Edwin Frank Strakos, 90, passed away Wednesday, May 18, 2011.He was born April 5, 1921 in Dewitt County (Yorktown) to the late Frank and Mary Mareth Strakos.

Ed retired as co-owner of Mowen’s Jewelry after 40 years as a jeweler and watch maker. He was a member of Salem Lutheran Church. He was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corps and served in the South Pacific during World War II. He repaired and adjusted bomb sights, clocks, navigation equipment, etc. on the planes used in the war. He was a member of VFW Post 4403 where he had served as post commander and District 24 commander. As commander, he helped name the Audie Murphy Veterans Hospital in San Antonio. He was an ace gardener and avid hunter and fisherman. He could also build or fix anything.

He will be missed by his sons, Marvin (Lydia), Eddie Wayne (Leah), and Craig (Linda); grandchildren, Elaine (Tim) Gasch, Marty (Holly) Strakos, Kasi (Brandon) Crittendon, Ryan Strakos, Adrianna Strakos, Eric Strakos, Tim (Traci) Strakos, Katie (Arnold) Rangel, and Sandra Mullins; and his 15 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Dolores Schoenherr Strakos; parents; sisters, Annie Siefert, Mary Merks, Emma Grossekapp, Amelia Steindorf, and Tracy Audilet; and brothers, Joe, Herman, and Oscar Strakos.

Funeral services were held May 20 at Salem Lutheran Church in Port Lavaca, with the Rev. Jerry Wirtley officiating. Burial with full military honors under the auspices of the Calhoun County Combined Honor Guard will be at Six Mile Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers were: Eric, Tim, Marty, and Ryan Strakos, Arnold Rangle, Brandon Crittendon, and Tim Gasch.

Honorary pallbearers were Elaine Gasch, Kasi Crittendon, Katie Rangel, Adrianna Strakos, and Sandy Mullins.

Memorials in Edwin’s name may be directed to Salem Lutheran Church or V.F.W. Scholarship Fund, c/o Jack Mageluzzo, 1003 N. Benavides, Port Lavaca, TX 77979.

Chester Smith, warden of Sundown Island, was introduced by Rotarian Bob Wallace at the May 20, 2011, Port Lavaca Noon Day Rotary Club luncheon. Chester was accompanied by his daughter and son-in-law, Peggy and Tim Wilkinson, who will assume the duties of warden when Chester retires.

At age 90, Chester said he plans to work until he reaches 100. In his presentation, he talked about the history and benefits provided by Sundown Island, a 69-acre Audubon Society refuge in Matagorda Bay just east of Port O’Connor that provides sanctuary for nesting and migrating birds.

Information and photo by Scott Hollingsworth

Chester Smith, Bob Wallace, Tim and Peggy Wilkinson

Church – What is church? A church has been defined as a group of baptized believers banded together to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This means that they hold to the common beliefs about the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. The church is not the building, but the people who make it up, those who are a part of it by choice.

The attitude of people around us toward our church depends much on our own attitude toward our church. Attitudes of defeat bring defeat. The church can be or not be according to the attitudes of those who make it up. Our attitudes toward our church affect the effectiveness and success of our church. Two attitudes about or toward the church are sometimes heard: 1. “If the church were what it ought to be, everyone would join it.” 2. “If we would serve as we ought, everyone would be interested in being a part of the church.” These statements are not true (although we ought to be what we ought to be), because different people respond differently to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The best church in the world meets and receives mixed responses. The best church in the world will not reach all the people around. There are many different churches because not everyone favors one particular church. May I say to you, hopefully not to offend anyone, but there is no perfect church. The reason is that the church is made up of imperfect folks. The church at Jerusalem (mentioned in the Bible) was not perfect, but it was alive and active. The Jerusalem church folks had some attitudes that we will probably see in those within the churches that we attend. One of the attitudes was the attitude of fear. The fainthearted avoided the church for fear of persecution and rebuke. Some were afraid of the strange things that happened when Jesus and His disciples were around – things such as the dead made alive, the blind made to see, the lame made to walk, and demons cast out. Others were afraid of what might be said about them. They didn’t want to be called “Holy Joe”, “Square”, or “Fanatic”. Are you afraid to be active in church?

However, there were those that admired the church. True Christians have some traits that are admired. One who is a real follower of Christ will show courage, honesty, peacefulness, willingness to work, and generosity. Are you glad you live in a community where there are churches? Do you admire your church?

Those who became Christians (accepted Jesus as Savior) wanted to be a part of the church. They believed it was the will of God for them to be together. Are you a part of a church fellowship?

Then we find the needy seeking the church. Does this mean that they believe that they can find help within the fellowship of the church? The church should respond by being the help others need. The church should be a “hospital” for sinners, not a “rest home” for saints. Is your church responding to the needs of those around you?

The church had and has enemies. Those were folks who did not agree with the message of the church and the following that she gathered. This is still true today. There are those who disdain the church and are critical of those who attend. If our church was being tried for being a Christian fellowship, would there be enough evidence to convict us? We must stand firm in our love for our church.

What do you think of your church? Do you fear being associated with your church? Do you admire your church and speak well of it? I encourage folks to speak well of their church and suggest that if they have something negative to say that they not say it.

What should you think of your church? Could it be that what we think of our church should be the same that Jesus Himself thought of the (His) church? He stood by the church. He provided resources adequate for His church. He loved the church. Ephesians 5:25b says: Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.

The success of our church depends strongly upon our attitude toward it. A “bad” attitude can severely hinder God’s work. Please, love your church; love your leaders; and love your fellow church members.

She Said Yes!

Michele Kelley of Weesatche, TX thought she was just out for a Saturday of fishing on the Port Oconnor jetties with her boyfriend Gregory Hunt of Seadrift when she noticed a US Coast Guard 25’ Response Boat approaching them. The Response Boat first sounded its sirens and lights while dropping a banner off its port side asking, “Michele Kelley Will You Marry Me.” Gregory Hunt then dropped to one knee, asking her to marry him. All she could do was fall in his arms crying, shaking her head “yes” as cheers rang from the Response Boat crew, Then the Response Boat continued on with its patrols.

Ms. Kelley is the daughter of Vaughan and Donna Kelley of Weesatche and is currently attending college at Victoria. Recently finished with his four years service in the US Coast Guard and two years obligation still pending, Petty Officer Gregory D. Hunt, son of Wesley Hunt of Seadrift, was stationed at New Orleans Sector, Station Venice La. and currently also attending college at Victoria.

The couple would like to thank Senior Chief Jennings, Petty Officer Crabb, Petty Officer Hernandez, Petty Officer Usma, and Firemen Taylor.

The sand sculpture is always a favorite of everyone at Warrior’s Weekend. According to sculptor Dana Wright of Placedo, it took 100 tons of sand (4 18-wheelers) to create this year’s offering.

With the assistance of several talented sculptors, including master sculptors Jon and Brad Goll and Dee McElroy, the 5-sided sand castle was completed in four days. Incorporated into the design, which was planned by Gloria Fric and Dee McElroy, are the soldiers’ cross, Wall of Hope, Insignias of all the service branches, whimsical designs, and an eagle, crafted by Heather Billiter.