William Patrick "Buddy" Hermes, 92, of Hallettsville, was surrounded by his family when he joined his loved ones in heaven on December 21, 2024.  He was a few days shy of his 93rd birthday.  He was born on January 11, 1932, to Patrick & Lucy Mayo Hermes in Lavaca County, TX.

Buddy was in a feed store in Hallettsville when in walked Marie Bennett and it was love at first sight.  After one month of dating, he proposed on Christmas Eve, and they were married on June 18, 1966.  He spent the next 55 years coming up with comical ways to ruffle her feathers.  He loved her dearly and on his last day, he was eager to be reunited with her.  Buddy and Marie had three children and five grandchildren who adored the ground he walked on.

Buddy and his two brothers (Edward and Alton) where in the feed and fertilizer business for many years.  They farmed a variety of crops, raised cattle, pigs and numerous other critters over the years.  They had a bond that was like no other.  They were not only brothers, but best friends.

Buddy had a love for God and strong faith.  He was known for his contagious laugh, big heart, beautiful smile and love for his family and friends.  Buddy saw the good in people and had a way of making people feel special.  Nothing gave him more joy than giving people a "hard time" or pulling a good prank on someone.  He made life way more fun.  He may have loved snuff and desserts as much as he loved his children.  The older he got the more the snuff ran down his face.  His family and friends made sure he never ran out of either.  If you grew up in Ezzell, he was referred to as "Uncle Bud" and rightfully so because he treated everyone as if they were his family.

Buddy is preceded in death by his parents, wife Marie and brother Edward.

Buddy is survived by:  his loving children, Kenneth (Arleen) Hermes, Frances Hermes Kirkland and Carl (Brenda) Hermes; five grandchildren, Clayton Heinrich, William Garrett (Annabelle) Cisneros, Kendra Hermes, Hayden Hermes and Holden Hermes.

The children would like to thank the employees of Stevens Nursing Home, family and friends for the outpouring of love not only during this difficult time, but always.  Our daddy said numerous times, "I don't' know what I ever did for people to be so good to me."

Funeral Mass Service: 10 am, Saturday, December 28, 2024, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of Koerth, TX. Visitation starting at 5 pm, Friday with Rosary starting at 7 pm, at Kubena Funeral Home. Pallbearers: Kenneth Klimitchek, Roddy Renger, James Hermes, Lawrence "Butch" Hermes, Jason Kubeczka and Warren Migura. Honorary Pallbearers: Patrick Hermes, Clinton Henneke, Anthony Henneke, William "Bill" Dugat III, Richard Renger, Dillon Konvicka and Erick Konvicka. Officiant: Rev. Dominic Antwi-Boasiako. Memorials: Donor's Choice. Burial: St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery.