Rest Home. She was born Aug. 16, 1909 in Washington County to Herman and Minnie (Schneider) Niemeyer. On Nov. 28, 1909 she was baptized in St. John Lutheran Church of Prairie Hill by the Rev. F. Apfelbach and confirmed April 13,1924 in St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Sandy Hill by the Rev. George Czerkus. She attended Live Oak School in Independence. She was married to Gus Gaskamp on Jan. 20, 1944. She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Louis Draeger; second husband, Gus Gaskamp; son, Larry Wayne Gaskamp; daughter, Florence Hintzel Ebers; step-daughter, Doris Ebers; step-daughter-in-law, Dorothy Gaskamp; seven sisters; and four brothers. Lillie is survived by sons, Gilbert Gaskamp and wife, Helen and Jacob Gaskamp, all of Brenham and Wilfred "Peanut" Gaskamp and wife, Charlotte of Lampasas; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation with family will be from 6-7 p.m. today in Brenham Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 15, 2003 in Zion Lutheran Church of Zionsville. Pastor David Hall will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers are Donald Beisert, Mark Hintzel, Mike Hintzel, Kevin Beisert, Randy Gaskamp and Curtis Gaskamp. Memorials may be given to Zion Lutheran Church building fund Funeral arrangements are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, 836-3611.

Reuben W. Gaskamp
Reuben W. Gaskamp, 88, of Brenham, died May 22, 2003 in Gazebo Terrace Convalescent Center in Brenham. Mr. Gaskamp was born Aug. 22, 1914 in the Cedar Hill community of Washington County to Louis and Louise Finke Gaskamp. He was baptized Oct. 11, 1914 in St. John's Lutheran Church in Prairie Hill by the Rev. Apfelbach and was confirmed April 21, 1929 in the same church by the Rev. Gogolin and was educated in Possum Trot and Independence schools. During World War II, he served in the Army. Mr. Gaskamp was a long-time member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Prairie Hill and was a member of the American Legion. He was a retired custodian for Brenham Independent School District. Survivors include his brothers and sisters-in-law, Perry and Rosalee Gaskamp of Hallettsville and Louis and Loretta Gaskamp of Houston; his sisters and brother-in-law, Pearl Hugo of Bellville and Betty and Roland Lueckemeyer of Houston; and sister-in-law, Miriam Gaskamp of Brenham. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Garrett Gaskamp and Leroy Gaskamp; sister, Verda Gaskamp; and brother-in-law, Melvin Hugo. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 24 in St. John's Lutheran Church in Prairie Hill with Dr. Sue Beall officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive visitors at Memorial Oaks Chapel from 6-8 p.m. today. Pallbearers will be Lloyd Hugo, David Hugo, George Wied, Jerry Lueckemeyer, Mark Wilkinson and Gary Gaskamp. Honorary pallbearers will be John Bryant and Arthur Fuelberg. Memorials may be given to St. John's Lutheran Church in Prairie Hill. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main St., in Brenham. For more information, visit the Web site: memorialoakschapel.com.

Kenney Clarence Hinze
Kenney Clarence Hinze, 83, of Burton, died May 12, 2003 in St. Joseph Regional Health Center in Bryan. Mr. Hinze was born July 29, 1919 in Round Top, Texas to Albert and Emma Kuehn Hinze. He was baptized March 20, 1920 in Round Top by Pastor A.H. Falkenberg and was confirmed Oct. 10, 1933 in Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Round Top. Mr. Hinze attended Hills School and served five years in the Army. On March 17, 1946 he was married to Lydia Jaster in St. John's Evangelical and Reformed Church in Burton. Mr. Hinze was a farmer. He was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ in Burton, the American Legion Quade-Werchan Post 338 in Round Top, the VFW Post in La Grange, the Disabled Veterans in Burton and the Farm Bureau in La Grange. Survivors include his wife, Lydia Hinze of Burton; son, Kenney Hinze Jr. of Dallas; grandchildren, Mark Hinze of Norwalk, Conn. and Nellie Jean Ward and husband, Tommy of Denton; and sisters, Lucille Leonhardt of Carmine and Della Long of Pasadena. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Wilfred Hinze and Eric Hinze. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 15 in St. John's United Church of Christ in Burton with the Rev. Glen Schoeneberg officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 6-8 p.m. today in Foehner Funeral Home in Burton. A prayer service will begin at 7:30 p.m. today. Pallbearers will be Max Baranowski Jr., Robert Wagner, Chester Gebhard, J.C. Pohl, Calvin Coufal and Ricky Weyand. Memorials may be given to St. John's United Church of Christ building fund. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Foehner Funeral Home in Burton. For more information, visit the Web site memorialoakschapel.com.

Herbert “Skip” E. Schleider, Jr.
Herbert “Skip” E. Schleider, Jr., 50, of Brenham died May 15, 2003 in Bryan. He was born Aug. 22, 1952 in Waco, graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1970 and attended Texas A&M University. Skip was a supervisor of a construction company for many years. He was a licensed fishing guide in Seadrift owning and operating the Texas Fishing Adventures Guide Service. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves and was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in College Station. Survivors include his father, Herbert E. Schleider of Bryan; a brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Lyla Schleider of Bryan; numerous aunts and an uncle. He was preceded in death by his mother, Bernice Schleider. Memorial Services will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, May 18, 2003 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in College Station with Pastor Erich Schaefer officiating. Callaway-Jones Funeral Home, 3001 S. College, Bryan, Texas, (979) 822-3717 is in charge of arrangements.

Garet Daniel Smith
As the sun rose this morning, Garet rose into heaven. Garet Daniel Smith, 19, of High Point, N.C. passed away May 10, 2003 at Wake Forest University Baptist Hospital. He was born Oct. 1, 1983 at The Women’s Hospital in Houston, Texas. As a native Texan, Garet is survived by his parents, Debbie and Dugan Smith; his sister Megan Tyler Smith; his grandparents Barbara Smith, Granvel Smith and Anita Williford; his aunts, uncles, and cousins. Garet was preceded in death by his grandfather, Deacon Carl J. Williford. Garet had the courage of a warrior and a heart of gold. Garet was a ray of sunshine that touched your face like a bright sunny day. His spontaneity and outgoing personality made him the man he was. Garet touched every person he came in contact with in a special way. Garet was dearly loved by his friends who he considered his extended family. Garet was involved in many activities from his early youth. He participated in youth and club soccer programs throughout his entire life. He also participated in Little League Baseball. Garet enjoyed fishing, hunting and many outdoor recreational activities. Garet was an honor student at High Point Central High School and participated in the varsity soccer and baseball programs. He was a member of the ‘83 PSA Stars soccer team. Garet attended North Carolina State University. He was employed by Southern Roots restaurant and Panera Bread, and was formerly employed by Big Ed’s Chicken Pit, all of High Point, N.C. A vigil service was held Wednesday, May 14, 2003 at 7 p.m. at Millis Athletic and Convocation Center, West College Drive on the campus of High Point University followed by a mass held Thursday, May 15, 2003 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in High Point, N.C. and a memorial celebration of Garet’s life to be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Victoria, Texas. Rosewood Funeral Chapel in Victoria, Texas is handling arrangements for the family. A Table of Remembrance will be placed in each location. Please bring a photo, a note, a story, or anything that you choose, that represents your friendship with our Garet, and place it on the table. In lieu of usual remembrances, including flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Garet Smith Memorial Fund, c/o Donald A. Scarborough, Trustee, High Point University, High Point, N.C. 27262. Gifts to this endowment fund will be used to establish and maintain a permanent memorial to Garet’s life. Sechrest Funeral Service in High Point, N.C. is assisting the family. Family and friends are invited to share thoughts and fond memories with our family through www.mem.com.

Gilbert Koehne
Gilbert Koehne, 60, of Brenham, died May 19, 2003 at his residence. Mr. Koehne was born March 4, 1943 in the Prairie Hill community of Washington County to Henry Jr. and Evelyn Lange Koehne. He was educated in Prairie Hill schools. On Aug. 28, 1966 he married Darleen Jaster in St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brenham. Mr. Koehne was employed at Sealy Mattress. He was a member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church and Brenham Cubette Softball Alumni Association. Survivors include his wife, Darleen Koehne of Brenham; mother, Evelyn Koehne of Brenham; son, Steven Koehne of Brenham; daughters, Kendra Koehne of Brenham and Kyree Koehne and fiancé, Shane Kloecker of Brenham; granddaughter, Katelyn Koehne of Brenham; sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Milton Hueske of Brenham; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Erich and Pauline Jaster of Brenham; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Aubrey and Bev Jaster and Rockie and Joyce Knittel, all of Brenham; and nieces and nephews, Cory Hueske and fiancé, Blake Swor, Cassie Hueske, Hilliary Jaster, Laura Jaster, Rockie B. Knittel, Jarred Knittel and Trey Knittel, all of Brenham. He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Koehne Jr.; and his grandparents. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 22 in St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brenham with Pastor Lawrence Bade and Pastor Kim Little-Brooks officiating. Burial will be in Prairie Lea Cemetery in Brenham. The family will receive visitors at Memorial Oaks Chapel from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 21. Pallbearers will be Ray Rodenbeck, Larry Glenz, Brad Beach, David Korth, Jimmy Eickhoff, Ronnie Roemer, Larry Hurron and Stanley Krebs. Honorary pallbearers will be his nieces, nephews and all past and present employees of Sealy Mattress. Memorials may be given to St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church Radio and TV Ministry or the charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main St., in Brenham. For more information, visit the Web site: memorialoakschapel.com.

Orval W. "Red" Hardin
Orval W. "Red" Hardin of 7118 Brookstone, Houston, died Tuesday, May 20, 2003 in Herrmann Hospital. Mr. Hardin was born March 26, 1923 in Barnsdall, Okla. He proudly served his country in the Army Air Corp during World War II. He married Philamene Rose Lindeman Dec. 27, 1949. For 35 years, Mr. Hardin taught at the high school and junior college level. Following retirement, he faithfully volunteered at Northwest Memorial Herrmann Hospital. Mr. Hardin was preceded in death by his wife, Philamene. Survivors include sons, Fred Hardin and Jon Hardin; daughters, Mary Jane Hardin and Elizabeth Hardin Nutt and son-in-law Bill Nutt of Brenham; and grandsons, Jason Nutt of Dallas, Jeffrey Nutt of Houston and Austin Hardin of Brownsville, Tenn. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Pat H. Foley Funeral Home in Houston. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Mary's Catholic Church, Brenham or Cal Farley's Boys Ranch, Amarillo, Texas.

Gilbert Koehne
Gilbert Koehne, 60, of Brenham, died May 19, 2003 at his residence. Mr. Koehne was born March 4, 1943 in the Prairie Hill community of Washington County to Henry Jr. and Evelyn Lange Koehne. He was educated in Prairie Hill schools. On Aug. 28, 1966 he married Darleen Jaster in St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brenham. Mr. Koehne was employed at Sealy Mattress. He was a member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church and Brenham Cubette Softball Alumni Association. Survivors include his wife, Darleen Koehne of Brenham; mother, Evelyn Koehne of Brenham; son, Steven Koehne of Brenham; daughters, Kendra Koehne of Brenham and Kyree Koehne and fiancé, Shane Kloecker of Brenham; granddaughter, Katelyn Koehne of Brenham; sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Milton Hueske of Brenham; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Erich and Pauline Jaster of Brenham; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Aubrey and Bev Jaster and Rockie and Joyce Knittel, all of Brenham; and nieces and nephews, Cory Hueske and fiancé, Blake Swor, Cassie Hueske, Hilliary Jaster, Laura Jaster, Rockie B. Knittel, Jarred Knittel and Trey Knittel, all of Brenham. He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Koehne Jr.; and his grandparents. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 22 in St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brenham with Pastor Lawrence Bade and Pastor Kim Little-Brooks officiating. Burial will be in Prairie Lea Cemetery in Brenham. The family will receive visitors at Memorial Oaks Chapel from 6-8 p.m. today. Pallbearers will be Ray Rodenbeck, Larry Glenz, Brad Beach, David Korth, Jimmy Eickhoff, Ronnie Roemer, Larry Hurron and Stanley Krebs. Honorary pallbearers will be his nieces, nephews and all past and present employees of Sealy Mattress. Memorials may be given to St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church Radio and TV Ministry or the charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main St., in Brenham. For more information, visit the Web site: memorialoakschapel.com.

Laura Ashorn
Laura Ashorn, 82, of Brenham, died May 23, 2003 in Gazebo Terrace Convalescent Center in Brenham. Mrs. Ashorn was born July 20, 1920 in the William Penn community of Washington County to Henry and Erna Thane Kettler. She was baptized Aug. 31, 1920 in Bethlehem Lutheran Church in William Penn and was confirmed April 14, 1935 in the same church. Mrs. Ashorn was educated in William Penn School. On Dec. 22, 1945 she married Irvin Ashorn in Bethlehem Lutheran Church in William Penn. Mrs. Ashorn was a life member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in William Penn, where she was a member of LWML since 1947. She was a homemaker. Survivors include her three sons and daughters-in-law, Melvin and Shirley Ashorn, Larry and Diane Ashorn and Billy and Vickie Ashorn, all of Brenham; two daughters and sons-in-lay, Judy and Vernon Ball of Brenham and Jane and Glenn Husfeld of Buford, Ga.; grandchildren, Sherry Mahlmann and husband, Dr. Keith Mahlmann, Jason Ashorn, Ross and Laura Jane Ashorn, Jennifer Ball, Stephanie Lampe and husband, Hamp Lampe, Greg Husfeld and wife, Amy Husfel, Amy Usalavage and husband, Mike Usalavage, Russell Husfeld, Brian Ashorn and wife Heather Ashorn and Terie and Sara Ashorn; great-grandchildren, Blane Ashorn, Emily and Nathan Husfeld, Dallas Mahlmann and Abigail Usalavage; four brothers and sisters-in-law, Edwin and Leona Kettler, Herbert Kettler, Wilbert Kettler and Raymond and Pauline Kettler; two sisters and brother-in-law, Lorine Schroeder and Erna and Harold Guetzloff; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Lillian and Elmo Walther and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Irvin Ashorn on Feb. 28, 1987; great-granddaughter, Taylor Mahlmann; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Nolan Schroeder, Alvina Kettler, Lawrence Lueckemeyer and Odell Kettler. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 25 in Bethlehem Lutheran Church in William Penn with Pastor Eldor Harmann officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive visitors at Memorial Oaks Chapel from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, May 24. Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Her granddaughters and great-grandchildren will be considered honorary pallbearers. Memorials may be given to Bethlehem Lutheran Church in William Penn. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main St., in Brenham. For more information, visit the Web site memorialoakschapel.com.

Claude Burkett
Claude Burkett, 88, of Giddings, Texas, died Thursday May 22, 2003. He was born Feb. 6, 1915 in Houston County, Texas to Nathaniel Burkett and Frances Rawls. On Aug. 13, 1939, he married Edrie Patterson in Westerfield, Texas. Mr. Burkett worked for Armco Steel as a steel worker, until his retirement in 1977 after 30 years. He served in the Army during World War II and was a member of First Baptist Church in Giddings. Mr. Burkett is survived by his wife, Edrie Burkett of Giddings; children, Claude Edward and Sherry Burkett of Channelview, Gerald Ray Burkett of Houston, Kenneth Earl and Dinah Burkett of Austin, Carol Ann Burnett of Galena Park; Bertha Nell and Ronnie Briggs of McKinney, Joseph Lee and Jill Burkett of La Porte, Russell Wayne Burkett of Richwood, Paul Douglas and Kay Burkett of Tennessee, Peggy Lynn Burkett of Anchorage, Alaska and Deana Beth Keller of Richmond; 25 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; two son-in-laws, E.C. Burnett and Norman "Butch" Keller; two brothers, Tommy Burkett and Jack Burkett; and four sisters, Linnie Hill, Liddie Wells, Mae Dean and Thelma Scott. Visitation will begin at 3 p.m. today at Phillips and Luckey Funeral Home in Giddings. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, May 24, 2003 at 2 p.m. in First Baptist Church of Giddings, Texas with Brother Tim Clayton officiating. Burial will follow in Giddings Memorial Park in Giddings, Texas. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home, 588 N. Main, Giddings, Texas 78942, (979) 542-3113.

Vera Louise Hodde
Vera Louise Hodde, 96, of Houston, died May 21, 2003 in Houston. Vera was born Aug. 6, 1906 in the Prairie Hill community of Washington County to Edward and Caroline Franke Struwe. She was baptized Aug. 16, 1906 in St. John's Lutheran Church in Prairie Hill and was confirmed Sept. 26, 1920 in the same church. She was educated in Prairie Hill School and Blinn College. On Aug. 6, 1930, she married Arthur Hodde in St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Brenham. She did sales work in Brenham and was employed for 29 years at Foley's in Houston. Vera enjoyed her family and her work. After retiring, she enjoyed her volunteer work at Trinity Lutheran Church in Houston. Survivors include her daughter-in-law, Patricia Hodde of Houston; granddaughters, Barbara Carol Featherston and husband Donald of San Antonio and Amy Colleen Hodde of Houston; and great-grandsons, Stuart Joseph Featherston and Ryan Blake Featherston. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Caroline Struwe; husband, Arthur Hodde; son, Arthur E. Hodde; brothers, Willie Struwe, Walter Struwe and Edward Struwe; sisters, Emma Schlottmann, Linda Quebe, Minnie Reue, Hannah Schmidt, Rosie Struwe and Ida Struwe; and granddaughter, Bonnie Sue Hodde. The funeral service was scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, May 24 in Memorial Oaks Chapel with Pastor Donald Black officiating. Burial will be in Prairie Lea Cemetery in Brenham. Memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church, 800 Houston Ave., Houston, Texas 77007-7792. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main St., in Brenham. For more information, visit the Web site: memorialoakschapel.com.

Leroy Levien
Leroy Levien, 79, of Carmine died May 25, 2003 in Bryan. Mr. Levien was born Jan. 12, 1924 near Woodsboro, Texas in Refugio County to Alfred W. and Adele Ander Levien. He was baptized June 26, 1927 in Woodsboro by Pastor Carl Kurz and was confirmed Sept. 26, 1937 in Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Round Top by Pastor Walter Kralik. Mr. Levien was educated in Round Top and Brenham schools and also attended Blinn College. From 1943 to 1946, he served in the Naval Air Force. On June 22, 1947, he was married to Lucille Ponfick in Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Carmine by the Rev. Simon. She died Jan. 23, 1982. From May 1946 to March 1965, he was in the café business in Carmine. During this time, he was a temporary clerk at the Carmine Post Office for five years. Mr. Levien began working at Carmine State Bank June 1, 1964 and retired as vice president on Dec. 31,1991. On April 10, 1989 he was married to Ora Lee Rohde Wickel in Zion Lutheran Church in Avilla, near Benton, Ark. by Pastor Andrew Toopes. Mr. Levien was a member of Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Carmine, Cedar Creek Scheutzen Verein, the American Legion Post 338, the Gun and Rod Club, Carmine Volunteer Fire Department, Sons of Hermann Lodge 151 and SPJST Lodge 179. He was a charter member of Carmine Lions Club, past president of Carmine Chamber of Commerce and Carmine Water Supply, past director of Fayette County Wildlife Council and presently a director of Carmine State Bank. Survivors include his wife, Ora Lee Levien of Carmine; stepdaughters and stepson-in-law, Melba and Randy Zingelmann of Carmine and Melissa Wickel of Carmine; stepgranddaughters, Brandy Zingelmann of Carmine and fiancé Matt Swisher and Bridgette and J.P. Ingram of Brenham; sister, Virginia Eichhorn of Round Top; brother and sister-in-law, Cordell and Corine Levien of Round Top; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Levien was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, two brothers and a sister. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 28 in Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Carmine with Pastor Paul Bohot officiating. Burial will be in the Carmine Cemetery. The family will receive visitors at Foehner Funeral Home today from 6-8 p.m. Memorials may be given to Hospice Brazos Valley, 502 W. 26th St., Bryan, Texas 77803-9900 or to Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Carmine, P.O. Box 362, Carmine, Texas 78932. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Foehner Funeral Home in Burton. For more information, visit the Web site: memorialoakschapel.com.

Mary Katherine Boswell
Mary Katherine Boswell, 81, of Brenham, died May 25, 2003 in Brenham. Mrs. Boswell was born Feb. 8, 1922 in Columbus, Ga. to John and Catherine Code Deignan. In 1948, she married Foye Boswell in Columbus, Ga. Her husband preceded her in death April 1992. Mrs. Boswell was a homemaker. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Joseph Michael and Margarette Boswell of Brenham; grandchildren, Brian Boswell and Carrie Boswell, both of Houston; great-grandchild, Becca Boswell of Houston; and brothers, John Deignan of Atlanta, Ga. and Harry Deignan of Griffin, Ga. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, June 2 in Holy Family Catholic Church in Columbus, Ga. Burial will be in Park Hill Cemetery in Columbus, Ga. Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Sunday, June 1 at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary Macon Chapel, 4071 Macon Rd., Columbus, Ga. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main St., in Brenham. For more information, visit the Web site memorialoakschapel.com.