The Bandera County Commissioners Court on June 12 approved the burial of longtime resident Ural “Buddy” Tryon at the historic Bertha Tryon-Hendrick Arnold Cemetery, honoring his wish to be laid to rest alongside his wife, Bertha, who was buried there in 1993.
Supporters, including Bandera City Councilwoman Lynn Palmer and Dawn Foster of Bandera Funeral Home, advocated for the 94-year-old’s request before the court.
Palmer noted that the cemetery, which is officially designated as a historic Black cemetery, holds deep significance for Tryon and the community.
“His wish is to be buried next to his wife in the historic Texas cemetery,” Palmer said. “It is considered the colored burial ground; that’s the official name. A lot of people are surprised that we have a Black cemetery in Bandera and that we have that history here—but we do.”
Palmer told the court she had first brought the issue to County Judge Richard Evans in March and thanked Precinct 3 Commissioner Jack Moseley and Kim Miles from the historical commission for moving quickly on the matter.
“Buddy is 94 years old,” she said. “As we know, we never know what the good Lord has in store for us the next day. He may call us home tomorrow.”
Foster, who spoke after Palmer, brought levity to the courtroom.
“I’m not here to pick anybody up, so don’t be worried,” she said. “I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Buddy a month or so ago and I told him I’m so excited to meet you—you have quite the reputation. He goes, ‘Well, yeah ma’am, it’s ‘cause I’m the only Black man in town.’” Foster said Bandera Funeral Home will donate a burial marker for Tryon when the time comes. “He is very with it and very on top of things, and it really was a pleasure to meet him,” she added. “Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this and part of the community.”
Palmer also invited members of the community who remember Tryon to visit him at the Bandera Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on FM 1077.
“He says it gets pretty lonely up there. He’d love to visit with you all,” she said. “He is very grateful that his community is watching out for him.”
Commissioner Moseley read the proposed rules and regulations for future burials at the Bertha Tryon-Hendrick Arnold Cemetery before the court unanimously approved the new policy. The court then gave pre-approval for Tryon’s interment.
The cemetery, located near the intersection of Old Medina Highway and Houston Street in Bandera, was designated a historic site in 2016.
Tryon, who moved to Bandera in the 1950s, recently shared his personal story with Hope of Christ Ministry Director Ruben Rodriguez and his son, Marco. Born in August 1932 in Centerville, Texas, he is the second youngest of five children.
“I was a Mama’s boy. Mama called me ‘Buddy,’” he said. “Daddy was always working. I was a cotton- pickin’ country boy. I didn’t like it, but it was work.”
He recalled playing Little League baseball and said he eventually became a rancher and cowboy. Tryon still owns a home in Bandera and describes himself as a believer in Jesus.
Marco Rodriguez urged the public to visit Tryon and other residents at the nursing home. For those in need of ministry services, Hope of Christ Ministry can be reached at 781-879-9031.
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