Seguin native mourns son, searches for missing daughter after deadly Texas flooding
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
(Seguin) – A Seguin native is among those impacted from the devastating flooding across Central Texas.
Jermaine Jarmon, a Seguin native now living in Leander, is grieving the confirmed death of his 15-year-old son, Braxton Jarmon, while desperately awaiting word on his 16-year-old daughter, Felicity Jarmon, who remains missing. The tragedy occurred late Saturday night when torrential floodwaters swept through the Windy Valley Road area near Sandy Creek in Leander, carrying away their home and the people inside.
Also swept away in the flood was Alissa Martin, the children’s stepmother, whose body was located and confirmed earlier this week.
Braxton, who attended Koennecke Elementary School in Seguin before the family relocated.
Felicity’s whereabouts remain unknown as search and rescue teams continue to scour the area.
Her stepsister, Kylee Louderman, has been posting updates and prayer requests on social media, pleading for help and support during this time of unimaginable loss.
Flood, pg. 3
The Schultz Saloon was among the top winners in this year’s Biggest Small Town Fourth of July Parade in Texas earning the title of Best Local Entry. For all parade results see page 3. Photo courtesy Schultz Saloon FB
Guadalupe County declares local disaster
Those impacted by flooding encouraged to report damage
(Seguin) -- Guadalupe County Judge Kyle Kutscher has officially signed and submitted a Local Disaster Declaration.
The declaration comes after days of intense rainfall that overwhelmed drainage systems and triggered widespread flooding across Seguin and surrounding communities. Officials say roads buckled under rushing water, homes and businesses were inundated, and emergency crews conducted multiple high-water rescues as the weather event rapidly unfolded all day Saturday.
Judge Kutscher says this is a critical first step toward unlocking potential state and federal assistance for recovery efforts.
Guadalupe County Emergency Management officials say residents are urged to report damage now.
They say one of the most immediate ways the public can help accelerate recovery is by self-reporting flood damage through the Texas Division of Emergency Management’s Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT). They say these damage reports are vital
for showing the scale of destruction and determining eligibility for government assistance, including grants, cleanup support, and low-interest loans.
To report damages, residents and business owners are asked to visit the Guadalupe County website www.guadalupetx.gov and click on the iSTAT banner prominently displayed on the homepage.
County officials say whether your home had a few inches of water or significant structural loss, it’s important that they collect every single report.
The declaration ensures that as damage assessments continue in the days and weeks ahead, Guadalupe County can access vital recovery tools from emergency resources and infrastructure grants to possible FEMA aid for individuals.
This flooding is part of a larger, ongoing severe weather system that began on July 2, 2025. The county says it will continue to provide updates as the situation develops and additional information becomes available.
To report damage, visit: HERE
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
Photo courtesy Carlos Ortiz
Seguin’s Fourth of July parade names 2025 top winners
Cindy Aguirre-Herrera
Bragging rights are officially in full swing for the winners of this year’s “Biggest Small-Town 4th of July Parade.”
The annual parade held Friday morning featured more than 100 entries, from floats and bands to community groups and local businesses.
The city of Seguin extends its congratulations and thanks to all the award winners, participants, volunteers, and community members who made this year’s event such a grand success. With rain drops falling that morning, officials say they are glad the parade was still able to go on as scheduled.
This year’s Top Parade Award Winners include:
Best Overall: The Guadalupe County Master Gardeners
Most Unique: Cub Scout Pack 107 & Scout Troop 12
Most Patriotic: Guadalupe County Jeepers
Best Local Entry: Schultz Saloon
Special Recognition Ribbon Winners included:
1. Geronimo VFW Auxiliary 8456
2. Alamo Silver Wings Airborne Association
3. Seguin High School Matador Marching Band & Color Guard
4. AJB Starlettes Dance Team
Flood, continued.
“Please keep them in your prayers that they are safe,” Kylee wrote in a public Facebook post, referring to the three who were swept away.
Community members in Seguin who know the Jarmon family have begun sharing the news locally, urging prayers and support. “The father of the children is from Seguin,” wrote one concerned friend. “I thought I would share so maybe the local paper or radio station can ask for prayers for this Seguinite and his family.”
A fundraiser titled “Honoring Braxton – Grizzly Band Student” has been established to assist the family with funeral expenses and ongoing needs during the search for Felicity. The link to the fundraiser is available on the Leander community pages and through Kylee Louderman’s public Facebook profile.
Support for the ongoing search and financial needs can be directed to the following donation link:
Honoring Braxton – Grizzly Band Student Fundraiser
5. Seguin High School Class of 1975
6. Guadalupe County Agriculture Fair Queens
7. Paws To Perfection
8. Lake Dunlap Area Fire Department
9. Cub Scout Pack 725
10. Seguin Family Historical Society
11. Yoakum Area Chamber of Commerce
12. Luling Watermelon Thump Association
13. Kuttin Edge Barbershop
14. Seguin Titans 12U Select Baseball
15. Guadalupe County Farm Bureau
16. Conover Veterinary Hospital
17. Springs Hill Special Utility District
18. Beeliever Honey & Craftworks
19. You Kill It, I Grill It
20. 5H Ranch
The city also expresses gratitude to the judges for their time and dedication. This year’s panel of judges included Beverly Isaiah-Bermudez, Silvia Christy, and John Huerta.
Photos and post-parade coverage can be found by visiting the City of Seguin’s Facebook page or website.
Photo courtesy Facebook
VITAL STATISTICS
Gunter
Marjorie Dell Whitt Gunter, age 90 of Seguin, died peacefully under the care of GRMC Hospice on July 4, 2025. Marjorie was born in Goldthwaite on October 17, 1934 to Edith (Stark) and Austin Whitt. She was raised in Big Valley, Texas.
On December 31, 1955 she married Bill Gunter. Their daughter Martha was born in Bryan, Texas while Bill attended Texas A & M University. Bill’s career was in soil conservation services and as a result they lived in several communities throughout Texas including Dalhart, where son Bob was born, also Wheeler, and Liberty and moved to Seguin in 1977. For twenty years Marjorie worked at Guadalupe Regional Medical Center in Seguin, completing her time there as the Business Office Manager. Marjorie and Bill were members of the New Braunfels Church of Christ.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 48 years, Billy Joe Gunter, her grandson, Randal Kyle Atkinson, her parents, her sister, Eleanor “Ruth” Sides and husband Louvelle, and her brother, William “Bill” F. Whitt.
Survivors include her daughter, Martha Gunter Atkinson; son, Robert Whitt Gunter and wife Alicia; grandchildren, Darryn Atkinson, Jacob Gunter and wife Sharon, Caleb Gunter and wife Hillary, Rebekah Gunter Mesa and husband Tobey, Joseph Gunter, Rachel Gunter, Daisha Gunter, Sarah Gunter, Michael Gunter and Daniel Gunter; thirteen great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Joy Whitt; nieces, nephews, other loving family members and friends.
A memorial service celebrating Marjorie’s life will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 1 p.m. at the Goldthwaite Church of Christ with Mr. Marvin Whitt officiating. A reception will follow. Private interment will be held in the Goldthwaite Memorial Cemetery.
Marjorie loved her family with all of her heart, and did her best to spoil each and every grandchild and great-grandchild. She was loved and will be missed by many.
Memorial contributions may be made to Cherokee Home for Children, 13355 TX-16, Cherokee, Texas, 76832, or Guadalupe Regional Medical Center Hospice Services, 1215 E. Court St., Seguin, Texas, 78155.
You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.
LangHelga Johanna Roth Lange, affectionately known as Johanna, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the age of 87.
Johanna was born on July 21, 1937, in Winters, Texas, to Pastor Carl and Elner Roth. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents; her older sister, Carolyn Roth Spillers; her devoted husband of 53 years, Pastor William Frederick Lange Jr.; and her beloved son, Christopher William Stuart Lange.
She leaves behind a loving legacy through her daughter, Debbie Tucker, and husband Jeff, and her son, Scott Lange, and his wife Tina and her daughter-inlaw, Nikki Lange. She was a proud and deeply cherished grandmother to ten grandchildren: Kristen Bigott and her husband Pastor Marcus Bigott, Courtney Eldridge, Garrett Eldridge, Kale Lange, Koby Lange and his wife Nicole, Phillip White and his wife Shawna, Isaiah White, Grayson and Cade Lange and Ashlyn Martz. She was also blessed with four precious great-granddaughters: Gracelyn, Emberlyn, Olivia, and Kimber. Sister, Jeanette Mayer and husband Bill and numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and many friends.
Johanna graduated from Seguin High School in 1956 and later earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Lutheran College. She went on to enjoy a fulfilling 22-year career at Seguin High School, where she taught physical science, biology, typing, and bookkeeping, touching the lives of countless students along the way.
A charter member of Faith Lutheran Church, Johanna faithfully stood by her husband’s side in ministry for 45 years as a dedicated pastor’s wife. She was especially beloved for her “Sand Box Stories” during Vacation Bible School and Sunday School—an interactive storytelling method she learned from her mother,
Elner. Many children, long into adulthood, fondly remembered how Johanna brought Bible stories to life using a simple sandbox. She joyfully passed this tradition on to others, ensuring it would be shared with future generations.
Among her proudest accomplishments was the restoration of one of her grandfather’s old country churches, which had been converted into a sheep shed. With the stained-glass windows still intact, Johanna purchased the structure and had it relocated to the Texas Agricultural Education and Heritage Center. Now known as Zion Church, it continues to serve as a sacred space for weddings, baptisms, and worship services.
Johanna was known for many passions, including her famous homemade dill pickles, which she often taught others how to make. She found joy in gardening and in restoring antique trunks, often turning heirloom pieces into beautiful keepsakes. She had a deep love for history and often said she believed she had lived on the Oregon Trail in a past life—so much so that she once displayed an old wagon in her front yard before donating it to The Big Red Barn.
A memorial service celebrating Johanna’s life will be held at Faith Lutheran Church in Seguin, Texas, on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 2:00 PM with the Reverend Marcus Bigott and the Reverend Daniel Cave officiating. A reception will follow in the Life Enrichment Center (LEC).
Her ashes will be lovingly placed in the columbarium at Faith Lutheran Church beside her husband, Bill, and son, Chris, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the William F. Lange Endowed Seminary Scholarship Fund at Faith Lutheran Church, 1326 E. Cedar, Seguin, Texas, 78155 or to The Texas Agricultural Education and Heritage Center, 390 Cordova Rd, Seguin, Texas, 78155, in honor of Johanna’s lifelong love for faith, family, and heritage.
You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.
VITAL STATISTICS
Vinyard
Sherman Larry Vinyard, 82, passed away due to complications from Parkinson’s disease on Thursday, June 26, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. He was born July 1, 1942, in Seguin, Texas to Sherman and Cora (Stephens) Vinyard.
He grew up in Seguin, Texas and graduated from Texas Lutheran University with a degree in accounting. He served as a Colonel in the field artillery in the United States Army and the Texas Army National Guard for many decades, with service in the Republic of Vietnam from 1966-1967. He was inducted into the Field Artillery Hall of Fame at Fort Sill, Oklahoma in 2008. He was awarded the Honorable Order of St. Barbara and the Ancient Order of St. Barbara for exceptional service and contributions to the U.S. Army Field Artillery.
He worked for the Texas State Auditors Office as a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, Chartered Global Management Accountant, Certified Government Financial Manager, Certified Fraud Examiner, and Certified Risk Management Assurance. He retired from the State Auditor’s office in 1996, but he was far from done working. He began teaching accounting courses at Austin Community College and doing consultant auditing work for Texas State University in San Marcos. His students consistently reported his classes were exceptionally difficult; however, he had the highest rate of students passing the CPA examination on the first attempt. After his time teaching and
consulting, he went to work for the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2004 in the Office of Business Oversight as a Lead Auditor in the Internal Controls Service division. After four failed attempts, he officially retired from everything in September 2015, for real.
He absolutely LOVED all things baseball. He played in little league and pony league as a kid, then umpired baseball games, played softball with the State Auditor’s Office, and watched any baseball game on TV. If you asked him who he wanted to win he would always say, “I just want to see a good game.” He had a deep love for his country, a strong ethical character with integrity beyond reproach, was unwaveringly determined, and incessantly stubborn.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Sherman and Cora Vinyard, brother-in law Stephen Anthony Alblinger and sister-in-law Lloydine Vinyard. He is survived by his wife of 47 years Naomi Vinyard; daughters Carolyn Brown and her husband Daryl, and Rachel Hayse and her husband Ryan; grandchildren Ellie Brown, Wyatt Hayse, and Duncan Hayse, and brothers Jerry Vinyard and Keith Vinyard and his wife Fran. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends.
A visitation will be held Friday, July 11, 2025 in Georgetown, TX at the Ramsey Funeral Home & Crematorium from 4-6pm with a brief service following. A graveside service with military honors will be held at the Moulton City Cemetery, Saturday July 12th at 10:30 am with lunch to follow at the American Legion in Moulton, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to The Salvation Army or the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation.
2025 Measles Outbreak Breaks Record
(Baltimore, MD) -- The 2025 measles outbreak, which began with an outbreak in a mostly unvaccinated community in West Texas, is turning out to be the worst since the disease was declared eradicated twenty-five years ago. Data from the Center for Outbreak Response Innovation at Baltimore’s Johns Hopkins University, shows there have been over 12-hundred confirmed cases so far this year. That exceeds the previous peak for all of 2019. This year’s measles outbreak has led to 155 hospitalizations and three confirmed deaths.
Sleeping With Lights On Linked To Heart Disease Risk
(Adelaide) -- Sleeping with the lights on could increase chances of heart disease. In a yet-to-be-peer reviewed study out of Australia, researchers found that people who slept near the brightest lights had the highest risk of heart failure, heart attacks and stroke. They theorize that the light disrupts circadian rhythm, leading to possible adverse effects.
SoundHealth Receives FDA Approval For Android App To Treat Rhinitis
(San Francisco, CA) -- SoundHealth, based in California, has received FDA approval for the first-ever medical-grade Android app and wearable device capable of transforming a selfie into treatment for rhinitis [[ ry-Ny-Tiss ]]. The SONU app scans the patient’s face using a smartphone and creates a digital map of their sinuses. The patient places the SONU Band around their head, turns it on and the band delivers frequencies to open airways making it easier to breath.
Study: Egg Consumption Leads To Overall Health
(Undated) -- A study published in the health journal Food & Function found that eating eggs may be beneficial to your health . The study followed close to 19-thousand adults and discovered that those who ate one-point-five eggs a day had stronger bones than those who did not eat eggs. Participants who regularly ate eggs showed a 72-percent higher bone density at the femur and 83-percent higher bone density at the spine.
July
Seguin Art League Summer Art Camp – July Session
The Seguin Art League will be hosting a second session of the Wild Beasts: Animals in Folktales, Myth and Art Summer Art Camp from July 8 to July 11 at 104 S. Austin St. The camp runs from 10 a.m. to noon for ages 5 to 9, and 1 to 3 p.m. for ages 10 and older. Students will engage in creating bold and imaginative animal-themed art inspired by myth, folktale, and the wild style of the French “Fauves.” The cost is $125, and supplies are included. Each session is limited to 8 students. For more information, call 830-305-0472.
Unwind Your Drawing Skills
The Seguin Art League will be hosting “Unwind Your Drawing Skills” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on July 11 at the gallery located at 104 S. Austin. This relaxing class is designed for all skill levels and will focus on using value to create strong contrasts in a still-life drawing. Participants ages 18 and older are invited, and the class size is limited to 12 students. Cost is $20. Bring your own sketchbook and pencil. For more information, call 830-305-0472 or visit the gallery.
Bryan Zipp
The Silver Center will be hosting Bryan Zipp at 7:30 p.m. on July 11th at the Crystal Chandelier Ballroom. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Presale tickets are $10 by calling 830-303-6612. Tickets are $15 at the door.
Strong Tower Christian Church BBQ Fundraiser
Strong Tower Christian Church will be hosting a BBQ Plate Sale fundraiser from 10 a.m. until sold out on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 525 W. New Braunfels St. in Seguin. Plates are available for a $12 donation to support the reconstruction of their house of worship. Donations can also be made via CashApp at $STRONGTOWER525. For more information, contact Jeannette at 830-557-8415 or Abby at 830-557-2245.
Indoor Flea Market Hosted by Guadalupana Society
The Guadalupana Society of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church will be hosting an Indoor Flea Market at 9 a.m. on July 12 at the Parish Hall, located at 409 W. Krezdorn St. in Seguin. Small business owners and vendors are invited to participate, with crafts, housewares, clothes, direct sales, and gently used items welcome. Food items require prior board approval. Tables are available for $25 each, with limited availability on a first come, first served basis. For more information or to reserve a table, contact Cindy Pease at 417-389-1837 or Felisa Ramirez at 210-382-1745.
Casino Night to Benefit Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center
The Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center will be hosting Casino Night from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on July 12 at The Big Red Barn, located at 390 Cordova Rd. in Seguin. The evening will feature gaming tables, live and silent auctions, prizes, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and drinks. General admission is $50 in advance, which includes event entry and $1,000 in chips. Sponsorships and additional chip bundles are available. Proceeds will support services for local children. For tickets or sponsorship information, visit www.gccac.net or call 830303-4760.
CMA Summer Strings and Vocal Arts Camps
The TLU Community Music Academy will be hosting its Summer Strings and Vocal Arts Camps on July 14–18 at the TLU Schuech Fine Arts Center. The Strings Camp will run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and includes instruction in violin, cello, and orchestra (no guitar). The Vocal Arts Camp will take place from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m. Both camps are open to students in grades 2–6 and welcome beginners. Registration is open from April 21 to July 14, and the fee is $125 with discounts available. For more information and to register, visit www.tlucma.org.
Master Naturalist Meet N’ Greet
The Master Naturalist program will be hosting a Meet N’ Greet at 6:00 PM on July 15 at the AgriLife
Extension Building, located at 210 E. Live Oak in Seguin. You are invited to learn about this volunteer organization dedicated to conserving Texas’ natural resources. A new training class will begin on August 5 for those interested in joining. For more details, visit txmn.org/guadalupe and click on “Certification Training,” or email Class@guadmn.org.
Gabe Galvan Band
The Silver Center will be hosting Gabe Galvan Band at 7:30 p.m. on July 25th at the Crystal Chandelier Ballroom. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Presale tickets are $10 by calling 830-303-6612. Tickets are $15 at the door.
Texas Women of Influence Conference Slated for July 31
The Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the 2025 Texas Women of Influence Conference on July 31 at Geronimo Oaks Weddings and Events Venue, located at 1377 Dietert Road in Seguin. Organized by the Chamber’s Women’s Conference Planning Committee, the event aims to celebrate and empower women leaders across Texas. Further details, including registration and programming, will be announced closer to the date.
August
Singo Fundraiser: Music Through the Decades
The Seguin Sunrise Lions Club will be hosting the Singo Fundraiser at 4 p.m. on August 9 at the Silver Center. Themed “Music Through the Decades,” the event will feature five rounds of music bingo highlighting hits from the 1950s through the 2010s. Tickets will be sold in advance for $20.
To ensure non-profit organization’s meetings and events appear in this calendar, send information to: communitycalendar@kwed1580.com, or drop off the information at the Seguin Daily News/ KWED offices located at 609 E. Court St. in Seguin. For best results, submit information at least two weeks prior to the event.
