Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation

03/17/2026

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03/16/2026

Dean Lewis

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Willie Dean Lewis, beloved wife of Roy and mother of 6 children. Dean passed away after a prolonged illness on March 13, 2026 at the age of 92, surrounded by her loving family in her home in Milano, Texas.

Willie Dean Moore Lewis was born on November 5, 1933 to Lee William and Mary Lenora (Thorpe) Moore in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. She was the 9th of 13 children born to William and Mary. She was placed with cousins for a short time due to her Mama’s illness when Dean was born. As soon as her Mom was well enough, she took Dean back home.

It wasn’t long after that they made the move to Camp Creek in New Baden, Texas where they lived as a cotton farming family. She helped work picking cotton until she was in the 8th grade. This was the last grade she completed in school.

Dean was baptized in Franklin, Texas by Rev. “Blackie” in 1958.

Dean married Earl Edgar Lewis on January 28, 1948 and had 3 children by this marriage; Gloria Mae, Nora Constance “Connie” and Thomas Earl “Tommy”. They divorced in November of 1966.

She then married Roy Lewis on May 26, 1967. They had 3 children by this marriage: Lisa Annette, Lillie Janelle and Alana Gale.

She had a full life with many roles including wife, mama, granny, great-granny and great, great-granny; aunt and great-aunt to many nieces and nephews and she had many, many cousins.

She worked outside the home briefly while living in Encinitas, CA in the early 1950’s. She worked as an electronic assembler for Electro Instruments in San Diego and then Palamar Instruments in Palamar, CA where she soldered the pure gold wiring that would be used on the first space craft to go up into space.

She moved back to Texas after her mom died in 1958.

Dean lived in many places in Texas after moving back including Franklin, Caldwell, Bryan, Chriesman, Rockdale, Cameron, Taylor and finally in Milano the last years of her life.

During many of their years together, Roy and Dean built homes in the Caldwell and Chriesman area with Dean serving many roles helping Roy out.

Dean is survived by 4 children, 14 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Roy, her daughter Connie, her son Tommy and all of her siblings.

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03/16/2026

Victor V Cortez, Sr.

Victor Vicente Cortez, Sr., age 88, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026.

He was born to Dolores and Maria del Carmen Ledesma Cortez on January 22, 1938, in Laredo, Texas.

Victor went to school until 8th grade and in 1972, he transferred to GATX in Hearne, Texas from East Chicago, Indiana to be closer to his mother, who lived in San Antonio. He worked for GATX for 38 years until he retired.

He married Carmen Cortez on December 8, 1958, in the State of Indiana and together they had 6 children.

Victor loved classic cars, watching Western Cowboy movies, American Idol and The Voice. He was a cool dad and the sportiest dad and grandfather of them all and loved being outside on his swing. He loved spending time with his grandkids and great grandkids, and he had a love for cats. He loved dancing and listening to music, oldies was his favorite and he had a great sense of humor.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a sister, his son, Jesse Cortez, his grandsons, Steven Cortez and Christopher Rene Lopez.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Carmen Cortez, his daughters, Vicky Hearron, Donna Gonzalez (Jaime), and Angie Garcia (Joe), his sons, Victor V. Cortez, Jr., (Esmer), Dean V. Cortez (Josie), 23 grand children, 55 great grandchildren, 10 great great grandchildren, brother in law Ramon Chavez (Monya), sister in laws, Diane Jasaitis, Theresa Gonzalez, and Florence Taylor (Larry) and many nieces and nephews.

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03/13/2026

Donald Glen "Donnie" Robertson

Donald Glen “Donnie” Robertson, of Hankamer, passed away on March 4, 2026.

Donnie was born December 5, 1948 in Baytown, Texas, to Lee Allison Robertson Sr. and Dorothy Jean Robertson. He grew up in Baytown where he was active in the Boy Scouts and attained his Eagle Scout award. He spent much of his youth hunting and fishing with his two older brothers and their dad, learning various habitats and environments that would later support his career choice. Donnie was sure to advise he hunted with the boys, but he in fact learned how to deer hunt from his mother. Donnie graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1967 where he was Co-captain of the swim team. He then enrolled at Texas A&M University. His coursework was interrupted by service in the National Guard, during Vietnam, where he trained as a paratrooper attaining the rank of Sergeant. Post completion of his National Guard service, Donnie returned to Texas A&M graduating with a degree in Wildlife Science in 1973. Donnie often spoke fondly of time spent with friends playing Rugby while attending A&M, maintaining contact with fellow players and sharing memories for 50 plus years.

Post-graduation, he worked at Exxon’s Baytown Refinery for several years, before beginning his career as a Game Warden with Texas Parks & Wildlife. He spent the majority of his career serving from Galveston Bay north through the marshes and pine forests of East Texas. Donnie was stationed in Polk and Harris Counties before retiring from service in Chambers County, where he resided for decades.

Donnie was active in youth sports where he enjoyed umpiring baseball games across multiple levels. He often spoke of time spent participating in the UIL games, preferably behind the plate. That enjoyment lead to frequent trips to Austin, for the UIL State Baseball Tournament with his brother. Donnie was a horse trader, freelance car dealer, and collector of many things throughout his life. He saddled his horse for many years for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo security team. Donnie volunteered his time for many years and held a lifetime committee badge. During retirement his love for the outdoors never wavered and he would regularly tell folks, “All I do is hunt and fish”. From the South Texas Brush around Hebbronville, Granite Outcroppings of Willow City, River Bottoms of Wyoming, and the Rich Farmland of Northern Oklahoma, Donnie was willing and ready to chase white-tail deer, wild hogs, ducks, antelope or exotics on land with his brother and nephews. Donnie also enjoyed fishing for crappie, chasing trout / redfish in the bay, and shark fishing from the beaches. Donnie thrived on reliving those stories and sharing memories of adventure with his friends whom he met up with. As a creature of habit he told those stories often to friends during his daily trips around Winnie and Baytown.

After retiring his brother would ask him what are you doing tomorrow, and Donnie would always respond, “Uh…think I’ll take another day off.” Now, his loved ones request he take another day off and rest in peace.

Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Jean Robertson, and his older brother Lee Allison Robertson, Jr. He is survived by his brother, James Edward Robertson (Debbie); his niece, Roxanna Liu (Ronald); his nephew, Beau Robertson (Amber); his nephew James Bryan Robertson (Eryn); his sister-in-law Peggy Robertson; nephew Cole Robertson (Robyn); his niece Casey Jo Chapman (Jeff); his nephew Cody Robertson (Angie); and seven great-nieces and seven great-nephews. Also his uncle, Thomas Reynolds, Jr., cousins Dowana Bates, Quinda Bennett, Tommy Reynolds, Kay Sluder, Wanda Brosch and Jenny Gwosdz, as well as extended family and friends.

The family would like to express special thanks and appreciate to Bryan and Eryn for their unending support and care to provide for Donnie during this difficult time. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble…”Psalms 46:1.

A graveside service will be held in Hearne, Texas’ Norwood Cemetery on Friday March 20th at 11:00am with Scott McIntosh officiating. Arrangements under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory.

A celebration of life for friends and loved ones will also be held on a later date in Winnie, Texas.

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02/27/2026

Mathis Marion Ottea III

Mathis M Ottea III was born on May 27, 1953, to Mathis Marion (Mat) Ottea, Jr. and Melva Louese Ottea and passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 25, 2026.

He was born at Mitchel Field AFB, Long Island, NY, and was raised in Mumford, Texas. He graduated from Hearne High School in 1970 and attended Texas A&M University, pursuing a degree in Architectural Engineering. His true passion however was in landscaping and cutting hair which he spent many years doing.

What he enjoyed the most, was helping friends with anything they needed. He was the first to volunteer no matter what the need and he will be remembered and loved for all that he did in his community of Hearne. His memory will truly be cherished.

Mathis is preceded in death by his grandparents, Marion Mathis (Miles) Ottea, Louise Viviano Ottea, Alsa Taylor Jackson, and Callie Herod Jackson, his parents Mathis Marion Ottea, Jr., and Melva Louese Ottea and his niece Makala M Ottea.

He leaves behind his sisters Justina Herklotz, Monica M Ottea and good family friend Daniel Ayer’s, Felicita Sandmann and her husband Roger, two nephews William Mathis (Mat) York and Marshall Allen Herklotz, great nieces and great nephews Baylor York, Miles York, Noa York and Kirby York, as well as many cousins and a multitude of friends, too many to count.

At this time, the family requests privacy and will update when service date and time are made available.

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02/23/2026

Robert Franklin Richards

Staff Sergeant Robert Franklin (Bob/Rich) Richards has gone to be with the Lord on February 8, 2026.

Born August 6, 1928 to Robert Franklin and Esther Hardwick Richards in Janesville Illinois.

He attended Janesville Elementary School.

He joined the marines in 1944, at the age of 16 and served eight years. After being honorably discharged he joined the Army and served until retiring in 1965.

While serving in the military he was a drill instructor and he was a member of different sport teams while serving. He was on the football, basketball, and boxing teams where he did exhibition events with the Globetrotters and Sugar Ray Leonard. He served in Triest Italy, Korea, Vietnam, Germany, ending in the United States.

In 1955, while in Germany, he met his beloved Erika Penzialik from East Berlin. She preceded him in death in 2000.

After retiring from the military, he got a college degree in Engineering and worked with Brown and Root construction in Houston Texas for 25 years.He was a member of the American Legion chapter 454 and the VFW. He was a 32nd degree mason with Golden Trowel as well as a member of Scottish Rites and York Rites.

He was a major supporter of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Disabled Veterans, American Heroes, The Marine Museum, World War ll Veterans Committee, Wounded Warriors, The American Cancer Society, and The Navajo Children’s School. He was also a staunch supporter and advocate for all veteran brothers and sisters while assisting them in many ways.

He owns numerous commendations from the Legion, Masons, Brown and Root construction, Military, and World War ll Veterans Committee.He flew the American flag daily with a salute every morning and evening. He could tell you anything you want to know about that flag. He was honoring every veteran in the cemetery with a flag on every special occasion which he purchased himself. He said they deserve that.He was preceded in death by his father, mother, step father, two sisters, four brothers, and his wife Erika. He is survived by two sisters, Earlene Morgan of Franklin, Texas, and Linda Poore of Dawson Georgia and a brother Ronald Spicer of Bismarck, Illinois and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cremation will be done at Memorial Funeral Home in Hearne, Texas with graveside service at Franklin Cemetery on March 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM.

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02/23/2026

Amy Michelle Riley

Amy Michelle Riley was born on September 19, 1970, to Bonnie Morgan and Carl W. Riley, LCpl, U.S. Marine Corps, in Hearne, Texas. From an early age, family was central to Amy’s life. She proudly became a big sister to her brother, Jeremy. In 1976, she became the daughter of James “Squeaky” Fuchs and once again stepped into the role of big sister, this time to her sister, Jennifer. She carried that title with pride throughout her life.

Amy was raised in Hearne and attended Hearne ISD. She participated in junior high cheer, band and was active in FFA, and showing livestock. During high school, she worked at Sonic in Hearne and shared many memories with her future sister-in-law, Claire — especially joy rides around town in her Pontiac Grand Prix

She graduated from Hearne High School in 1989 and earned her Licensed Vocational Nursing degree from Blinn College in 1990. Amy dedicated 35 years to her career as an LVN, serving at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Calvert Nursing Home, Franklin Nursing Home, and Hearne Nursing Home.

Amy loved genealogy and spent years researching her family history. She traveled to old homesteads and cemeteries, documenting names and dates, often with her six children alongside her. She was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, having traced her ancestry to relatives who served in the Revolutionary War.

She also had a passion for photography and faithfully documented life through pictures. Her collection of family photographs reflects the deep love she had for her family.

Amy’s greatest achievement in life was becoming a mother. Of all the roles she carried, none meant more to her than being “Mama.” She was the proud and devoted mother of Bethany, Delaney, Emily, Trey, Josh, and Donyelle, and she poured her whole heart into each of them.

Motherhood was not just something Amy did — it was who she was. From soothing nightmares in the middle of the night and kissing countless boo-boos, to entertaining her children while bailing hay under the wide Texas sky, she embraced every moment with love and laughter. She loved to document life’s special moments through her pictures, capturing the smiles, milestones, and everyday memories that meant the most. No matter how busy or tired she may have been, she always showed up.

Though our hearts are heavy, we are thankful for the love, laughter, and memories she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Amy is preceded in death by her fathers, James “Squeaky” Fuchs and Carl W. Riley, and her stepbrother, James Fuchs.

She is survived by her husband, Donald Cooper; her children: Bethany & husband Cole Sprayberry; Delaney & husband Jeremy Mott; Emily & husband Josh Antis; Earnest “Trey” & wife Hannah Winstead; Joshua Amos; Donyelle Cooper; Amanda & husband John Wilson; Melanie & husband Daniel Ditto; and Shelbie & husband Sean Mason. She is also survived by her mother, Bonnie Fuchs, and stepfather, Billy Joe McCleney; her brother, Jeremy & wife Claire Riley; her sister, Jennifer & husband Nick Spencer; and her stepbrother, Johnny Fuchs.

She leaves behind her nieces, Alyce and Morgan Riley; nephews, Collin and Caleb Fuchs; grandchildren, Sadie, Addilyn, Hannah, Reagan, Josie, Amberleigh, Branson, Madisyen, Jaxon, Cooper, and Tyler; and Great-Granddaughter, Whitley.

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02/17/2026

Juanita Castilleja Ramirez

Juanita "Janie" Castilleja, Ramirez

Janie was born on July 6, 1958, in Waco, to "Poncho” and "Chavela" Castilleja, she Was the youngest of 9 children. From birth to the age of 14 she was raised by her grandmother, "Ama Belen, " until her passing, then, Janie moved to Calvert, to live with her parents and siblings.

She attended Calvert High and that's where she met and later married the love of her life, Jessie Ramirez, and together, they had 4 children. Her beloved husband passed away in 1998. Sometime later Janie and her children moved to Hearne.

She was a strong, loving, and caring mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She loved them all so dearly, especially her grandchildren and great grandchild, they all called her "Mom."

She had a soft-spoken voice and a pleasant attitude towards everyone, she was a caring person, always willing to take care of any family member who had illness.

She worked as a cook at the Calvert Dairy Queen until her health became an issue.

She loved dancing and listening to music, she enjoyed watching her kids dance at home having fun and sometimes she would surprise them by joining them!

Janies illness was harsh on her small, frail body but she was a fighter! She wouldn't give up, and she fought hard until her little body tired out, we all know our Heavenly Father called her home to rest in peace and suffer no more!

She will always be loved, in our hearts, and never forgotten.

"Jr.," "Jess," "Jon" "Janell" "Bubba," "Le Le," "Mosé " "JJ," "Jay," "Ja' Rayah," and "Papa"

You all are not alone, your Castilleja and Ramirez families, as well as your close friends will be there for you always.

JUANITA "JANIE" CASTILLEJA RAMIREZ

Born July 6, 1958, to Alfonso 'Poncho' and Isabel Parra Castilleja of Calvert.

Mrs. Ramirez passed away from this life on February 14, 2026, at the age of 67.

She is preceded in death by her Parents: Poncho & Chavela Castilleja

Husband: Jessie Ramirez, Sr.

Brothers: Paul Castilleja Sr., Alfonso Castilleja Jr., Enrique Castilleja Sisters: Emma Castilleja Vigil, Gloria Castilleja Gonzales

Survivors include:

Daughters: Jessica Ramirez, Janell Ramirez of Hearne

Sons: Jesse Ramirez Jr. (Chucky) of Hearne

Jonathan Ramirez of Hearne

Sisters: Isabel 'Twinky' Castilleja Perez of Waco

Martina Rodriguez of Poteet

Brothers: Robert Castilleja Sr. (Maria) of Waco

Rudy Castilleja of Hearne

Joe Castilleja (Mary) of Nacogdoches

Grandchildren: Jalicia, Jaran, Raymond Jr., Rayjaun, Jonathan, Caleal

Great Granddaughter: Ja' Rayah

Bonus Family: Mac, Sam, Raymond Sr.

Host of Nieces and Nephews

Honorary Pallbearers:

Grandchildren and Great Granddaughter

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02/11/2026

Marsha Lee Hellner

Marsha Lee “Nana” Hellner, 73, of Bryan, Texas, passed away on February 9, 2026.

She was born on May 29, 1952, in Hearne, Texas.

Marsha lived a life rooted in love for her family and the simple joys that brought her happiness.

Marsha was a devoted wife to her late husband, Howard Hellner. Together they built a life filled with enduring love and sharing memories. She was also a cherished daughter to Dorothy Moore and a sister to Richard and Robert Moore, all of whom preceded her in death.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Larry Hellner and his wife Amy, Misty Reisor and her husband Russell; Davy Hellner and Chester Hellner. Her legacy continues through her many grandchildren, Cody Reisor, David Reisor, Kristen Pipes and her husband James, Payton Barnes and her husband Michael, Breann Martinez, Harley Hellner, Ashley Hellner, Kaedynce Hellner, Kalani Hellner, Brittany Hellner, Andrew Hellner, Ashleigh Hellner, Cory, Colby, Carolyn and Caitlyn Hellner. Marsha was also blessed with Great-Grandchildren, Adeli, Ricky, Jameson, Jackson, Autumn, John and Jasper.

She was known affectionately as “Nana.”

Marsha found immense joy in being surrounded by her family. Her home was often filled with warmth, laughter, and the sound of the comforting rhythm of crochet needles at work. She had a passion for crossword puzzles that kept her mind sharp, and a love for bingo nights that brought fun into her routine. In recent years, she enjoyed playing online games- another way she stayed connected to the world around her.

Marsha’s presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her devotion as a mother and grandmother left an indelible mark on generations of loved ones.

A celebration of life honoring Marsha’s life will be held later.

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.

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02/04/2026

Samy H. Young

Samy Howard Young was born in Bryan, TX. April 24, 1956 he peacefully entered his eternal home on January 31, 2026 at the age of 69 years old.

Samy started his relationship with Michelle the love of his life in 2004 gaining two step children Larry and Jenny. After starting their life together, they lived in Alaska for several years running a scrap and towing business before moving back to Texas where he started a septic business called Samy Young Septic Tank Cleaning Service.

Over the years Samy not only raised two stepchildren who gave him two granddaughters whom he loved very much but also took in many of his nephews whom he loved and considered to be like his own children. He taught them how to work hard, giving them as much mechanical knowledge as he could possibly could poor into them. Using his vast mechanical knowledge and ingenuity He taught them how to MacGyver just about anything that needed to be repaired when there was lack of parts or materials for the repairs. With this he turned them into very successful young men whom he was very proud of.

Samy is preceded in death by his Parents James and Billie Young as well as his siters Margert, Christine, Fay, and Billy Ruth brothers Orin Lee, Donnie Jack, Marvin and Edward and Ray.

Survivors include Wife Michelle Littlewood, Step Children Larry and Jenny, Granddaughters Ember and Serenity As well as Brother James, sisters Joyce and Ina as well as multiple nieces and nephews .

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01/28/2026

Richard Garcia Villalpando

Richard Villalpando was born on September 28, 1957, to Manuel and Jessie Villalpando in Mumford, Texas, where he grew up alongside his brothers: Robert, Roy, and Michael on the DeStefano farm.

Richard’s childhood included memories of making toys from tree branches and summers chopping cotton using irrigation ditches to cool off after long days in the heat. Baseball became a central part of life, spending evenings practicing with his dad after work by taking chinaberries off trees and hitting them with a broom stick, that was not easy but fun.

Richard attended Mumford School that was filled with cousins, then eventually moved to Hearne High School. High school wasn’t easy as he often spoke of watching his oldest brother, Robert, leave for Vietnam and helping their mother daily until his return.

High school brought friendships and the love of his life, Betty. They eventually welcomed their daughter, Valerie Nicole, giving Richard a new purpose from husband to Dad. Valerie was not only his daughter, but his best friend. Over time, Richard and his son‑in‑law, Pete built a bond and Richard could always count on Pete to check in. Valerie and Pete welcomed two daughters, Marissa and Mariah, giving him the title of “Popo,” a role that made him the proudest. He loved them deeply and would do anything for his girls. Richard and Betty had just celebrated 50 years together, a true testament to their love and commitment.

Richard spent weekends and weekdays playing softball, traveling around Texas with his brothers Robert and Roy. Alongside them was his biggest cheerleader, Betty, who never missed a game, together with their sisters‑in‑law, Sally and Janie. Though their baseball roots started in childhood, it remained a source of joy well into adulthood. Richard loved retelling game highlights, road‑trip stories, and the moments he shared with his brothers. Although he wasn’t on the field, their brother Michael would also be there with support, encouragement, and his presence was always felt reminding Richard that being a brother was about far more than being part of the lineup.

Those who played with them became brothers as well; bonds formed on softball fields that lasted a lifetime.

Richard worked with Babcock & Wilcox, Crane Plumbing, GATX, the City of College Station, and Honeywell. At most of these jobs, he worked alongside his brother Roy. Even after retiring, he wasn’t one to sit still. He recruited Roy to help mow yards, these two were definitely a team with an incredible bond. He then returned to work part‑time for Robertson County. Throughout each of these jobs, he formed friendships he held close, cherishing the people he met along the way.

The discipline from working the fields grew into a deep love for maintaining his land. Caring for that land brought Richard a large sense of pride. A pride rooted in hard work and the peace he found outdoors. He took great care to keep his place beautiful, a place where holidays were celebrated, where his family gathered and where Sunday evenings were spent. Living next door to his brother Michael made the land even more meaningful, adding comfort, companionship, and a sense of home. It was a place of joy and a true reflection of the life he built with steady hands and a determined heart.

Richard’s life was shaped by resilience, deep devotion to his family, and a connection to the land that grounded him throughout his life. His story is one of humble beginnings and a heart that never stopped giving to those he loved. Though he is no longer with us, his love remains with those he leaves behind; especially Betty and his girls, who will forever carry his strength and love in their hearts.

Richard’s Family:

Wife: Betty Villalpando

Daughter: Valerie Flores Spouse Pete Flores

Grandchildren: Marissa Lugo Spouse Joseph

Mariah Flores significant other Bruno Castillo

Brothers: Robert and Janie Villalpando

Roy and Sally Villalpando

Michael and Maggie Villalpando

Richard is preceded in death by:

His mother and father Manuel and Jessie Villalpando, and his brothers Manuel Villalpando Jr and Lupe Villalpando

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