"Stay Connected in The Texas Hill Country" • Current News For Leakey & Surrounding Areas

(June 12, 1932 – January 30, 2010)

“They stay in our lives for awhile, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.” George Max “Chink” Sweeten, affectionately known as “Chink,” of Camp Wood passed away on January 30, 2010. He was born June 12, 1932 in Camp Wood to Charles and Norah (Wall) Sweeten, graduating from Camp Wood High School in 1949. On February 4, 1955, he married Patsy Bryce at her parents’ home in Uvalde. He was engaged in farming and ranching, and with Pat, owned and operated Sweeten Grocery & Market for many years. He enjoyed hunting locally, as well as Colorado, Montana, Idaho and Alaska during his lifetime. He served as an elder for more than 30 years in the Church of Christ and was a teacher and song leader starting at a very young age. He contributed to the Nueces Canyon community in many ways, including serving as a member of the Nueces Canyon School Board and a charter member of the Nueces Canyon EMS for many years; an active member of the Nueces Canyon Chamber of Commerce, including a term as its president; and a board member of the Edwards/Real County Water Conservation District. He was named “Man of the Year” by the Chamber of Commerce and was an Honorary Member of the Nueces Canyon FFA Chapter. He is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Patsy Bryce Sweeten; one son, John Sweeten and wife, Marilyn, of Boerne; and two daughters, Judy, and husband Ron Mata; Janelle, and husband Bill Edmondson, all of Helotes; and grandchildren Colter Sweeten, Patrick and Celina Busbee. He is also survived by one sister, Ruth Rawlings of Uvalde; one brother, C.A. Sweeten of Austin; and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and a host of friends. Services for Mr. Sweeten were held at the Hill Country Church of Christ at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010, with Cecil Hutson officiating. Interment followed at the Barksdale Cemetery. Pallbearers were two grandsons, Colter Sweeten and Patrick Busbee, Walter “Speck” Cox, Eddie Ray Sweeten, Billy Frank Collins, Brandon Powers, and Genaro “Henry” Martinez. Arrangements under the direction of Nelson Funeral Home Camp Wood.