Peter Robert Brower was born on September 8, 1966, in England to Marian and Jim Ward.

Peter's family moved to the United States when Peter was just 7 years old.

Peter joined the US Army in 1988 (as a British National) and from that day on, he knew that America was his home. A friend recalls his saying over 25 years ago that he wanted to be buried as an American. Peter fought on the front lines in Desert Storm in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and beyond. And truly was a hero.

All of his family served in the military. His Brothers James, John, and Dirk all proudly served. Peter's mother and sisters all sacrificed during those many deployments and their service cannot go without mention.

Though Peter was paralyzed after his service, his spirit never was. If you have met Peter, you remember him, and better yet, you remember him with a smile, and he left a handprint on your heart.

Peter's wish for citizenship came true only 2 days before he passed away. Thank you to Peter's dear friend, Kristen Walton, Luis Martinez of the San Angelo VA and the Office of Congressman August Pfluger for making this dream a reality so quickly. It will never be forgotten.

Peter is survived by his Mother Marian Drees, his brothers James (Karla), John (Chau), Dirk (Tia), and sisters Mary and Kate. His Nephews Eli, Charles, Conner and Logan as well as nis Nieces Nakita and Jerica and, his dear dear cats Souza, Angel and Schotze. The Family would like to thank the dear friends of Peter that assisted in his care during the last chapters of his adventure.

He was preceded in death by his Father Jim and his sister Lizzy. "Dance, then, wherever you may be. I am the Lord of the Dance said He. And I'll lead you all, wherever you may be. And I'll lead you all in the dance said He."

José Guzmán Nuñez, 82, closed his eyes on earth and opened them in heaven on Friday, November 3, 2023.

José was born on November 19, 1940 in Rancho Los Negros, Zacatecas, Mexico, to Ignacio Nuñez and Maria Felix Guzmán Nuñez. He grew up with his 2 brothers and 2 sisters and was the only one blessed with beautiful green eyes, thus giving him his lifelong nickname of “El Zarco.” José grew up on his ranch, where he tended to his animals and helped build the ranch home. He would care for and ride his beautiful horses and had many fond memories of him and his brother Santos competing in the local rodeos.

José had to grow up quickly and by the age of 16, he embarked on his journey to America. He was a bracero in California in his teen years and transitioned to work as a cook, working in multiple kitchens in Los Angeles, CA. José was pictured on the front page of the Los Angeles Times protesting for increased wages, while wearing his signature chef hat. He owned and operated two Mexican American restaurants in Los Angeles and two more in San Angelo, TX.

On March 25, 1986, José married the love of his life, Rosa Ordaz Gomez and inherited multiple children and grandchildren that he would love deeply and gave everyone their own nickname. He affectionately became known as “Tata.” They welcomed their daughter, Roxann, and moved to San Angelo, TX in 1991.

José continued his career as a chef, working at Producers Restaurant, Pepe’s Diner, and other local restaurants. He was awarded the title of best menudo in San Angelo in the late 90s, as he enjoyed sharing his love of Mexican delicacies with his very own Zacatecas Restaurant and California Cafe. José will be remembered for his strong work ethic and determination. Not only did he provide for his family, but he continued to provide for his mother and loved ones in Mexico. He would put love into every dish he made for his family and friends. His sense of humor was known far and wide and he made sure to continue the laughs until the very end.

José was preceded in death by his parents, Ignacio and Felix Nuñez; brothers Tomas Nuñez and Santos Nuñez; beloved granddaughter Yvonnette Noriega; son David Reyes; and wife Rosa Nuñez. He is survived by his sisters, Maria Guadalupe Rodriguez Nuñez and husband Felix, and Aurelia Pinedo and husband Rogelio; daughter, Roxann Davila, and beloved son-in-law Benny; his adored grandson Benicio Davila; daughters Linda Pinedo and husband Ruben, Yolanda Carrillo and husband Johnny, Ruth Mar and husband Juan, Dianne Vega, and special grandson Mike Vega as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

Family will receive visitors on Thursday, November 9, 2023 from 5pm-7pm. A Celebration of Life service for José will be held Friday, November 10, 2023 at 2pm at Harper Funeral Home.

Orlando Zurita unexpectedly left us on Thursday, November 2, 2023, in San Angelo at the age of 37. Orlando was born to Macario and Mary Zurita on June 21, 1986, in Dallas, Texas. His family later moved to San Angelo where he spent most of his life. Orlando was a devoted son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. He was truly a remarkable person, a big teddy bear with a heart full of warmth and kindness. He loved to spend time with his family and friends. He loved being in the presence of children, especially his nieces and nephews who he loved like they were his own.  His radiant smile and unwavering positivity were infectious, touching the lives of all who were fortunate to know him. He treated everyone he met as a friend and made them feel valued. Orlando had a unique gift; he had the ability to draw people in with his magnetic personality. He was loved by everyone and was the type of guy that made you laugh and if you were sad, he would find a way to make you smile. Orlando was always very energetic and when he came around there was never a dull moment. He had such an energy that with one encounter you would remember him for life. If you knew him well or barely at all, he always left you thinking, whether it was about how absolutely beautiful something was, ridiculously funny, or just downright inappropriate, he left his mark. To know him was to love him. We will forever miss his cherished phone calls, the sound of his laughter, and his unconditional love. He will forever hold a special place in our hearts and his memory will never fade! Orlando was preceded in death by his father Macario Zurita, his maternal grandparents Richard De La Cruz and Maria De La Cruz, and his paternal grandparents, Manuel Zurita and Sofia G. Zurita. He leaves behind his mother, Maria E. Zurita; his siblings, Macario, Daniel and Vivian; and his aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. A celebration of his life will be at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, November 11, 2023, at Harper Funeral Home.

Family and friends may share condolences and sign the online register book at www.harper-funeralhome.com.

Ismael Castaneda, age 91 of Sonora passed away Friday, November 3, 2023. Funeral services will be held Monday, November 6, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Sonora Cemetery. Survivors include his wife Amalia Castaneda and son Arturo Castaneda.

Virginia Calvert Epps of Sonora, Texas passed away peacefully on November 1, 2023. Virginia Calvert Curry was born in San Antonio, Texas on June 18, 1937, to William Calvert Curry and Mary Josephine Longley. She lived in Ozona, San Angelo, Sylvester, Del Rio and Sonora. She attended public school in San Angelo and completed her senior year in Heidelberg, Germany. She attended Texas Tech University, Texas Christian University, and University of Colorado Boulder. Virginia earned a BA in Education at Abilene Christian College. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority.

She married Donald Loding Campbell Sr., in San Angelo in 1959. They moved to the Sylvester area to farm and ranch. Virginia served as an educator for Rotan ISD. Her living testimony on earth is her three sons: Donald Loding Campbell, Jr., Cam Longley Campbell, and Calvert Curry Campbell. Upon her husband’s death she relocated to Del Rio where she continued teaching.

In 1980, Virginia married Benjamin R. Epps, and they made their home at the Epps Ranch south of Sonora. Virginia loved ranching and raising Angora goats and Black Angus cattle. She was actively involved in Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association and the Mohair Council of America. She served her community as a board member of the Lillian Hudspeth Memorial Hospital and Women of St. John’s Episcopal Church. Through her involvement with Sonora Women’s Club, she was instrumental in the expansion of the Sutton County Library. She traveled the world extensively and in 2009, returned from South America, where she was inspired to establish High Cross Vineyard of Sutton County raising wine grapes.

Virginia was an avid reader, accomplished bridge player, and greatly appreciated arts and culture. She enjoyed sharing books and poetry and most of all her love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

Virginia is preceded in death by her parents, husband Don Sr., husband Ben, and sister, Josephine Kay Curry Emery. 

She is survived by her lifelong dear friends, Joy Morehead and Jeannie Dykes, her sons and their families: Don and Ruthann Campbell of Sweetwater, Cam and Erika Campbell, and Curry and BonnieLou Campbell, all of Sonora, her beloved grandchildren Tres and Sadie Campbell of Guthrie, True and Chelsey Lou Burson of Paducah, Kathleen Campbell of Spring Lake, North Carolina, and Chance and Harlee Campbell of Silverton. Her cherished great grandsons: Teal and Tap Burson, Milo Campbell and arriving soon, Coulter Campbell. She is also survived by her niece Kimberly Kay and husband Eddie Lozano, of Ozona and their family.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 18 at St. John’s Episcopal Church at 2:00 PM., followed by a celebration of Virginia’s life at The John and Mildred Cauthorn Memorial Depot from 3:00 – 5:00 PM. A special thanks to Hunter Hohensee and Hospice Care of Sonora, her caretaker, LaDonna Alaman, and Schleicher County Nursing Home. Memorials may be made to Alvis F. Johnson Home Health and Hospice of Sonora, Women of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Concho Valley Home for Girls or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at lovefuneralhome.net.

Juan "John" Villarreal Acosta, Jr., 59, was called home by his Lord to reside in his heavenly home on November 2, 2023.

John was born April 12, 1964 to Minerva and Juan Acosta Sr. whom preceded him in death. He was born in San Angelo and spent the remainder of his life in Mertzon. He graduated from Irion County and receive his certification for Farrier Services from Oklahoma State University. His passion in life was roping, being a left-handed healer. John was self-employed and owned Acosta Dirt Works Services. He loved life, his family and his friends. Never a day went by when he didn't smile, laugh and offer a helping hand to anyone who needed it. John married the love of his life, Jodi Swanson, on January 24, 2006. John was a beloved husband, father, pepaw and brother and will be greatly missed.

John is survived by his wife, Jodi; his children, Joseph Padilla, Alexandria Mendoza and husband Stormy, Jonathon Padilla and wife Miranda, Erica Ortiz and Megan McClellan; his grandchildren, Eben Padilla, Kaiden Mendoza, Kase Padilla and Maverick Mendoza; his siblings, Arnaldo Acosta and wife Martha, Angelica Calderon and husband Al, Albert Acosta and wife Maria, and Patricia Brown; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Public viewing will be from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at Robert Massie Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be11:00 AM Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at Robert Massie Funeral Home. Burial to follow at Mertzon Cemetery under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home with reception to follow at Mertzon Methodist Church.

Pallbearers will be Arnaldo Acosta, Albert Acosta, Jordan McDowell, Stormy Mendoza, Arnulfo Narvaez and Edward Villarreal, and honorary pallbearers will be Joseph Padilla, Jonathon Padilla, Ricky Marquis, Eben Padilla, John Aguilar, and Frank Gutierrez.

Psalm 23:1-6
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Reta Belle Weeaks, 83, of San Angelo joined her heavenly Father on Thursday, November 2, 2023, after a lengthy illness in San Angelo, Texas. Reta was born in Seagraves, Texas on September 9, 1940, to Jim and Velma Tabor. She graduated from Andrew High School. On May 27, 1960, Reta married the love of her life Ted Weeaks. She was a very active member of Harvest Baptist Church and taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Reta was also very active in farming and animal care and loved welcoming four legged critters into her home. Reta is survived by her loving husband Ted Weeaks, and her children, Poly Riddle and Chris (Cindy) Weeaks, all of San Angelo; Her sisters Joyce Higdon, of San Angelo and Glena Tabor, of Andrews, TX; her brother Jerry Tabor, of Wills Point, TX; her Grandchildren, Corby Weeaks, of Boise, ID, Misty (Michael) Fritz and Amber Smith, of San Angelo; her Great Grandchildren, Tyeson Smith and Bailee Fritz, of San Angelo. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Reta was preceded in death by her parents.

The family will receive friends for visitation from 3:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M., Sunday, November 5, 2023, at Harper Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be 10:00 A.M., Monday, November 6, 2023, at Harper Funeral Home with Pastor Jeff Padget officiating. The burial will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

The family wishes to thank her special caregivers Brady, Caroline, Donna, Brittany and Sarah for their loving care of Reta. They would also like to extend their sincerest appreciation for all of the loving thoughts and prayers extended to them throughout the years. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request that donations be made to a favorite charity.

Family and friends may share condolences and sign the online register book at www.harper-funeralhome.com.

Rosa Gonzales Munoz was born on September 23, 1956, to Ignacio and Maria Gonzales. She passed away 11/02/2023 in her home amongst her family.

Rosa was a homemaker who cared for her children or anyone else who needed a place to stay. Momma Rosa loved her children and her family, but her grandkids were the light of her life. No grandchild could do wrong in the presence of their grandma. Whether it was her sneaking money to the older kids or sweets to the younger ones she always had a smile when they were around. The laughs, the hugs, and the kisses always made grandma extra happy. The kids love you and will always remember grandma. We will miss you mom and will carry you in our hearts forever. We know how much pain and suffering you went through at the end and are happy you made it home to see Rosie, grandma, and grandpa. Until we meet again, we love you always.

Rosa was proceeded in death by her parents Ignacio and Marie Gonzales, brother Frank Gonzales, nephew Martin Lopez, and daughter Rosa Munoz.

Survivors include husband Rodolfo, her children Amelia Alejandro & husband James, April Munoz & husband Joe, Rodolfo Munoz & wife Cynthia. Grandchildren, Gabriela, Madison, Joey, Andres, Abriella, & Asziel. Siblings Ignacio Jr, Paula Sanchez, Virginia Cole, Carmen Kennemer, Norma Gallegos, Maria Barry, & Edward Gonzales.

The family wishes to thank Debbie, Tammy, and all the staff with St. Gabriel hospice care for the excellent care they provided to Rosa.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Harper Funeral Home.

Charlie Vinson James, 59, of Mertzon, passed away on October 31, 2023 after a lengthy and hard fought battle with bone cancer.

Charlie was predeceased by his parents, Claude and Roxie James, his cousin and hunting buddy Stephen Jones. Charlie is survived by his daughter Ashley Milo, her husband Joe Milo, his grand son Remy, all of San Diego, California, sister Cheryl, of Mertzon, nephew Kaleb of San Angelo, great nephews Paxton, Atticus, Carson and Kooper.

Charlie was an avid outdoorsman who spent much of his time in nature. Charlie enjoyed cowboy action shooting, reloading, varmint hunting, and most of all just being in the country appreciating all its varied beauty. He never missed an opportunity to just be in nature.

He is a graduate of Irion County High School. After graduation he attended TSTI in Sweetwater becoming a welder.

After many years in South Carolina Charlie returned to Mertzon. He worked several years for Automatic Fire Protection, then the City of Mertzon. Since his return to Mertzon his favorite job was check Kyle and Becky Lange’s ranch property. A job he treasured until he was to ill to drive out and check it. Somehow I think the exotics he made pets out of are missing him too.

Heaven is brighter today with Charlie there instead of here with us. His family wish to thank everyone who has been involved with Charlie’s life. Special thanks to those who checked on him and helped him out or visited as his health deteriorated.

A memorial will be announced at a later date.