James Rother

James Rother, 96, of Hallettsville, passed away Friday July 29, 2022.  

He was born on Nov. 20, 1925, to Emil and Albina (Smajstrala) Rother, in the family home near the farming community of Hackberry, Lavaca County.  

He farmed the homestead until Oct. 7, 1952, when he married Mae Appelt at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hallettsville.  

They moved to Victoria where he owned and operated James Rother Exxon Service until he retired in 1993.  Mae and James moved back to Lavaca County in 1998 and enjoyed living in the country once again.

James’hobby and joy was working with pecans.  A long-time member of Victoria Pecan Growers, he grafted many pecan trees in the Victoria area, as well as winning numerous awards at the local and state levels for many years.  

Gardening was a daily adventure for him, always investigating new ideas which led to his creation of the Lavaca tomato variety.

James was an active member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hallettsville.

James is survived by  his wife, Mae; son, Rodney Rother; son-in-law, Randy Knebel; brother, Erwin Rother; granddaughters, Allyce Rother Atwood (Bret) and Kristine Knebel; grandson, Ryan Knebel; great- grandson, Easton Atwood; great-granddaughter, Peyton Atwood; four nieces and three nephews.

James was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Lorre Knebel; daughter-in-law, Kay Rother; two  brothers, Wilbert and Royce Rother. 

Visitation began at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 3 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hallettsville. 

Funeral service followed at 11 a.m. at the church. Pastor Jared Stillions officiated.  

Burial followed in the Hallettsville City Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Ryan Knebel, Bret Atwood, Donnie Rother, Darrel Appelt, Henry Hosek and Lanoal Eschberger.  

Honorary pallbearer was Easton Atwood.

Memorials may be made to a charity of donor’s choice.  

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.kubenafuneralhome.com