VITAL STATISTICS
Smith
MSGT James Junior “Smitty” Smith, USAF (Ret.), age 94 of Seguin, passed away on September 10, 2025. He was born on May 6, 1931 in Paradise, Texas part of Wise County.
He proudly served his country, retiring from the United States Air Force after twenty-two years of dedicated service. After retiring from the United States Air Force, he began working for the Guadalupe Blanco River Authority (GBRA) as a Control Operator for many years. His retirement years were spent farming and ranching and spending quality time with his family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Alice Fay Luersen Smith, daughter, Jacqueline “Jackie” Smith, grandson, Matthew James Vincent, son-in-law, Kevin Mathis, his mother, Mary Katherine Smith, and his siblings, Claudia Lawson, William Slagle and Opal Sweet.
Survivors include his daughters, Donna Vincent Beck, and Fonda Mathis; grandchildren, Michelle Smith, John Vincent and wife Robin, Jenna Marie Vincent, and Kyle Mathis and wife, Persia; great grandchildren, Paige Smith
Guadarrama
Ester Hernandez Guadarrama passed away peacefully on September 6, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 92.
Ester was born in Houston, Texas on August 30, 1933, and married the love of her life, Cesario Guadarrama Jr on June 8, 1957.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Lucinda Hernandez, and stepfather Joe Aguilder.
Survivors include her daughters, Cynthia Guadarrama, Linda Guadarrama, Sonja Valadez and her husband Danny
Zimmermann and partner Brady Edmiston, Kylie Fay MyCue and husband Mason, Ethan Smith Zimmermann, Kaden James and Kamryn Vincent, Hazzel Vincent, and Peyton, Lyndon and Carter Smith Velasquez; great-great grandchildren, Louise Fay MyCue, Lucian MyCue, and Lucius Edmiston; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and many friends.
Visitation will begin on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel at 5 p.m. followed by funeral service at 6 p. m. with the Reverend Jeremy Roy officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Kaden James Vincent, John Vincent, Kyle Mathis, Ethan Smith Zimmermann, Mason MyCue, Brady Edmiston, Roger Jubela, and Howard Zimmermann.
Private graveside services with military honors will be held at a later date at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Pecan Museum of Texas, c/o Red Barn, 390 Cordova Road, Seguin, Texas, 78155. Floral tributes are welcome and may be ordered through Colonial Green Florals, Smitty’s greatgranddaughter Paige – 830-609-9101.
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, 830-5912.
Valadez and Alicia Guadarrama. Her grandsons Corey Calderon and Colin Calderon and their father Bobby Calderon.
Ester graduated from Jefferson Davis High School in Houston Texas in 1951.
She attended Rice University and graduated in 1955. She started her teaching career at Weinert Elementary School. She then taught Spanish at Seguin High School.
Ester was a lifelong active member of La Trinidad Methodist Church. She enjoyed traveling, dancing, and spending time with her family.
Her generous spirit will be remembered forever, and she will be missed by many.
A private memorial will be held at a later date.
Overall Cancer Death Rate On The Decline.
(Undated) -- The annual Cancer Progress Report shows the overall cancer death rate has been steadily declining since the 1990s. The report from the American Association For Cancer Research shows more than four and a half million cancer deaths avoided between 1991 and 2023. The report credits a reduction in smoking rates, early detection and improvements in treatment. About 18 and a half million cancer survivors were living in the U.S. as of January of this year. The FDA has approved 20 new anti-cancer therapeutics between July of last year and June of this year.
Former
CDC Head Susan Monarez Testifies Before Senate (Washington, DC) -- The former head of the CDC is pushing back about her firing by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Junior. Kennedy claimed he let Dr. Susan Monarez go last month because he couldn’t trust her because she refused to pre-approve the childhood vaccination schedule. Monarez, in testimony before the Senate on Wednesday, said she would change the schedule if science supported it. Monarez claimed Kennedy told her that was no evidence and still expected her to institute those vaccine changes.
Flesh Eating Bacteria
(Baton Rouge, LA) -- The Louisiana Department of Health is now linking a fifth death to a deadly flesh-eating bacteria named Vibrio. It’s found in warm coastal waters and in raw seafood, like oysters, which are harvested there. The department said in a statement that, in an average year, they only see one death.
Study Suggests Emotional Eaters Don’t Benefit As Much From Weight Loss Drugs
(Undated) -- A new study suggests emotional eaters may not benefit as much from certain weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. Scientists in Japan studied people with diabetes over their first year and on weight loss drugs. Those who ate in response to tempting food sights and smells had more significant weight loss than individuals who ate in response to negative emotions. Researchers suggest doctors should get to know a person’s eating behaviors prior to recommending weight loss drugs.
September
Beginning Crochet Class
The Seguin Art League will be hosting Beginning Crochet Class at 1 p.m. on September 20 at 104 S. Austin, Seguin. The class will cover the basics of crochet including making a chain, joining, and other fundamental stitches, giving participants the skills to create their own crochet projects. Open to ages 10 and up, limited to 10 participants. Cost is $35 with supplies included. For more information call 830-305-0472 or visit seguinartleague.com.
Abstract Floral in Beginning Watercolor Class at Seguin Art League
The Seguin Art League will be hosting an Abstract Floral in Beginning Watercolor class at 1 p.m. on September 24 at the Seguin Art League. The class runs until 4 p.m. and will guide students in creating an abstract floral using fine watercolor and sable brushes. Techniques covered include high saturation painting, bleeding, hard and soft edge control, and the use of salt, alcohol, and bleed-proof white. Open to all ages, the class is limited to five students and costs $50 with supplies included. For more information, call 830-305-0472 or visit 104 S. Austin Street in Seguin.
Gabe Galvan Band
The Silver Center will be hosting Gabe Galvan Band at 7:30 p.m. on September 26th at the Crystal Chandelier Ballroom. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Presale tickets are $10 by calling 830-3036612. Tickets are $15 at the door.
October
Free Form Crochet Class
The Seguin Art League will be hosting Free Form Crochet Class at 1 p.m. on October 4 at 104 S. Austin, Seguin. This class teaches how to crochet without a pattern while exploring texture and color to create unique garments and art pieces. Open to ages 10 and up, limited to 10 participants. Cost is $35 with supplies included. For more information call 830-305-0472 or visit seguinartleague.com.
Texas Well Owner Network Water Well Screening in San Antonio
The Texas Water Resources Institute will be hosting the “Well Informed” Texas Well Owner Network (TWON) water well screening at 8:30 a.m. on October 7 at the San Antonio River Authority Office, 100 E. Guenther Street, San Antonio. Participants should collect water samples using a new, unused 12–20 ounce water bottle and drop them off between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. A follow-up Result Interpretation Meeting will be held at 9:00 a.m. on October 9 at the same location. For more information, contact John Smith at 979-2040573 or john.smith@ag.tamu.edu.
The Merles
The Silver Center will be hosting The Merles Band at 7:30 p.m. on October 10th 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.
Gabe Galvan Band
The Silver Center will be hosting the Gabe Galvan Band at 7:30 p.m. on October 24th at the Crystal Chandelier Ballroom. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Presale tickets are $10 by calling 830303-6612. Tickets are $15 at the door.
Riverside Cemetery Tour
Representatives of the Seguin Women’s Clubs will be hosting the Riverside Cemetery Tour on Saturday, October 26. This year’s tour highlights the stories of women who lived and worked alongside the men who established the Seguin community. Guests will meet historical figures among the shady Live Oaks at their gravesites and hear firsthand accounts of life along the Guadalupe River, from early days to recent history. Ticket proceeds benefit the Delphians, Seguin Study, and Shakespeare clubs, supporting the upkeep of their historic meeting house built in 1903. To ensure non-profit organization’s meetings and events a ppear 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.
