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Category Archives: Obituaries

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17 Nov

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Joseph “Joe” Schilling

March 9, 1939-November 9, 2020

Joseph L Schilling, “Joe” (Papa Joe), born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, departed us on 09 November 2020 to be with the Lord.

Joe served in the United States Air Force as a Flight Engineer where he traveled all over the world. When he left the military, he worked as a small engine mechanic and eventually worked as the custodian for St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. He retired to spend a few years RV’ing across the United States with his wife, Margie. They had many adventures and met a lot of people along the way and of course Joe never met anyone that he did not call a friend. Joe was one of the most social people you’d ever meet and enjoyed life to the fullest every day. Returning to San Antonio, Joe came out of retirement and drove a school bus for close to seven years; he loved the kids, and they respected him.

Joe loved the simple things in life. Whether it be watching a western on tv or gathering for a BBQ, a birthday, a Cowboys game, or a full moon, as long as he was surrounded by family and friends he was a happy man. He loved his country music, and if a song came on that he liked, no matter where he was, he would get up and dance, and man could he dance!

Joe had a true love for fishing, hunting, a little golf, and a passion for telling stories about all three. It may have been the camaraderie or it may have been the brag factor. If you’ve ever fished, hunted, or played golf with him, you know it’s a little of both.

Joe is survived by his wife, Margie, of 31 years; sister, Vicky Farnsworth; brother, Kenneth Schilling; daughter, Gigi; son, Michael; stepdaughter, Tena, and her husband, James; 8 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.

Joe will be missed by all that knew him.

Joe loved a good story, please if you have one, share it.
Rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the Disabled American Veterans, https://www.dav.org/.

The funeral Mass is scheduled for 1 pm on Friday, November 20 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Thank you for following COVID-19 protocols and staying safe.

03 Nov

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Timothy O’Connor

Mr. Timothy Patrick “Tim” O’Connor, 62, of Brownstown, IN, passed away Friday, October 23, 2020 at Baptist East Hospital in Louisville, KY. He was born at an Force Base in Arrington, England, into a military family. Timothy was the third child out of seven from the family of Rex and Joan O’Connor. In the mid 1960’s after relocating serveral times, Tim’s family settled in San Antonio, TX, where he called home. In January 23, 1982, he married the love of his life, Gayla Glietz. He was passionate about airplanes from childhood. As a child he built model airplanes and dreamed of becoming a pilot like his father. He realized his dream in 1984 when he earned his private pilot license. He worked in aviation all his life starting at Continental Airlines, FedEx, Boeing, and finished his career at UPS as a Team Fleet Supervisor.

Tim’s passion for airplanes continued with his restoration of a SR-9 Stinson Gullwing. He won many awards including Grand Champion in Denton, TX, and was acknowledged in Georgia’s Who’s Who in Aviation. Tim’s recent projects, a ME-103 and a P-26A had kept him busy. Many articles have been written worldwide about his talent and excellent workmanship.

Tim was a member of the Elk’s Club, Knights of Columbus, and a member of Masonic F & AM Lodge #146 in Seymour, IN, and volunteered for Habitat for Humanity for several years.

Tim is survived by his wife of 38 years, Gayla O’Connor; children, Nicholas Patrick O’Connor, Erin Nicole LeDuc and her husband Kevin; by his parents, Theodore Rexford O’Connor and Joan Kathleen (McNerney) O’Connor; siblings, Bill O’Connor and his wife Gail, Kathy O’Connor, Michael O’Connor and his wife Karla, Mary Rice and her husband Gary as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Tom O’Connor.

The funeral Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 12 pm on November 5 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in San Antonio.

23 Oct

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Garrett Richard Joiner

September 1, 2000-October 20, 2020

Garrett Richard Joiner, gone much too soon, but will never be forgotten. Garrett passed away on October 20th, 2020 in San Antonio, TX. He was born in Irving, TX on September 1st, 2000. Garrett was beloved by so many friends and family members. Garrett was intellectual beyond his years. His genius-level intelligence and exuberant work ethic made him one of the most successful young architectural designers of his time, although his immense humility would never let you know how truly smart he was. Garrett was always the one to lend a helping hand wherever, whenever and to whomever. Yet, he never asked for a single thing. He was the most kind-hearted person; he didn’t have a mean bone in his body. He was gentle and loving to all.

His funny and sweet personality will forever live on through his beloved mother Cedar Joiner, father Donald Joiner, his sisters Alex and Ashley Holifield, Christopher Greer, his cousins Grant, Kirsten, Griffin, Luke, Eric, Paul and Aaron, his aunts and uncles, his multitude of friends, as well as, all of those whose lives he deeply touched though his years of selfless service.

Life will never be the same without you. We will love you forever!

14 Oct

To Celebrate a Life of Love: James Foster Rapier

August 25, 1931-October 10, 2020

James Foster Rapier, age 89, of Shavano Park, Texas, passed away
peacefully on Saturday, October 10, 2020 with his family at his side.

Foster, as he was known to all, was born in Alton, Illinois on August 25, 1931 to Leland and Catherine Rapier. Foster attended Roman Catholic parochial schools in Bloomington, Illinois. He graduated from Trinity High School in 1950 and was inducted into the Bloomington Central Catholic Hall of Fame in 2006 recognizing his outstanding athletic achievements. Foster met the love of his life, Frances Daleiden, Class of 1949 at Trinity. They were married in 1953 while Foster attended John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio. Foster was a standout football player for the Blue Streaks from 1950-54. He attracted the attention of the Cleveland Browns, but was called to duty in the U.S. Army in 1954 upon graduation from John Carroll. He served our country for two years at Fort Eustis, VA while playing Army football.

While in the Army, Foster and Frances welcomed their first child, Carole Rapier Clark (Michael) of Shavano Park, TX in 1955. Following his honorable discharge, Foster began his professional career with the Equitable Life Insurance Company in Bloomington, Illinois, a tremendous career that lasted for the next 32 years.

Theresa Rapier Swift (Terry) of Georgetown, IN was born in 1957, followed by Mary Rapier Millage (Tim) of Boerne, TX in 1961. Christopher James Rapier (Jill) of Champaign, IL was born in 1966. Frances and the children survive. The Rapier family was a part of the founding of St. Matthew Roman Catholic Church in Champaign, IL in 1968.

Foster was a storyteller. His life included many adventures as an active father, coach, craftsman, hunter, fisherman, and golfer. His exploits are well documented in family history. He never knew a stranger and his personable style related so well to people from all walks of life, but he enjoyed his family the most. His pride and joy was being a grandfather  and great-grandfather and it put a bounce in his step. His 11 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren loved his devotion to their games and various important life events. Foster and Frances were always there, without fail.

He fought the good fight and will be missed dearly by his loving family. His marriage to Frances was a model of devotion to the very end. Her constant care and vigilance for him was a wonderful example of unconditional love. His, “I sure do love you, Mom,” will echo in our hearts for years to come.

The Rapier Family would like to thank the staff of The Etta Senior Living at Shavano Park for their heartfelt care throughout Foster’s final 5 years.

Following a funeral Mass, October 21st at 12 pm at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Foster will be buried in a private family ceremony with military honors at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Geneva School of Boerne for tuition support where Foster’s granddaughter and son-in-law are part of the faculty (113 Cascade Caverns Road, Boerne, TX 78015).

Graveside service live stream: https://admin.mediafusionapp.com/_live/eventPlayer.php?eventId=2097_9879

01 Oct

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Thomas Alton Brecheen

Thomas Alton Brecheen passed away peacefully on September 28, 2020 at his home in San Antonio with his family by his side. He was born on May 3, 1938 in San Antonio to William J. Brecheen and Margaret Thomas. Mr. Brecheen is survived by his beloved wife of 62 blessed years, Patsy Brecheen. Thomas was a loving and devoted Dad to his two daughters, Theresa McLellan and her spouse, David, and Mary Blohm and her spouse, Mike. Thomas had 6 grandchildren, Bonnie McLellan, Justin Blohm and spouse Christina, Andrew McLellan and spouse Cynthia, Brandon Blohm and spouse Abigail, Christian McLellan & fiancé Jennifer Bui and Tiffany Blohm. He also had 7 great-grandchildren; Yazmine, Elijah, Sophia, Penelope, Riley, Landon, and Bear who loved him very much. Thomas Alton was a kind, generous man of few words who was loved tremendously and will be missed very much.

SERVICES
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2020 from 6:00 pm-9:00 pm, with a Rosary at 7:00 pm at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North. Funeral Mass will be on Friday, October 2, 2020 at 11:00 am at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Entombment will follow in the Mission Burial Park North Mausoleum.

For personal acknowledgment, you may sign the online guestbook at www.missionparks.com in the Tributes section.

MISSION PARK FUNERAL CHAPELS NORTH
3401 CHERRY RIDGE DR.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78230
(210) 349-1414

29 Sep

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Claude Joseph “CJ” Fremin, Jr.

February 8, 1943-September 6, 2020

Claude Joseph “CJ” Fremin, Jr. was called home on Sunday, September 6, 2020. He was born on February 8, 1943, in San Antonio, Texas, to Claude Joseph Fremin, Sr. and Rita Fremin Bulgrin. The family moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, where he attended Saint Aloysius High School. CJ served in the U.S. Navy. As a young man, he returned to his birth place: San Antonio, Texas. He worked for more than 30 years at Southwestern Bell, now AT&T, in various roles including as a journeyman and a FACS Operations manager. It was during his career at Southwestern Bell that he met his devoted wife, Donna.

He and Donna spent much of their time serving at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus. As a 4th degree Knight and Past Grand Knight, CJ valued all the core principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. They also served as facilitators for the 4th Saturday lunch bunch with Mobile Loaves & Fishes, preparing food and gathering clothing for those experiencing homelessness in San Antonio.

Ever the gentleman, his calming presence, wisdom, and quick wit was a joy to behold. His smile would melt your cares away and give you peace instantly. He will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

CJ is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Donna Fremin; his sisters, Pam Marsh, Michelle Eber and Mary Chuter; and niece, Kim Biffle. CJ had a large and loving extended family whom he enjoyed. He spent time listening and laughing at their stories, including: sisters-in-law, Lynda Leadford (Ken); Becky Pollock (Chuck); Angela Goldsbury (Kit) and Talya Hastings; and brother-in-law, Walter Gleason. He was also known as Uncle CJ to numerous nieces and nephews.

SERVICES
Services will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 4201 De Zavala Rd. The Vigil Service will be at 7:00 pm on Friday, October 2, 2020. The Resurrection Mass will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 3, 2020. Due to current COVID restrictions, please register for attendance for each service at http://sfasat.org/fremin-services-signup/ (where you can also find the live stream links) and to www.missionparks.com to sign the guest book.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Mobile Loaves & Fishes at http://sfasat.org/MLF/donate.htm or the charity of your choice.

28 Sep

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Maria Lourdes Archibald

June 8, 1947-September 23, 2020

Maria Lourdes Archibald (Mary Lou to her family) went to meet her Lord on September 23, 2020. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Mary Lou Cabrera was born in Kenedy, Texas, on June 8, 1947 to Angela and Julian Cabrera. She was the oldest of seven brothers and sisters growing up in Hobbs, New Mexico, where she attended Hobbs High School. She was a twirler and played clarinet for the marching band, was on the debate team, and had many friends. She also attended New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico where she met her first husband Randy, the father of her children, which began her journey as a military wife. She enjoyed the travel on which this path took her family, meeting new friends, hosting bridge parties and soldiers away from their families during holidays. Mary Lou took pride in her organizational abilities and that she could set up a home in quick order whenever and wherever they transferred. Mary Lou had an excellent work ethic, which began as a young girl, spanning from pathology assistant, office manager, customer service and business owner. She lived and was employed many years in San Antonio, working for several construction and design businesses, all while utilizing her many talents and bilingual skills. Thereafter, she moved to Carlsbad, New Mexico, where she worked for Louis Dreyfus and RKI oil companies for 7 years. During this time she enjoyed frequenting the bingo hall on weekends with her sister and niece, and going out to eat at the buffet after church. She returned to San Antonio to be with her children and grandchildren and worked for Southwest Airlines where she met many wonderful friends until her passing. She was an avid reader, enjoyed drawing and painting, and writing short stories—all of which she passed on to her children and grandchildren. She also appreciated and practiced the art of written correspondence with cards and letters and never missed an opportunity to send notes for important events and holidays. Her favorite times were when she had all the grandkids to her home for sleepovers, making her “famous” pancakes (from a mix), snuggling together on the couch reading and watching movies, and drawing around the table. Christmas was very important and fun for her, especially making and decorating Christmas cookies with the grandkids. She was beautiful inside and out, incredibly intelligent, kind, fun-loving, loyal and full of love. She always made time for you and made you feel special, wanting each and every one of her loved ones to be happy and supported. Her physical strength and perseverance were reflected by her many brave battles with cancer. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Wood Pogue and her husband, Marshall and granddaughter, Blakeley; daughter Lauren Wood Stokes and her husband, Charlie and grandchildren, Isabella, Morgan, Clara and Street; and son Elliot Wood and his wife, Angella and granddaughters Madison, Ellie and Evelyn; sisters Margaret Farris of Fairborn, OH and Rita Granger of Santa Fe, NM; brothers Daniel Cabrera of Albuquerque, NM and David Cabrera and his wife Tammy of San Angelo, TX, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Magdalena Masters, brother Martin Cabrera, nephews Nathan Alexander and Martin Cabrera, Jr., and granddaughter Emma Huckaby.

A funeral Mass will be held Thursday, October 1st at 12 pm at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church; 4201 De Zavala Rd., San Antonio, TX 78249. For personal acknowledgement, you may sign the online guestbook at www.missionparks.com in the obituary section.

17 Aug

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Catherine “Katie” Bell

July 4, 1923-August 9, 2020

Catherine O’Neil Bell (Katie) died on August 9, 2020 in San Antonio, Texas. Katie was born on July 4, 1923 in Calumet, Michigan (on the “south shore of Lake Superior” as she liked to tell everyone), the first child of James O’Neil and Katherine Torreano O’Neil. She was joined two years later by her sister Marion who always wondered why there were fireworks, parades, and picnics on Catherine’s birthday, but not hers!

Katie graduated from Calumet High School and began her nursing studies in Duluth, Minnesota at the College of St. Scholastica. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

While working a summer job at the Keweenaw Country Club she briefly met John Frederick Bell (Fritz) who had been doing research on Isle Royal (he was an MD- Ph.D. virologist). They met again later at a wedding and that began a long-distance courtship culminating in their marriage on May 3, 1947. Their first home was in Bethesda, MD where Fritz, a commissioned officer in the USPHS, began work at the National Institutes of Health. Their son Michael was born in Bethesda. In 1949 they moved to Hamilton, MT where Fritz continued his research at the Rocky Mountain Laboratory. Their daughter Martha was born there in 1951. Katie was very involved in her community. She was a club-champion golfer, a skier, a member of the League of Women Voters (serving a full term as Secretary of the Montana State chapter), the Ravalli County Democratic Women and St. Francis Parish (where she was the first elected president of the Parish Council).

She also loved the travel that Fritz’s work offered them. They especially enjoyed their assignments in Argentina and Kenya.

Katie continued to live in Hamilton after Fritz’s death in 2000. Later, as winters became more difficult to manage alone, she transitioned to San Antonio to be closer to her daughter and family. For the last eight years she made her home at Brookdale in Alamo Heights where the staff gave her the best care imaginable and where her daughter could visit almost every day.

Katie is survived by her son Mike Bell and wife Anne, their children Ryan Bell and Erin Bell Rubin and grandchildren Evan Bell, Quinn and Westly Rubin. She is also survived by her daughter Mardi Bell Baron and husband Bob, their children Mary Baron and Michael Baron, and grandchildren Jacob, Robert and Gregory Johnson and Louis Baron.

Katie’s ashes will be placed with Fritz’s on their former farm in Montana. The family will hold services there when travel is once again safe for everyone.

You are invited to sign the Guestbook at www.porterloring.com.

13 Aug

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Charles Chacon, Jr.

September 17, 1942-August 11, 2020

Charles Chacon, Jr., 77, passed away in the early morning hours of August 11, 2020, at San Antonio Military Medical Center. He is now in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Charles was born on September 17, 1942 in San Antonio, Texas to Charlie Chacon and Odila Chacon. He was a retired Vietnam veteran who served 22 years in the U.S. Navy. He also worked 20 years with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Charles loved his job and made many friends while working at both Garza Units and McConnel Unit.

Charles and his wife, Adelfa Chacon, are members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Beeville. He was a very hard-working, humorous, and generous man who will be missed dearly by all family, friends, and co-workers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie Chacon and Odila Chacon, and a brother, Robert Chacon.

Charles leaves behind his wife, Adelfa (Rodriguez) Chacon, whom he recently celebrated his 51st wedding anniversary with.

He is also survived by his son, Charles Paul (Sonora) Chacon; daughter, Rebecca Renee Chacon (Edward) Maldonado; sister, Irma (Truman) Hill; and brother, William (Maggie) Chacon. Grandchildren left behind include Amber (Zachary) Stuart, Lauren Chacon, Olivia Maldonado, Edward Maldonado II, Carlos (Ashlee) Serna and Lorenzo (Brittany) Serna. Charles was also blessed with five great-grandchildren, Hunter Stuart, Madilyn and Nolan Ashley and Grace and Leonardo Serna; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, August 22, 2020 at St. Joseph Catholic Church followed by a Memorial Service at 10 o’clock.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 609 E. Gramman, Beeville, Texas 78102.

04 Aug

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Deacon Tom Franklin

October 10, 1937-August 1, 2020

Deacon Tom was born on October 10, 1937 in Lakewood, Ohio to Rollen and Virginia Franklin. He returned to his Heavenly Father at the age of 82. He attended schools in North Olmsted, Ohio. He graduated from Case Institute of Technology in 1959 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Fluid Dynamics. He began working for Sohio Oil while finishing his degree and continued there after college. In 1963 he moved to NASA Lewis Research Center in Cleveland. In 1966 while reading an SAE magazine, Tom found an ad for a management position at Rohm and Haas’s new Spring House, PA Engine Laboratory. Tom managed that lab for 10 years, but his need to move on brought him to San Antonio, Texas in 1976 for an engineering position with Automotive Research. Several years later he began his own consulting firm, Franklin Research and Technical Services, Inc. He led and served on various committees for SAE and ASTM technical standards groups.

In 1983 he felt called to begin seminary studies to be ordained a Catholic deacon. He was ordained in 1986 and began his ministry at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in San Antonio where he served for 32 years. During those years he and Agnes began Small Church Communities as a continuation of the Renew Process. They educated Communion Ministers, started the ministry to the Sick and Homebound and educated ministers to serve. They served on team for Beyond Cana Retreats and its Outreach to other parishes. Deacon Tom developed the formats used during Holy Week Services and led the monthly Men’s Morning of Prayer. He never stopped learning and could be found at numerous classes at Oblate School of Theology. Wherever there was a need, he reached out and served.

In 2018 Tom suffered a head injury from which he never recovered. Blessings on Kennith Cooper who cared lovingly for Tom before his time at Alpha Senior Care. The family is most grateful for all their care and support through the COVID Pandemic when family could not spend time with him. Many blessings on all those who continued to pray for him and send him and Agnes well wishes, especially our faith community.

Deacon Tom is survived by his best friend, lover, and soul mate, Agnes, with whom he shared 62 years of married life. Together they raised six sons, five of whom survive today; Thomas (& wife Amber), Daniel (& wife Pamela), Mark (& wife Cheri), John (& wife Cynthia), Joseph (& wife Angela), and his nephew, Ralph (& wife Patricia), who came to be a part of our family in 1981. He enjoyed 20 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, always with a smile on his face.

Those who have gone home to the Father before him are son, Paul & wife Monica, parents Rollen and Virginia Franklin, brother Rollen & wife Gloria, brother Robert & wife Helen, and sister Rosemary. Parents-in-law Joseph & Helen Borosh, sister-in-law Catherine & husband Louis Boehnlein, brother-in-law Joseph & wife Margaret Borosh.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Mobile Loaves & Fishes Ministry (http://sfasat.org/MLF/). You can leave a message in Deacon Tom’s guestbook at http://porterloring.tributes.com/obituary/guestbook/Deacon-Thomas-Franklin-108492189.

Services for Deacon Tom

Masks and physical distancing are required for all services. Seating is limited to 160. Please RSVP to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church by calling 210-492-4600.

Visitation | 6:00-8:00 p.m. with Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. on August 21st. Watch live at https://youtu.be/rCIDIEUpU6M.

Mass of Resurrection | 9:30 a.m on August 22nd. Please arrive 30 minutes early for seating. Watch live at https://youtu.be/ML0FvtB7JT4.

Burial for the family at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery on Nacogdoches Rd.

All services to be held with the Catholic Community of St. Francis of  Assisi,  4201 De Zavala Rd., San Antonio, TX 78249.

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