Walter Wayne Warwas was called by God to follow the Angel, Gabriel, home to heaven, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. He was born in the Yorktown Hospital on a hot, summer day, July 18, 1959 to parents Milton Arthur and Helen Berckenhoff Warwas. He had spent the last three years living in the Yorktown Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility.
He was baptized into Catholic faith on July 26, 1959, his sponsors were Walter and Leona Berckenhoff. He attended Holy Cross Catholic Church, receiving First Communion on May 5, 1968, and getting confirmed on May 10, 1972. Walter attended Holy Cross Catholic School then transferred to Yorktown public school. In high school, he was active in Yorktown FFA and was a member of the senior class of 1978. Walter had many different jobs such as farming, ranching, oil field, road construction and gate guarding.
Walter is survived by his brothers, Bernard (Joyce Ann) Warwas from Nordheim and William (Ann) Warwas of Yorktown. He is also survived by his nephews and their children Joseph (Johanna), Ellyn and Aileen; Franklyn (Gabby), Amzie and Bryce Warwas, all from Nordheim.
Walter is preceded in death by his parents, maternal grandparents, Laura Lena Riebschlaeger Berckenhoff and Henry Bernard Berckenhoff, paternal grandparents, Frieda Meta Huck and Frank Joe Warwas.
He is buried at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Joseph Warwas, Franklyn Warwas, Michael Gwosdz, Ben Hahn, Chester Buesing and Tracy Metting. Honorary pallbearers are Kenneth Ray Tam, Joseph Respondek, James Muschalek and Michael Hernandez.
In lieu of flowers, plants, and trees, memorials may be given to Remarkable Hospice, Yorktown EMS, Holy Cross Catholic Church, or donor’s choice.
YOAKUM: James Carl Gripp, 86, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, May 9, 2026. He was born July 13, 1939, in Victoria to the late Edwin and Lillie (Pargac) Gripp.
James was a loving husband to Melva Brewer Gripp, father to Kelly and grandfather to Casey, caring the best name of all, ‘PaPo”. He worked as a helicopter mechanic for many years until he went to work for Miller Brewery in Fort Worth for the next 30 years. For their retirement they moved back to Yoakum where he enjoyed working in his garden, fishing, hunting and cheering on his Dallas Cowboys.
Survivors are his wife of 63 years, Melva Gripp of Yoakum; daughter, Kelly Gordon and husband Paul of Sanger; grandson, Casey Gordon of Sanger; sister, Mary Louise Ruth of Victoria; his beloved fur baby, Mr T and numerous extended family.
Preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Lillie Gripp; son, Scott Gripp; brothers, Eddie Gripp and Rolla Don Gripp.
Private Celebration of Life to be held at a later date.
Memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church in Yoakum.
Debbie Alvarez, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 64.
Born on June 1, 1961, in El Campo, Texas, Debbie was the daughter of Gilbert Mungia Sr. and Teresa Rodriguez Mungia. She was one of thirteen children and grew up surrounded by the love and strength of a large family that remained important to her throughout her life.
On March 15, 1980, Debbie married the love of her life, Jerry Alvarez, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Yorktown, Texas. Together they shared 46 wonderful years of marriage built on faith, devotion, and family.
Debbie dedicated many years of service as an assistant administrator in the healthcare industry, where she was known for her compassion, kindness, and caring spirit. A devoted Catholic, she was a faithful member of San Luis Catholic Church and lived her life grounded in faith and love for others.
While Debbie loved her husband and children deeply, her greatest joy came from her grandchildren, who lovingly knew her as “MoMo.” She cherished every moment spent with her grandbabies and created countless memories filled with laughter, warmth, and unconditional love.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 46 years, Jerry Alvarez; daughter, Kaycee Hunt and husband Gordon; son, Jerry Alvarez Jr. and wife Mallary; granddaughter, Kimberlee Alvarez; grandson, Cristobal Alvarez; siblings, Gloria Gomez, Lucia Davila and husband Mario, Gilbert Mungia Jr. and wife Amelia, Valerio Mungia, and Ruben Mungia and wife Rebecca; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will miss her greatly.
Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Gilbert Mungia Sr. and Teresa Rodriguez Mungia; and siblings, Martin Mungia, Roman Mungia Sr., Armando Mungia Sr., Yolanda Mungia, Alicia Barrera, Jimmy Mungia, and Rene Mungia.
Debbie will be remembered for her unwavering faith, loving heart, selfless nature, and the deep love she shared with her family and friends. Her legacy of love and devotion will continue to live on in all who knew and loved her.
A mass was held at San Luis Catholic Church in Yorktown with Father Scott Hill officiating. She is buried at the San Luis Catholic Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Valerio Mungia Jr, Dylan Mungia, Braden Villarreal, Deagan Mungia, Rocky Barrera, and Daniel Villarreal.
Memorial contributions may be given to the San Luis Catholic Church.
CUERO, TX — The Mayor’s Youth Council (MYC) closed out the 2025–26 school year with a meaningful end‑of‑year gathering at La Bella Tavola, where Mayor Emil Garza honored the seven graduating seniors who have served on the council since its inaugural year. The evening highlighted both the accomplishments of the students and the continued growth of the youth‑leadership program.
(photo by Jennifer Dodds) Major General (ret.) Bradley Spacy and Chief Master Sergeant (ret.) Dr. Jose Lugo Santiago, co‑authors of Stars and Stripes, address the group during the MYC event.
The MYC was established to give Cuero high school students a direct role in local government, civic engagement, and community service. Members participate in leadership workshops, volunteer projects, city events, and discussions with municipal leaders. Students apply annually through the City of Cuero’s youth leadership program, submitting academic information, activity involvement, short‑answer responses, and a letter of recommendation. The program seeks motivated students who demonstrate leadership potential, community interest, and a willingness to serve.
This year’s MYC included 13 students — seven seniors and six juniors — who contributed to community initiatives, attended city meetings, and represented Cuero at various civic events. Mayor Garza praised the group for their commitment and emphasized that the inaugural seniors played a defining role in shaping the direction and expectations of the MYC.
(Photo by Jennifer Dodds) Mayor Emil Garza presents senior MYC member Jaiden Dean with a signed copy of Stars and Stripes at the MYC year‑end gathering.
As a gesture of appreciation, Mayor Garza presented each graduating senior with a signed copy of Stars and Stripes, a military leadership book he contributed to and co‑authored. The book’s primary authors, Major General (ret.) Bradley Spacy, USAF, and Chief Master Sergeant (ret.) Dr. Jose Lugo Santiago, USAF, traveled from San Antonio to meet with the students, share leadership insights, and autograph each copy. Their presence underscored the importance of mentorship, service, and character — values central to the MYC’s mission.
The graduating seniors recognized during the ceremony were Julian Henson, Sawyer Fuchs, Landon Crain, Jaida Dean, Tanner Lucas, Everette Odom, Jossiah Taylor
(Contributed photo) Mayor Emil Garza gathers with MYC members, Councilman ShaNon Henson and wife Mary Jane Henson, parent Lori Lucas, Dr. Cynthia Orozco, Judy Adams, families, and visiting authors Major General (ret.) Bradley Spacy and Chief Master Sergeant (ret.) Dr. Jose Lugo Santiago during the youth council’s end‑of‑year event.
With six juniors expected to return next year — and with hopes of welcoming new members — the MYC continues to expand opportunities for youth leadership in Cuero. The program remains committed to empowering students, strengthening civic awareness, and building the next generation of community leaders.
Mary Helen Barrera Torres, 83, formerly of Yorktown, passed away May 10, 2026, in Victoria, Texas. She was born in Yorktown, Texas July 22, 1942, a beloved daughter to the late Francisco Barrera and Braulia Soto Barrera.
A devoted Catholic, Mary Helen lived with compassion, kindness, and a deep love for God and those closest to her.
She was a faithful member of the Guadalupanas at San Luis Catholic Church, where she also served as a Eucharistic Minister and joyfully shared her voice in the Church choir. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she found great comfort and happiness serving her Church community.
Mary Helen treasured time spent with her family above all else. She especially adored her grandbabies and cherished every moment with them. She looked forward to shopping trips with her children, family dinners, and going out to eat together, creating memories filled with laughter and love. She also had a deep appreciation for mariachi music, which brought joy to her heart and spirit.
She is survived by her children, Alex (Reanna) Torres, Yvonne Torres, Norma (Raul) Torres, Roger (Norma) Torres, Lorina Torres, Richard Torres, Debbie Torres, and Timothy Bailey Torres; siblings, Adelina Cerda, Lupita Serenil (Isabel Serenil, Jr.); 19 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 1 great great-grandchild on the way; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
Mary Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Francisco and Braulia Barrera; siblings, Jose Gamez, Alfredo Gamez, Irene Mungia, Ofelia Sanchez, Alice Monsivias, and Abelino Barrera.
Funeral Mass was May 15, 2026, at San Luis Catholic Church in Yorktown with Father Scott Hill Officiating. Interment will follow at the San Luis Catholic Cemetery.
Those serving as pallbearers are Nicholas Torres, David Villarreal, Rex Marin, Elias Torres, Matthew Torres, and Joshua Torres.
YOAKUM: LaVernia Lucille Harrison, 51, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2026. She was born January 2, 1975, in Yoakum, TX, to Lee Bud and Gerline (Blackmon) Harrison. She worked for 18 years as a CNA, most recently at Stevens Nursing Home in Yoakum.
She loved spending time with her kids and grandkids, talking to family and friends on the phone and shopping.
Survivors are her children, sons, Chris Price (Angelica) of Yoakum, DeVante Price (Paige) of Victoria; daughter, TaNeshia Price of Yoakum; grandchildren Karter Price and Mya Price; father of her children, Calvin Price; sisters, Linda Fay White (Johnny) of Victoria; Rosalie Wilson (James) of Victoria; numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by parents; sisters Carolyn Johnson and Georgia Ann Jackson.
Rev. Dewayne Arkadie and Bobby Mesa officiated. She is buried at Yoakum Oak Grove Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Tyrone Johnson, Cordell Johnson, Brittany Johnson, Dee Johnson, Terriyon Johnson and James Wilson.
YORKTOWN, TX — The DeWitt County Vietnam Veterans Chapter 1029 will honor fallen service members during its annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 25, 2026, at the DeWitt County Vietnam Veterans Memorial located at the intersection of Highway 72 and Main Street in Yorktown. The ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m.
This year’s guest speaker is Brigadier General Clinton T. Anderson, U.S. Army (Ret.), who will address attendees on the meaning of Memorial Day and the importance of remembering those who gave their lives in service to the nation.
The event is open to the public, and organizers encourage families, veterans, and community members to attend. The memorial grounds feature a prominent Vietnam-era helicopter display and are surrounded by flags honoring local service members, offering a solemn setting for reflection.
Following the ceremony, the chapter will hold a gun raffle and auction, with proceeds supporting local veterans’ initiatives. Attendance prizes will also be awarded. Approximately 3,150 square feet of covered seating will be available to ensure comfort for guests.
The DeWitt County Vietnam Veterans Chapter 1029 hosts the ceremony each year as part of its mission to preserve the legacy of Vietnam veterans and to ensure that the sacrifices of all American service members are never forgotten.
CUERO, TX — The Class of 2026 took the field at Gobbler Stadium on Friday, May 22, for a night filled with pride, reflection, and celebration — but no two students stood more prominently at the heart of the ceremony than Valedictorian Landri Kay Dyer and Salutatorian Cole Hollis Moore.
The official program placed their names front and center, listing “Cole Hollis Moore — Salutatorian” and “Landri Kay Dyer — Valedictorian.” Both delivered the evening’s keynote student addresses, offering messages that captured the spirit and resilience of their graduating class.
(Contributed photo) Landri Dyer
A Standout Night for Valedictorian Landri Kay Dyer
Landri’s presence was felt from the very beginning of the ceremony. Before she ever stepped to the podium for her valedictory address, she performed the National Anthem, noted in the program as: “NATIONAL ANTHEM — Landri Dyer, Choir Member.”
Her voice opened the ceremony with a sense of unity and pride, setting the tone for the night.
Later, as she delivered her valedictory speech — listed simply as “ADDRESS — Landri Dyer, Valedictorian” — she reflected on the class’s shared journey and the meaning behind their chosen motto: “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the end.” — C.S. Lewis
Landri graduates as a Summa Cum Laude scholar and National Honor Society member, marked in the commencement program as “Landri Kay Dyer *** +”. Her academic excellence, leadership, and artistic contributions made her one of the defining figures of the Class of 2026.
(Contributed photo) Cole Moore
Salutatorian Cole Hollis Moore Opens the Ceremony’s Student Addresses
Before Landri took the stage, Salutatorian Cole Hollis Moore delivered the first major student speech of the evening. His role appears in the program as: “ADDRESS — Cole Moore, Salutatorian.”
Cole’s message set the tone for the ceremony — thoughtful, grounded, and forward‑looking. Like Landri, he graduates with the highest academic distinction, listed as “Cole Hollis Moore *** +”, indicating Summa Cum Laude honors and membership in the National Honor Society.
His speech served as a moment of gratitude and reflection, acknowledging the challenges the class overcame and the opportunities ahead.
Student Leaders Shape the Ceremony
The Class of 2026’s student officers played key roles throughout the evening:
Kendall Helms, Student Body President — led the Pledge of Allegiance/Texas Pledge
Sawyer Fuchs, Student Body Vice President — delivered the Invocation
Melaney Vela, Student Body Secretary — offered the Benediction
These contributions appear in the program’s ceremony order, including: “PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/TEXAS PLEDGE — Kendall Helms” and “INVOCATION — Sawyer Fuchs.”
Their participation highlighted the leadership and unity within the senior class.
A Ceremony Marked by Pride and Accomplishment
The evening followed a traditional commencement structure — processional, student addresses, certification of the class, and recessional — all culminating in the moment each senior crossed the stage to receive a diploma.
The program’s closing note emphasized student voice and independence: “The students who shall be speaking at the graduation ceremony were selected based on neutral criteria… The content… is solely and entirely the private expression of the individual student.”
It was a reminder that the night belonged to the students — and especially to the two who led them academically.
A Memorable Finish for the Class of 2026
As the class exited the field to their chosen song, “Where Did All the Time Go?” by Dr. Dog, the graduates stepped into the next chapter of their lives — guided by the example set by their top scholars.
For Landri Kay Dyer and Cole Hollis Moore, the ceremony marked the culmination of years of dedication. For their classmates, it marked the beginning of new possibilities.
The Class of 2026 leaves Gobbler Stadium with pride, accomplishment, and a legacy shaped by two exceptional student leaders.
The Graduating Class of 2026
Noe Aguirre Romo
Aiden Joseph Alcazar+
Julia Kay Aleman ** +
Anthony Michael Almazan
Merari Abigail Andino-Romero
Mayzee Elianna Arzate Rodriguez
Isaiah Kobe Barbontin
Imari Ski Barefield
Andrea Elizabeth Beltran
Yescas# Kyle
David Bias Addison
Julianna Chapa#+
Sean Carter Courreges#
Julianna Kate Cox+
Landon Robert Crain#+
Emeree Giselle Dasilva+
Jaida Lanai Dean*
Kimberly Lynn Deleon-Gutierrez
Weldon Walker Dietze+
Kayden Alan Dorotik
Karlie Rene Dudley
Ayden Anthony Dworczyk#
Landri Kay Dyer *** +
Kyle Arren Ellis
Joceline Esparza Diaz#
Mariposa Reymunda Flores
Nathaniel Ray Foreman#
Emma Anne Franklin#
Sawyer Denton Fuchs *** +
Avory Leanne Galindo
Alexis Jade
Raelynn Gamez
Jayden Rae Garcia
Jaelen Ray Garibay#
Eli Lamar Garrett ** +
Caitlyn Nicole Geigle *** +
Tyasia Debrae Haynes#
Garrett Wesley Helfer
Kendall Kathryn Helms+
Robert Scott Henkes
Julian Zen Henson#
Bradley Dale Hill
Brittany Elaine Hill
Tyler Eugene Jackson
Skylynn Raeign
JamesAmayah La Don Jones ** +
Caroline Grace Kubesch *** +
David James Leinen
Kaimarye Javion Lopez
Mia Isabella Lopez
Tanner Layne Lucas
Wyatt Alvin Luddeke*
Zachery Manuel Maldonado
Connor Milam
Malina Jaxxon
Kyle Marie#
Dalton Shane Molands
Nevaeh Amore Montes#
Elijah Leonard Montgomery
Cole Hollis Moore *** +
Bailey Wren Morrow+
Everett Rutherford Odom *** +
Colton James Ohrt
Gracie Lynn Orsak
Martin John Padilla, Jr.
Juan Diego Palma
Sawyer Jake Parker#
Karlie Grace Parr#
Ty William Paul
Ambri Dae Pawlik#
Landon Wade
Pelot Johnathan
Alberto Perez
Kato Antonio Perez
Preston Keith Perez
Spencer Allen Pierce
Aisling Grace Provow#
Jessica Ramos#+
Trent Dillon Reed+
Jaiyden Lorisa Rheinschmidt+
Eayon Rhylee Rivera
Ethan Nathaniel
Jama Robinson+
Amari Nevaeh Rodriguez#+
Moses Xavier Rodriguez
Jasey Mckayla Rogers ** +
Alexea Joe Ruibal
Caleigh Ann Ruiz
Sunitha Luv Salas#+
Lucian Anthony Salazar *** +
SeanDylan
Daniel Salazar
Furman Saldaña, Jr.
Marisol Salinas
Segura Heron Sanchez, Jr.
Joel Rene Sanchez, Jr.
Nevaeh Nickole Sanchez
Skyler Martin Sanchez
Kyler Wyatt Schley#
Joshua Jayden Schorre
Joshua Emmanuel Serna#
Everett Scott Smart ** +
Fredric Samuel Smith-Holman
Adrian Soto-Tejeda
Mason David Spies
Aiden Daniel Stafford
Bailey Marie Staten#
Aiden Michael Strecker
Colton James Suter *** +
Dorothy Ann Taylor
Jossiah Lee Taylor#+
Brynna Colleen Thomas#
Madisyn Joy Timpone+
Heath Thomas Toney
Kirsten Jo Trevino ** +
Dayvon Azaya
Varela Nicolas
Andrew Varela
Melaney Jo Vela
Roel Velasquez III
Joselyn Jesus Villanueva-Luna#+
*** Summa Cum Laude ** Magna Cum Laude* Cum Laude #Honor + National Honor Society
Ken Curl, 85, passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2026. He was born November 5, 1940, in Dallas County to Redrick Key and Joan Shadix Curl. Ken graduated from Victoria High School in 1958. He joined the Navy and was honorably discharged in 1962. He married Linda Vogt in 1961 and was married for 65 years.
After the Navy he worked for the City of Victoria building the roads for Riverside Park. He then began working for Dupont for the next 35 years when he retired due to health issues.
Ken loved his family and his family farm in Bluffdale Texas. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. When he no longer hunted and fished, he started woodcarving. He loved to carve, build things, spend time at his farm, and he loved telling family history stories to anyone who would listen. Ken was a member of the Victoria Woodcarvers Club and the Texas Woodcarvers Guild. He taught sharpening classes at the woodcarving events with the sharpening rigs he would build.
Ken was a member of First United Methodist Church in Victoria. He was a youth sponsor while his children were young and loved to cook for any event the church was having. Ken also taught a bible study class and adult Sunday school.
Left here to cherish his memories are his wife of 65 years, Linda, children: Kim (James) Farrow, Kelly (Michael) Reyna, and Key (Shannon) Curl, his grandchildren Austin Farrow, Stephen Farrow, Sarah (Travis) Stehling, Emily (Brett) Wellmann, Keyton Curl and Kaylan Curl. He has four great grandchildren, Rylee Stehling, Cameron Stehling, Cole Wellmann, and Claire Wellmann, due any day now. He is also survived by his sister Kathy (Mike) Redmond, nieces and nephews: Karry (Jennifer) Drozd, Keith (Amy) Drozd, Kristi (Lance) Olenius, and Kyle (Kim) Drozd.
Ken is preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be held 2 pm Thursday, May 28, 2026, at First United Methodist Church of Victoria. Funeral Services will begin at 3 pm. Rev. Celia Halfacre will be officiating.
Memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church, Victoria, TX or Hospice of South Texas.
