Rosalio Lara Souza, age 92, was born on September 4, 1932, in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. He passed away peacefully on Monday, February 24, 2025, with his family by his side. Rosalio had always dreamed of improving his life and moved to Texas, where he became a permanent resident in 1967.  He then became the father of four remarkable daughters.  He cherished his role as a father and grandfather, consistently demonstrating unwavering dedication, whether defending his daughters or assuming multiple occupations to provide for his family.  He was always present at significant events, including weddings, birthdays, and graduations. Notably, he once walked a pony ten miles to bring joy to his daughters. Whether it involved getting his nails polished or shopping for prom dresses, he would do anything for his family.  His favorite saying symbolized his daily sacrifices he would always say ‘I will make the sacrifice. ’He profoundly loved his grandchildren and was willing to make unconditional sacrifices for their benefit.  He would take part in dress-up games and organize tea parties to bring joy to his granddaughters.  Rosalio would teach his grandsons building and survival skills as well.

​Rosalio Lara Souza is survived by his four daughters; Alma Gilmore, Rosalinda Sisenero , Irma Lara and Elida Lara. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Crystal Gilmore, Christopher Schoonover, Mikey Bates, Alexander Doran, Eric Aponte and Alyssa Doran. His family will forever cherish his memory, and he will be profoundly missed.

Gerry Arlene Blankenship, 74, was born July 30, 1950, and peacefully passed away February 3, 2025, surrounded by her loving family in North Richland Hills, Texas.  A proud graduate of Del Valle High School and spent some years at Blinn Woman Collage of Secretarial Studies.  Gerry was a secretary at the Travis County Extension Service and then the United States Air Force.  A devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother whose love and kindness touched the lives of everyone she met.

She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Geraldine; father, Eddy Buck; brother, Eddy Jr. and her late husbands, Doyle Leseman and Jeff Blankenship.  Gerry leaves behind a rich legacy of love and cherished memories, remembered fondly by her four sons, a daughter, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Gerry was known for her warm heart, infectious laughter and unwavering support for her family.  She created a home filled with love, joy, and countless memories that will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.  Her spirit and strength will continue to inspire her family and friends.

A private celebration of Gerry’s life will be held later, allowing her loved ones to come together to honor her memory.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital Charity in Gerry’s name.

​She will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

​

Apolonia Frias De Moreno passed away peacefully in her sleep January 28, 2025, at the age of 98 years in Mesquite, Texas. She was born on February 9, 1926, in Santa Barbara de Tutuaca Chihuahua Mexico to Benita Lopez and Tomas Frias. She

​Apolonia was blessed with four brothers; five sisters; 14 children; 47 grandchildren; 85 great grandchildren and 19 great-great grandchildren.  She will be deeply missed by her family, and her memory will live forever in our hearts.

Reynaldo Garza Jr, 78, changed his address from here to heaven on January 14, 2025. He was born in Raymondville, Texas on February 19, 1946.  As a young man he picked cotton in south Texas to help support his family with his mom and siblings.  He was the oldest of 4. In school he told me all the girls would copy his math.  He could always solve math with an ability God gave him.  At 18, he joined the US Air Force.  He wanted to be a fighter pilot, but they lied so he trained in special intelligence.  He served our country proudly for nearly 4 years with an honorable discharge.  Rey completed 2 years of college.  He enjoyed playing his electric guitar and often used secular music-free styling-with praise words to our Lord.  He enjoyed blues music, Stevie Ray Vaughan and BB King.  We often listened to Phil Driscoll and Paul Wilbur’s worship.  He attended Lakewood church in Houston then he came to International Christian Network Church with Pastor, Kerry Lucas. There is where he learned a lot of God’s word and how to trust the Lord. “
 
Rey was a godly man, full of love, grace, and mercy. He never spoke ill or gossiped about people. He always had an encouraging word from the Bible to share with everyone he met. Rey studied his Bible daily and listened to various preachers and evangelists. He prayed daily for all his family and many friends and people that needed prayer. Every day he would pray in the spirit to build up his most holy faith and it worked!  He was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees and the Washington Commanders and played ball as a younger man.
 
He is preceded in death by his parents, Reynaldo and Raquel Perez Garza.  He is survived by his sons, Shane Garza and James Kent Garza.  Although my girls Sarah and Todd Wadlington with Christina and Michael Belleau were not blood related, he was a loving father to them.  Through his last days Sarah and Todd drove me daily to the hospital and helped me reassure Rey we would obey his wishes.  We did just that!  Christina living in Long Island, New York text Rey with scriptures that encouraged him to believe and walk this in faith which he did.  Most beloved LuAnn Morgan (Life Partner) was with him as he peacefully entered heaven.  With praise and love he took his last breath with ease.  There was no fear or discomfort, just love surrounded him.  Sister, Mary Jane Garza, brothers, Robert and (Wanda) and Daniel Garza. Rey was a grandfather to Ashley Garza, Kaitlyn Morris, Kaylee Garza, Cali Rey Garza his (name sake) and Savannah Johnson. He was a great grandfather to Anderson Say-and Lavaughn Morris.  He had numerous nieces and nephews with cousins and friends. 
 
We will all miss his presence in this earth, therefore, encourage each other with these words: the dead in Christ shall rise first then those alive in Jesus shall be caught up in the air and be with our lord forever more Amen.
 
A memorial service will take place on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 10:00am at International Christian Network Church, 121 Wood Street, Sugar Land, Texas 77498 with Pastor, Kerry Lucas officiating.  Burial to follow at 1:45pm at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Drive, Houston, Texas 77038.
 
 

 
 

​Dwight Blaine Cox, 76, passed peacefully from this life Tuesday, December 31, 2024. He was born April 17, 1948, and served in the United States Army and proudly volunteered for the Vietnam War. 
 
Dwight suffered a stroke in 2005 which left him disabled. He became the "Mr. Mom" for his grandkids and you could always find him at the baseball, soccer fields or hockey rink cheering on his grandkids & great grandkids. He was affectionately known as the team "Papaw". Dwight was a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast. 
 
He is survived by his loving children, daughter, Tammy Foster and son, Robert Cox; sisters, Diane Brooks and Denise Simmons; 6 grandchildren & 5 great grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews.
 
Graveside service will take place Monday, January 20, 2025 at 1:15 pm at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. 
 

John Matthew Smith, known to all as Matt aged 34, passed away on January 5, 2025, in Fort Worth, TX. Born on April 4, 1990, to parents John Smith and LeAnn Stickland.

Funeral Service to honor Matt’s life will take place at 11:00am Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Shepherd's Valley Cowboy Church, located at 8901 US 67, Alvarado, TX 76009. The family invites all who knew Matt to join in celebrating his memory.  Burial will take place following service at Rose Hill Cemetery, Cleburne, Texas.

Matt faced profound struggles with mental illness and addiction, which made his journey incredibly challenging. But to those who truly knew him, these hardships never overshadowed the beautiful person he was.  Deep down, in the midst of all his struggles, was the most beautiful heart filled with radiant love. Matt was a gentle soul who always saw the good in people. He believed everyone deserved love and grace. His kindness and compassion left an indelible mark.  Matt’s life was anchored by his deep love for the Lord and his unwavering faith. Even in his most difficult moments, his faith never wavered, and he found strength in his connection to God. Matt was always deeply concerned about the happiness and safety of his loved ones. With his radiant smile, sharp wit, and warm heart, he brought light and joy to those around him.

Though his path was difficult, we find comfort in knowing that Matt is now healed. There is no more pain, no more struggle—he is finally at peace and reunited with his mom in heaven, surrounded by love and the presence of the Lord. 

Rest in peace, Matthew. You are deeply loved and will forever be missed, but we take solace in knowing you are free at last.

He is survived by his father, John Albert Smith; sister, Mary Smith Reinford; brothers, Travis Lee Wright and Nathaniel Allen Wright; his children, Candance O'Brien, Gavin Smith, and Genesis Smith; and his nieces and nephew, Paisley LeAnn Smith, Amari Janelle Young, and Owen Grey Reinford. Matt was preceded in death by his mother, LeAnn Stickland.

Duane W. Fessler, 88, of Hurst, Texas passed away peacefully on December 19, 2024. He was born on January 21, 1936, in Sutton, Nebraska to Dewey and Lola (Churchill) Fessler. Duane dedicated 35 years of his life to farming a profession that reflected his hard-working and resilient spirit. Beyond the fields, he pursued his passion for classic cars, spending countless hours restoring a 1934 two-door Ford sedan with his two sons, a testament to his skill and love for craftsmanship. Duane was a skilled welder and a Shriner and Free Mason, which he enjoyed very much. During his lifetime he built two homes, one in Hastings, Nebraska and one in Eagle Rock, Missouri.

Duane is survived by his son, Paul (Sandy) Fessler of Fort Worth, Texas and daughter, Julie (Bill) Oldfather of Kearney, Nebraska. He was a grandfather to Aubrey, Nicole and Peter and a great grandfather to Sterling and Wesley, several nieces, nephews and other extended family members and good friends, Donna and Paula. He is proceeded in death by his parents, Dewey and Lola; son, Patrick; brother, Darrell and sister’s, Marian Helton and Mildred Hammond.

​Duane will be remembered for his love for his family, his dedication to his faith, his love of classic cars and his steadfast work ethic. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. A private memorial service will be held by his family at a future time.

Rafael "Ralph" Gallardo, 59, passed away December 8, 2024, at Harris Methodist Hospital of Fort Worth, Tx. He was born April 21, 1965, in New Braunfels, Texas, the son of Luis and Dominga Gallardo. After high school Ralph entered the workforce as a professional mover and then as a landscaper. He was a avid sports fan watching the NFL Miami Dolphins as well as playing cards, domino’s, listening to rock music and walking his dog Ringo.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Leonel. Rafael is survived by his siblings, Louis, Ruben and Cynthia. A celebration of life is to be determined at this time.

​In Loving Memory of Jerry Ray Creech
Beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather

Jerry Ray Creech, a cherished husband, father, and grandfather, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on December 4, 2024, after a courageous battle with health complications from an ischemic stroke.

Born into a legacy of service, Jerry proudly served in the United States Air Force as a teletype technician during the Vietnam War. From 1967 to 1968, he was stationed at Cam Ranh Air Force Base, Vietnam, where he served both on base and in the field during combat operations. He retired from active duty in 1970 as a sergeant teletype and electronics instructor at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. Continuing his dedication to service, Jerry later joined the Texas Air National Guard as part of the 254th Combat Communications Group in Garland, Texas, which later moved to Hensley Field (now the Grand Prairie Armed Forces Reserve Complex). He retired in 2003 with the rank of Master Sergeant and over 20 years of distinguished service, serving as the group's Safety NCO.

​After his active military career, Jerry furthered his education by attending Midwestern State University and earning an associate’s degree in electronics from Dallas Community College. He enjoyed a long, successful career as a technician, engineer, and manager at companies such as E-Systems, Raytheon, and L-3, where he worked for over 30 years.
Jerry was also a private pilot who loved flying small aircraft and working on his lake property during his retirement.

Jerry is survived by his two children, Wylie Scott Creech and his spouse, Scherry Elizabeth Schwend-Creech, and Mitzi Danlene Creech-Stephens. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda Meyers Creech, as well as his parents, Lesser Cormon Creech and Sherl Dean Cain-Creech.

A service to honor Jerry's life and his service to our country will be held at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery on December 17, 2024, at 1:30 PM, with full military honors.