Jerry Edwin Estep, born in Sweetwater, Texas on September 10, 1936, lived a life marked not by loud accomplishments or grand attention, but by quiet faithfulness, steady love, gentle humor, and the kind of presence that makes an entire family feel rooted. He passed away quietly and comfortably on May 5, 2026, in Conroe, Texas at the age of 89.
Bill was born in Fredericksburg, Texas, on November 26, 1937. He moved to San Antonio with his parents when he was 5 years old and lived there until he graduated high school. He then joined the Navy and spent two years in North Carolina. After leaving military service, he moved to Austin, Texas, and earned his bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Texas. Bill then worked for the Austin Independent School District as the Director of Plant Management, designing all of its schools’ science labs.
Violet Adell Schkade peacefully entered the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the age of 91. Violet was born on December 20, 1934 in Albany, Texas, to Alvin and Louise Schkade. A devoted Christian, Violet was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Albany and truly lived as a servant of the Lord. She deeply loved her church and dedicated countless hours to cooking for the congregation, cleaning the church, and helping anyone who was sick or in need.
Vernon Clarel McDaniel, born July 4, 1936 in Tribbey, Oklahoma to parents, Vernon Eugene Cline and Bella Albany Garretson Cline. Years later when Vernon was a small child, his mother and Joseph Bailey McDaniel, the man who raised Vernon, moved the family to Shawnee, Oklahoma. Vernon passed away in a VA home in Big Spring, Texas on Monday, March 9, 2026 at the age of 89 years, 9 months and 5 days.
Larry Bell
Larry was born in Beaumont,Texas to Leon and Aline (Van Riper) Bell on July 19, 1935.
Dennis Ray Hawley, age 74, of Moran, Texas, passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025. A celebration of Life will be held at Moran Community Center.
Dennis was born in Knox City, TX, to 0.C. and Joyce Caldwell Hawley on November 11, 1951. He was an OTR truck driver and worked for Bob Green as a Dozer operator for 15 years.
Dennis was preceded in death by both parents, brothers, Cecil, Geronimo, and Chub, and sisters, Madelene and Esta Rae, son, Dennis Ray “Piney” Hawley Jr.
Jack Hopkins, 73 of Albany, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026. A memorial service was held at 11am, Saturday, January 10th at the Albany Cemetery Pavilion. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Morehart Mortuary.
Gayala Fields Askew, of Albany, Texas, passed to eternal life on Monday, December 8, 2025 at 71 years old. Gayala was born to Jewel Princeton Fields and Lois Odel Piltcher Fields on July 29, 1954 in DeLeon, Texas. She is preceded in death by her parents, sisters Lorene Fields, Judy Hardy, and Fredda Owens, and her grandson, Boone Askew.
Juan Rodriguez
Juan Rodriguez, 71, of Albany, TX passed away on December 2, 2025. He was surrounded by his loving family and entered the Kingdom of Heaven peacefully. A visitation with the family was held at Heartland Funeral Home in Early at 2:00 PM, Rosary at 3:00 PM, Sunday, December 7th, 2025 and Mass at St. Mary Catholic Church, Brownwood, Texas 10:00 AM, Monday, December 8th, 2025 with interment following at Eastland Memorial Park.
Kolby Wayne Hughes, son of Gary and Emily Hughes of Albany, Texas and Melinda and Delbert Smith of Fort Worth, Texas passed away on October 4, 2025.
Kolby was born in Fort Worth, Texas on July 1, 1997, graduated from Springtown High School and was employed by Amazon for the past 10 years. Kolby was known for his sense of humor, willingness to help, and his smile.
