Kermit Kolwes

KERMIT E. KOLWES, 94, passed into eternal life June 8, 2023, in Bellville, Texas.

Kermit was born April 4, 1929, to Reinhardt and Ena (Albert) Kolwes in Bleiblerville, Texas.  He was baptized on August 4, 1929, at Welcome Lutheran Church by the Rev. J. Appel and confirmed on September 17, 1944, by the Rev.  I.M. Mansur.  He attended Victoria School in Bleiblerville and graduated from Bellville High School in 1947 where he played football and was a member of the FFA.

On August 5, 1951, Kermit married Verlien Hegemeyer, at Welcome Lutheran Church by the Rev. Walter Wolf.  They enjoyed 66 years of marriage living in the Bleiblerville Community. Verlien preceded him in death on February 24, 2018.

After high school, Kermit went to work for the Texas Highway Department where he enjoyed a 39-year career, retiring in 1986.  He took over the family ranch from his father and enjoyed 37 years of retirement taking care of his cattle.  He also worked part time for many years at Herbert’s Catering and Hluchan’s Land Surveying in Sealy.

A lifelong member of Welcome Lutheran Church, he served on the Church Council and was a leader of the Luther League.  In the community, he was a longtime member of the Industry West End Lions Club, the Austin County Livestock Association, and the Bleiblerville Volunteer Fire Department.

In his early life, he and Verlien enjoyed going on vacations, gardening, and dancing, and in his later years, in addition to caring for his cattle, he enjoyed going to Four County Auction, Santa Fe Café, attending his grandchildren’s events and the company of his pet dogs “Spotty” and “Sophie”.  Throughout his life, he enjoyed meeting people and telling stories of his heritage of which he was deeply proud of..  He had a strong memory and retained that ability up until his death.

His love and caring will be deeply missed by his sons: Tommy Kolwes and wife, Rebecca, of Bellville, and Darrell Kolwes of Brenham; grandchildren: Miranda Kolwes of Katy, and Jacob Kolwes of College Station; sister-in-law: Ida Mae Reddick of Industry; and numerous other family and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; and brother-in-law: C.A. Reddick.

The family would like to especially thank his caregivers Surlean, Chic, Judy, Anna, Betty, Ann, Dezteni, Nancy, Tiffany, Sam, Murlean, and Kearsten who allowed him to live out his life while being at home.


Pallbearers are Jacob Kolwes, Dixon Ashorn, Bryon Balke, James Balke, Doyle Sanders, and Bill Reddick.

Friends who wish may make memorial gifts to:

Welcome Lutheran Church Building Fund
13636 FM 109
Brenham, Texas 77833


Bleiblerville Volunteer Fire Department
PO Box 151
Bleiblerville, Texas 78931