YOAKUM: Emilia Garza, 92, entered her heavenly rest on Saturday, August 2, 2025. She was born May 22, 1933, in Yoakum, one of the 12 children born to Manuel and Marcelina (Castro) Herrera.
She was a hard worker, having worked at Johnny Leopold’s Cleaner’s for many years. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Survivors include her daughters, Sylvia Garcia and Julie Adame, both of Yoakum, and Dominga Castro of San Antonio; her sons, Armando Garcia of Yoakum and Jesus Alfredo Garcia of Seguin; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her sister, Josephine Luna of Taylor; her brother, Domingo Herrera of Austin; and many beloved extended family members.
Preceded in death by her parents; husband, Alfredo Garcia; sons, Joe Garza and Martin Garza; six sisters and two brothers.
A Rosary was recited at 10 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with Rev. Matthew Huehlefeld officiating. Burial followed at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Armando Garcia, Angel Garcia, Alfredo Garcia, Fautino Herrera, Santos Castro and Kael Reyes.
Memorials may be given to Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home to help defray funeral cost.
Roy P. Benavidez was born on August 5, 1935, in Lindenau near Cuero, Texas, to a Mexican American father, Salvador Benavidez Jr., and a Yaqui Native American mother, Teresa Perez. Orphaned by the age of seven, he was raised in El Campo by extended family and worked from a young age to support them. He enlisted in the Texas National Guard at 17 and later joined the U.S. Army, serving in Korea, Germany, and Vietnam.
He was a Green Beret with the elite 5th Special Forces Group, Benavidez became a legend for his actions on May 2, 1968, during a covert rescue mission in Cambodia. He sustained 37 separate wounds he was shot, stabbed, and hit by grenade shrapnel—he saved at least eight comrades in a six-hour battle. His heroism earned him the Medal of Honor, presented by President Ronald Reagan in 1981. (Intro -by COC)
This past Tuesday, August 5th beneath the bronze gaze of MSGT Roy P. Benavidez’s statue at the City of Cuero’s Memorial Park, a solemn crowd gathered, family, several out-of-town guests, veterans, local VFW members, the local American Legion, and various community members united in reverence to honor what would have been Roy Benavidez 90th birthday.
Cuero Mayor Emil Garza delivered a brief but heartfelt speech, officially proclaiming August 5th as “Roy P. Benavidez Day”—a gesture that affirmed the town’s enduring pride in its native son. During the ceremony, Benavidez’s daughters, Yvette Benavidez Garcia and Denise Benavidez Prochazka of El Campo, were visibly moved by the mayor’s proclamation and the presentation of a U.S. ceremonial flag, gifted on behalf of Congressman Cloud’s office.
(Contributed photo Left to right) Congressman Cloud’s representative, Mayor Emil Garza, Yvette Benavidez Garcia and Denise Benavidez Prochazka at the Heavenly Birthday of Roy P. Benavidez event. At Cuero Memorial Park August 5, 2025 -Cuero Online News
His daughter, Yvette Benavidez Garcia, shared this about her father, “My father always boasted of Cuero. In many of his speeches, he would talk about his hometown of Cuero. How it was the turkey capital of the World. This was home, he attended school here, went to church here, and was even an altar boy. This is where his parents and little sister are buried.” Cuero was home.
As the ceremony concluded, reflections from fellow veterans underscored Benavidez’s enduring impact. Such as retired U.S. Navy Commander James De Los Santos—a Cuero native now living in San Antonio. He had this to say about Benavidez,
“Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez’s legacy represents the highest ideals of courage, sacrifice, and perseverance,” he said. “What moves me most is that after his military career, he devoted himself to empowering others, especially young people and veterans. His message was clear: education, discipline, and purpose are the keys to success.”
De Los Santos reflected not only on Benavidez’s battlefield heroism, but also on his strength and courage in the face of adversity—losing his parents at a young age, confronting discrimination, and defying medical odds after being told he’d never walk again.
“Roy Benavidez’s story reminds me that true heroism isn’t just measured by battlefield valor; it’s measured by how you rise after you’ve been knocked down and how you choose to serve others when the spotlight fades.”
Honoring Roy Benavidez on his 90th birthday. August 5, 2025.
On the Day he became a legend
By May 1968, the Vietnam War had reached a fever pitch. Roy Benavidez—still recovering from a near-paralyzing injury that doctors said would end his military career—was about to face the ultimate test.
On the morning of May 2, 1968, in the dense jungle just across the border in Cambodia, a 12-man Special Forces team—many of them close friends of Roy Benavidez—was ambushed by North Vietnamese forces. Though stationed in Vietnam, Benavidez boarded a helicopter and entered the forbidden zone to save them armed with only a bowie knife.
What followed was six hours of hell. He charged through a hail of bullets to reach the wounded, taking bullets to the leg, face, and head. He dragged half the team to safety, retrieved classified documents from the fallen team leader, and was hit again—this time a grenade blast to the abdomen that left his intestines exposed. One account even describes him holding his guts in with one hand while firing his weapon with the other.
When the rescue helicopter crashed and the pilot was killed, Benavidez helped the survivors who were badly wounded, got everyone into a safe position, formed a defensive perimeter, directing air support until the final helicopter arrived.
He was shot again in the thigh. By now, Benavidez’s face was bloodied and swollen, his vision nearly blinded by the wounds. And yet, he kept going. As he carried a wounded comrade to a second helicopter, an enemy soldier charged and struck him with the butt of a rifle, then raised a bayonet to finish the job. Benavidez, acting instinctively, grabbed the blade with his bare hands, pulled it inward, and killed the attacker. The deliberate move slashed open his palm and drove the bayonet into his own arm.
When he was finally evacuated, Benavidez heard the triage doctor declare him dead. He tried to speak, to move—but his body was paralyzed, and unresponsive. He summoned every ounce of strength to gather saliva in his mouth and spit. That single act—defiant, primal, determined—saved Roy Benavidez.
Benavidez’s courage was not only personal—it was ancestral. His Yaqui lineage carries a legacy of resistance that echoes through time. I was reminded of the ancient archives I encountered during genealogical research: stories of the Yaqui Nation, fierce warriors whose defiance shaped history. For nearly 400 years, they resisted colonial rule, never surrendering, never signing a peace treaty. Their homeland became a fortress, their culture a shield, and their spirit—unbreakable.
Is it any wonder, then, that it would be a Yaqui who spat in the face of death, defied the odds, and reminded the world that surrender was never written into his bloodline?
For you there will be no sun, no death, no pain, no heat, no thirst, no hunger, no rain, no air, no illness, no family. Nothing will cause you fear. Everything has ended for you, except one thing: TO DO YOUR DUTY…
Before going into battle, a Yaqui soldier would commit to memory—and recite aloud—this sacred oath:
“Para ti no habrá sol, para ti no habrá muerte, para ti no habrá dolor, para ti no habrá calor, ni sed, ni hambre, ni lluvia, ni aire, ni enfermedad, ni familia. Nada te causará temor, todo ha terminado para ti, excepto una cosa:
Cumplir Con Tu Deber!
Pat Trevino Published Author, Photographer, Genealogist, and Blog Writer
YOAKUM: Vincente “Big Spikey” Rosales, age 51, passed away Tuesday, August 5, 2025. He was born February 1, 1974, in Yoakum to Francisco Garza and Carolina Rosales.
He worked in the oilfield. He enjoyed spending time with his family, his dog Flex, being around friends, eating his snacks, listening to Tejano music, scratching lotto tickets. He was known to text his family and friends every morning and tell them, “Good Morning”.
Survivors: sisters, Yolanda Miranda (Elder), Inez Perez (Darrell) and Angelica Garza (Ryan); brothers, Domingo Rosales, Francisco Vargas, Francisco Rosales, Ronnie Garza (Alana) and Leon Garza (April) along with nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents.
Rosary 10:00 a.m. followed by Funeral Mass on Monday, August 11, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Matthew Huehlefeld officiating. Burial St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Leo Garza, Ronnie Garza, Philip Rosales, Zach Rodriguez, Matt Rodriguez, Ryan Rojas, John Rodriguez and E.J. Rodriguez.
YOAKUM—Gregory Lerma, age 58, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Canyon Lake, Texas. Born on July 26, 1967, in Yoakum to Fred Gregory Lerma III and Gloria (Vera) Lerma, Greg lived a life marked by service, mentorship, and unwavering kindness.
A proud graduate of Yoakum High School, Class of 1985, Greg was a student athlete at Blinn College before earning his associate’s degree in kinesiology from Austin Community College in 2001. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Sports Science from Southwest Texas University in 2002. While pursuing his education, Greg served as a teaching assistant and coach at the Texas School for the Deaf in Austin for seven years, where he left a lasting impact on students and staff alike.
Greg dedicated 18 years to educating and coaching in the Wimberley, Seguin, San Marcos, and New Braunfels school districts. His passion for learning and leadership later led him to roles as an Educational Consultant for Sirius Education Solutions and most recently as a Territory Sales Manager for Boxlight.
A devout member of St. Thomas Catholic Church in Canyon Lake, Greg was known for his love of cooking and grilling, fishing, and cheering on the Texas Longhorns. His enthusiasm for sports extended beyond fandom—he was an umpire in his free time and a vocal advocate for the growth of women’s professional athletics.
Greg never met a stranger. His warm personality and genuine care for others made him a beloved figure in every community he touched. He often joked with his family that he was “a big deal” after running into acquaintances in the most unlikely of places, a sentiment echoed by the countless lives he enriched. He will be remembered for his thoughtful check-ins, his generosity, and his ability to make everyone feel like family.
Greg is survived by his loving wife of two years, Katrena Michelle (Baker) Lerma of Canyon Lake; his mother, Gloria Lerma of Yoakum; daughters, Catherine Lerma of Canyon Lake and Holly Holden (Dillon) of Elysian Fields; son, Andrew Lerma (Brooke) of Canyon Lake; grandchildren, Carmen Young and Maysen Young; brothers, Frederick Lerma of Victoria and Patrick Lerma (Isabel) of Houston; and numerous extended family and cherished friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Fred Lerma III, who passed away on October 20, 2024.
Visitation will be held Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home beginning at 4:30 p.m., with the Rosary recited at 6:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Matthew Huehlefeld officiating. Burial will follow at Yoakum Restland Cemetery.
Pallbearers include Jeremy Fikac, Adam Gomez, Jacob Gomez, Jeff Felton, Michael Eckert, and Joseph “Poochy” Kridler. Honorary pallbearers are all of Greg’s cousins.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Angels and Arc Angels Program, P.O. Box 312033, New Braunfels, Texas 78131, in honor of Greg’s lifelong dedication to youth sports and umpiring.
At approximately 1:15 p.m. today, the Cuero Police Department and Cuero Fire Department responded to a ruptured natural gas line in the 400 block of Frederick Williams Drive. First responders have made contact with several nearby residents, urging them to leave the area immediately, if possible, as crews work to contain the hazard.
The situation remains active, with emergency personnel securing the area and utility technicians en route. Residents are asked to avoid the area entirely until repairs are completed and authorities declare it safe.
Officials report no injuries at this time. The public’s cooperation is vital as teams address the rupture.
📢 Please stay tuned to Cuero Online News for ongoing updates from city officials and emergency crews or go the the Cuero Police Dept Facebook:
Texas legislators have revived efforts to eliminate the STAAR exam, the state’s long-standing standardized test, and replace it with a series of shorter assessments. According to The Texas Tribune, both House Bill 8 and Senate Bill 8 propose administering three shorter tests—at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year—with only the final exam being mandatory.
This shift aims to reduce student stress and allow teachers to use test results more effectively throughout the year. Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a key negotiator, stated, “What gets measured gets fixed, and this bill measures student success in a fairer way.”
Despite bipartisan support, the legislation remains in limbo due to a walkout by Texas House Democrats over redistricting, which has stalled all bills in the current special session.
Key points from the proposed legislation:
Results would be delivered within 48 hours.
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) commissioner would retain sole authority to update school rating standards.
A new committee would oversee changes to the A–F school accountability system.
Lawsuits challenging school ratings would be restricted to prevent delays.
Critics of STAAR have long argued that the test causes undue stress and forces educators to “teach to the test.” A Charles Butt Foundation survey found that 8 in 10 Texas teachers view STAAR prep as a barrier to quality instruction.
If passed, the new testing system would be implemented by the 2027–28 school year. Until then, students will continue taking STAAR.
Step into a storybook afternoon as Mad Batter Cheesecakes invites families to a magical Princess Tea Party, where fairy tales come to life over tea and treats. This enchanting event promises a delightful blend of elegance, imagination, and community spirit—perfect for children and adults alike.
☕ What to Expect
Guests are encouraged to dress in their finest afternoon tea attire or channel their inner royalty by arriving as their favorite princess. Whether you’re twirling in a tulle gown or donning a tiara, you’ll be welcomed into a whimsical setting filled with charm and sparkle.
Each ticket includes:
A selection of tea served in dainty cups
Mini tea sandwiches, fresh fruit, and a mini scone
A petite dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth
A goodie bag filled with tea and princess-themed essentials
Photo opportunities with beloved princesses
🎀 A Celebration of Imagination
The Princess Tea Party is more than just a themed gathering—it’s a celebration of childhood wonder and community connection. Mad Batter Cheesecakes, known for its delectable desserts and creative events, continues to foster joy and togetherness in Cuero through experiences that blend culinary delight with heartfelt storytelling.
Whether you’re sipping tea with Cinderella or sharing giggles with Belle, this afternoon promises memories fit for a fairytale. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the magic!
Congratulations to the Cuero Gobbler 8th grade girls for clinching the championship at the Junior High “Back to School” Volleyball Showcase held at Crossroads Sports Center! This talented squad from the Class of 2030 is already turning heads—and they haven’t even hit high school yet.
Their chemistry on the court is undeniable, a testament to the time and dedication they’ve poured into the game together. Leading the charge were standout performers Catherine Kubesch, a dynamic outside hitter, and Allison Reitz, a fearless libero. These two athletes were clearly the top players in the gym, showcasing skill, poise, and leadership well beyond their years.
The future of Cuero volleyball is looking bright. Great job, Gobblers! 👏🏼
Ronnie Dale Wolter, 76, of Victoria, was called home to be with the Lord on August 2, 2025. He was born on June 12, 1949, in Cuero to Oscar Andrew Wolter and Lee Alice Frances Arndt Borchardt.
To say his legacy was great feels too small—Ronnie’s life was one of quiet strength, unwavering love, and deep devotion to his family and faith. He lived each day with a clear sense of right and wrong, always choosing what was good and true, and constantly striving to be the kind of man Jesus called him to be. We have no doubt he is now in Heaven, standing tall by His side—with the same strength and spirit he carried when his Texas A&I football team won the national championship.
Ronnie was the very best Dad, Papaw, friend, and hero anyone could ask for. Humble, loyal, and kind, he was the biggest fan of his children and grandchildren. Whether at a ball game, an awards ceremony, or “Donuts with Grandpa,” he was there—smiling, cheering, and pouring his heart into the people he loved most. His presence made every moment feel more special.
A true cowboy at heart, Ronnie found peace and joy in the wide-open spaces of God’s creation. He cared for his cattle, walked the land he loved, and made countless treasured memories hunting with family and friends. He lived the life he had always dreamed of, and watching those dreams unfold was a gift to all who knew him. In building a life rooted in faith and purpose, he helped make our dreams come true too.
His smile, his laugh, his wisdom, and his unshakable love will live on in our hearts forever. He left us too soon, and we miss him more than words can say. We love you, Ronnie—and we always will.
Ronnie is survived by his wife of thirty years, Lisa; daughters, Stacie Renee Koplin (Scott) of Houston and Jessica Nicole Hunt (Brian) of Edna; sons, Clayton Christopher Wolter (Scarlett) of Edna and Brion Gregory Nielsen (Deidra) of Goldsboro, NC; brothers, Oscar Andrew Wolter, Jr. (Joann) of Victoria and Randy Wolter (Allison) of Cuero; and grandchildren, Lauren and Hunter Wolter of Edna, Abigail Elaine Koplin of Houston, William, Allison, Emilly, and Dillon Hunt of Edna, and Lyra and Kayle Nielsen of Goldsboro, NC.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Pallbearers include William Hunt, Gary Lytle, Scott Koplin, Brian Hunt, Malcolm Wolter, Jason Wolter, and Michael Buchhorn.
Honorary Pallbearers include Abigail Koplin, Allison Hunt, Emilly Hunt, Dillon Hunt, Lauren Wolter, Hunter Wolter, Lyra Nielsen, and Kayle Nielsen.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Freund Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 4102 N. Ben Jordan St., Victoria, TX 77901, with Pastor Lalahery (La) Andriamihaja officiating.
A time of food and fellowship will follow the service in the church fellowship hall. Interment will follow at Lindenau Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 4102 N. Ben Jordan St., Victoria, TX 77901; St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lindenau; or the Lindenau Cemetery Association.
The Ethosha Lynn Back to School Bash brought joy, generosity, and togetherness to Cuero Park Pavilion on Saturday, August 2, as families gathered to celebrate the upcoming school year with an unforgettable day of community spirit.
From 10 AM to 1 PM, the pavilion buzzed with excitement as children picked out brand-new backpacks and school supplies, thanks to generous donations from local sponsors and volunteers. The event, named in honor of Ethosha Lynn’s legacy of kindness and advocacy, was more than just a giveaway—it was a celebration of unity, support, and fresh beginnings.
✂️ Giving Back with Style and Compassion
One of the highlights of the day was local stylist Josie Carmona, who offered free haircuts to students preparing for their first day back. With scissors in hand and a heart full of generosity, Carmona helped kids feel confident and cared for—one trim at a time.
🐾 Furry Friends Find Homes
Families also had the chance to meet adoptable pets through a pop-up pet adoption booth, where several four-legged companions found their forever homes. The booth added a heartwarming touch to the festivities, reminding attendees that back-to-school season is also a time to welcome new beginnings in every form.
Hundreds of kiddos left stickered with “I ❤️ Pet Adoptions of Cuero” badges on their brand-new backpacks—each one gifted from three fully loaded trailers, thanks to generous sponsors and the incredible TRI-CITY Empowerment Council.🐾 Our furry friends stole the show too, soaking up love and attention with hopes of finding forever homes. Huge thanks to Lizzie Rosson, Marsha Edmunds, and Sandra Taylor for showcasing PAOC and making tails wag all day long! 📚💙 Cuero showed up with kindness, community, and a whole lot of school spirit.
🚂 All Aboard the Fun Express
Children squealed with delight as they boarded the miniature train rides that circled the park, offering a whimsical escape and a chance to make lasting memories. Laughter echoed as families played games, won prizes, and danced to lively music that kept the energy high throughout the morning.
💜 Resources, Connection, and Community
Beyond the fun, the event offered vital community resources—from health and wellness information to educational support services—ensuring families had access to tools that empower them year-round. Volunteers and local organizations came together to provide guidance, answer questions, and share their commitment to Cuero’s youth.
💛 A Celebration of Togetherness
The Ethosha Lynn Back to School Bash wasn’t just an event—it was a reflection of Cuero’s heart. It showed what happens when a community rallies around its children, offering not just supplies, but encouragement, joy, and a sense of belonging.
As the school year begins, the echoes of laughter, the sight of backpacks slung over shoulders, and the warmth of shared smiles will linger—reminding us that when we come together, we build more than just readiness. We build resilience, hope, and a stronger Cuero.
