Harper-Talasek Funeral Homes

01/28/2026

Helen Townsend

Helen Townsend, of Belton, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Sunday, January 25, 2026. She was 87 years old. Helen was born to Claud and Beulah House (Gist) on August 5, 1938, in Scott County, Arkansas. She grew up on a small farm in rural Arkansas with her 2 brothers and 3 sisters. She met her husband, Merl, in Arkansas and they were married September 21, 1959 in Poteau, Oklahoma. They moved to Richmond, California and welcomed their first 2 sons. They relocated to central Texas in 1963 where their other 2 sons and daughter were born.

Helen spent her life raising her 5 children, enjoyed spending time with grandchildren and later studied to receive her GED so she could continue her job at a local church daycare. She enjoyed gardening, reading, crocheting blankets for the family and playing card games and Yahtzee with the grandkids. Family was always a priority and the “Belton Christmas” was the highlight of the year with all of her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids gathering for a fun day!

Helen was affectionately known as Memaw, Grandma or Gran Gran to the grandkids. She was also known and loved by many nieces and nephews as Aunt Helen.

She loved going to church and camp meetings with her sisters. Helen spent time teaching Sunday School classes and teaching the Word to her family. She was a dedicated prayer warrior and her commitment to God and her faith was unwavering. Helen was a long time member of Agape Christian Center in Belton.

Helen is preceded in death by her husband, Merl Townsend; and her parents. Helen is survived by her children, Randy Townsend (Lorrie) of Round Rock, Jerry Townsend (Stacey) of Justin, Larry Townsend of Morgan’s Point Resort, Danny Townsend (Kimberly) of Jarrell, and Lisa Bosley (Rusty) of Kalispell, Montana; grandchildren, Nolan, Kelsie, Davis, Brooke, Victoria, Brandy, Matthew, Michael, Zoe, Joshua, Cassidy, and Zachary; 16 great-grandchildren; brother, Troy House (Gayle); sister, Mae Woodard (Herman); and brother-in-law, Buddy Royal.

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 6:00PM-8:00PM, at Harper Talasek Funeral Home in Belton. A Funeral Service is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 2:00PM, at Harper Talasek Funeral Home in Belton. Following the service, Helen will be laid to rest at North Belton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Helen’s name can be made to the Baylor Scott & White Central Texas Foundation in Temple, at: https://ctxfoundation.bswhealth.com/ways-to-give/donate/

View Helen Townsend's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/26/2026

Hello everyone!

It's been brought to our attention that an individual was driving their personal funeral coach (hearse) near our funeral home in Killeen on Rancier Avenue and doing donuts in a parking lot.

Please know that this was not out funeral home's coach, nor was this an employee of our funeral home.

Thanks,

-Dominic Holsome, CFSP, COO
President & CEO

Send a message to learn more

01/26/2026

01/25/2026

Saying what you don’t mean is the theme - enjoy Opposite Day!

01/23/2026

Most funeral homes are staffed by people who care and want to go the extra mile for you and your family. But how do you know if a funeral home doesn't have your best interests at heart? This article shares 7 warning signs to look out for, so you can ensure that you and your family receive the best funeral care and service available in your area!

When you need help planning a funeral, you want to work with the best. To make sure you do, review these warning signs to look out for!

01/21/2026

Leo Castillo

Leo Castillo, of Temple, passed away on January 16, 2026. He was 90 years old.

Leo was born in Mercedes, Texas, on January 1, 1936, to Genaro and Edubiges Castillo. He grew up in south Texas, where he met his wife, Ofelia Garcia, they were married for 69 years.

Leo and Ofelia moved to the Texas panhandle, where Leo farmed for over 20 years. After retiring from farming, he opened his own business as a Mechanic, where he repaired many people’s vehicles and made lasting friendships. Leo was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainview, Texas, then eventually moved to Temple, Texas. In May of 1977, Leo traveled to Germany to spread the Word of God to others. He was very active on his travels and helped with the Annual Jamaicas.

Leo and Ofelia raised four sons and four daughters. He was a wonderful and devoted Abuelo ‘Welo’.

Leo is preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Joseph Castillo; son-in-law, Jessie Gamboa; brothers, Alberto, Juventino, Genaro, and Francisco; sisters, Josephina Castillo Chavez, and Maria Castillo Munoz; and his faithful companion, Nemo.

Leo is survived by his wife; sons, Leo Jr (Gloria), Leonel (Elaina), Leonardo, and Miguel Angel (Esmeralda); daughters, Edubiges (Ismael), Rosalinda (Romy), Ofelia (Daniel), and Christy (Jesse); brother, Lauro Castillo; 24 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren.

The family invites friends of Leo and his family for a Visitation from 6:00PM – 8:00PM, on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Harper Talasek Funeral Home, in Temple, Texas. The Holy Rosary will be prayed at 7:00PM. A Funeral Mass is scheduled for 10:30AM, on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, in Temple, Texas

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Leo’s hospice team from Amedisys, especially Whittney and Ashley.

View Leo Castillo's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/21/2026

Saying goodbye is never easy, but in a recent survey, 73% of people felt that a funeral helps.

Here at Harper-Talasek Funeral Homes, we believe in creating unique and meaningful services, so that you can say goodbye in a way that feels both personal and exactly right for honoring your loved one.

To create a service that is meaningful and personalized, we recommend planning ahead for your funeral wishes. That way, there’s plenty of time to create a final tribute that’s just right in every way. Give us a call to get started today!

01/19/2026

Martin Luther King Jr. was a powerful voice for social justice and equality in our nation. Today, as we remember his life and legacy, let's celebrate the progress we've made but also commit to continuing his work toward a more united, more equitable United States of America. Thank you, Dr. King - you made a positive difference and the ripples of your impact are still going today.

01/16/2026

Music touches our hearts in ways that words just can’t. If country music holds a special place in your heart, take a few moments to listen to this list of the top 12 country songs for a celebration of life service, and let us know if you have any favorites you would add to the list!

If you are planning a celebration of life service for a country music fan, take a look at this list of 10 country songs to consider.

01/13/2026

Donald Anthony Strubhart

Donald Strubhart, beloved father and friend, passed away on January 1, 2026, in Temple, Texas at the age of 78.

Donald was born on October 16, 1947, to Anthony and Laura (Underbrink) Strubhart in Kingsville, Texas. From an early age, he was known for his strong work ethic, subtle and often dry sense of humor, and having the best dad phrases like “Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades” or “that’s about as useless as a screen door on a submarine”. These qualities stayed with him throughout his life and shaped the way he loved and cared for others.

He was a tried-and-true patriot who proudly served in the U.S. Army in a Long-Range Surveillance Patrol in Vietnam. He loved his country and those who served it. Donald was dedicated to providing for his family as an independent contractor and later as manager of a hunting and fishing camp where he was respected for his knowledge, dependability and craftsmanship.

Donald was married to Dolores (Deanda) for 46 years before her passing in 2022. Above all else, he was a devoted father. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren who will continue to carry his legacy forward. He valued time spent with family whether it was just sitting around the table swapping stories or teaching a child to ride a horse, drive a motorcycle or four-wheeler, or a grandchild to drive. It was those everyday moments with his family that brought him joy. Those who knew him will remember his strong convictions, humor, generosity and wisdom.

He is survived by his children: Melissa (Webb) of Madison, Wisconsin; Dennis (Lori) of San Antonio, Texas; Tina of Bartlett, Texas; Katie of Georgetown, Texas; Lettie (Williams) of Williamsburg, Virginia; and Nathan (Marion) of Dripping Springs, Texas; his grandchildren Lexy (Webb), Ashley (Briton), Kayla (Parsons), Jason (Williams), Madison (Williams), Diego (Malone), and Darién (Strubhart); his brothers Frank (Beth), David (Janet), Danny (Jackie), Anthony (Dana), John (Sandi), Pat, Tim (Cindy), Charles (late Tawni); his sisters Suzanne Dudzik, Mary (late WT Jr.) Davis, and Laurie (James) Kocian. He is preceded in death by his late wife Dolores (Deanda), his son Jason, his mother and father A.B. (Tony) and Laura (Underbrink) and his brother Leo.

In keeping with his wishes, a small service will be announced at a later time. In lieu of flowers, we would ask that you consider donating to an organization supporting our wounded warriors: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/.

View Donald Anthony Strubhart's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/09/2026

Thinking about your own mortality can feel uncomfortable, but sharing your story can offer comfort and healing. In the article below, discover how legacy projects create lasting connections and support your loved ones through grief.

Legacy projects are something for your loved ones to remember you by when you're gone. Start telling your story today!