VITAL STATISTICS
HODGKINS
LCDR Henry Adelbert “Hank” Hodgkins, Jr., USN (Ret.) age 79 of Seguin, passed away on July 4, 2026, after a long battle with cancer. Hank was born on October 20, 1946, in Bangor, Maine, to Geraldine Margaret (Viera) and Henry Adelbert Hodgkins, Sr.
Hank proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1965 to 1991. He served in submarines, surface ships and aviation units. He retired from the Navy while serving at the Board of Inspection and Survey in Little Creek, Virginia.
After retirement from the Navy, Hank worked in the Norfolk, Virginia area in ship constructions, conversion, and overhaul and maintenance where he earned his certification as a professional logistician (CPL) from The International Society of Logisticians in 1993.
In 1997, Hank and Marcia moved to Seguin, Texas. He continued working in the construction industry until his retirement in 2005. From 2006 to 2008, he taught in Guadalupe, Comal, and Kendall Counties in the Adult Education Program.
ROSS
Mary Leah Ross, age 83 of Seguin, passed away on July 6, 2026. Mary was born on January 18, 1943, in Houston, Texas to Sadie (Guarino) and Sam Lefkowitz.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Judith Hillery and husband Dick.
Survivors include her loving husband of 63 years, James “Chuck” Ross; son, James Colllins Ross IV, and wife Mayte; daughter, Debra Jansen and husband David Evans; grandchildren, Joshua Rio Ross and wife Whitney, Taylor Leah
BRANTLEY
Wayne T. Brantley, age 70 of Seguin, passed away on July 6, 2026. Wayne was born in San Antonio, Texas on March 23, 1956, to Ann (Tice) and William Elzy Brantley.
Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, his grandson, Ethan William Brantley, his brother, Bobby Ray Brantley, his mother-inlaw and father-in-law, Barbara and Lenord Coleman, Sr. and his brother-in-law, Lenord “Lennie” Coleman.
He especially loved teaching math to his GED students, teaching at two different sites. Hank was a twenty plus year member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles.
Hank was an active member of the Country Church in Marion where he faithfully served and volunteered in different capacities. He also enjoyed 15 years plus membership in the New Braunfels Area Car Club.
Hank is preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his loving wife of 35 years, Marcia D. Throneburg Hodgkins; son, Stephen A. Hodgkins and wife Glennis; stepdaughter, Dancey E. George; stepson, Bryan J. Erpelding and wife, Jenna; grandchildren, Emily Hodgkins, Coty Bailey and wife Samantha, Conner Mondragon-George and wife Kimberley, Kory Erpelding, Mya Erpelding, and Frankie Powers and wife Ashlyn; great-grandchildren, Peyton, Evalyn, Harold, Maverick, Jaxon, Payton, Beckett and Birch.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 13, 2024, at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral service with military honors will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel at 2 p.m. with Pastor Butch Ikels officiating.
Private interment will be held in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Country Church, P. O. Box 421, Marion, Texas, 78124.
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.
Clow and husband Daniel Wills, Teresa Leah Tellechea, and Joaquin Ross Tellechea; great-grandchildren, Elden James Wills and Evelyn Leah Wills; brother-in-law, Bruce W. Ross and wife Helen; several nieces, nephews, other loving family members and a host of friends.
Visitation will begin on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 9 a.m. at McQueeney Baptist Church followed by funeral service at 10 a.m. with the Reverend Dale Jones officiating. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.
Memorial contributions may be made to McQueeney Baptist Church, P. O. Box 44, McQueeney, Texas, 78123.
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.
Survivors include his loving wife of 36 years, Linda Kay Coleman Brantley; son, Allen Brantley and wife Tracie; daughter, Lacy Kay Brantley and partner, Scott Bauer; grandchildren, Emery, Avery, and Everett Brantley, and Jack Bauer; sister-in-law, Donna Guenther; brother-in-law, Allen Coleman and wife Debbie; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and many friends.
A celebration of life is being planned.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hope Hospice, 611 N. Walnut Ave., New Braunfels, Texas, 78130.
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
REEVES
Janet Reeves, age 55, of Kingsbury, Texas, passed away on June 21, 2026.
Janet was born on April 26, 1971, in Lockhart, Texas, to Linda Sue Hebbe Taft and Lee Roy Woods, Jr. From the very beginning, Janet had a big heart, a bright smile, and a way of making people feel like family the moment they met her.
Janet was known for her kindness, her laughter, and her joyful spirit. She never met a stranger and could turn any room into a place filled with warmth and friendship. She proudly served as Vice President of the KVFD Auxiliary, where she gave her time and energy to serving others— something she truly loved doing.
Above all else, Janet’s greatest joy was being “Mimi” to her grandchildren. She lit up when she talked about them, and nothing made her happier than spending time with them and loving on them in her own special way.
She was also the best dancer in every room she walked into. Whether there was music playing or not, Janet brought life, laughter, and a spark that stayed with everyone long after she left.
ZIPP
Albert Robert Zipp, Jr., age 93 of Seguin, passed away peacefully at his home on June 26, 2026. Albert was born in Guadalupe County on January 21, 1933, to Emilie Sophie (Fischer) and Albert Emil Zipp.
He attended Seguin Independent School District beginning at McQueeney Elementary School and graduating from High School, Class of 1950. He also attended Texas Lutheran College.
On July 26,1959, Albert married the love of his life, Carolyn Reiley Zipp, in Seguin, Texas. Together they built a loving family and shared 67 wonderful years together.
Albert dedicated 39 years of service to Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative (GVEC), where he was known for his strong work ethic and commitment before retiring. He also proudly served his country after being drafted into the United States Army.
Outside of work, Albert had a lifelong love of baseball. He was a threeyear letterman of the Seguin Matador Ball Club and was named Captain in 1950. After high school, he played for the Seguin Raiders. He was scouted by the White Sox and accepted to the team, but due to a football injury his baseball career was cut short.
Albert and Carolyn were previously members of Emanuel’s Lutheran Church where they enjoyed serving as Leaders of the Youth Group. Albert also worked on maintaining the grounds at both Emanuel’s Lutheran and their current Church, Faith Lutheran.
Albert enjoyed trotline fishing, good music, picking pecans, tending his passionflower garden, volleyball and simply visiting with all the friends and acquaintances he made through the R.V. Park.
He was well known in the Seguin community as the owner and manager of Zipp RV Park. He also faithfully helped Carolyn with her business, All Occasions Catering. Above all else, he was a hardworking, family-oriented husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who treasured time spent
Janet was preceded in death by her beloved daughter-in-law, Lyndsay Maclin Woods, and her stepfather, Glen Taft, both of whom she cared for deeply and now carries in her heart always.
She is survived by her children, AJ Woods; Travis Woods and Jessika Parham; and Paige Birdwell and Carl Birdwell Jr.; her precious grandchildren, Josiah and Roland Woods, and Amelia and Eleanor Birdwell; her father, Lee Roy Woods, Jr. and Tawnya Woods; her mother, Linda Sue Taft; her siblings, Becky Carlberg and Kevin Carlberg, and Keith Tausch; along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family members, and a wide circle of friends who felt like family.
Janet’s love was the kind that stayed with you. Though her absence leaves an unimaginable space in the hearts of those who knew her, her laughter, her hugs, and her spirit will continue to live on in every memory shared.
Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever in our hearts.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the Kingsbury Fire Station in Kingsbury, Texas from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. with remarks by the Reverend Tom Jones and friends and family at 3 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to a fund for her grandchildren.
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.
with those he loved.
Albert was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Emil Zipp and Emilie Sophie Fischer Zipp, his sister Regina Rehfeld and husband Milton, motherin-law and father-in-law, Hedwig and Herbert Reiley, his sister-in-law, Marciel Koepsel and husband George, and his brothers-in-law, Vernon Reiley and Leroy Reiley.
He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Carolyn Reiley Zipp; his daughters, Dina Scales and husband Ed, and Debby Sekula; grandchildren who knew and loved him as “Pops”, Carson Baker and wife Allie, Dalton Baker and wife Desiree, Taylor Sekula and wife Audrey, Brandon Sekula, and Alexis Sekula Strom and husband Jake; great-grandchildren, Eli, Amara, Kaylee, Alex, Cayden, and Jade Baker; brothers-in-law, Orville Reiley and wife Beulah, James Reiley and wife Betty Lee, and Larry Reiley and wife Lucy; sisters-in-law, Betty Jean Reiley, and Rosemary Pfullmann and husband Jimmy; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and a host of friends.
Albert’s kindness, dedication to his family, and quiet strength will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary. Funeral service will be on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Faith Lutheran Church at 11 a.m. with the Reverend Jeremy Pedersen officiating. A reception will follow in the Life Enrichment Center (LEC).
Private burial will be held in San Geronimo Cemetery later.
Serving as pallbearers will be Carson Baker, Dalton Baker, Taylor Sekula, Brandon Sekula, Alexis Sekula Strom, and Jake Strom.
The family would like to thank Dr. James Rider, Pastor Jeremy Pedersen, Guadalupe Regional Hospice Services and all the family and friends for their loving support they have given to Albert.
Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 1326 E. Cedar St., Seguin, Texas, 78155, Guadalupe Regional Hospice Services, 1215 E. Court St., Seguin, Texas, 78155 or to the Christian Cupboard, 516 N. Camp, 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.
VITAL STATISTICS
RANFT
JD Ranft, age 68 of Seguin, passed away on June 13, 2026. JD was born on February 26, 1958, in Seguin, Texas to Martha Lea (Dietert) and John Lenwood “Floppy” Ranft.
JD was a 1977 graduate of Seguin High School. He worked for Schubert Distributing for many years and several other companies.
JD is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Kenneth Scholl, grandmother, Norma Schievelbein and sister-in-law, Rhonda Ranft.
Survivors include his wife, Terri Lynne
SULLIVAN
Robert “Bobby” Charles Sullivan, Jr., age 85 of Seguin, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on June 14, 2026. Bobby was born on November 16, 1940, in Dallas, Texas to Ethel Mae Robinson Sullivan Coleman and Robert Charles Sullivan, Sr.
Robert is preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Joy Sullivan; grandson, Robert Reich; his parents; his brothers, Frank Sullivan, Sr. and Mike Sullivan; in addition to his brotherin-law, Charles Thompson.
Survivors include his daughter, Debi Reich and husband Jerry; grandsons, who knew and loved him as “Papa”, Philip Strauss and wife Sarah, and Marshall Reich; great-granddaughter, Amelia Joy Strauss; sister, Laura Thompson; sisters-in-law, Juliane Sullivan, and Kathy Brantley; cousins, Eric Vordenbaum and wife Brenda; Dorothy Trower and Connie Taubert; additional family, Molly, Danny, Jennifer B., Ben, Jenifer I., Skylar, Steele, Amanda, Johnathan and Joseph; friends Tommy Jean and Sam, the Willmann family and the morning taco bunch including Marilyn and Doyle. With special appreciation to Frank Sullivan and wife Judy, Pam Gonzalez and husband Joel and Kelle Wilde and husband Mitch whose extra loving care assisted him these last few years. With Debi and her family living in Florida and Georgia, these local family members’ help was instrumental in allowing him to stay at home where he could be comfortable.
As a child, Robert’s family moved numerous times within Texas before permanently settling in Seguin. He never left his adopted hometown of Seguin. Starting at age 12 he worked with his dad and brother, Frank, driving and delivering steel from the local steel mill and erecting buildings with them. For the rest of his work life, he was self-employed often working multiple
Ranft; daughter, Brittany Ann Ranft Gaillard and husband Justin; son, Shane Ranft; grandchildren, Riley Gaillard, Mackenzie Ranft, and Braxton Ranft; siblings, Dennis Ranft, Diane Syamken and husband David, George Ranft and wife Sandy, William Scholl and wife Pat, and Lyndon Scholl; aunt, Gloria Reininger; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family members and friends.
Graveside services and interment will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at San Geronimo Cemetery with the Reverend Jeremy Roy officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
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.
jobs and running businesses simultaneously. He installed fences and hauled materials, all the while incorporating time for breaks at the old Kettle Pancake House.
Back in the mid ‘60s, he met his future wife, Joy, at Seguin High School. Many stories from this time period included fast cars and drag racing. When they married, they bought a partially completed river house where they lived for over 50 years. Their home held lively 4th of July and Christmas eve parties. The size of the house never limited the number of guests who attended, often overflowing onto the front porch. Lots of fun was had, such as swimming in the river, floating down to the house from the Parkview boat ramp, and water skiing which was tricky on this narrow part of the Guadalupe.
His skill for all things mechanical, lead to a life-long passion for buying and selling vehicles, tractors, and equipment. He kept the family in a wide variety of cars because he found the perfect deal and could make repairs himself. His thriftiness and ingenuity with his welding machine kept things running long after their normal life span. Robert enjoyed frequent trips to Port A with family and friends, many over Memorial Day weekend. When Joy was a teacher, he would provide fall hayrides for her students while dressed in his farmer overalls.
After he became a grandfather, the family went to Disney World 24 years in a row. Due to his fondness for Disney, he became an unofficial and unpaid Mickey spokesman to anyone who would listen or watch the family videos.
A Celebration of Life for Robert will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at The Wayside, 501 N. Austin Street in Seguin, with remarks given at 5 pm including The Reverend Jeremy Roy.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Seguin Education Foundation, P. O. Box 701, Seguin Texas, 78156.
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.
Obesity Rates Rise In U.S.
(Dallas, TX) -- Obesity rates are rising in the U.S. A new American Heart Association study shows about 40 percent of adults were obese in the year 2023. That compares to just 30 percent of adults in 1999. About 20 percent of youth were obese in 2023. Severe obesity also rose from five to ten percent during the 24-year study period. The author of the study says examining trends in obesity can help determine which segments of the population may benefit the most from screening and how resources should be allocated for preventive efforts. Health experts say obesity can increase the risks for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and other health problems.
Publix
Blueberry Recall
(Lakeland, FL) -- A recall is being issued for bags of frozen blueberries sold at Publix because of possible E. coli contamination. The ten-ounce bags of GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries were sold at the grocery store chain across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. So far there have been 12 confirmed cases of E. coli.
Research Shows Mosquitoes Can Learn To Associate DEET With Food
(Blacksburg, VA) -- Research conducted at Virginia Tech suggests that mosquitoes are learning to associate a common insect repellent with mealtime. A study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology focused on a type of mosquito that can spread diseases such as yellow fever, Zika and dengue fever. It found that mosquitoes can learn to ignore low concentrations of DEET on the skin and begin to associate it with food. Researchers say DEET should still be used, but that applying it regularly may be more effective than applying a high dose just once
Skin Expert Weighs In On Moles And Cancer
(New York, NY) -- A skin cancer expert is discussing warnings signs of possible cancer. Doctor Larisa Geskin from New York Presbyterian Hospital is offering tips on how to tell normal moles from melanoma. She says spots that are new and keep growing or changing need to be checked. Also, if one mole looks different from the others on your body, you should get it checked out. Most moles are not dangerous. Doctor Geskin recommends everyone see a dermatologist at some point to assess their individual risk and determine how frequently they should be checked.
Kids Summer Art Classes
The Seguin Art League is offering Kids Summer Art Classes featuring “Hippos, Crocodiles and Cobras… Oh My! The Art of Ancient Egypt.” Instructor Jamie Aven will teach students about the art and symbols of ancient Egypt while they learn to draw and paint exotic animals and plants. Classes for ages 5 to 9 are offered July 7-8 or July 9-10 from 10 a.m. to noon. Classes for ages 10 and older are offered July 7-8 or July 9-10 from 1 to 3 p.m. Participants may choose one two-day session for $60 or attend all four days for $120. All supplies are included. To register, call the Seguin Art League Gallery at 830-305-0472 during gallery hours, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Shark Is Broken Opens at Palace Theatre
Take a behind-the-scenes trip into one of Hollywood’s most legendary films when En Vivo! Theatrical presents The Shark Is Broken July 9 through July 12 at the historic Palace Theatre in downtown Seguin. The internationally acclaimed comedy tells the true story of the making of Jaws, as actors Robert Shaw, Roy Scheider and Richard Dreyfuss find themselves stranded aboard the Orca while a malfunctioning mechanical shark delays filming. Directed by Paul Padilla, the production stars Shawn Hardee, Tyler Askins and Jason Chew. Due to adult language, the play is recommended for mature audiences. Show times and tickets are available at EnvivoTheatrical.com.
Clay Sculpture Class
The Seguin Art League is inviting kids and adults to create their favorite animal during its
Clay Sculpture Animals class with instructor Roger Betschler. Students ages 10 and older will learn sculpture techniques using form and texture while creating an animal of their choice. The class will be held July 7 through July 10 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. The fee is $80, and all supplies are included. To register, visit or call the Seguin Art League Gallery at 830-305-0472 during business hours Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Jury Cancellation Notices
Individuals who were summoned for Guadalupe County Court at Law jury duty on Monday, July 13, no longer need to report. The jury panel scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Monday, July 13 at the Guadalupe County Justice Center has been canceled. Prospective jurors do not need to report for service. For additional information, call the Guadalupe County Court at Law at 830-303-8861. Individuals who were summoned for Guadalupe County Court at Law No. 2 jury duty on Monday, June 22, no longer need to report. The jury panel scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Monday, June 22 at the Guadalupe County Justice Center has been canceled. Prospective jurors do not need to report for service. For additional information, call the Guadalupe County Court at Law at 830-303-8861.
Beginning Cyanotype Class
Learn the art of making photographic sun prints during the Seguin Art League’s Beginning Cyanotype class on Wednesday, July 15, from 1 to 4 p.m. Instructor Cat Bollinger will teach participants how to prepare, layer and finish cyanotype prints using sunlight. The class is open to ages 16 and older, is
limited to six participants, and all supplies are provided. Students are encouraged to wear old clothes or an apron and non-slip shoes. The registration fee is $45. To register, stop by or call the Seguin Art League Gallery at 830-305-0472 during gallery hours, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
New Braunfels Food Bank Job Fair
Job seekers are invited to meet with multiple local employers during a Job Fair hosted by the New Braunfels Food Bank and Workforce Solutions Alamo on Wednesday, July 22. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon upstairs at the New Braunfels Food Bank, located at 1620 S. Seguin Ave. in New Braunfels. Attendees are encouraged to bring copies of their resume and dress professionally for the opportunity to connect with area employers who are hiring.
CASA of Central Texas Foster Care Simulation
CASA of Central Texas will host a free Foster Care Simulation from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, at Gruene United Methodist Church, 2629 E. Common St. in New Braunfels. Participants will experience the challenges and realities of the foster care system through an interactive simulation. Registration is required. For more information, visit casacentex.org.
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.
