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Charles Melvin Striedel – (84)

Charles Melvin Striedel, 84, of Yoakum and formerly Cuero peacefully passed away in his home surrounded by his family on May 2, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.  He was born in Victoria County to the late Johnnie Albert Striedel and Elsie Clara Kirchner Striedel.  Charles was a member of the United States Army and served as a paratrooper.  After his honorable discharge from the Army Reserves, he met and married the love of his life, Joyce St.Clair Striedel, on September 21, 1964.   He was a Master Mason in the Masonic Lodge 409 of Cuero and a baptized member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Yoakum.

Charles grew up in a large family with five brothers and five sisters.  He often reminisced about the hard work on the family farm but the great rewards and love that went along with it.  His childhood had a huge impact on his outlook in life.  He was hard working and expected perfection from himself and encouraged that in others.  He had a long career in the oil industry starting at the very bottom and working his way up to Vice President of Deepwater Drilling for Global Santa Fe at the time of his retirement.  His career took him all over the world living in multiple countries. No one ever had to wonder where they stood with him because he was not afraid to voice his opinion.  He was well respected by those who worked alongside him with one recently saying, “He was truly a dear friend and mentor to me whom I will cherish and miss forever.”

Although living around the world was quite the adventure for him, he was happiest in his retirement, concentrating on his ranch and family.  He was an avid gun collector and hunter who shared his passion for hunting with his grandchildren.  Charles had a larger-than-life personality.  He was born to be a grandfather and was proud to say he was happy to spoil all the children in his life.  He was fiercely protective of his family and was the epitome of a family patriarch always willing to do any projects requested of him.  He was quick witted and loved to cook with his wife. Sunday dinners were treasured traditions.

In addition to his wife of 60 years, Charles is survived by his son, Charles Melvin Striedel II of Austin; his daughter, Cynthia “Cindy” Dekowski and husband, Donovan of Yoakum; grandsons, Geoffrey Striedel (Bridget) of Cuero and Devan Dekowski (Dalena) of Yoakum; granddaughters, Catherine Jimenea (Jay) of Houston and Lindsey Sobarzo (Daniel) of Yoakum; great-grandsons, Brody Striedel, Hudson and Hayden Dekowski, and Charlie Sobarzo; great granddaughters, Everleigh Dekowski, Olivia Striedel, Anna and Olivia Jimenea; brothers, Roland Striedel (Patsy) of Cuero, Anthony “Butch” Striedel (MaryAnn) of Yoakum; sisters, Barbara Warzecha (the late Vincent) of Cuero, and Susan Wade (Joel) of Waco, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Johnnie “Sonny” Striedel, Norman Striedel and Dalton Striedel; sisters, Roberta Jean Shows, Dorothy Lane and Sharon Strain.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm in Cuero on Saturday, May 10, 2025, with Pastor Brian St. Clair officiating.  A masonic funeral will be held immediately following the service.  Interment will follow at Ebenezer Cemetery.

Pallbearers will include Devan Dekowski, Geoffrey Striedel, Daniel Sobarzo, Marion Woolie, Fred Brooks, Richard “Scooter” Lane, Mark Lane, Darren Strain, Forrest Striedel, Brody Striedel and Hudson Dekowski.

Honorary pallbearers include Lindsey Sobarzo, Catherine Jimenea, Charlie Sobarzo, Cynthia Rother, Everleigh and Hayden Dekowski.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Yoakum or Cuero Pet Adoptions.

Cuero ISD Superintendent Clarifies Transfer Policies Amid Misinformation

Cuero, TX – In an effort to dispel rumors and provide clarity on student transfers, Cuero Independent School District (ISD) Superintendent Micah Dyer addressed the community through social media, reaffirming the district’s commitment to accepting transfer students from surrounding areas.

Superintendent Dyer assured families that Cuero ISD welcomes students from various neighboring schools, including Nursery, Meyersville, Westhoff, Yoakum, Yorktown, Goliad, Victoria, Mission Valley, and other nearby districts. He emphasized that any student residing outside the Cuero ISD attendance zone is eligible for consideration, provided their families complete the required transfer application.

To streamline the process, Cuero ISD has introduced new transfer forms, which can be accessed online via the district’s official website. Superintendent Dyer encouraged parents and guardians to submit the necessary paperwork to ensure a smooth transition for their children.

Acknowledging concerns circulating within the community, Dyer urged families to seek accurate information directly from the district. He reassured parents that Cuero ISD remains open and transparent about its policies and is available to address any questions regarding the updated transfer process.

By reinforcing the district’s dedication to inclusivity and accessibility, Cuero ISD continues its mission to provide quality education opportunities for all students, regardless of their home district.

For further details or inquiries, families are encouraged to contact Cuero ISD directly.

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Cuero Police Department Cracks Down on Drug-Related Offenses

Cuero, TX – Officers with the Cuero Police Department (CPD) have made significant strides in combating drug-related crimes following two separate vehicle stops that led to substantial narcotics seizures and multiple arrests.

On April 25, 2025, CPD officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a violation. During the initial interaction, the driver attempted to flee on foot but was swiftly apprehended by law enforcement. Upon further investigation, officers discovered that the suspect was in possession of a large quantity of methamphetamine. The individual was taken into custody and booked into the Dewitt County Jail on charges related to drug possession.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The department’s ongoing vigilance resulted in another major arrest on May 2, 2025, when officers stopped a separate vehicle. During their investigation, they uncovered a significant quantity of marijuana, THC vape pens, and cash in the possession of the occupants. Both individuals were arrested and booked into the Dewitt County Jail as authorities continued their efforts to curb drug distribution within the community.

These incidents underscore the CPD’s commitment to public safety and the enforcement of drug-related laws, ensuring that illegal substances are kept off the streets. Officials urge community members to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to aid in their ongoing fight against drug-related crime.

Yorktown’s Brycen Allman Earns 1st Runner-Up Title at Miss Texas Teen USA 2025

May 4, 2025 – Yorktown, Texas, is proud to recognize the accomplishment of hometown senior Brycen Allman, who placed 1st Runner-Up in the Miss Texas Teen USA 2025 beauty pageant, held in Houston. Competing in one of the state’s most renowned pageants, Brycen represented her community with poise and confidence.

The Miss Texas Teen USA pageant serves as the official state qualifier for the Miss Teen USA® competition, part of the prestigious Miss USA®/Miss Universe® system. Contestants are evaluated in three categories—Evening Gown, Personal Interview, and Activewear—with judges selecting an all-around contestant based on poise, personality, intelligence, and beauty.

Earning the 1st Runner-Up title reflects Brycen’s dedication, preparation, and confidence on stage. Competing at this level required poise, determination, and a strong commitment to excellence, all of which she demonstrated among a talented field of contestants from across Texas.

Yorktown congratulates Brycen Allman on her impressive performance and the recognition she earned in such a competitive event. Her hometown is proud of her accomplishment and looks forward to seeing what she achieves next!

Georgie Lee Schultz Clark – February 22, 1930 to May 3, 2025 (95)

YOAKUM: Georgie Lee Schultz Clark, 95, left her earthly home on Saturday May 3, 2025.  She was born February 22, 1930, to Rudolf and Edna Wunderlich Schultz in Tivoli, Texas.

She lived her early life in Tivoli helping her grandparents with their service station/ store and helping her mom cotton picking.  As a teen, they moved to Yoakum and attended Yoakum High School and was a majorette with the band.  She was taught to dance when dating her soon to be husband Gerald Clark. He spied her in a soda shop through the window and told the fella he was walking with; “I’m going to marry that girl “and the pursuit began. They married on Sept. 9, 1948, and made their home in Houston, where she worked in the bookkeeping dept of Curtain & Co.  In 1957 she gave birth to their only child, Robin Gayle Clark (Bostwick) and became a devoted stay at home mom. The family moved to Port Arthur when Gerry became a manager with Western Auto.   She was very involved with my school activities and helped with my Camp Fire Girls group for many years. Mom sewed all my clothes until I went into high school.   In 1972, she went to work as a bookkeeper for the Camp Fire Girls organization in Port Arthur until 1976. Once I enrolled at Lamar University,

Gerry and Georgie became owners of a Western Auto dealer store in Port Lavaca and in 1978 bought the Western Auto store in Yoakum proudly serving the community for 15 years until retirement.  While associated with Western Auto, Georgie and Gerry were able to travel to many different places due to Gerry winning trips from his store’s production; Spain, Mexico, Caribbean cruise, and Hawaii were favorite memory trips.  Georgie served in many capacities including the Yoakum Pilot club, Yoakum Chamber of Commerce, various dance clubs and Holy Cross Lutheran Women.  At Holy Cross Lutheran, she served in the Lutheran Women, Senior Ministry, was a Reader and greeter, the Women’s Quilting group as well as participating with the Golden Nuggets monthly gatherings and trips.  She also drove many cancer patients to Victoria for their treatments.

Georgie was a proud Momma, Grandma to 3 and GGMa to 6 (almost 7).  She loved her family and was quite a fantastic cook and baker.   She taught me to attend Church weekly, cook, insisted I make my bed daily, taught me to keep and balance a checkbook, say Yes ma’am, no sir, and many other things a young woman needed to know for life. Mom had high expectations for me and was quite the disciplinarian. She kept beautiful flower beds, worked a garden and enjoyed many hours on the back porch with Daddy watching the hummingbirds and birds year-round.  On our many family vacations to Rockport, Gerry and his son in law Phillip and grandkids would fish in the morning and were greeted by Georgie at the door ready to fry up the morning catch and provide a dessert to enjoy after.  Many summers, she and Daddy asked to keep the grandkids for 2 weeks, taking them to the Yoakum library and daily swimming lessons which included popsicles right after.

Mom and Dad really enjoyed their dancing and participated in local dance clubs for years, even winning a jitterbug contest trophy.  She and Daddy drank coffee and worked daily crossword puzzles every morning for many years.  They were married until June 7, 2020, when Daddy died. Their marriage endured 71 years and 9 months.  They were truly blessed with many years of happiness. If you needed a lesson in devotion and commitment to a spouse, they were the perfect example.

Survivors include daughter Robin Clark Bostwick (Phillip), grandchildren Dane Bostwick (Christine) of Georgetown, Tx, Brooke Bostwick Teeter (Jon) of Jacksonville, NC and Dean Bostwick (Jessica) of Mont Belvieu, Tx.; Bro-in-law Wayne Clark (Cora Lee) of Hope, sister-in-law, Lois Clark of Arkansas (formerly Victoria).  Nephews: Richard Clark (Ann) of Yoakum, David Fagan (Selena) of Cuero, Reid Clark (Doris) of Arkansas, Mark Clark (Debbie) of Tennessee, Bryan Clark of Hope and niece: Lynell Hamman of Yoakum.  Great grandchildren: Logan LeBeouf, Natalie and Riley Bostwick, Addison, Kinsley and Bennett Teeter, and one more to be born later this month baby girl Bostwick.

Preceded in death by her husband Gerald, parents, brothers in law- Malcolm Clark, Kenneth Clark, and Gene Fagan, sister in laws, Emily Clark and Marion Fagan, nephews Ray and Tommy Fagan, and Stephen Clark.

Graveside Service 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at County Line Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the charity of your choice or Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Yoakum, Tx.  They can be directed to the Golden Nuggets (Senior Ministry) or the Women’s Quilting Ministry.

Leon James Barton – August 23, 1942 to May 1, 2025 (82)

ROUND ROCK: Leon James Barton, 82, of Round Rock, Texas, passed on to his heavenly father on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Leon was born on August 23, 1942, in Lavaca County to the late Rudolph and Rosie (Rainosek) Barton.

Leon had been married to the love of his life, Margaret (Targac) Barton for 61 years.  Leon graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in 1960 and went on to serve in the US Army. He retired from HEB in 1997 after 37 years of dedicated service.  His dedication to HEB allowed him to work in Yoakum, Victoria, Corpus Christi, and Round Rock where he provided a range of knowledge as a Store Manager, Produce Supervisor, and Inventory Control Manager.

He also served as Grand Knight at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Yoakum.  He established the KJT Society at St. Williams Catholic Church in Round Rock where he served as President and Vice President until his death.  Leon was fluent in Czech and loved to sing along to any Czech song.  Leon also enjoyed fishing, listening to polka and waltzes, gardening and tending to his plants and flowers.  His favorite pass time was sweeping his sidewalks and driveway on a daily basis.

Survivors are his loving wife Margaret (Targac) Barton of Round Rock; sons, Greg Barton and wife Sandra of Point Venture, James Barton and wife Meg of Round Rock; three granddaughters, Amanda Barton, Mercedes Barton (Justin) and Kamry Sanchez-Barton (Myrissa); four great-daughters, McKena Lopez, Leia Lockett, Aleny Lockett and Reese Sanchez-Barton; one sister, Betty Jean Wiggins (Al) of Houston and brother, Raymond (Pat) Barton of San Antonio and niece/daughter Kathy Custer of Victoria.

Preceded in death by his parents, brother, Eugene Barton and his wife Lorene Barton.

Funeral Mass 10 a.m., Monday, May 5, 2025, at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner with Rev. Michael Odarty-Lamptey officiating. Burial to follow at Shiner Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Ronnie Matias, Michael Barton, Jeff Matias, Mark Wiggins, Frankie Targac, Paul Barton and Louie Matias.

Honorary Pallbearers are Amanda Barton, Mercedes Barton and Kamry Sanchez-Barton.

Memorials may be given to KJT or St. Cyril & Methodius Catholic School.

DeWitt Election Office Post Unofficial Election Results

May 4, 2025 -In De Witt County, voters elected two hospital board members for Cuero Regional Hospital. Based on the unofficial results, Martin Leske (440 votes) and Faye Sheppard (392 votes) are the leading candidates for the two available positions, surpassing Pedro Gonzales (213 votes).

Mitch Adams and ShaNon Henson secured seats in Districts 1 and 4 without opposition, ensuring their positions on the council. Meanwhile, the At-Large City Council race saw three candidates vying for the seat. For the two City Councilmember-At-Large positions, Adam Arroyo (436 votes) and Charles Tounely (308 votes) emerged as the top contenders, with Russell Mobley (80 votes) falling short.

Meanwhile, in the Single Member District 1 school board race, Sean Douglas, with 73 votes, secured the seat over MaryJane Henson, who received 54 votes.

Yorktown ISD current board members Jeff Sievers, Christopher Romans, and Aaron Koopmann have been re-elected to serve on the school board.

Please note that, although these results have been obtained from the DeWitt Elections Office, they are still considered unofficial until further notice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CORRECTION: 5/05/2025 (spelling of name)

Charlotte Rose Morrow – August 25, 1939 to May 2, 2025 (85)

YOAKUM: Charlotte Rose Morrow, age 85, passed away peacefully at home Friday, May 2, 2025. She was born August 25, 1939, in Yoakum to John and Iva Donnelly Lee.

She retired as the finance director for the City of Yoakum after 47 years of service. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters of America, Altar Society, Pilot Club and Kiwanis Club. She enjoyed taking care of & spoiling her grandchildren and attending their school & sporting activities. She also enjoyed traveling, walking on the beach, watching the San Antonio Spurs play and attending Catholic Daughters conventions. She was a Junior Catholic Daughters leader, cub scout den mother and with the St. Joseph School P.T.C.

Survivors: daughter, Linda Machacek (Mike); sons, John Morrow (Karen) and Van Morrow (Deborah); grandchildren, Craig Morrow (Shay Kelly), Dustin Morrow (Marissa), Nick Morrow (Keeley), Regan Whitley (Blake), Rylee Torres (Taylor), Morgan Hughes (Dustin), Ariel Robinson (Kevin),  Adrienne Machacek and Hailey Ryan (Alex); great-grandchildren: Peyton Morrow, Jaxson Morrow, Ciela Morrow, Evie Morrow, Elijah Morrow, Isla Morrow, Mikah Hughes, Livia Hughes, Gemma Hughes, Rogan Robinson, Max Ryan, Major Ryan, Milo Ryan and Memphis Ryan.

Preceded in death by parents; great-grandson, Oliver Morrow; sisters, Aliene Vinklarek and Lois Miller; brothers, Lloyd Lee and Paul Douglas Lee.

Rosary 1:30 p.m. followed with a Funeral Mass at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 5, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Msgr. John Peters officiating. Burial St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Craig Morrow, Dustin Morrow, Nick Morrow, David Vinklarek, Dennis Vinklarek and Daniel Vinklarek. Honorary pallbearers will be former and current employees of the City of Yoakum.

Memorials may be given to St. Joseph Catholic Church or St. Joseph Catholic School Operating Fund.

The family would like to thank all of Mrs. Morrow’s loving caregivers, especially Natalie Meza also Advanced Home Health for their great care.