Maybe you remember reading about a local retired couple who found a Christmas Jar on their steps last year on Christmas morning. They were surprised and blessed and excited about this new tradition. They read the book and caught the vision of The Christmas Jar as shared in the bestselling book. This year that same retired couple is still battling health issues and life issues, but they have found a way to pass on the joy of the Christmas Jar. They have saved their pocket change and a few extra bills and placed them lovingly in a jar that will be passed on this Christmas morning. They met a young couple with two small children who lost their home in the hurricane. They moved into a small trailer and not long after had a fire in that trailer. The jar will be passed to this sweet family this year, and while it might not contain much money it is filled with love and Christmas wishes. They were so happy to pay the tradition forward.

Port O’Connor Elementary 2nd graders were excited to receive books donated by the Retired Teachers Organization.  Shown here with their new books are: Pryncess Few, Leon Hill, Abygail Gonzales, Alexandriia Flores, Audrey Rhoads

Middle Row:  Lillyan Gibson, Caiden Hobbs, Remington Eure, Bradley Eure, Christian Gutierrez, Laela Aranda, Lexi Ruddick

Back Row:  LeaAnn Ragusin, 2nd grade teacher; Mary Ann Claiborne and Mary Covarrubias

Annie Bell Allen, 87, of Port O’Connor passed away December 10, 2017.  She was born September 13, 1930 in Victoria to the late Charlie and Delphine Kolle Bracken.

She is survived by her husband, Bob Allen of Port O’Connor; son, Roy Allen and wife, Krista of New Braunfels and sister, Charlotte Morriss of Leander.

Friends are welcome to come by Richardson-Colonial Funeral Home between 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, December 12, 2017 to pay their respects to Mrs. Allen.  Funeral Services will be Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at 10 a.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel.  Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Victoria, TX.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.richardsoncolonial.com.

Retha Mae Orsak, 88, of Port Lavaca, TX formerly of Port O’Connor, TX passed peacefully Saturday, December 9, 2017.

Born October 7, 1929 in Port O’Connor she is survived by daughters, Helen Hawes, Virginia West and sons, Lawrence (Dianne) West and John West.

Preceded in death by husband, Joe West; parents, Owen and Helen Raby; brothers, Dan, Jody, Robert Raby; daughter, Brenda Smetters and great-grandson, Clyde Hawes.

Beloved grandmother to 11, great grandmother to 22 and great-great-grandmother to 3.

Graveside Services were held Thursday, December 14, 2017 at Seadrift Cemetery in Seadrift, TX with Minister Kara Hairell-Speed officiating.

Pallbearers were Virgil Redding, Bryan Redding, Victor Huber, Joseph Huber, Chris Hawes, James Orsak , Daniel Hawes and Jason Smetters.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.richardsoncolonial.com

Phillip P. Efantis, 69, of Port O’Connor, passed away on Monday, November 27, 2017. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, and was a retired cabinet-maker.

He is survived by his life partner, Lois Kelldorf.

Per Phillip’s request there will be no services.