Martha Knox Christman

Martha Knox Christman went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 4, 2012. Martha was born in Washington, Pennsylvania on November 3, 1926 to parents Ruth Mitchell and John Erwin Knox. She was raised in Washington and attended college, studying music. She married the love of her life, Edwin Charles on June 18, 1947. They were happily married for 51 years. In 1964, they moved to Houston and Martha moved to Katy, Texas in 2004. Martha was a devout member of First Baptist Church and the “Son Light” Sunday school class. She attended BSF Bible Studies for many years. She spent many enjoyable hours volunteering for Project Linus.

Martha is survived by her daughters Ruth Haiduk, Sheila Hulme and husband Ron, Joyce Goldsmith and husband Russell, grandchildren Nathan and Travis Haiduk, Michelle Hulme-Lippert and husband Bobby, Jennifer and Melissa Hulme, and Kyle and Alyse Goldsmith.

Martha was devoted to the Lord, her family, and her friends. Her sweet spirit will be missed by those that knew her. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 10:00 am in the chapel at First Baptist Church, Katy. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Wounded Warrior Project or to First Baptist Katy.

James Hamberlin

James Edward Hamberlin, beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, of Katy, TX, passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on April 20, 2012.

James was born December 15, 1969 in Oklahoma City to James and Frances Hamberlin. A graduate of Chickasha High School, James proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1991-1995. While enlisted, the talented runner was selected to the All-Marine Track & Field Team. After serving in the Corps, James joined Vance Security Co. in Detroit, MI where he met the love of his life, Kimberly Brewer. James and Kim eventually settled in Katy, TX where Kim began a career with Shell Oil Co. while James devoted himself to a labor of love helping to raise their two daughters Angelina and McKenna.

James was a gifted athlete who excelled at any sport. He also enjoyed watching sports, especially his beloved Oklahoma Sooners. James was a friend to many, but above all, a man whose passion was his family.

James is survived by his loving wife Kim; daughters, Angelina and McKenna, mother Frances Hamberlin of Edmond OK; sister, Donna Jean Hamberlin Bogle of Norman, OK; brother, Billy Jack Hamberlin of Weatherford, OK; as well as numerous other extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, James L. Hamberlin.

A viewing will be held on Monday April 23rd, from 6-8 pm CST at Schmidt Funeral Home, 1508 East Avenue, Katy TX 77493, 281-391-2424.

The Celebration Service will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday April 24th at First Baptist Church of Katy, 600 Pin Oak, Katy TX 77494. 281-391-1100.

James asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to his daughter’s college fund at: College Invest Direct Portfolio; College Savings Plan (FBO Angelina & McKenna Hamberlin); PO Box 55355; Boston, MA 02205-5355.

Robert Edwin Kingsley

Robert Edwin Kingsley was born on November 26, 1924 in South Lyon, Michigan to Victor Edwin Kingsley and Laura Smith Kingsley.  On July 6, 1946, he married Evelyn Joy Wiseman in San Antonio, Texas.  Robert served his country as a pilot in the Army Air Corps.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Katy and was also a member of the Masons and Shriners. 

Robert Edwin Kingsley passed away on Tuesday, October 11, 2011, in Katy, at the age of 86 years.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joy Kingsley; children, Charles Kingsley and his wife Twyla of Katy, and Gregory Kingsley and his wife Kay of Katy; grandchildren, Lauren, Jennifer, Melissa, and Allison; and great grandchildren, Savannah and Garrett.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 14, 2011 at the Schmidt Funeral Home Chapel, in Katy.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 15, 2011, at the First Baptist Church, in Katy, with Dr. Randy White officiating.  A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at the Restever Memorial Park, in Bryan, with Dr. Randy White officiating. 

Those wishing to make memorial gifts may do so to the Alzheimer’s Association, Southeast Texas Chapter, 2242 W. Holcombe Blvd.,Houston, TX 77030.

Funeral services held under the direction of

Schmidt Funeral Home

1508 East Avenue  ~  Katy, Texas  77493  ~  (281) 391-2424

Alma Mathis

Alma Irene Mathis was born on October 27, 1921, in Waller, Texas, to James and Edith Schmidt.  She married Elvy Judge Mathis on April 25, 1941, in Katy.  Alma has resided in Katy since 1941, where she was a member of the First Baptist Church.

Alma passed away in Katy on Wednesday, September 7, 2011, at the age of 89 years.

She is survived by her children, Sherry Elaine Spencer and her husband Ross; and James R. Mathis and his wife Mary; daughter-in-law, Pat Mathis; grandchildren, Michael Mathis, Michelle Hudson and husband Mark, Marc Mathis and wife April, Steven Spencer and wife Xochitl Perales, Timothy Spencer and wife Michelle, Lauren Ditchman, and Jonathan Ditchman; great grandchildren, Kelly Hudson, Michael James Hudson, Britany Spencer, Benjamin Spencer, Nicolas Sheppard, Evan Spencer, Maddison Mathis, Michaela Mathis, and Brennen Mathis; great-great grandchildren, Jason Mathis, Joshua Mathis, Landon Mathis, and Logan Mathis; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Elvy Judge Mathis; and sons, Gary Lynn Mathis and Frank Joseph Ditchman.

Family will receive guests from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 12, 2011, at the Bolin Chapel at First Baptist Church, in Katy, where funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. with Dr. Randy White and Rev. Tom Bolin officiating.  Interment in Memorial OaksCemetery.

Those wishing to make memorial gifts may do so to the Pastoral Care Ministry at First Baptist Church of Katy, 600 Pin Oak Road,Katy, TX 77494 or to Life Solutions Hospice, 20923 Kingsland Blvd., Katy, TX 77450.

Funeral services held under the direction of

Schmidt Funeral Home

1508 East Avenue  ~  Katy, Texas  77493  ~  (281) 391-2424

Garber Leroy Short

Garber Leroy Short passed away on September 6, 2011, at the age of 96 years, 7 months, and 7 days.  Garber was born on January 31, 1915 to Viola Grier Short and Arthur Leroy Short on the family farm between Katy and Brookshire.  Garber attended Katy school and graduated in 1933.

After high school graduation, he was employed by several of the rice farms in the area.  Some of his duties included performing levee surveying, plowing, planting, and harvesting tasks.  Soon he was able to find employment with the Avera Feed Store in Katy.

In 1940 he entered the Army for the then required one year tour of duty.  This tour was extended after the Pearl Harbor attack and Garber was attached to the Texas 36^th Division.  His tour took him through north Africa, Sicily, Italy, France and ultimately Germany.  He was discharged as Tech Sgt. in 1945.  He returned to Katy and in March of 1946, he married Avadele Peck.  They bought a home in Katy and remained married and active there for some 66 years.  Garber began working for the American Rice Growers Co-op Association, and retired after 40 years in 1980; 27 years were spent as General Manager.

In addition to his career, he was active in community development of Katy.  Among his many activities included Charter Member of the Katy Volunteer Fire Department, past President of the Katy Rotary, honorary member of the Katy FFA, as well as a Katy ISD Board Member.  He was an ordained Deacon of First Baptist Church on September 17, 1939, and served for 50 years.

Garber always enjoyed people and conversation.  Among some of his other personal time activities he enjoyed gardening, woodworking, tinkering with old motors and working in his shop.

He is survived by his wife, Avadele; son, Stanley and wife Roberta; daughter, Elsie and husband Chip; four grandchildren, Andy, Brian, Kate, and Daniel; a number of nieces and nephews; and a host of friends and neighbors whose company he always enjoyed.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 8, 2011, at the Schmidt Funeral Home Chapel, in Katy.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 9, 2011, at the First Baptist Church, in Katy, with Rev. Tom Bolin officiating.  Interment in Katy Magnolia Cemetery.

Funeral services held under the direction of

Schmidt Funeral Home

1508 East Avenue  ~  Katy, Texas  77493  ~  (281) 391-2424

Tommy Nichols

Thomas Lerie Nichols, 81, went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 13, 2011. Born in Trout, La., Tommy spent his last years on earth in Houston, Texas.

Tommy's first chapter in his professional life was in Oilfield Services at McEvoy. His second chapter was as a manufacturer's representative for R.H. Peterson.

Working till the day he died, he was a big man in all ways. A strong, committed Christian, he strived to live his faith in all aspects of his life. In living his beliefs, he impressed the importance of Christian committedness and honesty on his family, wanting the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to own Christ as their personal Savior. Those who spent any time around him also know of his enjoyment of life and his sense of humor. Many of us learned some of our best behaviors from him and want to honor that today and every day hereafter.

Tommy was preceded in death by his sister, Regenia Nichols Cunningham; his nephew, Clifton Nichols; and his granddaughter, Angie Ann Duhon.

Tommy is survived and sorely missed by his brother, James Nichols; his wife of 62 years, Dorothy Nanette Browning Nichols; and his three children and their spouses, Susan and Montie Grimes, Sheryl and Eric Duhon and Lloyd and Tresa Huff Nichols. His legacy includes seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

On Saturday, April 16, 2011, a service of celebration will be at First Baptist Church of Katy, 600 Pin Oak Road, Katy, Texas 77494 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Randy White and Pastor Jeff Rees co-officiating. Following the services, Tommy will be laid to rest at Rosewood Cemetery in Humble, Texas.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to the Mission Program of First Baptist Church of Katy, 600 Pine Oak Road, Katy, Texas 77494, 281-391-1100.

John Clifton

Mr. John Franklin Clifton passed away on Sunday, April 3, 2011 at his home in Katy, Texas.  

Mr. Clifton was born March 19, 1921 in Dickson, TN.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Mrs. Jo Ann Davis Clifton; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Albert Clifton of Shaw, MS; and one brother, Homer Dalton Clifton of Shaw, MS.

He is survived by two sons, John Franklin Clifton, Jr. and wife Cindy of Katy, Texas, and Joe Bruce Clifton and wife Jenny of Larchmont, New York; two grandchildren, Michael and Emily Clifton of Larchmont, NY; one brother, James Robert Clifton and wife Claudia of Benoit, MS, one sister Mrs. Barbara Jean Whittington and husband Dick of Bartlett, TN, and one sister-in-law, Mrs. Ann Clifton of Shaw, MS; three nephews, James Whittington, Jay Clifton, Bobby Clifton; one niece, Sherry Swales, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Mr. Clifton graduated from Benoit High School in 1941.   He earned a B. A. Degree from Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS in 1948. He served overseas in the US Army from 1942 – 1946 during WWII as part of the 533^rd Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment.   He worked more than 40 years in the Mississippi Delta engaged in various agricultural/horticultural enterprises, specifically, Delta Brokerage and Pearson’s Nursery in Indianola, MS and Delta State University in Cleveland, MS where he retired from the Campus Beautification Department.  Mr. Clifton has been an ordained Baptist Deacon since 1956.

A memorial service will be held at the Bolin Chapel of First Baptist Church in Katy, Texas on Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 10 AM.    A visitation will be held at the Madisonville Funeral Home, located at 1511 E. Main (Hwy 21), Madisonville, TX on Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 2:30 PM with graveside services to follow at 3:30 PM in the Madisonville City Cemetery.    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Katy First Baptist Church, 600 Pin Oak Road, Katy, TX 77494.

Gladys Arnold

Gladys Arnold was born May 25, 1921 in Bellville, Texas to Henry and Hulda Waak.  On July 3, 1942 Gladys married James Arnold in Houston, Texas.  James passed away in 1976, and four years later she married his first cousin Jeffie Arnold on March 1, 1980.  She moved to Katy and loved Katy and all her friends.

Gladys passed away in Katy on Friday, April 1, 2011, at the age of 89 years.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Norman & Wanda Bond of Houston; son and daughter-in-law, Ken & Cathy Arnold of Burleson, Texas; two step sons and their spouses, Larry & Carolyn Arnold of Katy, and Leonard & Brenda Arnold of Conroe; 11 grandchildren and their spouses; 18 great grandchildren; as well as many other loving family members and friends.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 3, 2011, at the Schmidt Funeral Home Chapel, in Katy.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 4, 2011, at the First Baptist Church of Katy, with Dr. Randy White and Rev. Tom Bolin officiating.  A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday at the Oak Knoll Cemetery in Bellville, Texas.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons.

Elvina Thompson

Elvina Caroline Thompson born October 7, 1917, passed away March 18, 2011. Her husband Daniel Glenn Thompson Sr., her son Daniel Glenn Thompson Jr. and her granddaughter Sherri Lynn Thompson preceded her in death. 
She is survived by her children Carolyn Boyce and husband Byron, Stanley Thompson and wife Davalyn and Beth Thompson, wife of the late Daniel Glenn Thompson, Jr. Her grandchildren include Leighnea Phillips and husband Ron, Michelle Talley and Gerry, Stephanie Tibbetts and Todd, Marybeth Meeks and Mark, Patrick Boyce and Tiffany, Rodney Thompson and Christy, Scott Thompson and Nancy and Mark Nelson and Melonie. Her great grandchildren include Sherry and Stacy Phillips, Brittany and Beau Talley, Autumn, Hunter, Barrett and Sloane Meeks, Ashley and Brooklyn Boyce, Brendan, Austin and Caroline Tibbetts, Kendall and Mallory Thompson, Ella Thompson and Cole, Elise and Landry Nelson. 


Mrs. Thompson is a graduate of Alief High School where she was the Valedictorian. She diligently worked with her husband founding and managing the family's wholesale and retail gasoline business. First Baptist Church of Katy awarded her its Distinguished Service Award in recognition of her serving faithfully for over 40 years. She and her husband Glenn assisted a local Southern Baptist missionary in starting the First Baptist Church of Alief. 


In addition to her selfless devotion to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, she enjoyed creating mementos such as Christmas ornaments and designing dresses for our family. She was a charter member of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter ("OES") No. 1121, a fifty-year member of the OES and she received the Community Builder Award from the Katy Mason Lodge #1439. 


The family will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, March 20, 2011 at the Schmidt Funeral Home Chapel, in Katy. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 21, 2011 at the First Baptist Church of Katy, 600 Pin Oak Rd., in Katy. Interment in Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery.

Ted Friedman

Ted Friedman passed away at Katy Memorial Hospital on Thursday, January 6, 2011.


A memorial service for Ted Friedman will be held Friday, January 14, at 2:00 PM in the Bolin Chapel of First Baptist Church of Katy.


A note from Gerri--


Thank you and the class for your many prayers for Ted's recovery.  It appeared the Lord was finished with him here on earth and took him home.  He is now rejoicing with all the Saints in glory.

Ted II and I are left with a void in our hearts, but we know the Lord will guide us through the upcoming days.  He was a wonderful husband and father and I am so glad that the Lord gave him to me for 48 years.  Most of all he loved the Lord and witnessed up to the day he died.  His hope was to fully recover and be able to tell you all personally what you meant to him and thank you

for your many prayers, but I will take the liberty of doing that since he was called home in a hurry. He loved you all and is waiting at the door to welcome us all home.  Thank you so much.

Love in Him.
Gerri Friedman

Tom Edwards

Thomas Asa Edwards, born October 2, 1932 in Kennett, Missouri to John Millard Edwards and Audra Jones Edwards, passed away October 17, 2010 after a long illness.  On October 14^th, he had held the hand of his loving wife of over 50 years, Margaret Edwards, and shared with her that he would fight no more.

Tommy was retired from a long career in transportation operations management.  As he and Margaret journeyed through life together, they planted deep roots of love and friendship.  They have treasured their four children, eight grand-children, three great grand-children and countless friends and extended family.  “Grandad’s” cherished memory will be honored as traditions established over the years are celebrated in the Edwards home by his beloved family.

In addition to his true love, Margaret, Tommy is survived by sisters Peggy Mitchell of Red Bay, MS, Pat Bowlin of Byhalia, MS, and Yvonne Hall of Las Vegas, NV; sister-in-law Lois Edwards of Palm Desert, CA; children Chaundra Edwards and husband, Joe Morris of Houston, Tom Edwards and wife Cheri of Baton Rouge, LA, Denise Larivee of Austin, and John “Jae” Edwards and wife Alissa, of Denver, CO; grandchildren Joseph Queen, Nicole Queen and husband, Hassan Tahat, Anna Edwards,
Amy Shehadeh and husband Haleem, Kate Morris, Peyton and Archer Edwards; great grandchildren Ethan Queen, John Daniel Edwards and Riliegh Joy Shehadeh of Baton Rouge, LA. He was predeceased by his mother and father, brother Millard Edwards, sister Melba Looney, and grandson Daniel Edwards.

The family wishes to thank the many caregivers, family and friends who have helped care for Tom over the course of his illness.  We are especially grateful to Dr Miguel Franco and his staff and to the staff of The Plaza at the Buckingham for the care and respect with which they treated our loved one.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, October 21^st at First Baptist Church of Katy.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association, The Willed Body Program at UT Health Science Center at Houston, First Baptist Church Missions, or the charity of your choice.

Daniel Dean O’Brien

Daniel Dean O’Brien was born on July 11, 1957, in Farmington, New Mexico, to Walter Harold O’Brien and Ruth Loretta O’Brien.  On August 22, 1987, he married Judith Warner in Cypress, Texas.  Daniel was a very strong Christian.  He was a loving and wonderful husband and father.  Daniel was very active in his children’s activities, including the Katy High School Aqua Tigers and the Tiger Swim Club.  He has lived in Katy for 16 years, where he attended First Baptist Church.

Daniel went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, October 3, 2010, at the age of 53 years.

He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Judith O’Brien; daughters, Katie O’Brien and Victoria O’Brien; sister, Sharon O’Brien Smith; as well as numerous other loving family members and friends.

Pallbearers are Mike Riley, Paul Ortego, Larry Gore, Mark Rowe, Ralph Oliver, Gary Dean, Jeff Gilliland, and Ryan Radenz.  Honorary pallbearers are Kevin Gilliland, Ashton Bishop, Corey May, Jason Oliver, Logan Dean, Matthew Mallazo, and Sidney Devillier.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 6, 2010, at the Schmidt Funeral Home Chapel, in Katy.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 8, 2010, at the First Baptist Church, in Katy, with Dr. Randy White and Rev. Bronson Stewart officiating.  A private, family graveside service will be held following services.

Funeral services held under the direction of

Schmidt Funeral Home

1508 East Avenue  ~  Katy, Texas  77493  ~  (281) 391-2424

Rev. Andrew Jackson Pate

RICHMOND — A memorial service for the Rev. Andrew Jackson Pate, 91, of Richmond, will be 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2010, at First Baptist Church, 502 South Fifth St., Richmond, with Dr. John Lockhart officiating. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. at Lakeside Cemetery, Eagle Lake, Texas.

Andrew Jackson Pate was born May 9, 1919, in Montgomery County, Texas, to Grover Jackson Pate and Nora Ivey Pate.

Brother Pate (Andy) went home to be with the Lord and his beloved wife of 70 years, Cyrene, on Wednesday, Aug. 18.

He graduated from high school in Dickinson, Texas. He attended Howard Payne in Brownwood, Texas, Chaplains School in Massachusetts (WWZ) and Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. A chaplain in World War II, he lived his entire adult life on a mission field to make the world a better place by helping people seek and find the Lord Jesus Christ. He served as a Baptist minister in many churches, including Belle Plain Baptist Church in Brownwood, Spring Baptist Church in Spring, Texas, Jones Creek Baptist Church in Freeport, Texas, First Baptist Church in Eagle Lake, First Baptist Church in Sweeny, Texas, First Baptist Church in Columbus, Texas, Tri-City Southern Baptist Church in La Puente, Calif., College Park Baptist Church in Houston, Texas (Houston Baptist University) and First Baptist Church of Katy, Texas. He also served as director of Texas Baptist Encampment in Palacios, Texas, for a three-year term.

In his “retirement” years, he continued to look for ways to help people find Jesus in various ministries in the Texas Hill Country such as the V.A. Hospital in Kerrville and the First Baptist Church of Harper, Texas. Andy was active in numerous civic and church-related organizations throughout his lifetime. He was especially active in Rotary Club in all the cities where he lived and served as pastor.

Survivors include three children, Glenda Holcomb and husband, Richard, Ron Pate and wife, Shirley, and Don Pate and wife, Linda; seven grandchildren, Shawn Pate, Heather Rutt and husband, Chris, LaJuana Post and husband, Gregg, Richard T. Holcomb and wife, Cristina, Michael Holcomb and wife, Janett, Kristen Fraley and husband, Steve, and Drew Pate; six great-grandchildren, Jacob Rutt, Allie Rutt, Richard Holcomb II, Hannah Holcomb, Declan Fraley and Michael Glen Holcomb Jr.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by his wife, Cyrene Follett Pate.

His three children, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren will continue to carry with them forever the wisdom of his words, the inspiration of his faith and the example of his unconditional love.

Memorials may be given in his memory to First Baptist Church of Richmond/General Fund, 502 South 5th St., Richmond, TX 77469.

Condolence messages may be written for the Pate family at www.garmanycarden.com.

Services are under the direction of Garmany & Carden Funeral Directors, 1201 Fourth Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471; 281-342-4671.

Vic Nelson

Vic Nelson was born on December 20, 1951, in Houston, Texas, to George V. Nelson and Betty Jo Tucker Nelson.  On April 23, 1994, he married Cheryl Russ in Katy.  He was a member of the American Kennel Club as well as the American Rice Growers Association.  He was a loving husband, father, brother, and friend who will be greatly missed.  Vic was an avid outdoorsman whose passions included hunting, dog training, and golfing.  He has lived in Katy all of his life, where he was a member of the First Baptist Church, Katy. 

Vic passed away at his home in Katy on Sunday, May 16, 2010, at the age of 58 surrounded by his family and friends. 

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Nelson; son, Brandon Nelson and wife Paige and daughter Brooklyn; daughter, Shanna Wright and husband Kelly; son, Taylor Nelson and daughter Kennedy Nelson; stepchildren, Zach Walla, Travis Walla and wife Julie and daughter Braelyn, and Staff Sgt. Everett Walla serving in Afghanistan.  He is also survived by his sisters, Vicki Livingston and husband Terry, Lisa Dulaney and husband Ronald, and Rhonda Bailey and husband Richard; and a number of other extended family members.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18, 2010, at the Schmidt Funeral Home Chapel, in Katy.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 19, 2010, at the First Baptist Church, in Katy, with Dr. Randy White and Rev. Ronnie Webb officiating.  Interment in Katy Magnolia Cemetery.

Those wishing to make memorial gifts may do so to Life Gift, 2510 Westridge St., Houston, TX 77054.

Funeral services held under the direction of

Schmidt Funeral Home

1508 East Avenue  ~  Katy, Texas  77493  ~  (281) 391-2424

Karen Salesman Rapp: 1952 – 2010

Karen Salesman Rapp, 57, a native of Churubusco and wife of Daryl B. Rapp, passed away at 6:50 p. m. on Friday, April 16, 2010, at the family residence in Smith Township following a lengthy illness.

Mrs. Rapp was born in Wolf Lake on November 28, 1952, a daughter of Richard L. “Dick” and Dorothy (Hyndman) Salesman, and spent her formative years there.  She graduated from Churubusco High School in 1971, and graduated from the Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in 1974.

On August 9, 1974 she was married in Allen County to Daryl B. Rapp of Churubusco, and moved with her husband to Texas in 1975.  She had lived in Katy, Texas before returning to her home of Churubusco recently.

She had worked as a registered nurse, but found her calling as a homemaker and a devoted mother who home schooled her daughter.  She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Katy and its Covenant Sunday School Class.  In her leisure time she enjoyed travel, family activities, and caring for horses and other animals.

The surviving relatives include her husband of over 35 years Daryl; her daughter Sarah Rapp of Houston, Texas; her mother Dorothy Salesman of Churubusco; two sisters Diane (Randy) Zolman and Kathi  Engle, both of Churubusco; a brother Greg (Teresa) Salesman of Churubusco;  two uncles Don Hyndman and Dale (Joan) Hyndman, both of Churubusco; an aunt Barbara Hyndman of Churubusco; and several cousins.  Her extended family was a vital part of her life.

She was preceded in death by her father Richard “Dick” Salesman on March 5, 2002.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a. m. on Friday, April 23, 2010, at the Good News Baptist Church in Churubusco with Pastor Edward A. Thompson, officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusc on Thursday from 2 to 8 p. m., or at the church one hour prior to the service.

Interment will be in the family plot at Eel River Cemetery, south of Churubusco.

For those who wish, memorials may be directed to Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund, 1315 Directors Row, #200, Fort Wayne, IN  46808.

Lois Kunkle

Lois Kunkle was born on February 3, 1914, in Morgan, Texas, to Jerry B. Pinson and Lillie Ann Cooper Pinson.  On March 11, 1934, she married N. M. (Barney) Kunkle in Fort Worth, Texas.  She has lived in Katy from 1943 to 1956, and again since November of 1975.  Lois has been a long time, and active member of the First Baptist Church of Katy.

Lois passed away in on Saturday, April 10, 2010, at the age of 96 years.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Nancy Kunkle of Katy; grandchildren, Annette Moore, Anell Dunn, Leann Keister, David Kunkle, John Kunkle, and Julie Maine; 8 great grandchildren; 6 great, great grandchildren; as well as other loving family members and friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband, N. M. (Barney) Kunkle on November 9, 2003; and by a daughter, Shirley Ann Kunkle Lindsey on July 16, 2006.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 14, 2010, at the Bolin Chapel at First Baptist Church of Katy, where funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Bruce Ammons officiating.  Interment in Memorial Oaks Cemetery.

Funeral services held under the direction of

Schmidt Funeral Home

1508 East Avenue  ~  Katy, Texas  77493  ~  (281) 391-2424

Avis Griffin

Hassie Avis Griffin was born on June 10, 1919 in Alto, Texas and died on March 4, 2010 at the age of 90. Mrs. Griffin was a resident of Katy for 59 years. She was a 1942 graduate of the Lillie Jolly School of Nursing at Methodist Hospital in Houston. She was an active volunteer in the Houston Chapter of Project Linus for 14 years and she also raised Monarch butterflies at her home. In 2009, Avis was recognized in the City of Katy as Senior Citizen of the Year.

Mrs. Griffin is survived by daughter Sally Burns and husband Gene; sons Jim Griffin and wife Charleen, Mike Griffin and wife Ada, and Al Griffin and wife Kathy; 11 grandchildren, and 25 great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at Katy First Baptist Church. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 8, 2010, at the Katy First Baptist Church, with Dr. Randy White and Rev. Tom Bolin officiating. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday at Memorial Oaks Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Houston Chapter of Project Linus, c/o Schmidt Funeral Home, 1415 East Avenue, Suite B, Katy, Texas  77493.

Funeral services held under the direction of

Schmidt Funeral Home

1508 East Avenue  ~  Katy, Texas  77493  ~  (281) 391-2424

Gloria Mae Bryce

of Houston, passed away Tuesday, November 24, 2009. She was born November 16, 1931 in Galveston to Theodore "Teddy" and Berta Pate Johnson. On November 11, 1951, she married Joe H. Bryce in Galveston. She has been a resident of Galveston, Nederland, and Katy. Gloria was a member of First Baptist Church, Katy; a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Katy V.F.W. Post 9182, and an honorary lifetime member of the Texas P.T.A. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Joe H. Bryce of Houston; daughter, Gloria Jo Bryce Knopp & husband Fred of Katy; grandsons, Dustin Ward Bryce, Jacob Wayne Bryce, Tyler Wade Bryce all of Nederland, and Christopher Bryce Knopp of Katy; cousins, Norma and LeeBallard of Houston; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and a son, Joe "Bubba" Bryce.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, November 28, at 1:00PM at First Baptist Church in Katy.

Everett Eugene Pelton

Everett Eugene Pelton died on May 1, 2009.   Mr. Pelton was a member of First Baptist Church of Katy.  He is survived by his daughter, Susan Denise Hastings. Arrangements under the direction of Brookside Funeral Home in Houston, TX. 13401 Eastex Freeway - 281-449-6511

 

Visitation - Tuesday, May 5 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Service - Wed., May 6 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Chimes

David S. Goddard

David S. Goddard went to be with the Lord on the Lord’s Day, Sunday February 8, 2009 after a long battle with cancer.  He was a loving Christian, husband, father, grandfather and friend and had a ready smile for all with whom he came in contact.

He was born in Cisco, Texas on February 4, 1928. He graduated from Tomball High School and graduated from Texas A&M University, Class of 1949, with a Bachelors of Science in Agronomy.  He proudly served his country during the Korean War and was a member of VFW Post 9182 in Katy where he served as a member of the Honor Guard for several years.

David started with Humble Oil in 1951 and retired from Exxon in 1986.  During his career, he served at the Katy gas plant and the King Ranch gas plant in Kingsville.

David’s faith was central to his life. He was a long time, dedicated member of First Baptist Church – Katy where he served as a Deacon for many years.  Prior to returning to Katy in retirement, he was a member of University Baptist Church in Kingsville, Texas, where he served as Chairman of the Deacons and Treasurer. 

He was a student of history and geography and enjoyed travelling with Irene across the US and abroad.  David loved to share stories of his travels with his family and friends.

David’s passion was his family and he was happiest when the family was around.  He was preceded in death by his father, Van Goddard, and his mother, Cressie Goddard and is survived by a sister, Sue Schulz.  He was a devoted husband to his wife Irene R. Goddard for 58 years.  He was a caring father for his son, Steve Goddard and his wife Carole, and to his daughter Janene Humphrey and her husband Mike.  Pops was extremely proud of his grandchildren Lauren (Goddard ) LeVrier and her husband Tim, Ashley Goddard, Alyson Goddard, Philip Humphrey and Michelle Humphrey, all of Houston.  He also leaves many other relatives and friends who will miss him deeply.

Visitation will be held at the Bolin Chapel in front of First Baptist Church –Katy, at 600 Pin Oak Road, in Katy, on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 from 5pm to 8pm.  Funeral services will be held in the sanctuary at First Baptist Church – Katy on Thursday at 10:30 am.  Graveside services will follow at Memorial Oaks Cemetery at 13001 Katy Freeway.

David’s family wants to express their deep appreciation to the many staff and caregivers at MD Anderson Clinic and Hospital who lovingly cared for David and Irene for many years, including Dr. Michael Keating, Alice, Jackie, Koy, John, Zack, Kerry, and Michelle. 

In lieu of flowers, David’s family requests memorial donations to CLL Global Research Foundation, PO Box 301402, Houston Texas 77230-1402.

Funeral services held under the direction of

Schmidt Funeral Home

1508 East Avenue  ~  Katy, Texas  77493  ~  (281) 391-2424