VITAL STATISTICS Thomas

Norwood Henry (“Woody”) Thomas, Senior, age 89 of Seguin passed away on Monday, May 8, 2023. Norwood was born on July 14, 1933, in Gonzales County, Texas to Ophelia (Wright) and Julius Thomas, Senior. Norwood, his parents, and 11 brothers and sisters moved to Seguin when he was 8.

At the age of 16, Norwood, known by his nickname “Woody”, would begin a career in the scrap metal business that would span nearly half a century. Starting with employment at Schroeder Scrap Yard in Seguin, where he would swing a sledgehammer at scrap autos, he would develop an unsurpassed work ethic that would guide him in life. Following 3 years at Schroeder, and 11 years working for Kaiser Automotive cutting up scrap autos and farm equipment, Woody would find a home that allowed him to “do a job right” as he had been taught by his parents.

In 1970, “Woody” joined Horowitz Salvage, the same year that Commercial Metals Company (CMC) purchased the yard and included it with the SMI-Texas portion of the business. In time, he became Foreman running the outdoor day to day operations and was usually one for the first people customers dealt with when it came to buying or selling new steel products or used scrap metal materials. Known for his dedication to the philosophy of “eight hours of work for eight hours of pay”, “Woody” and Horowitz Salvage would always be linked together as a part of the SMI-Texas family.

Even before retirement, “Woody” focused on different projects at home. Whether it was working on cars, doing wood or metal work or gardening, he always enjoyed finding ways to stay engaged.

“Woody” was a member of Greater Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Seguin, Texas. In addition to his duties as a Deacon, he also participated in Sunday School teaching, as well as filling in wherever needed and taking on any responsibilities when asked. He was well known in the community and his church.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 19th from 4pm to 8pm at Crenshaw Funeral Home Chapel in Seguin. The funeral will be held Saturday, May 20th at 11:00 am at Greater Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Seguin. Interment will follow at the McKeller Cemetery in Gonzales. Crenshaw Funeral Home of Seguin is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include: his wife Gladys M. Thomas of Seguin and sons Norwood H. Thomas, Junior of Seguin, and Mark F. Thomas of San Antonio. He is also survived by his sisters: Evelyn Ford of San Antonio, and Ophelia James of Corpus Christi, and brother Sammie Thomas of San Antonio, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family members, his Greater Pilgrim Rest church family, his Horowitz Salvage/ SMI-Texas work family, and lots of other friends many of whom fondly referred to him as “Woody” or “Uncle Bro (Bruh)”.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, or the charity of one’s choice.

Brenda Sue Schievelbein, 64, passed away unexpectedly in her home on May 5th, 2023. Her family is deeply saddened by her sudden death.

Brenda was born on March 11th, 1959, in Seguin, Texas to Carole Jean (Schwab) and Virgil Albert Schievelbein. She is the oldest of 4 siblings. She graduated from Seguin High School in 1977 and continued her studies at Southwest Texas State University. Brenda worked as an Optometry Technician and administrative assistant for many years. She was also a member of First Baptist Church in Seguin.

Brenda was a fun spirited soul who embraced many passions. She was very creative and used her talents in many ways including cross stitch, sewing, and art. One of her favorite places was in the sand listening to the waves and soaking up the sun. Brenda also enjoyed baking and cooking. Every Christmas she loved making and sharing her famous “Puppy Chow” with all her friends and family. She loved music and enjoyed playing the piano. Later in life she took up gardening and was known by her neighbors to have the prettiest front yard. Brenda did not have any children, so her nieces and nephews were her pride and joy. With her beautiful youthful spirit, she always knew how to keep the kids entertained!

Brenda is survived by her mother, Carole Schievelbein; sisters, Cyndi Johnson (Kyle), and Lori McCoy; brother, Timothy Schievelbein (fiancée Kelly Follis); nieces and nephews, Chasity Schneider (Bryan), Kelsey McCoy, Evan Schievelbein (Callie), Andi Schievelbein, Kara Linnens (Corey), and Kylee Johnson; great nieces and nephews, Chance, Tatum, Tripp and Ty Schievelbein, Brynley Grace Schneider and Gracie Belle Linnens; numerous cousins, other loving family members and many friends.

Brenda was preceded in death by her father, Virgil Schievelbein and brother-in-law, Ricky McCoy.

A memorial service celebrating Brenda’s life will be held on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Brice Mandaville and the Rev. Jeremy Roy officiating. Private graveside services will be held prior at Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park. For those who desire the service will be livestreamed at http://vimeo.com/event/3382180.

Brenda was a beautiful person inside and out. She cared deeply for the people around her. She was so kind and passionate and would give her last dollar to someone who she thought needed it more than her. She will be forever missed. Until we meet again.

Charitable donations can be made to the First Baptist Church, 1314 E. Cedar Street, Seguin, Texas 78155.

You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell. com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.

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