James K. Behrend

James Karl Arthur Behrend passed away in his sleep on Wednesday, December 20, 2017.  He was born to Arthur A. and Ida (Kowierschke) Behrend on July 1, 1931 in McDade, Texas. He is a member of St Peters Lutheran Church in Elgin.

James graduated from Elgin High in 1948 and then began to farm and ranch mainly peanuts and watermelon in McDade Texas. Many will remember the large number of vegetables he loved to share with others.

He married Myrtle Lou (Saegert) on October 7, 1950 in Paige, Texas. They were married for 67 years. To this union five children were born:  Helen, Ralph, Sharon, Arlene and Arthur.

James served on the school board in McDade, Church council, Lee County Coop, Bastrop County Soil and Water Conservation District and Lee County Farm Bureau.

James is preceded in death by his parents and only sister Christine Behrend Fuchs.

Surviving James is wife Myrtle, children Helen & husband Calvin Baker, Ralph Behrend and wife Phyllis, Sharon and husband Rick Rose, Arlene and husband Jerry Matlock and Arthur Behrend and wife Becky.

9 Grandchildren, Carrie Harmon and husband Mark, Kelly Bunn and husband Jacob, Matthew Behrend and wife Josie, Brian Behrend and wife Christina, Julie Neideffer and husband Matt, Ryan Rose and wife Kim, Amanda Akin and husband Johnnie, Brett Behrend and wife Katie, and Cameron Behrend and wife Kaitlyn.

20 Great grandchildren Kevin and Kate Harmon, Jaden, Eleanor and Henry Bunn, Alton and Liliana Behrend, Ella and Charli Behrend, Lily, Isaac, Sam, Luke and Alice Neideffer, Emma and Jase Rose, Taylor, Parker and Jordan Akin, and Arabelle Behrend.

In-laws Henry Saegert and Sue Gadd, Rose Mary and Jimmy Milner, Barbara and Everette Wisneski, and Claudine Saegert as well as many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers are grandsons:  Matthew Behrend, Brian Behrend, Brett Behrend, Cameron Behrend, Ryan Rose, Mark Harmon, Kevin Harmon, Jacob Bunn, Matthew Neideffer and Johnnie Akin.

Honorary pallbearers are the great grandchildren.

Donations may be made to St Peters Lutheran Church in Elgin or donors’ choice.

A visitation will be held 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Friday, December 22, 2017, Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home.  A celebration of James’ life will be held 10:00 A.M., Saturday, December 23, 2017, St Peters Lutheran Church, 401 E. 8 ^th Street, Elgin, Texas.  Burial Siloah Cemetery, McDade, Texas.

Arrangements entrusted to Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home.