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~Kermit Thiele Sr.~
GONZALES: Kermit Lawrence Thiele, Sr., age 89, passed away Friday January 2, 2026. Kermit was born September 11, 1936 to Kermit M. and Mildred (Hough) Thiele. Raised in Yoakum, Kermit graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1954. He attended St. Edwards University in Austin and graduated from Commonwealth College of Science in Houston. He worked for over 60 years as a funeral director and embalmer beginning at Buffington Funeral Home in Yoakum before moving to Gonzales in 1975. Kermit committed himself to a lifetime of community service as a member of both the Knights of Columbus and Lion’s Club for more than 65 years. He was also heavily involved with the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce and Boy Scouts of America having held numerous leadership positions in these organizations over the years. He was a member of Saint James Catholic Church, a former Eucharistic minister and choir member, and Knights of Columbus 4th degree knight. Kermit enjoyed talking with everyone and seemed to always have a funny remark ready to share. He especially treasured time spent with family playing dominos, hunting and fishing, or just getting together. In recognition for his dedication and years of service, he received the David B Walshak Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991 from the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce. He also received the Silver Beaver Award in 1993 from the Boy Scouts of America Capital Area Council which is the highest council level recognition for adult leadership; however, he was most proud of watching each of his sons achieve the rank of Eagle Scout and also participating in week-long hiking treks with them in 1977 and 1990 at the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mildred (Gallia) Thiele and sons Kermit Thiele, Jr. (Debbie), David Thiele (Gena), and Michael Thiele (Christine); grandchildren Richard Thiele (Brittany), Layne Thiele, Garrett Thiele, Jackson Thiele, and Bryce Thiele and great grandchildren Caleb and Aleah Thiele; sister, Phyllis Manning (Jim); brothers, John Thiele (Lisa) and Bill Thiele (Rosie). Preceded in death by his parents, son James Thiele (1984) and grandsons Jonathan David Thiele and John William Thiele Visitation 5 to 7pm on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Seydler-Hill Funeral Home in Gonzales. The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated 10am Thursday January 8, 2026 at St. James Catholic Church in Gonzales with a Rosary being recited at 9:30. Interment will be 2 p.m. Thursday at the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Yoakum. Pallbearers are members of the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree. Honorary pallbearers include the Knights of Columbus3rd degree members. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Knights of Columbus Council 5090 or Scouts of America. Friends may sign the guestbook and leave condolences by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com Arrangements are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home 906 St. Paul Street, Gonzales, TX., 830-672-3232 |