Kermit L. Thiele Sr.

retired funeral director and owner, Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home, Yoakum, Texas, died January 2, 2026, at age 89.

He attended St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas, and graduated from Commonwealth College of Science in Houston, Texas. He worked for more than 60 years as a funeral director, beginning at Buffington Funeral Home in Yoakum.

Thiele was a member of both the Knights of Columbus and Lion’s Club for more than 65 years. He was involved with the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce (from which he received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991) and Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of St. James Catholic Church.

Thiele is survived by wife Mildred; sons Kermit Jr., David and Michael; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.