In 2017 the Seadrift City Council came to the conclusion that the preferred design for a silhouette to be installed near the old train depot would be that of a locomotive. This silhouette is based on the Baldwin 4-4-0 type locomotive. As a result of extensive research by artist Brian Norwood and Historical Commission member Gary Ralston, it was determined that this particular model would be a good representation of the type of locomotive that would’ve served this area back in the early 1900s.

The silhouette was funded by the Calhoun County Historical Commission and installed by the City of Seadrift.

The commission had planned an official dedication of the silhouette, but due to storm damage, it was decided that the commission would transfer ownership of the silhouette to the City of Seadrift at a regular scheduled council meeting on March 6, 2018.

Last year Darrell and JoBeth Staff, the local artisans who create the beautiful stone crosses at their home on Park Street near front beach, donated a cross to commemorate the community celebration of Easter Sunrise Services each year on Kingfisher Beach. Families have been blessed by this special event for more than 20 years. Somehow that cross was broken earlier this Fall.

This generous couple not only donated a second cross sculpture refusing any reimbursement but spent their time and hard work removing the broken cross from the concrete, repairing the site and installing the replacement cross complete with the commemorative plaque which had to be carefully removed and remounted.

These two are hard workers, constantly doing for others and willing to lend a hand. Thanks Darrel and JoBeth for your generosity and community support.

If you have not seen their work, drive by Park and Adams for a look at their beautiful craftsmanship. If you see them around, thank them for their community spirit. The cross is in place near the flag pole just past the walkway to the pier.

Betty Coates Hart of Port O’Connor passed away March 23, 2018. She was born March 6, 1933 in Dalhgren, VA to Lottie and Clyde Coates. Betty married Haynes Hart on May 16, 1950 in Hollywood, MD.

Betty leaves behind her husband, Haynes; daughter Linda and husband Kirby Williams; daughter Kathy and husband Kevin Moleski; son Ricahrd Hart; and son Keith Hart and wife Derri; grandchildren: Jessica, Jarden and Anika Hart; Colbi and Kase Williams; Katie Moleski; Jessica Richardson; Arrah Hart and Dylan Hart; and five great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held April 14, 2018 at First Baptist Church, Port O’Connor, Rev. Donnie Martin officiating.

Port O’Connor – Freda Lee Howard, 56, passed away on Sunday, April 1, 2018. She was born in Port Lavaca on November 30, 1961 to Margaret Rubio Ragusin and William Ragusin. Prior to helping her husband, Vaughn with running V&F Oilfield Services, she was the restaurant manager of “The Spot” in Port O’Connor. She is survived by her husband, Vaughn Howard; parents, Billy and Margaret Ragusin; daughter, Julissa Lopez (Gabriel); son, Gary Crone Jr. (Tiffany); brother, William, “Willie” Ragusin, Jr. (Dawn), grandchildren, Lyric Lopez, Luna Lopez and Paxon Crone; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Rosary was recited Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at Grace Funeral Chapel with Father Tommy Chen officiating. Graveside Services were held at Port O’Connor Cemetery.

Victoria – Wayne Dean Timmermann, 45 of Victoria passed away on Thursday, April 5, 2018 surrounded by his family and friends. Wayne was born May 20, 1972 in Victoria to Thomas G. and Nancy Stanley Timmermann. Wayne lived life at full speed especially as it pertained to his passion for fishing and hunting. Wayne was able to turn that passion into a successful career as a professional boat captain, fishing and hunting guide and as the manager of Empire Lodge in Port O’Connor. A familiar face at billfish tournaments throughout the Gulf, Wayne especially loved being the angler going one on one with big blue marlin. He caught the winning marlin in the 2002 Poco Bueno tournament and has the rare achievement of a Royal Billfish Slam, catching all the world’s billfish species. Quick with a smile and kind words, Wayne made friends easily and he loved teaching others, especially children, how to fish and hunt. His wife, Nicole shares his passion for the outdoors and they loved spending time with their daughter Wren, fishing and hunting in Port O’Connor and South Texas. Even though his life was cut short, he lived it big. He will be dearly missed by a legendary number of friends and a supportive and loving family.

He is survived by his loving wife, Nicole Lea Ruschhaupt Timmermann; daughter, Wren Taylor Timmermann; parents, Thomas and Nancy Timmermann of Victoria and a brother, Reed Allen Timmermann of Terlingua, TX.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, April 14, 2018 in Port O’Connor. Donations in Wayne’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Houston Big Game Fishing Club, Attn: Scholarship Fund, 305 Twenty-first Street, Suite 241, Galveston, TX 77550. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com