Old Columbia Cemetery

04/23/2026

A GRAVESIDE SERVICE at historic Columbia Cemetery in West Columbia, Texas, will follow Michael Don Azbell’s funeral Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 10 a.m. at C.T. Baker & Sons Funeral Home, 634 South Columbia Drive, in West Columbia. Visitation will be Friday, April 24, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the West Columbia Fire Station, 314 East Clay Street, in West Columbia. Born on December 18, 1954, in Dumas, Texas, Mike was the son of James and Stacye Azbell. He grew up in Electra, Texas, before moving to West Columbia. Mike was a 1974 graduate of Columbia High School and served his country in the United States Air Force. He was an honored and decorated military veteran who served in Vietnam and the Gulf War. He was a master electrician and, after retiring from the U.S. Air Force in 1991, owned and operated Total Home Electric in West Columbia. In 2008, Mike joined the West Columbia Volunteer Fire Department. He retired in 2025 with 17 years of service in the local fire department, having held multiple ranks up to assistant fire chief. This is what he was most proud of and Mike devoted himself fully to serving his community and wore his uniform proudly. He devoted the last years of his life as the building inspector and code enforcement officer for the City of West Columbia. Mike Azbell is preceded in death by his parents, James and Stacye Azbell, and best friends, Flem Rogers and Randy Landrum. Left to mourn his passing are his wife JJ Azbell, children, Ronnie Wiley (wife Janine), James Clifford Wiley (Kayla), Adam Michael Azbell (wife Lyn), Holly Azbell-Janak and Dustin Goff; grandchildren, Jordyn “Sweettater,” Mallory, Dylan, Halee, Kailyn, Kimber, Kenzie, Maddie, Millie, Bethany, Harper and Brody; siblings, Thomas Azbell (wife Linda), Sandy Menard (husband Larry), Cynthia Preas, James Alan Azbell (wife Mishelle); and many nieces and nephews. He was a loving husband to his wife JJ, a pillar of strength to his family, a devoted father, always there to offer guidance, love and a hearty laugh, and he cherished his grandchildren most of all. His presence brought warmth and joy to those around him and Mike Azbell will be dearly missed by so very many.

04/16/2026

THE ANNUAL MEETING of the Columbia Cemetery Association will be conducted tonight (Thursday, April 16, 2026) at 6 p.m. in the conference room of the Columbia Historical Museum, 247 East Brazos Avenue, in West Columbia. The annual meeting is open to the public. Anyone who owns a burial plot at historic Old Columbia Cemetery is welcome to attend. A new slate of officers will be voted on at tonight's board meeting. For more information about the CCA annual meeting, contact board president Tracy Gupton at (979) 418-1410.

04/13/2026

THE ANNUAL MEETING of the Columbia Cemetery Association Board of Directors will be held Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the conference room of the Columbia Historical Museum, 247 East Brazos Avenue, in West Columbia, Texas. The meeting is open to the public and anyone who owns a burial plot at historic Columbia Cemetery in West Columbia is welcome to attend. A new slate of officers will be voted on at Thursday's board meeting. For more information, you may contact CCA Board President Tracy Gupton at (979) 418-1410.

04/07/2026

SANDRA GAIL DUNCAN MINSHEW was laid to rest at historic Columbia Cemetery in West Columbia, Texas, Friday, April 3, 2026. She was born on May 26, 1949, the daughter of Frank and Evelyn Duncan in West Columbia and passed away peacefully in her hometown on March 30, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. With a life spanning over 76 years, Sandra leaves behind a legacy of love, commitment and steadfast devotion to her family and community.

Born and raised in West Columbia, Sandra’s roots were deeply intertwined with the fabric of this close-knit community. Throughout her life, she displayed a warmth and kindness that touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Her presence was one of calm strength, marked by her willingness to support those around her through times both joyful and challenging. She married Terry Wayne Minshew on December 30, 1977. Sandra Gail Minshew’s journey in this world was marked by quiet dignity and enduring love. She leaves behind those who cherished her deeply, and whose lives remain forever enriched by her compassion and grace. Her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her.

Sandra is lovingly survived by her husband, Terry Minshew, who stood by her side through all the seasons of life. Together, they built a life filled with shared dreams and heartfelt companionship; six children, Christi Huett (Owen), Terri Brown (Billy), Lisa Billingsley (Gary), T.W. Minshew, Susan Friemel and Teresa Reynolds (Anthony); many grandkids and great-grandchildren; her brother, Glen Duncan (Lynne); close friend, Charlie Glisch; and cousin, Charles Smith.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Evelyn Duncan; brother, Ronnie Duncan; sister, Patricia; grandson, Randall Hipp; and granddaughter, Tyler Glick.

Funeral services were held Friday, April 3, 2026, at C.T. Baker & Sons Funeral Home in West Columbia.

03/29/2026

A GRAVESIDE SERVICE FOR Esther Garcia Vera of Damon, Texas, was conducted Saturday, March 28, 2026, at historic Columbia Cemetery in West Columbia, Texas. The burial followed a rosary for Esther from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday at C.T. Baker & Sons Funeral Home chapel, 634 South Columbia Drive, in West Columbia. Funeral services were conducted at 9:30 a.m. at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in West Columbia.

Esther Garcia was born on April 15, 1965, the daughter of Roberto and Petra Garcia, in Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. She passed away March 24, 2026, at the age of 60.

A longtime resident of Brazoria County, Esther was a devoted member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and a proud wife and mother to her children. Renowned for her love of family, Esther leaves behind a lasting legacy in her husband, daughters and grandchildren, whom she cherished dearly. She also cherished her brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.

An avid supporter of her community, Esther enjoyed her family time. She is survived by her husband, Benjamin Vera; daughters, Lorena Flores, Juanita Flores and Alondra Flores; brothers, Jesus Garcia (Maria de los Angeles), Roberto Garcia, Rogelio Garcia and Arnoldo Garcia; sisters, Maria del Carmen Mendez (Juaquin) and Maricela Garcia; and six grandchildren, Larissa Alvarez, Giovanni Monterroso, Mariah Alvarez, Emma Jimenez, Zayden Alvarez and Railee Thomas.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Petra Ibarra Garcia; her son, Ebetier Flores Jr.; her grandson, Josue Angel Alvarez; and her nephew, Joaquin Mendez.

Her love, laughter and spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. May she rest in peace and her memories live long.

03/27/2026

BATTLE OF SAN JACINTO soldier and Goliad Massacre survivor Nathaniel C. Hazen was laid to rest at Columbia Cemetery almost 190 years ago when he died the same day as Stephen F. Austin, December 27, 1836. His Texas Historical Marker that was dedicated in 1936, a century after Hazen's death, is one of a dozen such historical markers in the West Columbia cemetery.

By Tracy Gupton As Texian soldiers routed General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna’s Mexican troops at the decisive Battle of San Jacinto in April 1836, celebra

03/02/2026

FOLLOWING FUNERAL SERVICES at Lakewood Funeral Chapel in Lake Jackson at noon today, March 2, 2026, Theresa Gail Batchelar was laid to rest at historic Columbia Cemetery in West Columbia, Texas. She passed away at the age of 55 February 19, 2026, in Paragould, Arkansas, in Greene County. Theresa Gail Whipple was born March 27, 1970, in Houston, the daughter of Eddie and Carolyn Whipple.
Gail was preceded in death by her father Eddie Whipple, mother Carolyn Whipple and brother Randy (Joe) Whipple.
She is survived by her husband, Danny Batchelar; sons Danny Batchelar Jr. (Siryna), Bryan Batchelar, Ray Batchelar (Amy), and Tylor Batchelar; and daughter, Amy Whipple (Terry). Other survivors include her grandchildren, Brently, Little Man, Levi, Hank, Cheyenne, Evelyn, Leon, Damien, Kamdyn, Ruthie, Isabella and Baby Bryan;
brother, Buddy Whipple (Norie); and sisters, Carol Collins (Robert), Patsy Nelson (James) and Phyllis Wendel (Robert).
Gail was a blessing to all who knew her, with a smile that could light up a room and a laugh to never be forgotten. Gail had a love for her family that knew no bounds, her grandchildren were her pride and joy. As we cry our tears of sorrow for her absence please remember the happiness and love she brought to each and every one of our lives.

02/13/2026

GRAVESIDE SERVICES FOR JESUS LOPEZ were conducted at 12:30 p.m. today, Friday the 13th of February, 2026, at historic Columbia Cemetery in West Columbia, Texas. Funeral services for Jesus were held at 11:30 a.m. today at Iglesia Centro Cristiano, 114 South Columbia Drive, in West Columbia.

Jesus Lopez passed away February 4, 2026, at the age of 71. He was born April 7, 1954. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of C.T. Baker & Sons Funeral Home of West Columbia, Texas.

Nos reunimos con gran pesar para conmemorar la vida de Jesús López.

Jesús fue un hombre cuyo espíritu y calidez conmovió la vida de muchos. Fue un amado Esposo, Padre, Abuelo, Hermano, Tío, Suegro y Amigo, cuya calidez y bondad conmovió la vida de todos los que lo conocieron. Pasó sus últimos momentos en el Centro Médico Baylor Saint Lukes en Houston, Texas, rodeado de su familia, con mucho amor y apoyo.

Al recordar a Jesús López, celebremos los recuerdos que atesoramos y encontremos consuelo en el amor que compartió con todos nosotros.

Descansa en paz, Jesús López.

01/24/2026

BURIAL SERVICES FOR BETTY HODGES will be conducted at historic Columbia Cemetery in West Columbia, Texas, Tuesday, January 27, 2026, following her 11 a.m. funeral Tuesday at C.T. Baker & Sons Funeral Home in West Columbia.

Funeral Services for Betty June O'Berry Hodges will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at C.T. Baker & Sons Funeral Home, 634 South Columbia D

01/20/2026

CHARLOTTE WILKE BROUSSARD MARTIN, 86, of Sweeny, Texas, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026, in Sweeny. She was born August 16, 1939, to Fritz and Florence Wilke in West Columbia, Texas.

She enjoyed sewing, quilting, cooking and baking.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Robert Martin; parents, Fritz and Florence Wilke; brothers, Fritz "Sonny" Wilke and Dean Wilke; sisters, Carolyn Wilke and Ethelyn Wilke; and grandsons, Anthony Mann and Christopher Martin.

She leaves precious memories with her sons, Bryan Broussard (Christy), Kenneth Broussard and Nathan Martin; daughters, Amy Cooper and Melissa Ann Martin; 9 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Charlotte were held Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Dixon Funeral Home in Brazoria, Texas, with Minister David Brake officiating. Burial services followed at Old Columbia Cemetery in West Columbia.

Active Pallbearers were Eric Loerker, Oscar Wilke, Evan Wilke, Patrick Calcote, Seth Wilke and Mark Russell.

Final arrangements were entrusted to Dixon Funeral Home of Brazoria.

01/06/2026

SEVERAL OF THE PEOPLE mentioned in this story are buried at historic Columbia Cemetery in West Columbia, Texas, which was the first capital of the Republic of Texas in 1836.

By Tracy Gupton A little more than 30 years separated jury verdicts in Brazoria County murder trials involving the killing of two men in the Columbia area. T