Birth Date: 1962-03-14

Graduation year: 1980

Deceased Date: 1988-09-10

Obituary:

HARLINGEN - William L. (Bill) Bunting, 26, was dead on arrival Saturday morning at Valley Baptist Medical Center
after suffering injuries in an automobile accident.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday by the
Rev. Doug McVay in Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home chapel. Burial will be in Combes Cemetery.

Born in Mercedes, he was a lifetime resident of Harlingen.
Billy was an X-ray technician in 1987 at Valley Baptist Medical
Center and presently an X-ray technician at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen. He played football while in Harlingen High School and graduated in 1980.

Survivors are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Bunting; two
brothers, David Bunting and James Bunting; a sister, Miss
Cindy Bunting; paternal grandmother, Mrs. Erma Bunting, all
of Harlingen; maternal grandmother, Mrs, Hubert Andrews of
Pharr; and maternal grandfather, Manuel Villarreal of San
Benito.

Birth Date: 1970-10-10

Graduation year: 1989

Deceased Date: 2017-05-21

Obituary:
DARRELL CANALES OBITUARY
Harlingen, TX - Darrell Arnulfo Canales, 46, passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2017 at Harlingen Medical Center. He was born on October 10th, 1970 in Weslaco, Texas to Luis and Mary Ann Reyes Canales. He attended Harlingen school district schools and graduated from Harlingen High School in 1989. He was a three year varsity letterman starting his last two years on the offensive line. He was honorable mention both his junior and senior years at left offensive tackle.

He graduated from Texas State Technical College with an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts. He was a Chef in several upscale restaurants in the San Antonio area. After moving back to Harlingen he worked in different places of business ranging from management to catering. He truly loved to cook.

Left to cherish his memory are his parents, Luis and Mary Ann Canales; brother Luis A. Canales ( Priscilla ); sister Laura Ann Rhinehart ( Larry ); his twin nieces Joela A. and Leila A. Canales; and his nephews Lucas A. Canales and Dominic A. Rhinehart; grandmother, Constancia Canales; and many uncles, aunts and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2017, from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a prayer of the Holy Rosary at 7 p.m.

Funeral mass will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2017, at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Interment will follow to Las Rusias Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Trinity at Harrison Funeral Home 1002 E. Harrison Ave., Harlingen, TX 78550.

Please sign our online guest book at www.trinityfunerals.com.

Published by Valley Morning Star on May 24, 2017.

Birth Date: 1963-05-02

Graduation year: 1981

Deceased Date: 2022-09-20

Obituary:
Peter Michael Casas loving father, grandfather, son and brother entered into Heaven at the age of 59 on Sunday, November 20, 2022. He was born May 2, 1963 in Fabens, Texas to Everardo L. Casas, Sr. and Gloria Chavez Casas. He is preceded in death by his father, a daughter, Lisa Nicole Morales, and a brother, John Anthony Casas.

Peter leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving family, 2 daughters, Pamela Casas (Gabriel Elizararaz) and Erica Esquivel (Gary); 2 sons, Peter Michael Casas, Jr. (Elizabeth) and John Anthony Casas (Clarissa Leija); 20 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter; the mother of his children, Mona James Casas; his mother, Gloria Casas and 3 brothers, Everardo "Eddie" Casas, Jr. (Evelyn), Melchor "Malcolm" Casas (Candi) and JC Casas (Dina).

Birth Date: 1990-07-27

Graduation year: 1988

Deceased Date: 2022-05-03

Obituary:
Eleazar (Eli) Castellanos, age 51, went to be with our Lord on May 3, 2022. He was from Harlingen, Texas. Eli was born July 27, 1970, in Merced, California to Felix Castellanos Sr. and Maria Angela Montoya Castellanos

Eleazar graduated from Texas A&M University-Kingsville in 1997. Soon after he joined US Customs and Border Protection as a Border Patrol Agent where he served his country for the next 20 years. After his retirement, he assisted his wife in opening and directing Bright Beginnings Learning Academy. It was there that he found his love of working with children. He was the first to greet each child in the morning and the last to say good-bye in the afternoon. He was loved by all at the center.

Eli found joy as a strong supporter and fan of his son's sporting events. He loved baseball and coached many teams over the years often traveling with his boys to tournaments all over Texas, Louisiana, and Florida.

Eli (affectionately known as Big Dawg) lived his life to the fullest. He was kind and caring to everyone he met. He loved barbecuing with neighbors, family and friends. He could never pass up a good 80's song or a cold beer.

Eli was an incredible friend to all who knew him and will be dearly missed by many.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and his sister Antonia Castellanos.

Eli leaves to cherish his beautiful memory, his loving wife of 21 years, Maria Catarina (Katie) Castellanos; three children, Luke Anthony Castellanos, John David Castellanos, and Clarissa Celine Castellanos; his siblings John (Rose) Castellanos, Mary Castellanos, Felix Castellanos, Jr. and Tomas (Yolanda) Castellanos; along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 9, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a prayer service and rosary at 7:00 p.m. Funeral mass of Christian burial will be held May 10, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony's Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park in La Feria, Texas. Honored to serve as pall bearers are his Border Patrol brothers.

Arrangements are under the direction of Trinity at Harrison, 1002 E Harrison Avenue, Harlingen, Texas 78550. www.trinityfunerals.com

Birth Date: 1971-02-23

Graduation year: 1990

Deceased Date: 2014-07-16

Obituary:
Javier "Harvey"
Cortez
HARLINGEN, TX. -- Javier "Harvey" Cortez, 43, of Harlingen, Texas, passed away, Wednesday, July 16, 2014.
A celebration of life service will be held at 6:00 pm, Tuesday, July 22 at Trinity Funeral Home, 1002 E. Harrison Ave, Harlingen, TX 78550. Service will continue at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, July 23 at Trinity Funeral Home. Burial will soon follow at Ashland Memorial Park Cemetery in Harlingen, TX.
Javier was born February 23, 1971 in Harlingen, Texas to Ramon and Maria Cortez.
He graduated from Harlingen High School in 1990 and from the University of Texas Brownsville in 2008. Javier was employed as a nurse at Harlingen Nursing Center and was proudly named 2013 Employee of the year. He enjoyed his career as an ideal nurse for he was loved by many of his coworkers and patients. Javier played an important role for the city youth by being a passionate and dedicated coach for the Harlingen Youth Football League (H.Y.F.L.) from 2000 to 2006. Javier then became the Vice President of the H.Y.F.L. to serve from 2007 to 2013. Javier served dual roles and became the President of the Texas Youth Football League Association (T.Y.F.A) Harlingen Cardinals from 2010 to 2013 when he stepped down due to health reasons.
He spent most of his time with his immediate family, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Javier is survived by his mother, Maria Cortez; two sons and daughter, Javier Jacob Cortez, Javier Jason Cortez and Jessica Marie Cortez; two grandchildren, Maddie and Sophie Cortez; mother of his children, Sandra Salazar Barrera; his brothers Juan Cortez, Greg Cortez, Ramon "B.B." Cortez, Jose "Pepe" Cortez, and Raul "Bob" Cortez; his sisters Maria Luisa "Lula" Cortez and Maria Elena "Nani" Cortez and 36 nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ramon Cortez, and his grandmother Soledad Ortiz.
Memorial contributions are welcome at http://www.gofundme.com/HarveysFuneralServices or at 1314 West Johnson Street Harlingen, TX 78550.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Trinity at Harrison Funeral Home 1002 East Harrison Avenue Harlingen, Texas 78550 (956)364-2444.

Published by Valley Morning Star on Jul. 21, 2014.

Birth Date: 1961-01-19

Graduation year: 1980

Deceased Date: 2018-04-03

Obituary:
Harlingen - Daniel Fraga, 57 of Harlingen, TX entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, April 3, 2018. He is preceded in death by his brother Jesse Fraga. Daniel, a Harlingen High School ('80) and Texas A&M University ('84) graduate, enjoyed spending his time with family, friends, and loving his Yorkies. He was a dedicated Cardinal, Cowboys, and Aggies fan. He will forever be known for his Aggie Spirit and will be missed dearly. Survivors include his devoted and loving wife of 25 years Laura Fraga; 3 daughters Jessenda Fraga, Cassandra (Zachary Martinez) Fraga and Elvira Fraga; grandchildren Jaylynn Fraga, Avan Ramirez and Olivia Martinez; his mother Socorro Fraga; his father Santos (Julia) Fraga, Sr.; his siblings Juan "Tony" (Clara) Fraga, Socorro Fraga, Santos (Norma) Fraga, Jr., Janie (Daniel) Flores, Elvira (Raul) Gonzalez, Celestino (Joann) Fraga, Victor (Carrie) Fraga, Dolores "Lollie" (Alejos) Salazar and Robert (Rebea) Fraga; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many, many friends.

Birth Date: 1965-12-25

Graduation year: 1985

Deceased Date: 2021-01-18

Obituary:
Harlingen: Homero Garcia, 55, passed away at his home on Monday, January 18th, 2021. Homero was born on December 25th, 1965; the best Christmas present to his parents, Pablo and Minerva Garcia, of Harlingen, Texas. Homero grew up in Harlingen, where he excelled in football. He was named the Coakley Junior High Football Hero and played all four years of high school for the Harlingen Cardinals.

Homero was determined to become a United States Marine from the time he was a young child, so he enlisted as soon as he graduated high school. Homero was very bright and could master a trade very quickly. He reached to be Legal Chief in his beloved Marines in his four-year term.

After being honorably discharged, Homero worked in various fields, from the Railroad Commission to the US Census Bureau, and many jobs in between. Every career Homero entered, he excelled and surpassed expectations.

Homero was a fisherman, and that was his lifelong hobby. Growing up with the Arroyo in his backyard, fishing was a natural fit. One of Homero’s favorite catches was Gar, and he caught and fought more than his share. He also loved a good barbecue and socializing with his friends and family. Homero had a passion for music and would often sing to Corridos, Mariachi and 80s music.
Homero was giving and kind. He was a loving protector and provider for his family. Homero also admitted that he was a real Mama’s boy. He was one of a kind person to everyone he met.

Homero is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Vidal and Victoria Garcia, maternal grandparents, Remigio and Joaquina Zepeda, and his father, Pablo Garcia Sr.

He is survived by his loving wife, Norma Garcia, children, Homero Jr., Faith Abigail, Destiny Angelique, and Grace Margarie Garcia, siblings, Melissa Villarreal (Domingo), Pablo Garcia Jr., Christina Garcia (Manuel Jr.), Viviana Garcia, and Connie Garcia, numerous nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles.

Visitation will be Sunday, January 24th, 1-9 pm, with a rosary at 6 pm, followed by a time of sharing stories with friends and family. Graveside Services with Military Honors will be Monday, January 25th, at 2 pm, at Rio Grande Valley State Veteran’s Cemetery.

Birth Date: 1962-05-15

Graduation year: 1981

Deceased Date: 2019-05-10

Obituary:
https://baytownsun.com/oscar-cesar-garcia/article_1d57580c-7cdd-11e9-a1e9-838f78097214.html

Birth Date: 1951-05-30

Deceased Date: 2021-06-11

Obituary:
Our loving husband, father, and son David H Hovda entered eternal rest on July 11th, 2021 at the age of 70. To cherish his memory, he leaves behind his loving wife of 44 years Lola Jean Hovda (Helmer); three sons Jonathan, Joshua, and Jordan (Kelly); grandchildren Jace, Lily, Asher, and Corbin; his parents Hjalmer and Gretchen Hovda; brothers Allan (Debby), Hans (Connie), sisters Gretchen and Hannah (Craig); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

David Hjalmer Hovda was born on May 30th, 1951, the second child of five children born to Hjalmer (Buddy) Hovda and Gretchen (Theimer) Hovda and was baptized into God’s Kingdom of Grace on the 24th of June 1951. His parents, being very strong in their Christian faith, thought it a priority that their children be brought up with those same values. In accordance with that David attended Immanuel Lutheran School in Mercedes, Texas. While attending, he joined the beginners’ band at Mercedes Junior High, playing flute, coronet, baritone, and tuba. While attending Mercedes High School, David was involved in athletics as well as band, playing football, baseball, basketball, and running track. He was awarded the “Most Valuable All-Around Athlete Award” his senior year and was also a member of the Key Club and “M” Association.

David was offered football scholarships at Wisconsin and an appointment to West Point but settled on playing football at Texas A& I in Kingsville, where an accident kept him from pursuing collegiate athletics. While there, he earned a degree in health, physical education, math, and geography, which was his favorite subject to teach. He would always be teaching and sharing his knowledge of the world with family and strangers. Throughout the summer and days off from school David would work on the family farm: driving tractors, chopping sunflowers, stomping cotton, mowing neighbors’ yards, and milking his pet cow Rosita.

David’s first teaching and coaching job was in Zapata, Texas. From there he accepted a coaching/teaching position in Harlingen, Texas, where he coached for nine years. It was in Harlingen that he met and married Lola jean Helmer on August 7th, 1976 at the First Christian Church in San Benito. They were blessed with three sons: Jonathan, Joshua, and Jordan. Following Harlingen, he moved his family to Poteet Texas, where he was the head coach at Poteet High School for three years. David accepted a position as a new coach at William Howard Taft High School in San Antonio during its second year open. While coaching and teaching there for 23 years, he was able to work with generations of young men that worked very hard. There were fun times, and they all loved him, some may be better than others. Working with the coaching staff at Taft was a blessing.

In 2009, David retired from education but continued to work with his friends and students at games throughout the school year. He devoted his free time to many activities that ultimately helped others. He enjoyed golfing daily with his wife, former colleagues, and friends. His free time allowed him to serve his Lord as an Elder at Our Savior Lutheran Church. David never met a stranger, and talking, laughing, sharing his knowledge of the world, and spreading the Gospel to others came beautifully to him. He was always ready to help his children, and he especially adored his grandchildren Jace “The Ace”, “My Little” Lily, Asher “The Smasher”, and Gunnar “The Runner”.

Birth Date: 1947-10-13

Deceased Date: 2022-01-27

Obituary:
San Antonio, Texas - Gilmer Leonard "Coach" Ledbetter III peacefully passed from this life on January 27, 2022, at the age of 74 in San Antonio, Texas. He was born to the late Gilmer Leonard Ledbetter, Jr. and Carmel Lion Ledbetter on October 13, 1947, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Coach Ledbetter attended Southwest Texas State College (now Texas State University) where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Coaching degree with a Minor in Science Education. For more than thirty years, he taught and coached in schools all across the Rio Grande Valley. His strong work ethic and pursuit of performance to all those around him influenced the lives of many people in the athletic community. Former students, coaches, and fellow professional educators continued to reach out to "Coach" after his retirement.

In his leisure time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his wife and grandchildren and traveling to watch his grandchildren participate in sporting events and stock shows. He also loved riding motorcycles with his wife out on the open road.

Coach Ledbetter is preceded in death by his parents, Gilmer L. Ledbetter, Jr. and Carmel L. Ledbetter.

He is survived by his loving wife, Connie Bryant Ledbetter; daughters, Tamara A. Catlett (Kevin) and Jennifer B. Boeck (Walker); grandchildren, Riley J. Catlett, Blake Boeck (Kasandra Brumfield, fiancé), and Bethany Boeck; brother, Bobby Ledbetter (Anita); niece, Alison (Ryan) Salinas and their children, Emma and Ellie; nephews, Jacob Ledbetter and Joshua Ledbetter; and, his beloved dog, Sweetie.

The Ledbetter family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. A chapel service will follow at 1:00 p.m. Services for Coach Ledbetter will conclude at the close of the service.

Honorary pallbearers are Jacob Ledbetter, Joshua Ledbetter, Kevin Catlett, Riley Catlett, Blake Boeck, and Walker Boeck.