Milton Walter Nitzsche
Milton Walter Nitzsche, 83, beloved husband, step-father, grandfather and great-grandfather went to be with the Lord Saturday, Jan. 18, 2003. Milton was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Eliese (Minnson) Nitzsche; brothers, Ernest and Herbert; and sister, Elsa. Milton was a long time resident of Houston, while also maintaining ties to his birthplace near Round Top, Texas. He lived there full-time for the past 17 years. Milton is survived by his wife of 37 years, Bessie Nitzsche of Round Top, Texas: step-children, Beverly and Mike Corte of Pearland, Texas, Alan and Connie Austin of Webster, Texas and Brenda and Ron Grimes of Bedford, Texas; grandchildren, Robin Curbello of Spring, Texas, Kelly Curbello of Spring, Texas, Shane Drinkwater of Newport News, Va., Clay Drinkwater of Round Rock, Texas and Ronnie Grimes of Portland, Ore.; great-grandchildren, Sean Conley, Tiffany Conley and Jade Tullos, all of Spring, Texas, Brittany Curbello of Houston, Phillip Drinkwater and Austin Drinkwater, both of Newport News, Va. For 34 years of dedicated service with the United States Department of the Air Force at Ellington Air Force Base, Houston, Milton received numerous letters of merit and accommodation. He was identified as a shining example of a hard working American earning the respect and esteem of fellow workers and associates. Those who knew Milton recognized his steady nature and unwavering loyalty to family and friends. Milton will be greatly missed! The Nitzsche family will receive friends today from 6-9 p.m. in Brenham Memorial Chapel. Funeral service will be Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2003 at 11 a.m. in Brenham Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Walter Sensat officiating. Interment will follow in Nassau Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Jimmy Nitzsche, Steve Nitzsche, Kelly Curbello, Clay Drinkwater, Shane Drinkwater and Sean Conley. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hospice of Brazos Valley in Brenham. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, (979) 836-3611.

John Lewis Shaw
John Lewis Shaw was born March 28, 1931 in San Diego, Calif. to John Herbert and Frances Jesse Shaw. He died Monday, Jan. 20 2003, in St. Joseph's Hospital, Bryan, Texas. Survivors include Jim Lather; brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Mary Shaw, Lufkin, Texas; aunt, Dorothy Huffman, Sundown, N.Y.; and cousins, Barbara Kimbrough, Broken Arrow, Okla. and Joann Martin, Fulton, Texas. While attending the University of Houston, John enlisted in the Air Force and served from 1951 to 1955. During his tour of duty in Korea, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal for his humanitarianism deed of adopting an orphanage where 100 individuals resided. John's primary employment was in floral design, with ongoing involvement with interior design, antique sales and historic restoration. Cremation was entrusted to Callaway-Jones. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Brenham.

Adam Christian Culliver
Adam Christian Culliver, age 4, passed away Monday, Jan. 20, 2003 at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston. Adam was born April 8, 1998 in Bryan, Texas to Timothy Alton and Donna Renee (Heintz) Culliver. Adam was a student in Mrs. Campbell's Prekindergarten Class at First Baptist Church School and a faithful member of Sunday School. Adam loved music and soccer. Adam is preceded in death by an infant aunt, Joanne Culliver. Adam's family include his parents, Timothy "Tim" and Donna Culliver, brother, Andrew Reese Culliver, all of Brenham; maternal grandparents, Albert Heintz and Dorothy "GooGoo" Nowicki of Brenham; paternal grandparents, Charles Culliver of Sylvarena, Miss. and Joyce "Mamaw" Dyess of Pineville, Miss.; aunts and uncles, Audrey and Tommy Murray, Ronald and Deidra Heintz, Paul and Cindy Culliver, Wayne and Nan Culliver, Huey and Kristy Dyess and Ross Culliver; special friends, Ralph "Red" and Carolyn "White" Wittner, Otto "Ta-Toe" Heidemann, Shane Bentke and Hadley Webb; along with his special doll, Charlotte. Visitation with the Culliver family will be from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23, 2003 at Brenham Memorial Chapel. Funeral service for Adam will be 2 p.m., Friday, Jan. 24, 2003 in First Baptist Church with the Rev. Stephen Ponder and the Rev. Troy Sikes officiating. Pallbearers are Tim Webb, Charlie Pyle, Matthew Reue and Don Ikard. Honorary pallbearers are cousins and First Baptist Church School pre-kindergarten classes. Memorials may be given to First Baptist Church School Scholarship Fund. We, the family, would like to extend our deepest thanks to Dr. Lisa Wang and Dr. Doug Meyers for giving Adam the best care humanly possible. A special thanks to nurses Randy Bowen, Priscilla Phillips Reid, Julie Kuzin, Wendy Kuiroc and respiratory therapist, Abbey Nelson. You were by his bedside continuously and we know he felt your love. To Bill Riddle, thank you for sharing the word of God with us and Adam. The love we as a family felt from you can never be replaced. Texas Children's Hospital PICU 7th Floor and all who cared for our precious Adam, we thank you and love you. You will all continue to be in our prayers. May God bless you for the love and care you provide for all those critically ill children. You are special people and God knows that. Adam Christian Culliver, who was he? He was and always will be our precious son and brother. The joy of our lives. He lived out his middle name "Christian," that he was and will continue to be in heaven. He only shared 4 years and 9 months with us, which was not nearly long enough. Adam accomplished more in this short time than most people do in a lifetime. He showed people the love of God. Through him, lives have been changed. He was a witness to many and brought many to love the Lord, our God, ultimately. He was contagious in a way that we cannot even begin to explain. We will always remember your happy, smiling face. Life was always happy and an adventure for you. It will continue to be even more so in heaven. You rest, little precious, for you are in the hands of the Lord. He will take care of you until we meet again in heaven. Thank you for sharing those years with us and thank you for the witness you were here on earth. Forever in our hearts, Mom, Dad, Brother Funeral arrangements are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer Street, Brenham, 836-3611.

Arthur "Art" LeBlanc
Arthur "Art" LeBlanc, 80, of Brenham, husband of Ann LeBlanc passed away this morning at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston. A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 26, 2003 in St. Peter's Episcopal Church with Pastor Cecilia Smith officiating. A full obituary will appear in Thursday's edition of the Banner-Press. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, 836-3611.

Olivia Lewis Mays
Olivia Lewis Mays, 92, of Brenham, expired this morning at Trinity Medical Center. She was born Jan. 22, 1912. Services are pending with the Lewis Professional Services in charge.

Melvin Ray Perry
Melvin Ray Perry, 74, of Brenham, died Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2003 at his residence. He was born March 18, 1928 in Chappell Hill, Texas to George and Byrdie Perry. He attended Anderson High School and was a graduate of Blinn College. On May 19, 1951, Melvin was married to Bonnie Jewel Mize in Waller, Texas by the Rev. Eugene Craig. He was employed by local banks for 35 years and later was employed by Blinn College for 10 years until he retired. Melvin enjoyed children and flowers and was affectionately known to lots of Brenham kids as "Paw Paw Perry." He was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, H.C.; brother, Arnold; brother-in-law, Carl Allen Mize; and son-in-law, David Dealing. Melvin is survived by his wife, Bonnie; daughter, Vickie Lynn Johnson and husband Wallace of Georgetown; son, Aubrey Ray Perry and wife Sandra of Brenham; grandchildren, Christopher and Kyle Dealing of Georgetown, and Amber and Justin Perry of Brenham; brother, Donald Perry of Austin; and sisters-in-law, Kathryn Perry of Brenham and Jean Mize of Houston. Visitation with the family will be held from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2003 at Brenham Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2003 at Brenham Memorial Chapel with Pastor Dr. Wesley Welborn officiating. Interment will follow at Prairie Lea Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Christopher Dealing, Johnell Schmidt, R.A. Meinhart, Eugene Nowak, Ricky Weiss and Hilbert Goessler. Honorary pallbearer is Richard Bage. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church or the Brenham Professional Child Care Association. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, 836-3611.

Mrs. Ruby Ruth Hogan
Funeral services for Mrs. Ruby Ruth Hogan, who died in a local hospital on Jan. 21, will be held Saturday, Jan. 25 at 11 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church where the Rev. Artis Edwards is pastor. The Rev. Kenneth Moore of Arlington, Texas will officiate with burial in Willow Grove Cemetery. Mrs. Hogan was the youngest child of Robert and Bessie Meredith. She was born May 7, 1916 in Brenham and graduated from Pickard High School. She worked for the Winkelmann Southern Clinic as a nurse for 24 years before her retirement. She is survived by Archie C. Hogan Jr. of Salt Lake City, Utah; Darlyne Hogan Brown of Worcester, Mass.; two grandsons, Roland Nicholas Brown of Houston and Archie C. Hogan III of Orem, Utah; two granddaughters, Sheila Ruth Randolph or Arlington, Texas and Sara Ruth Hogan of Salt Lake City, Utah; one sister, Mrs. Robbie Mae Moore of Fort Worth; one aunt, Mrs. Dorothy Helene Hewitt of Houston; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Mrs. Minnie Maude Northington; and one brother, George Howard Meredith. Services and arrangements are entrusted to Hogan Funeral Home.

Arthur James LeBlanc Sr.
Arthur James LeBlanc Sr., went to be with his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, Jan 22, 2003 while hospitalized at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Art was born in Port Arthur, Texas on Dec 7, 1922 to Earl Anthony and Georgiana Bell LeBlanc Sr. He was baptized on Dec 22, 1922 at St. Mary's Church in Port Arthur. He and his spouse Ann had resided at his beloved Circle L Ranch outside Brenham since 1990. Previously, he resided in Houston. Art is survived by his spouse, Ann S. LeBlanc; sons Arthur J. LeBlanc Jr. and spouse Trudy; and John G. LeBlanc and spouse Kathy; and stepson, Michael J. Halrlan. Also surviving are sisters, Mary Ann Duerr of Long Beach, Calif. and Laura Jean Wenzel and spouse Frank of Tomball; brother, Earl Anthony LeBlanc of San Antonio; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and Peggy J. LeBlanc, the mother of his children. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. After attending public schools in Ft. Worth, he entered the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas (now Texas A&M University) where he received a bachelor of science degree in January 1947. However, before the completion of his senior year in college, the entire senior class was drafted into the Army. He entered Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as Second Lieutenant of the U. S. Army on Oct 28, 1943 at Ft. Sill, Okla. He served with the 491st Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 11th Armored Division in Germany, Belgium and Austria. During this wartime, Art was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart as well as the Bronze Star for outstanding bravery. Art voluntarily extended his military service for one year to begin the Allied occupation of Germany. He was honorably discharged as Captain and returned to A&M where he finished his studies and earned his college degree. Following graduation from A&M, Art associated with his father, Earl A. LeBlanc Sr. in LeBlanc, Inc. and later in LeBlanc and Company, both general contracting firms. Later, he formed Lebco Constructors, Inc. and served as president and CEO until his retirement in 1990. He and his firm were responsible for the construction of many prominent commercial buildings in Houston, Austin, surrounding areas and Atlanta, Ga. Art was a member of the Association of General Contractors in Houston and had church affiliation with Annunciation Orthodox Church in Houston and St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Brenham. Art was very active civically during his residency in Houston and in the Brenham area. He served as a trustee of the Spring Branch Independent School District for 17 years, serving in many officer positions including President. He was a member of the River Oaks Breakfast Club, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Association, The 100 Club of Harris County, the Houston Chamber of Commerce, the A&M Association of Former Students, the A&M Century Club, the Independence Historical Society of Washington County and the 11th Armored Division Association. He formerly was a member of Lakeside Country Club, the Warwick Club and Memorial Country Club, all in Houston. A special interest, project and love of Art's was the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County, where he served as a director and as chairman of the Campaign Committee. He was very actively involved with the children of all ages and backgrounds. The club named him 2002 Board Member of the Year. Art previously received a Lifetime Membership Award from Spring Branch I.S.D. PTA Association. Recently, he was named 2002 Volunteer of the Year by the Washington County Council, an organization devoted to preserving the heritage of Washington County. Among his special interests were hunting, fishing, skiing, traveling, ranching, and children. He had been an avid golfer in his younger years. Art will always be remembered as a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, brother and one who always gave himself unselfishly to everyone. The love of his life was and will eternally be his companion, partner and loving wife, Ann. A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Jan 26, 2003 at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Brenham. Officiating will be the Rev. Cecilia B. Smith. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County, P.O., Box 1952, Brenham, Texas 77834 or to The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcomb, Houston, Texas 77030. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, 836-3611.

Lee Fred Smith
Lee Fred Smith, 88, passed away Jan 19, 2003 at the V.A. Hospital in Houston. Services will be Friday, Jan 24, 2003 at the Post Oak Baptist Church at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. James Wilkins officiating. Burial will be in the V.A. Cemetery in Houston. He leaves to mourn a wife, Elois, to cherish his memories; four sons; four daughters; two brothers; 32 grandchildren; 47 great-grand children; eight great-great grandchildren; nieces; nephews; and a host of relatives and friends. Taft Harris Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

John Aitken
Graveside services for John Aitken, 74, of Kenney, Texas, will be held Saturday, Jan. 25, 2003 at Pilgrims Rest Cemetery near Bellville, with the Rev. Blair Lundborg of Christ Lutheran Church in Brenham officiating. John Aitken was born in New York on Jan. 7, 1928, son of Scottish immigrants, John Aitken and Winifred Nicholson. After serving in the U.S. Army at the end of WW II, John went to California to study engineering at the University of Berkeley, where he became the head of the diving department. John graduated from Berkeley University in 1953 with honors. John joined Schlumberger, an oil service company, in 1953, beginning an illustrious career that would take him to all points of the globe. Training initially and then working in the field in South America, John quickly made his mark in all of the countries in that continent before moving to Europe. John was equally well known and respected in oilfields, in the deserts of Libya, as he was in the jungles of Thailand or Brazil. His hard work and immense breadth and depth of knowledge in support to the field to the ever-growing Schlumberger of the '60s,'70s,'80s, contributed to the overseas success of the company in that period. John was evacuated from Beirut in 1974, to Athens and eventually returned back to Paris, where he retired from Schlumberger in 1983. John not only spoke Spanish fluently but also French, Italian and German in the course of his career. At the age when most would be considering a less demanding lifestyle, John Aitken then embarked on a second and equally successful career, establishing and expanding the design and manufacturing company Mecano Tech. John continued to travel extensively. Canada, China, Germany, Portugal, Singapore, Indonesia, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina are but a few of those countries visited in the course of his work. John's ever inquisitive technical nature and ability to come up with a working solution, under pressure, was one of the major strengths and characteristics which never deserted him all his working life. On Jan. 3, 2003, John passed away peacefully in his sleep in Buenos Aires, Argentina, while on yet another field trip, at work in an industry he loved and found great satisfaction in all his life. All those who knew him and those who worked with him over the years will sadly miss him. He was survived by his wife, Cleide; their son, Shawn; step-son, William; his sister, Mary; and nieces, Mary Lou and Kathy. John is preceded in death by his parents; and his son, David. Funeral Services are under the direction of Knesek Family Funeral Chapels, 842 East Main, Bellville, Texas 77474, (979) 865-3121.

Willie Luedemann Jr.
Willie Luedemann Jr., 86, of Brenham passed away Thursday, Jan. 23, 2003 in Trinity Care Center. He was born July 10, 1916 in the Mill Creek Community of Washington County to William and Selma (Brandes) Luedemann and attended school at Mill Creek and Brenham and was a lifetime member of Greenvine Baptist Church. Willie was the owner and operator of Luedemann's Grocery and Mill at Mill Creek until his retirement in 1983. On Nov. 28, 1991, he was married to Ella May Lesemann in Brenham. Survivors include his wife, Ella May Luedemann of Brenham; son, William A. Luedemann and wife Jeanne of Brenham; daughters, Barbara Bruhn and husband Charles of Laurel Hill, Fla. and Peggy Boecker and husband Calvin of Brenham; step-daughter, Pat Williams and husband Rodney of Brenham; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; and sister, Elsie Ritchie of Temple. Willie is preceded in death by his parents, William and Selma Luedemann; first wife, Ora Nell Gerland Luedemann on May 27,1984; and sister, Lillie Heinemann. Visitation with the Luedemann family will be from 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2003 at Brenham Memorial Chapel. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 26, 2003 at Greenvine Baptist Church with the Rev. Walter Sensat and the Rev. Bob Gregory officiating. Interment will be in Prairie Lea Cemetery. Pallbearers are his grandsons and great-grandsons: Darrell Bruhn; Dalton Bruhn; Duane Boecker; Alan Luedemann; John Luedemann; Shawn Williams; James Bruhn and Zachary Bruhn. Memorials may be given to Greenvine Baptist Church. Funeral services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, Texas, 836-3611.

Lucy Pawlak
Lucy Pawlak, 95, of Chappell Hill, passed away Thursday, Jan. 23, 2003 in Trinity Medical Center. Lucy was born June 23,1907 to John and Julia (Pawlowski) Dekowski in Lockhart, Texas. She attended school in Chappell Hill and was a member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church where she played the organ for 60 years and was also a member of the Altar Society. She was married to Stanley Pawlak and became the owner and operator of Pawlak Grocery in Chappell Hill until her retirement in 1985. Lucy is preceded in death by her parents; her husband on March 5,1973; sisters, Bernice Pankonien and Monica Jozwiak; brother-in-law, Paul Jozwiak; granddaughter, Mary Whiddon; and infant brother. Survivors include daughters, Dorothy Whiddon and husband Bill of Chappell Hill; and Bibiana Pawlak of Chappell Hill; four grandchildren, William Whiddon, Johnnie and Carol Whiddon; Terri and Eric Ellison and Robert Whiddon; three great-grandchildren, Garrett, Nolan and Mitchell Ellison; four step-great-grandchildren, Ryan and Aimee Ladewig, Angie and Jim Baker, Luke Ladewig and Jana and Seth Klehm; sister, Florence Stegent and husband Johnny of Chappell Hill. A Rosary by the Ladies Altar Society will be at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2003 followed by a Rosary at 7 p.m. recited by Father Eugene Shepard, both at Brenham Memorial Chapel. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m., Monday, Jan. 27, 2003 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church of Chappell Hill with Father Eugene Shepard as Celebrant. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Pallbearers are Robert (Bobby) Miller, Alfred Pawlak, Paul Derkowski, Ryan Ladewig, Marion Stegent and Tim Murski. Honorary pallbearer is David Stegent. Memorials may be given to St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Chappell Hill. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, 836-3611.

Melvin R. Spiess
Melvin R. Spiess, 86 years, two months and 24 days, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2003. Born Oct. 28, 1916 in Welcome Community, he married Viola Raeke in Industry on Aug. 31, 1939. He was an electrician by profession but at times also operated a service station, Spiess Radio and TV, drove a school bus and in recent years worked for Eckermann Meat Co. Mr. Spiess was a charter member of the Fayetteville Lions Club, charter member of Industry Volunteer Fire Dept. and involved with Adam 5 Ambulance for some 20 years. He was an honorary member of the Bellville F.H.A. and was formerly president of the Local Germania Chapter. Survivors include wife of 63 years, Viola Spiess of Industry; two daughters, Sharon Spiess and Yvonne Wait and husband, Russell, all of Industry; brother, E.F. "Dick" Spiess and wife, Betty of Wimberly; Sisters, Esther Spiess of Brenham and Leona Luedeker and husband, Waldo of Industry; two grandchildren, Michael and Andrea Drab, both of Industry; sister-in-law, Florence Raeke of Industry; special friend and caregiver, Brett and Lisa Galle and special "buddy," Dillon Galle, all of Industry. A number of devoted nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Frieda (Herbrig) Spiess; a sister, Mildred Sommerfeld; and three brothers-in-law, Alwin, Edwin and Herman Raeke. Funeral services are Saturday, Jan. 25, 2003 at 2 p.m at Industry United Methodist Church with the Rev. Patricia Newcomer, the Rev. Milton Maly and the Rev. James Harrell officiating. Interment is in the church cemetery. A prayer service will be at Zaskoda Chapel in Industry today at 7 p.m. Visitation will begin today at 2 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Brazos Valley Hospice, 705 S. Austin, Brenham 77833 or to Industry United Methodist Church. Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home of La Grange is in charge of arrangements.

Betty Joyce Turner
Betty Joyce Turner, 68, of Houston, died Monday, Jan. 13, 2003. She is preceded in death by her son, Dale Turner; and brother, Ernest Boeker Jr. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister, she is survived by her loving husband, Wayne Turner; son, Charles Turner and wife Karla of Humble; daughters, Pam Rodgers and husband Terry and Nita Arriola and husband Zack; daughter-in-law, Michelle Turner; granddaughters, Tiffany Arriola, Callie Arriola, Lauren Turner, Courtney Rodgers and Kasi Newell; grandsons, Steven Rodgers and Brent Newell; mother, Edna Boeker of Brenham; sister, JoAnn and husband Staf Stafford of Brenham; and many relatives and friends. Friends may call at Pat H. Foley Funeral Home after 9 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, 2003 with the family to be present from 6-8 p.m. for visitation. Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 17, 2003 at St. James Lutheran Church, 1602 W. 43rd. Street, Houston with Pastor Fred H. de Oliveira officiating. Interment will follow at Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the St. James Lutheran Church Memorial Fund in her honor. WE LOVE YOU MOM. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Pat H. Foley Funeral Home, 1200 W. 34th St.. Houston, (713) 869-6261.

Marie Eckert
Marie Eckert of Mason passed away at her home Thursday, Jan. 16, at the age of 90. She is survived by three children, the Rev. H. Charles Eckert of Shiner, Dewey W. Eckert of Mason and June Durst of Boerne; as well as four sisters, Jewell Tatsch, Bertha Fay Nobles and Viletha Cooper, all of Mason and Mamie Behrens of Brady. Marie is also survived by five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and one step great-grandchild. Funeral services were held Saturday, Jan. 18 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Mason. Interment followed in the Bethel Cemetery at Camp Air. Funeral services were under the direction of Mason Funeral Home.

Milton Walter Nitzsche
Milton Walter Nitzsche, 83, beloved husband, step-father, grandfather and great-grandfather went to be with the Lord Saturday, Jan. 18, 2003. Milton was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Eliese (Minnson) Nitzsche; brothers, Ernest and Herbert; and sister, Elsa. Milton was a long time resident of Houston, while also maintaining ties to his birthplace near Round Top, Texas. He lived there full-time for the past 17 years. Milton is survived by his wife of 37 years, Bessie Nitzsche of Round Top, Texas: step-children, Beverly and Mike Corte of Pearland, Texas, Alan and Connie Austin of Webster, Texas and Brenda and Ron Grimes of Bedford, Texas; grandchildren, Robin Curbello of Spring, Texas, Kelly Curbello of Spring, Texas, Shane Drinkwater of Newport News, Va., Clay Drinkwater of Round Rock, Texas and Ronnie Grimes of Portland, Ore.; great-grandchildren, Sean Conley, Tiffany Conley and Jade Tullos, all of Spring, Texas, Brittany Curbello of Houston, Phillip Drinkwater and Austin Drinkwater, both of Newport News, Va. For 34 years of dedicated service with the United States Department of the Air Force at Ellington Air Force Base, Houston, Milton received numerous letters of merit and accommodation. He was identified as a shining example of a hard working American earning the respect and esteem of fellow workers and associates. Those who knew Milton recognized his steady nature and unwavering loyalty to family and friends. Milton will be greatly missed! The Nitzsche family will receive friends today from 6-9 p.m. in Brenham Memorial Chapel. Funeral service will be Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2003 at 11 a.m. in Brenham Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Walter Sensat officiating. Interment will follow in Nassau Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Jimmy Nitzsche, Steve Nitzsche, Kelly Curbello, Clay Drinkwater, Shane Drinkwater and Sean Conley. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hospice of Brazos Valley in Brenham. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, (979) 836-3611.

LaVerne Vash
LaVerne Vash, 80, of Brenham, died Feb. 11, 2003 at her residence. Mrs. Vash was born March 8, 1922 in Brenham to Herman Sr. and Lydia Wehring Ahrens. She was baptized June 25, 1922 in her home by Pastor Arthur Hartman and was confirmed Sept. 4, 1938 in Eben-Ezer Lutheran Church in Berlin. On June 3, 1944 she married John Vash Jr. in Jacksonville, Fla. Mrs. Vash was self-employed in selling sewing machines and was a Shaklee distributor since 1975. She enjoyed serving her customers and friends. Survivors include her daughter, Janice Winkelmann and husband Lee Charles of Arlington, Texas; sons, Ronald Vash and wife Phyllis of Phoenix, Ariz. and John Ray Vash and friend Linda Blasser of Allen, Texas; special loved one, Bobbie Sue Vash of Lake Dallas, Texas; four grandchildren, John David Taite, Michael Edward Taite, Ronald Dean Vash and Brian Edward Vash and wife Veronica Saenz Vash; brother, Herman Ahrens Jr. and wife Joyce of Brenham; and sisters, Hilda Tegeler and husband Ben of Brenham, Mary Winkelmann of Lufkin, Alice Rust of Brenham, Helen Nienstedt and husband Herbert of Brenham and Mildred Franklin and husband Steve of Hempstead. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Vash Jr., on Jan. 8, 1995 and her parents. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m.. Thursday, Feb. 13 in Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Salem with Pastor Bill Derrick officiating. Burial will be in Prairie Lea Cemetery in Brenham. The family will receive visitors from 6-8 p.m. today in Memorial Oaks Chapel. Her grandsons and nephews will serve as pallbearers. Memorials may be given to Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Salem, 1500 Salem Road, Brenham, Texas 77833 or Hospice Brazos Valley, 705 S. Austin St., Brenham, Texas 77833. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main St., Brenham.

Hattie "Madear" Pearl Moore
Hattie "Madear" Pearl Moore, 76, of Brenham, died Monday, Feb. 9, 2003 at Trinity Medical Center. Survivors include ten children, seven girls and three boys. Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, 2003 at Liberty Missionary Baptist Church of Independence, with the Rev. Willie Pennygraph officiating and the Rev. Curtis Ross, pastor. Taft Harris Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Helen Weiss
Helen Weiss, 87, of Bleiblerville, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2003 in Trinity Medical Center. Helen was born in Bleiblerville on July 18, 1915 to Theodore and Sophie (Arens) Loesch. She was baptized Sept. 26, 1915 by the Rev. R. Appel and confirmed May 19, 1929 by the Rev. J. Appel in Welcome Lutheran Church. She attended Victoria School in Bleiblerville. On Dec. 26, 1937 she was married to Otto C. Weiss in Welcome Lutheran Church by the Rev. T.M. Mansur and became a homemaker and along with her husband she was a cattle rancher. She was a life long member of Welcome Lutheran Church and a member of the Naomi Circle. Helen was a good mom and a loving grandmother. Helen is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Otto C. on July 16, 1969; and grandson, Kent Antkowiak. Survivors include her daughters, Evelyn Weiss Slade of Bleiblerville and Marlyn Weiss Antkowiak and husband Michael Antkowiak of Brenham; grandchildren, Jon, Scott and William (Will) Antkowiak, all of Brenham; sister, Helga Warmke of Bleiblerville; sister-in-law, Leona Boenker of Brenham; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Lydia and Raymond Platzer and; sister-in-law, Bernice Weiss, all of Wesley Community. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. today at Brenham Memorial Chapel. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Feb. 14, 2003 at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church of Welcome. The Rev. Bill Derrick will officiate. Interment will follow in Prairie Lea Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Welcome Lutheran Church or the church cemetery fund. Pallbearers are Jon Antkowiak, Scott Antkowiak, Ronnie Weiss, Henry Jankowiak, Verde Pomykal, Bruce Light, Harold Weiss and Ray Zuehlke. Will Antkowiak will be an honorary pallbearer. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, 836-3611.

Mrs. Helen Murphy
Funeral services for Mrs. Helen Murphy, who passed Feb. 11, 2003 in Los Angeles, Calif. will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2003 at the Hogan Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Brian Larkin will officiate and internment will follow at Chappell Hill Cemetery. Mrs. Murphy, a former member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Chappell Hill, is survived by her son, Herbert McDermott; and one sister, Nenie L. Newsom of Houston; and by one sister, Daisy Sparks of Los Angeles, Calif. Services have been entrusted to Hogan Funeral Home in Brenham.