Mar. 1, 1940–Feb.14, 2016

Colonel (Retired) Jerry Ray Bedingfield, 75, of San Antonio, Texas died on Sunday, February 14, 2016. Jerry, devoted son, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, dedicated brother, uncle, godfather is survived by his wife, Lorraine Panek Bedingfield, his daughters Kelly Bedingfield Robles and Nancy Bedingfield, his son Steven Bedingfield, daughter-in-law, Julie Bedingfield, and grandsons Manuel Robles and Nicolas Robles. He is also survived by his brothers Jimmy Bedingfield, Alan Bedingfield, Joe Bedingfield, and sisters Shirley Bedingfield Forton, Gayle Bedingfield Hall, and Becky Bedingfield, along with many nieces and nephews, and a multitude of people who were mentored by, supported by, and encouraged by him. He is preceded in death by his brothers, Danny Bedingfield and Roger Bedingfield, and his sister, Jeannette Bedingfield Williams.

Jerry was born in Bruce, Mississippi, on March 1, 1940 and grew up near Mobile, Alabama. Jerry is a Viet Nam veteran who began his career in the United States Air Force in 1961. During his 31 years of service, he received many commendations, including the Legion of Merit/1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal/2 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Air Medal/9 Oak Leaf Clusters. Jerry began his career as an enlisted man and entered the Aviation Cadet Program, earning his wings in 1961. He served as navigator aboard multiple aircraft during Viet Nam, flying more than 200 combat missions, before transitioning into Electronic Security. He served with distinction in multiple leadership roles and has served as a mentor to many.

After retirement, Jerry worked as a substitute teacher at Locke Hill Elementary School. He was a gifted artist, carpenter, composer, and musician, and he spent many hours crafting beautiful treasures and serenading his family. He was a clever, mischievous wit who read voraciously and loved to travel and delve into the genealogy of his family. He was constantly planning and preparing for his family, both his biological and chosen, and had a knack for picking just the right gift or project.

His generous spirit and the gifts of his wisdom and overwhelmingly unconditional love will be missed. We who have lost this man encourage you to hug your parents.

Services

There will be a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church followed by a memorial service at 2:45 p.m. at the National Cemetery at Ft. Sam Houston on Monday, February 29.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider making a donation in Jerry’s honor to one of the following organizations: Special Operations Warrior Foundation (specialops.org), Homes for Our Troops (www.hfotusa.org) or Young Life (www.younglife.org).

Marjorie Kate (Salzman) Large

June 14, 1920–February 11, 2016

 On Thursday, February 11, 2016, Marjorie Kate (Salzman) Large passed from this Earth to be with our Heavenly Father.  Marjorie was born to Albert and Regina (Mangold) Salzman on June 14, 1920, in San Antonio, Texas, where she spent her youth before graduating from the nursing program at Santa Rosa Hospital, San Antonio.

In 1941, Marjorie enlisted and served in the U. S. Army Nursing Corp where she met Richard Large, whom she married in 1943.  They settled in Houston, after the war where they raised their family.  Kate’s nursing skills proved valuable in raising her large family.  Her faith in her religious beliefs as well as her love and generosity toward family never wavered.  Kate was active in supporting the communities of St. Peter the Apostle and Corpus Christi Catholic Churches in Houston.  She enjoyed a healthful life and always enjoyed family gatherings and many travels with Richard.  Kate retired back to San Antonio in her later years where she rekindled family gatherings with her sisters.  She participated in Chapel and other social activities at Patriot Heights and Villa de San Antonio, San Antonio.

Kate was preceded in death by Richard, her beloved husband of 55+ years, as well as her siblings Melvin Salzman, Grace Henze and Irene Reinhard.  She is survived by all of her nine children, Susan and Sonny Norman, Tim Large, Rick and Cindy Large, Bill Large, Mary and Ray Albrecht, Elizabeth Large, Mark Large, Cheryl and Tim Lobdell, and John Large, ten grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, sisters Patricia Parma and Imogene Foreman.

In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial gift to St. Peter – St. Joseph Children’s Home, 919 Mission Road, San Antonio,  78210   (210-533-1203) in her memory.

 SERVICES

Monday, February 15, 2016

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church 4201 De Zevala Rd. San Antonio, TX 78249

Visitation 9:30 AM

Rosary 10:00 AM

Mass of the Resurrection 10:30 AM

 A private burial will take place at the Houston National Cemetery at a later date. Please sign the online guestbook at www.missionparks.com

Arrangements with Oak Hills Mortuary 8332 Fredericksburg Rd San Antonio, TX 210-616-0510

September 27, 1994 – February 4, 2016

Evan’s energy, smile and kindness will always be present, though he now lives on the other side of life in the very heart of God.  Evan was born in Brandon, Florida on September 27, 1994 and passed away at home in San Antonio on February 4, 2016.  He was the kind of person people couldn’t forget – he touched many with his friendliness and joy.  Perhaps it was this very energy that swirled too strongly in his mind and spirit for this life.  Only he and the Lord know that.

For now we deeply recall how he touched us all.  Evan was very social, making lifetime friends with kids, teachers, and families. Circles of relationships have remained through Evan’s school life and activities at Colonial Hills United Methodist School, Hunters Creek neighborhood, St. Matthew’s Church and School, St. Francis of Assisi Church, Oak Meadow Elementary, Jackson Middle School, Churchill High School, TAMU CC and Panera Bread.  Diving and cheer, as well as art and music were passions that exemplified his energy and zeal.

Evan belonged to us all – as we all deeply miss this unique young man.  Evan leaves parents Peter and Karen and brother Jason; grandparents Rudy and Marge Massari; aunts and uncles Sigrid Brown, Greg Massari and his wife Mollie, Jon Massari; cousins Jessica and Kurt Brown, Philip, Margaret, Annie and Lizzie Massari, Kaylee and Emily Johnson and Matthew Massari; as well as family on both sides of life.  One of Evan’s great joys was the recent connection and relationship with his birthfather Ben Astrike of Charlotte, NC and his children and family, as well as conversation and sharing with birthmother Jennifer Silcox.  Evan embraced his adoption and was loved by a double-decker family.

Services

Two services will honor Evan’s life at St. Francis of Assisi Church at 4201 DeZavala, San Antonio, Texas 78249:  Vigil on Thursday, February 11 at 7:00 p.m. and Mass of Resurrection on Friday, February 12 at 9:30 a.m.  The family welcomes friends at the church for the hour prior to each service.  Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery after Mass.

March 20, 1928 – January 16, 2016

Our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Carlos “Marty” Martinez, passed away in the presence of his family in San Antonio, Texas after a long fight with lung cancer.   Marty was a proud combat veteran, serving around the world and staying active with several retirees and veteran organizations.   He moved to San Antonio in 2011 and made many friends and happy memories while living at the Towers.

Marty was born in Tucson, AZ to Carlos and Luz Martinez, later moving to El Paso after his father passed away and his mother was remarried to Antonio Campas.   Marty attended school in El Paso and joined the Navy at age 17 during WWII.   Following 4 years in the Navy, he returned to El Paso and later reentered the service in the Air Force.  He served for another 22 years active duty, achieving the rank of Senior Master Sergeant.  He married Ruth Spann in 1952 and they had 6 children.   The family lived throughout the United States and overseas, including Texas, Colorado, Nevada, Washington, Arizona and the Philippines.

Marty was a three war veteran serving in combat during WWII, Korea and two tours in Vietnam.  He served aboard the USS Chepachet, AO78, in the Pacific during WWII and later on the USS Fitch, DD462.  He served in Vietnam, first with the 405^th FW and next with the 14^th SOW.  His other assignments included Libya, the Philippines, England and Alaska.  He retired from the USAF in Tucson, AZ and continued to serve there in civil service at MASDC. He travelled frequently to both Air Force and Navy annual reunions and more recently with the Three War Veteran’s Association.  He travelled to Washington, DC with Alamo Honor Flight 7, greatly enjoying the comradery and chance to revisit the Memorials. He remained active with the local Honor Flight and strongly supported their efforts to include all remaining veterans.

Marty is survived by his brother and sisters; Mercy, Luis, Evy, and Mary.  His children and their spouses are Tony, Patricia & Kenn, Robert, Anna & Lou, and Mary & Mark.  His grandchildren are Nevada, Garrett, Shannon, Raymond, Carlos, Gilbert, Ben, Katie, Victoria, Nathaniel, Colin, Cole, & Reina. His great-grandchildren are Devon, Hadleigh, Taylor, Jayson, Tyler, Kyle, Valerie, Emma, Augustine and Mariah.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Jose and Lito, his son, Gilbert, his daughter-in-law, Linda and his ex-wife Ruth.

Services

A grave side service will be held at FT Sam Houston National Cemetery on 29 January at 2:00pm with a reception following at The Towers at Park Lane.

Mass will be held 28 January at 7:30 pm at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on De Zavala Road.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Honor Flight San Antonio de Valero at http://honorflightsanantonio.org/donate/

Our loving mother, sister and grandmother, Stella Silva passed away on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 in San Antonio. She is preceded in death by her father, Benito B. Silva, Sr.; brother Benito Silva, Jr.; Ms. Silva’s sister, Maria M. Silva passed away two days after her on January 22nd. She is survived by her son; Gregorio Benito Palomino and wife, Ari; stepson; Lupe Palomino, sisters; Rebecca Northen and Juliana Davis, brother; David Silva and her beloved grandsons Nathaniel, Joakim, and Guillem Palomino, along with many wonderful friends and neighbors.

Stella had a strong faith and her love of music afforded her the opportunity to become Choir Director for the many years. On January 26th visitation and Rosary will be at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas. On Wednesday, January 27th visitation will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 707 S. 6th St. from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM with a Mass at 11:00 AM. Interment will immediately follow in Hillcrest Cemetery.

Gustavo Marinez Sr., age 66, of San Antonio, died Tuesday, January 5, 2016. He served in the US Marine Corps from 1969-1973. Mr. Marinez was an educator in Big Wells and Carrizo Springs. He retired as school superintendent from Carrizo Springs CISD. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ovidio and Genoveba Marinez; sisters, Consuelo Martinez, Anita Marinez and Olivia Sanchez. He is survived by his wife, Norma Lee Marinez; daughter, Ana Lisa Marinez; son, Gustavo Marinez Jr; brothers, Robert Marinez and David Marinez; sister, Aurora Talamantes.

Rosary Vigil
Thursday, January 14, 2016 | 7 pm
Porter Loring Chapel

Mass of the Resurrection
Friday, January 15, 2016 | 8 am
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church

Interment in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 10:15 am.

DEC. 28, 1915—JAN. 20, 2016

The Lord found her number: a perfect 100.  Catherine Evelyn Gieselman (nee Hoffman) was born in the arid San Luis Valley in Monte Vista, Colorado on December 28, 1915.  She died peacefully in her sleep in the company of her life-long friend, caretaker, and daughter Patricia on January 20, 2016 in San Antonio, Texas.  Catherine was born to Zita Monica Zoeller Hoffman (1886-1958) and Henry Andrew Hoffman (1879-1959) who moved from Zenda, Kansas to farm in Colorado in 1911.  Soon after her birth, they moved to Sterling, Colorado where Catherine grew up on a farm with her parents and three brothers Norbert, Clement, and Robert and her sister Esthyre.  She attended St. Anthony’s Catholic School in Sterling.  Upon graduation she trained and became a registered nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Denver, practicing surgical nursing during her career.  She met and grew to love Raymond Joseph Gieselman (1909-1972) who managed retail stores for Gamble Skogmo in Sterling and was a reserve officer in the U.S. Army.  They married Denver in 1941 shortly after Ray was called into active duty for World War II.  His career in the military and subsequently with the Army and Air Force Exchange Service took them to many places throughout the world, including Texas, Alabama, New York, France, and Missouri.  Together they bore and raised four children: Robert (1943), Margaret (1944), Joseph (1948), and Patricia (1951).

Catherine had a light heart and an easy smile.  She cared deeply for her children, nurturing them in childhood and mentoring them in adulthood.  Foremost, she was accepting and hospitable to all.  She practiced her Catholic faith daily and had a deep spirituality that included a special relationship with the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom she called “her friend”.  She continuously performed works of mercy by serving as a nurse for clinics for the poor, visiting nursing homes, and sewing gifts to financially support the school at St. Paul’s Church. At the age of 60, she began painting and became a very good artist, a latent talent she claimed she never knew she had.  She was a model for both how to live and how to die.

Catherine is preceded in death by her husband Raymond Joseph Gieselman and daughter-in-law Kathleen Gieselman. She is survived by her son Robert Gieselman and wife Mary, her daughter Margaret Mueller and husband Pat, her son Joseph Gieselman, and her daughter Patricia Doucette and husband Rick, and her ten grandchildren Julie, Janet, Karen, Joseph, Mark, Eric, Felice, Daniel, Anna, and Lydia, and twelve great grandchildren Leo, Sophia, Roland, Patrick, Josie, Veronica, Madison, Matthew, Catherine, Coleman, Claire, and Evelyn.

Services

Fr. Jim Barlow will celebrate a memorial Mass for Catherine at St. Francis of Assisi   Catholic Church, 4201 De Zavala Rd., San Antonio, Texas 78249, at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 20, 2016.  Catherine will be buried next to her husband at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road San Antonio, Texas at 10:00 AM on Monday, February 22, 2016. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Eternal Word Television Network (5817 Old Leads Road, Irondale, Alabama 35210) or Food for the Poor (6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, Florida 33073).

With great sadness we announce the passing of parishioner Emily Lumumba. The funeral Mass will be on Monday, December 21, 2015 at 10 am here at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. A formal obituary will soon follow this announcement.

The family has started a “Go Fund Me” account to help the family with expenses. Click here if you would like to donate.

Photo: Emily with her son Wycliff in June 2015.

A Virtuous Woman

Proverbs 31:10-31

It has been said that Proverbs 31: 0-31 is the description of a combination of women, however that is not true.  Proverbs 31 describes my Mother in every area.

She model each of the virtues listed and she did it to the very end.  She taught us to be loving, generous with our time and resources, industrious, motivated, and disciplined. She showed us how to live a long and productive life and how to die with dignity.

V.10       Who can find a virtuous wife?

Argelio Lecea, a very good and loving man found and married a Virtuous Wife in Ana Maria Gonzalez.

She was Born in Nuevo Laredo, Mex. on February 25, 1918 and married Argelio Lecea in 1941.

She was a virtuous and supportive wife in every sense of the word.  They had six children all living:

• Argelio Jose Lecea
• Ana Maria Lecea
• Jorge Alejandro Lecea
• Oscar Alfonso Lecea
• Gregorio Eduardo Lecea
• Virgilio Agusto Lecea
• 15 grandchildren
• 19 great grand children

Although her education was limited to elementary school, her intelligence, drive to excel and creativity were not limited as evidenced by her life.

She was industrious:

• Mom would buy fabric and made winter and summer clothes from boy shirts and dresses and suits for her loved children and herself.
• All summer long she would go to farmer markets and buy bushels of Tomatoes, cucumbers, peaches, apples, grapes, carrots, peas and many others to can so that her family would have food all winter.
• She would work from dawn to dusk and beyond to ensure that her family lacked for nothing or to finish a projects.

Ms. Lecea had many careers:

• Beautician and salon owner at the age of 14 years
• Telephone Operator at 17 years
• Excellent Wife and Mother 1941 – 2015
• Gourmet cook – canning and preserving vegetables and fruits some times over 140 jars of all types of vegetables and fruits for her family. Feeding her family with one chicken and having left overs.
• Great candy, flour tortilla maker
• Great seamstress– able to make men’s shirts as well as ball gowns
• Translator for the International Institute of Cultures in Michigan
• Recording books for the Blind
• Real Estate Agent (Prov.31 v. 16 She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard) She bought houses and sold them at a great profits. Her vineyard were her children, their education and her beloved Argelio’s and her old age.
• Social Worker – who developed a unique methodology to address anger in children under 12 years of age. Nixon recognized her work.
• Secretary and Treasurer of Professional Performance Development Group for 31 years
• Publisher and Editor and Chief of Professional Performance’s News Letter for 10 years, with the circulation of 700 every month.

At age 92 she retired to dedicate her time to her creative talents:

• Became an accomplished water colorist,
• Maker of tapestries, quilts and Holiday decorations,
• Crocheting more than 100 bed spreads, Afghans, shawls, scarfs, baby blankets and hats, which she gave away. During the winter of 2014 she crocheted and gave away 45 hats and 18 baby blankets.
• Poet with a gift of creating a window into the human soul with words.

Now she is receiving her prize the Crown she earned in this life.  She practiced the art of gratitude and love with great diligence.

Services

The viewing is at 4:00 pm on November 30, 2015 at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North with the rosary following at 7:00 pm. Mass is at 12 pm, Tuesday December 1, 2015 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and burial services at San Fernando Cemetery No. 2. All are welcome to celebrate Ana Maria’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hope for the Future: https://www.archsa.org/