Sounds like it was an “inside” job.
Someone was well aware of the car, valuables, and the timing of the funeral.
YEP, I suspect that you are correct. = My Uncle Josh was “well known” in Franklin County (He was known to be “comfortable”.) & the funeral specifics had been TWICE in the local newspaper.
“Red” Arnold told my dad that “IF I find out who stole ‘Buddy’s car’, he will soon wish that he was never born.”
(Ranger “Red” Arnold was called “THE LAW in East Texas” & was NOT a good person to cross. - He taught me in Sunday School for 3 years of my boyhood.)
To NON-Texicans: One “TX myth” that is 100% TRUE is that our Rangers are just as tough, “lacking in ruth” & tenacious “on the hunt” as their reputation is.
Yours, TMN78247