Pat Hubert's Eulogy

This is my partner, Pancho Hubert's, dad's eulogy. I think it contains some great advice for living and with Pancho's permission I'm publishing it here. This was written by Pancho's oldest brother Vernie. I've had this in my files for awhile and I just ran across it.

Last Saturday was a day that I have been dreading all my life... my Dad died.

It is incredibly difficult to place into words a coherent and concise portrait of who my Dad was. I want to state the obvious from the outset; I will not do it justice. So for my inarticulateness and inadequacy, I apologize in advance; but as Poppa would say, “Bear with me, and I’ll give it my best shot.”

Dad was a wonderfully multi-faceted individual: to his faith, he was Patrick Laverne Hubert; to many of his TAMC baseball teammates, he was Patty; to his wife, he was Pat; to his children, he was Dad; to his many grandchildren, he was Poppa; and to the larger community, he was Doc. To explore in depth what each of these mean would violate one of Poppa’s rules about public speaking which was, “The head can only absorb, what the rear can endure” in other words, keep it short and simple. Therefore, I am going to try to provide a 50,000 foot view of him. In doing this, I know that I am going to shortchange facets of his life and many people that knew him and loved him but I cannot possibly hope to cover all at this time.

So, I will start with family, even though I should begin with his faith. His religion was the core from which all things flowed and it was intricately entwined throughout everything he did. However, I think family is the easier place to start–if you can characterize 9 children, 31 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren as an “easy starting point”. For me to even list them would violate his posterior rule, and would not even include the many cousins, nieces, nephews, brother, sister, (and in-laws). There are many people whom he considered kin by association. Or in other words, people he touched with his faith and through these they became related to him, as by blood.

Many of these look upon him as a brother/uncle/father/grandfather. So at the 50,000 foot level I will have to focus on the most important member of his life–Goldia Anne Burroughs Hubert, or as most people know her now “Buella”. That “city girl” from the large metropolis of Robstown whom he avidly courted and married.

I know it sounds funny and strange that I would say “courted” in referring to Poppa. It connotes romance and courtly rules in wooing a spouse. Certainly “romance” is not the word that comes to mind when you think of Poppa–just like John Wayne, no mushy stuff for him. The exception to this has always been his wife–Goldie. From the first moment they met in the drugstore in Sinton, he knew what “heifer” he wanted to build his foundation herd. Only by reading some of the “love letters” he wrote to Buella from college (which I might add Mambo wouldn’t let us finish reading) do you understand their type of love. It is a love built upon his faith. They courted and married in a chaste Christian manner. The Biblical admonition of “two shall become One” epitomizes their relationship. Even as very young children we knew who came first–for Buella it was Poppa and for Poppa it was Buella. There was no playing one against the other; if a decision was made then the other supported it. I am not going to pretend that there were never any harsh words. Many of the people here today are people that he coached in baseball and Poppa could be verbally harsh; I can assure you that he did not save it only for the ball field. If anyone he knew was engaging in inappropriate conduct, be it throwing or otherwise, he let you know in no uncertain terms. My Dad had an inability to dissemble and was not known for sugar coating the truth as he saw it. That’s not to say that he couldn’t be diplomatic; he was as diplomatic as the situation required - always influenced by his Texas straightforwardness. Working in Washington I am continually amazed at certain individuals that are held in high regard. They have an inability to speak the truth because it may offend... that was never a problem with Poppa.

I want to speak about their marriage today for my daughter, nieces and nephews, and the many young people who looked up to him. In this day and age of casual relations and disposable marriages theirs is one for them to emulate. For 54 years their Christian marriage endured and became stronger day by day. This wasn’t by chance. It began on the firm foundation of their Christian beliefs. You need to know and understand that life can be SO easy, if you do the right thing. I will tell you as he told us: “Don’t ever short change the Lord, and the Lord will never short change you”.

My Dad was a product of South Texas and was actively involved in its affairs. Rotary Club, military service, veterinarian, school board member, Kleberg-Kenedy County Livestock show, Bank Board Member, to name just a few. It is here that his attitudes and values were established. He was very proud of his ranching heritage and the values it represented... independence, hard work, keeping one’s word, to name just a few. From the time he was 4 years old (I know it is hard to believe in today’s world) he was working cattle with Poppy (or Granddad for my cousins). There was not a day in his life that he did not accomplish something. One of the worst things a person could do was be lazy or complacent. Every activity he pursued, he did it with the single-minded purpose of doing it to the best of his abilities. I remember as a child cleaning the floor of the clinic in a haphazard manner. He stopped me and instructed me on the proper way to sweep and mop the floor. To Poppa, anything worth doing (no matter how menial) was worth doing well. And yes, to those of you who worked with him at the clinic, I was taught with the same delicate teaching style that you were. Poppa showed no favoritism, king or serf... everyone was treated the same way. I would add that for those whom it seemed he was particularly hard on, it was only because he knew you could do better so he would not accept less.

This is where I need to talk about sports... particularly baseball. It was his passion and a major way he influenced so many young people. I am always amazed that when I relate Poppa’s way of coaching to people in today’s world; many are skeptical if not outright opposed to some of his, shall I say “severe” methods of coaching. What is difficult to relate is that... yes Poppa expected a lot from his players... but they knew he gave 110%. To Poppa, talent was great, but talent was God given. A person didn’t do anything himself to get talent. What he most admired was spirit. Hustle was everything. God might not have given everyone the same abilities, but through devotion and hard work, one can eclipse talent. Which brings me to his next passion... Texas A& M University.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the influence TAMC (as it was then known) had on his life. Poppa was an older TAMC student. He had been farming and ranching in South Texas for a few years when he finally decided to attend TAMU. Certainly the family tradition on his mother’s Sullivan/Fahey side of attending TAMC was an influence, but playing baseball was also a major factor. In the Corps of Cadets and on the ball field at TAMC his natural leadership abilities were honed and sharpened. These influences he brought back to South Texas and used in encouraging other young people to attend. As a young child Dad told me that he would pay for a TAMU education or the seminary... those were the choices. And with all due respect to his Excellency and the other religious here today (Father Romeo being excepted)... I realized early on that women would probably derail any papal aspirations that I might have. I would also say that of all his accomplishments at TAMU, the ones he considered most important were the positive religious influence that he exerted on his roommates. Which brings me to the final topic of my 50,000 feet view of Poppa’s life and the most important... his Catholic faith.

Although the Church has always been the center of his life... for most he was not one to wear his religion on his sleeve. I think for many of the young cowboys he influenced, it was not apparent and the reason he was so effective was the subtle manner in which it was imbedded in all that he did. However, if you looked, it was quite overt. Since his first receipt of the Blessed Sacrament as a young boy he was a daily communicant. His type of faith can be daunting to those less inspired and disciplined. The Biblical figure whom I think most resembles my Dad is Abraham. Poppa didn’t have issues with doubts or denial. As important as his family was to him, if God would have demanded a sacrifice he would have provided it... without question. For us, he provided an example of how to live a Christ centered life in today’s distracting and demanding world. He had an unwavering, uncompromising, devotion to Our Lord. Growing up, the entire family went to daily Mass. I find it hard to imagine, we can barely get anywhere on time, but 7:30 Mass in the morning with 9 children is truly miraculous. He instilled in us a strong sense of right and wrong and the temperament to act upon it. I hate to admit that unfortunately there were times in my life when I did not live up to his example and Christian teachings. These were choices that I made as a foolish young man. Thanks to Poppa, there was never any doubt in my mind what was right and what was wrong. He provided all of us with the ability to discern the truth... I knew and picked the foolish one. Fortunately, in his wisdom, he was also able to make me understand the fullness of Christ’s love. That even though I might make a wrong choice, that with repentance and a change in my ways, Christ would forgive and salvation would be achievable.

As a family, we have been blessed to have a father like Doc/Poppa. I always knew that he touched many people in ways that I was not aware. We have been absolutely overwhelmed as a family with the outpouring of support from the community at his death. It means so much at times like these. Thank you seems so inadequate for all that has been done. From your response I know that he has left a tremendous hole not only in the family but the community as well. We do realize as a family that the only way we can truly repay the kindness shown, is to continue his work and example... and to this we are committed.

Poppa was a “larger than life” individual. Although his physical being is gone, his spirit lives on. I know as his son that it is immodest for me to say that he was a... South Texas icon. He would say “let your actions do your boasting”. However, I am certain that those of us here today who knew him, will excuse me and join with me in this vanity/immodesty.

Poppa always said that “He was going to work as hard as he could, for as long as he could, and then he was going to lie down and die.” As usual, he did what he said.

This was written by Vernie Hubert with input from his family.

Three Things Revealed from Romans 1 & 2

The Gospel reveals a righteousness of God (1:16-17).

Heaven reveals the wrath of God (1:18).

Not everyone will investigate the Gospel to understand what is revealed there, but everyone can understand the wrath of God because it is revealed from heaven. Namely, God’s everlasting power and divinity is revealed through God’s creation of the world (1:20).

The third thing revealed is the “righteous judgment of God”. It will be revealed in the “day of wrath”. Heaven reveals God’s wrath but there is a “day of wrath”. On that day will be the revelation of the righteous judgment of God.

Eternal life will be awarded to those who by “patience and well doing seek for glory and honor…” (2:7)

Wrath, indignation, tribulation and anguish awaits those who are “factious and obey not the truth” (2:8)

It’s all revealed. Think about the creation and read about the Gospel.

Parkway joins Facebook

Like us on Facebook! We'll be feeding this blog to the fan page as well as having a place for our members to chat!

Congregational Photo

If you click on the photo it will get larger. You can click on it twice and that's as big as it gets.

Introductions and Conclusions

Introductions and conclusions in a letter are generally short summations of what is contained in the letter. A conclusion is usually a restatement of the introduction.

Compare the introduction and conclusion in the Roman letter… for instance.

In 1:11, Paul wants to help “establish” the roman Christians. The same thing in the conclusion (16:25) “Now to him that is able to establish you…”

In 1:2, “the Gospel which he promised through “his prophets in the Holy scriptures”. In 16:25, “my Gospel… now manifested… by the scriptures of the prophets”.

In 1:5, “unto obedience of faith among all the nations”. In 16:26, “made known unto all the nations unto obedience of faith”.

See the similarities?

So from the introduction and conclusion (which agree with each other) we can say that the part in between is an expansion of the introduction and conclusion.

Specifically then the letter to the Romans is about being established in the Gospel through the preaching about Jesus Christ and the obedience of faith. It is for all nations, as has been revealed by the prophets in the scriptures. To God be the glory.

Congregational Photo

I pulled this photo off Jeff C's Facebook. He took this as we were setting up. I thought the whole process was a lot of fun. Glenn had to take two pictures and merge them together. He already had the photo done by evening services. He said he was willing and able to add photos of members who were out of town.

You should see the picture he did of David Smitherman and Douglas MacArthur. As soon as we get all the missing members added I'll publish the finished product.

Sunset at Cargile Ranch in Lagarto

Christian Volleyball

Hungry Cows

International Students in Cowboy Hats

Serious Weeny Roasting

Hayride Fun

Gator Ride

Riding The Range

Darrell Hymel

Brother Hymel will be here the first Sunday in December to give us the results of his latest trip to China. We give Darrel some financial support.

You don't want to miss this... you will be very encouraged. By the way it was Darrell's report last year that sewed the seeds for our work with International Students at Texas A&M - Corpus Christi.

Brandon and Memory Verses

Brandon works on his memory verse on the way to church with us every Sunday. He loves saying those memory verses. I asked him if he knew the shortest verse in the Bible, "Jesus Wept". He said, "that's easy I'll bet I can get another star for that one".

He loves getting stars too. By the way I think his whole family is coming to the hayride.

Congregational Photo

This Sunday after morning services in the courtyard. Photography by Glenn Madden. Glenn says if you can't make it he can "shop" you in.

Cargile Hayride and Wiener Roast

Fall Hayride and Wiener Roast

Saturday, November 20, 2010
2:00 pm (games begin) to 8:00 pm
599 FM 534
Lagarto, Texas

Hayride will begin promptly at 4:00 pm What to bring:
1. wieners and buns and drinks for your family (paper goods, condiments, chile, cheese, etc. willbe provided) bring desert only if you’re willing to share

2. boots, jeans and jackets are recommended (there are lots of stickers), a quilt and lawn chair if you want something more comfy than metal chairs

3. for those with small children, bring their jammies and toothbrush and you can run them through the bathtub and dress them for bed for the ride home (talk to Gail if your need more info)

Directions from Corpus Christi:
(the drive from La Palmera Mall on SPID is approximately 1 hour)
Go I-37 north and exit 77 South toward Kingsville. After going over the overpass immediately get in the right lane and exit onto FM 624/Northwest Blvd. Turn right at intersection (Wal-Mart will then be on your left then you will pass Calallen High School on your right). Go approx. 18 miles to Orange Grove. At the 4-way-stop in Orange Grove turn right onto FM 359 toward Mathis. Proceed about 4 miles and turn left onto FM 534. If you get to Sandia, you missed the turn. After turning onto FM 534 go about 12 miles. You will pass the Mesquite Inn/534 Club on your left. Keep going 1 more mile through the curve and you will see a little green “Lagarto”
sign on the right. Slow down and turn left when you see the 2 new little white “Old Lagarto School” sign and Lagarto Community Club sign. Go down the little blacktop road, through the school parking lot and you will be at our gate. Continue down the lane to the old hay barn near the house to unload and then park your car at the fence in the usual place.

If it is raining in Corpus, please give us a call at the ranch to get the weather conditions there.

Our cell phones are not reliable at the ranch. The land line at Lagarto is 361-547-3808. Just in case, our cell phones are Gail: 215-1682, Gus: 215-1680.

If you want to ride around the ranch, play some games (Rob is planning on volleyball) you must come early in the day to take advantage of the daylight before the hayride.

Updated Prayer List

Prayer List – members

Jana Carr (Stepfather died suddenly)

Diana & Joe Shaw

RD Cave (recovering from intestinal surgery)

Dot Miller (broken shoulder and upcoming knee surgery)

Polly Miller (Dental Surgery)

Jo Anthony (Vision problems)

Vivian Meeker (Macular degeneration)

Virginia Lawler (Heart complications)

Jean Cave (Heart condition)

Syble Peterson (severe arthritis)

Dan Graf (Sarcoidosis)

Dwayne Murphy (Pemphigus vulgaris)

Liz Graf



Family and Friends

Ruth Lara's niece Francesca... entering rehab.

Donna Morgan’s sister-in-law, Lyda Walker, has Lupus

Gay West’s cousin, Tinya Eldridge Bowles Clark, spiritual and health problems

Jana Carr’s mother, Rita Buck, sudden death of husband, Barry Buck)

Jerry Pate, cancer treatment

Ruth Lara’s brother, Rosendo Robledo, Heart problems

Amy Torno's dad - Gene Mabry (liver transplant candidate)

Jennifer Nuckels brother, Reid Storm – blood clots and possible surgery

Cyndia Garcia's sister, Cris, in Pasadena, Ca. has cancer, upcoming surgery

Sandy Case's cousin Logan – recovering from serious snowboarding accident

Donna Morgan's mother in Oklahoma, Elna Walker (Congestive Heart Failure)

Maggie Perez’s mother, Serafina Cruz (Alzheimer’s)

Maggie Perez’s cousin, Leticia Cruz, has been diagnosed with liver cancer

Perkins friend, Craig Clanton (chemo for pre-leukemia and bone marrow transplant)

Perkins friend, Carol Clanton (spinal tumor requiring surgery)

Darrell Hymel (work in China)

Joey Vaughan’ father – Jim Vaughan (aortic aneurism)

Brandi Torres’ grandmother and aunt have cancer

Graf friend - Randall Chisamore (fell from a three story balcony. Massive injuries)

Arlie’s granddaughters – Serenity & Michaela (family problems)

Rob Perkins’ brother - Scott Perkins (ask God to help him find his faith)

D.L. Hutchins (spiritual - illness)

Elizabeth Robles (Priscilla Guel’s daughter, spiritual weakness)

Mike Garcia (Lucas requests prayers for his dad - spiritual illness)

Tim and Ben Bueno (Patsy requests prayers for her sons - spiritual illness)

Manuel Perez Jr. (parents ask for prayer - spiritual illness)

Ardelle Sumter (Arlie Cooksey's mom, dementia)

Nelda Davila's mother (Alzheimer's)

Cyndi Garcia's dad (breathing problems)

George Stan (Julie's cousin)

Ofelia Guzman

Nora Phillips (Cindy Graf's mom at home on oxygen)

Two Baptisms

David Smitherman has been studying with this young couple and they were both baptized.

Gail gave me this info.

Robbie has been involved in a home Bible study with Jennifer Cargile and JoDean Murphy taught by David Smitherman. Then PJ started studying with David a short time ago when he got off work. Robbie and PJ are married. Robbie uses her maiden name and is a professional horse trainer. PJ works for Brock (something or other, industrial painting at Valero Refinery). They live and worship in Alice, TX. Many of you met Robbie when she gave the kids "rides" on our red horse Henry at Chase's last birthday party at the ranch. Robbie's mom, Kene, was also at the party. Maybe she will be our next sister in Christ.



Robbie Canales baptized September 23, 2010 in the Wood River swimming pool

PJ Gonzales baptized October 25, 2010 at Parkway C of C

A Unique Death

Mark 15:37-39

“And Jesus uttered a loud voice and gave up the ghost… and when the centurion who stood by over against him, saw that he so gave up the ghost he said, truly this man was the Son of God”.

This Roman centurion was no stranger to death or to how people behaved in their last moments on the cross of crucifixion. And yet Jesus “uttered with a loud voice” and died in such a manner that the Roman centurion was convinced that Jesus was the Son of God… it must have been something truly spectacular.

Although I am no expert on how people die I am familiar with the death process. I am convinced that when people were crucified that at the moments just preceding death they were in an extreme weakened condition and probably would have a difficult time even “uttering” a whisper much less having the ability to “utter with a loud voice”.

So, that had to be extremely unusual and perhaps without precedent, to the Roman centurion.

Luke’s account (Luke 23:46) states that Jesus, “crying with a loud voice, said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said this, he gave up the ghost”.

Imagine a man at the point of death, first of all knowing that he was about to die, and secondly announcing it with a loud voice to those witnessing the event. How do you predict that you are about to die so that you can make such an announcement? How do you do it with strength when you have no strength?

The Roman centurion expected Jesus just to fade away into the arms of death. Instead he witnessed Jesus announcing his impending death with a loud, confident and strong voice and immediately expiring.

This Roman centurion who was an expert in death by crucifixion and everything that accompanied it saw something so unique that he concluded Jesus was the Son of God… what else could he conclude? I hope it changed his life forever.

Prayer Meeting

About eight of us met in a classroom this evening after services to pray for members who have special needs.

Remember, the Elders are available after services to pray with small groups or one on one if desired.

International Students

We had seven in attendance this morning and four tonight including Meng's room mate, Brandon, a student from Indonesia.

One of the members has been donating brand new New American Standard Bibles to the students. During the sermon this morning Jeff would announce the passage for most of us but he could also announce the page number for the international kids.

Thank you annonymous donor!

Sick List Update

Ruth Lara's brother, Rosendo Robledo, still having cardiac issues.
Maggie's mother, Serafina Cruz, has last stage Alzheimers.
Maggie's cousin, Leticia Cruz, has been diagnosed with liver cancer.
Donna Morgan's mother continues with CHF.
Donna's sister-in-law, Lyda Walker, has Lupus.

Jana Carr's Step Father Passes

Jana posted this on Facebook

Thank you to everyone for your prayers and kind messages. It means a lot. I am traveling to CA for a few days (11/12 - 11/16) for the memorial service. I'm taking the baby with me, but will need some of my Corpus Christi sisters to help Jeff with the kids during that time so that he can still work like he needs to. ... If you think you can help out, please let me know.

Mark 15:33-39.

This section records the last thing Jesus ever said and the manner of his death. Jesus died at 3 pm in the afternoon hanging on a cross. God had blotted out the sun starting at noon and lasting until 3 pm. Then, fully illuminated by the sun, Jesus uttered the last words he would ever speak prior to his death… ”My God, my God, why have you forsaken me”.

Moments later, as if in response, God no longer “forsakes” Jesus but allows him to die so he could be restored to his position in heaven with the Father. I’m sure Jesus was sick of being in a bruised and torn body and was ready for sweet death to come to his physical nature so that he could be in heaven not only with God the Father but with countless angels and Moses and Elijah and Abraham and all the saved ones.

Jesus knew the glories awaiting him in heaven. I hope one day we will too.