Savell Charles Shannon finally experienced complete healing on April 27, 2025 at the age of 63. He passed into Heaven while surrounded by family, food, and fun stories shared by some of his favorite people. Services will take place at First Baptist Church, Sonora, Texas on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.

Savell was born on June 26, 1961 in Fruita, Colorado. He attended Alpine High School in Alpine, Texas before he graduated from Angelo State University (ASU) with a BS in Animal Science with a concentration in Animal Production, and completed the Ranch Management Program at TCU (GO FROGS!!!). Savell managed ranches in Oklahoma and other parts of Texas before finally settling down in his ancestral home of Sonora, Texas where he spent the rest of his career managing his family’s ranch while working in natural gas production so he could.

Savell first distinguished himself as one of the world’s wisest men when he married his high school sweetheart, Shelly Dawn Hofacket (born 1962) forty years ago. Savell considered this to be his life’s greatest accomplishment, rivaled only by the raising of his two sons, Tate Edward Shannon (born 1998) and Evan Savell Shannon (born 2000). While he attributed all his sons’ successes to the influence of their mother, those who witnessed his years of volunteering in his church’s children’s ministry and youth group, in the local Cub Scouts, as a coach for tee-ball, little league, and Little Dribblers, and in the local 4-H club know that he was a loving, patient friend and role model to dozens of boys and young men in the community in addition to his own sons.

Savell served as a deacon and a member of several core committees at First Baptist Church Sonora where he was a member for 26 years. He also served in leadership at Paisano Baptist Encampment where he helped construct the dormitory that still serves his church over two decades later. Savell was known for his skilled dancing, innumerable hilarious stories, love of Blue Bell ice cream, his time spent golfing, fishing, scuba diving, and working on his ’76 Toyota Land Cruiser.

Even though his body eventually succumbed to complications related to early-onset Alzheimer’s, his spirit never faltered: Unlike so many, he expressed unwavering love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control even through the latest stages of his 10-year battle with the disease that eventually killed him. This is a direct result of Savell’s lifelong, personal relationship with his friend and savior, Jesus Christ.

His father, Charles Edward Shannon Jr.—from whom Savell inherited his lifelong passion for ranching—preceded him in death in 2004. Savell is survived by his two sons, Tate and Evan; his wife of 40 years, Shelly who, like Savell, demonstrated that she really meant it when she said, “for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, from this day forward until death do us part;” his older brother, Matt Edward Shannon; and his dedicated, loving mother, Vicki Jo Savell Shannon, a shining example of dedicated, self-sacrificial motherhood who provided tender comfort and exemplary care at both the beginning and end of Savell’s life.

We give a special thanks to those who cared for Savell in his final days: Melva Vallejo, Hunter Jennings Hohensee, Hillary Lawson Galindo, and Laci Demere Longoria. Thanks also to the many people who loved Savell through it all, showing patience, forgiveness, and joy until the end. We are also extremely grateful for the many meals delivered and visits made to us during Savell’s time in hospice care.

Pallbearers are James Jaeger, Mark Bradley, Bill “Chip” Savell Jr., Cody Savell, Scott Savell, Craig Demere, Wade Demere, Cory Hofacket, and Pete Hofacket.

In lieu of flowers, please give memorials to First Baptist Church Sonora (First Baptist Church, 111 East Oak Street, Sonora, Texas 76950 or http://fbcsonora.net/giving), or to Paisano Baptist Encampment (Palmetto Ventures LLC, PAISANO BAPTIST ASSEMBLY, C/O Angela Becker, 6 Desta Drive Suite 2670, Midland, TX 79705 with Savell Shannon’s name), or to your favorite charity.

Larry Jean Johnson, a longtime resident of Veribest, San Angelo, Northeastern New Mexico, Cajamarca, Peru, and Ajijic, Mexico, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025, at the age of 90.

Viewing will be from 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at Robert Massie Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 5:00 PM -7:30 PM. Graveside services will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at Mullins Cemetery, 5637 Mullins Cemetery Rd, Miles, TX 76861, with James D. Steward, officiating and Wes James providing the music.

Mr Johnson was born in Veribest, and spent the majority of his life as a farmer, southern engineer, and a missionary where he was blessed and flourished with his wife, Joy Johnson; two sons; along with his Peruvian extended family an adopted peruvian daughter, Lucy.

Larry was preceded in death by his mother, Wynama Lucille Johnson; his father, Jeanie Sol Johnson; sister, Sally Olsak; and son, David Johnson.

A proud graduate of San Angelo College, Larry married Joy Clark, the love of his life on April 18, 1953. He called Joy, "Punkin" and throughout his life he had nicknames for many other friends.

They were members of First Baptist Church in San Angelo, which played a key pivotal role in his walk of faith. In their early 50's, their life mission changed to serving the Lord in foreign Baptist Ministry Service. This began an agricultural ministry branching out to help poverty stricken Northern Peruvians with fresh water from deep water wells, building new roads in unpassable mountain terrain, developing schools and churches, supporting and aiding community orphanages, the creation of high altitude tree planting; turning the region into a timber industry; freeing the people of disease and poverty and leading them to Jesus Christ.

After approximately 15 years with Foreign Baptist Missions, Larry and Joy continued on their own vision to build a 15 1/2 acre agricultural compound as a missionary headquarters dedicated to meeting the physical and spiritual needs of the people, volunteers, partnerships with individuals, churches and schools to advance the needs of the people of the area in order to advance our Lord's commands.

Today, Villamilagro is a thriving launch pad for many missions of health, dental, water drilling, and ministry. The expanding on site bakery provides vital nutrition to students in 152 schools; helping them study and learn.

His memory will be cherished by his loving wife of many years, Joy; his children, Lucy Johnson of Cajamarca, Peru and Lucky Clark Johnson of Mexico; his two grandsons, Lowell Johnson and Stefan Johnson; and three great-grandchildren Leah Louise Johnson, Galataya Johnson, and Camron Johnson.

Honorary pallbearers will be Cecil B. Johnson, Ted Weatherford, Stan Meador, Gary Phinney, Gary Parmer, Dave Prachyl, David Winston, Kent Terrill, and Mike Moore.

The family would like to thank Hospice of San Angelo and Tina, Angela, Pearl, Emerald, Melissa, Sandra, Monica G., Monica S., Ricky, and Rose; Baptist Memorial staff and administration. Special thanks to cousin, Rita Bradshaw; daughter-in-law, Olga Sosa and Santa Fe Furniture and Gifts.

In Lieu of flowers please send donations to www.villamilagro.org in Cajamrca, Peru.

Carlin Lee “Buster” Kennedy, 89, passed away at his lake home in San Angelo, Texas on April 26, 2025. In his last moments, he was dreaming about building projects and sharing his fishing secrets with the grandkids. Buster and his twin sister Carolyn Ree were born April 19, 1936 in Tankersly, Texas. The family later relocated to Eden, Texas, where he met Priscilla, whom he wed on June 13, 1955. They ultimately made San Angelo their home, where he grew his construction business and raised their family.

Buster bailed on school in the 10th grade when his dad hurt his back, so he had to pitch in to help out the big family. He’s always had a knack for building stuff since he was a little kid. Teaming up with his buddy Ronnie, they whipped up bikes, fishing boats, and all sorts of cool projects using whatever they could find. They even mucked out cattle trailers for a quarter a day and grabbed any odd jobs they could just to make a nickel. Growing up with not much, Buster became the go-to guy for fixing or building just about anything!

Buster was a bit of a legend when it came to crafting custom builds, and you could spot his work all over San Angelo and even throughout Texas. He learned the ropes from Vick Eckert, who not only taught him the ins and outs of construction and running a business but also inspired his Christian beliefs. After more than 40 years in the game, Buster hung up his tool belt after putting together a stunning log mansion in Rising Star. Then, he decided to switch gears and became a licensed Texas Home Inspector. Buster was the kind of guy who aimed for perfection and really believed in putting in the effort.

When he wasn't busy building things or tinkering around in the barn, Buster liked to spend his time raising cool animals like potbellied pigs, rheas, emus, ostrich, llamas, and more. He was actually one of the first folks to bring Boer goat embryos over from South Africa via New Zealand to the U.S.

Buster was pretty stoked about becoming a grandfather. He decided to go with Grumps as his nickname because folks always said he had a bit of a grumpy vibe. But honestly, whether he was grumpy or not, we’ve got a ton of awesome memories from camping and fishing trips with family and friends. He really loved spending time with us and passed on that love for camping and the great outdoors to his grandkids, too.

Not everyone’s had the chance to see Buster’s soft side when it comes to his family and friends. He’d always make it a point to drop by or check in with a call when someone was ill or during the holidays. But on the flip side, he also loved being mischievous, pulling shenanigans with friends and grandkids.

We’ll definitely feel the loss of him, but he leaves behind his son, Alvin Royce Kennedy & wife Nona, daughters Monica Ree Kennedy Masters, Letitia Ann Kennedy McKnight & husband Randy. Three grandchildren, Keely Rene McKnight Matheny & husband Matthew, Carlin Gage McKnight & wife Shalinda, and Royce Lee Kennedy & wife Vanessa. His four great-grandchildren Berklee Rene, Korby Tyce, and Cohen Lane Matheny, and Atlas June Kennedy.

Buster was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Priscilla Ann Mullins Kennedy, son Sonny Carl Kennedy, parents William Lee & Ava Bell Branham Kennedy; brother Robert Wayne Kennedy, twin sister Carolyn Ree Kennedy Gill White, sisters Wanda Juanell Kennedy Carrell, Pasty Bell Kennedy Smith, and Donna Kay Kennedy Ewell. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A bunch of Buster’s family and best friends got to those heavenly gates before him. You can just picture them hanging out and catching up! Just a heads up, he’s resting at Lawnhaven Cemetery, right on top of Priscilla, who definitely wasn’t keen on that arrangement. But hey, we like to think they’re both having a blast together up there rejoicing with Christ!

A visitation will be held at Harper Funeral Home from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. A funeral service will be held at Harper Funeral Home at 1:00 PM, Thursday, May 1, 2025 with burial to follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

Todd Allan Cummings, born on December 29, 1960, to Bill and Carol (Lovingood) Cummings in Pampa, TX, went to sing with the angels in heaven on April 25, 2025.

Growing up, Todd was an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Pampa High School, moved to San Angelo to attend Angelo State University, and made his forever home here.

He worked in management in the car business, including Griffin Motors, Jim Bass Ford, Mustang Chevrolet, Reynolds and Reynolds, and Lithia. He met his “guardian angel,” as he called Carol, when she was an unhappy customer at the dealership. He quickly smoothed things over and she was smitten.

He married Carol on September 30, 1989, and they had 35 wonderful, loving years together.

His pride and joy were his children, Matthew and Katie. Todd was so proud of all of their accomplishments. He was thrilled to welcome Sydney and Will into the family, and when Rush arrived, it was love at first sight. He was a devoted husband, dad, PaPa, brother, and friend. Todd loved his family and friends. He had a great sense of humor and always made people laugh. He had many hobbies. He loved music and played in bands since he was a teenager. He played with the band Clearwater for over 20 years. He loved his band as his family. Todd enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, cooking, bike riding, clay shooting, and golfing.

Todd fought cancer for over 6 years. He never complained and was the strongest person we know. As a friend said, “Todd has had a rough time, but he has not given an inch.”

He is survived by his wife Carol Hennecke Cummings, his children Matt (wife Sydney) and Katie (husband Will), grandson Rush, his brothers Billy and Duffy (Anna) Cummings, sisters in law Shirley Marsh (husband Gene), Brenda Johnshon (husband Keith), nieces Jennifer Robinson (husband Cory), Jessica Harlin (husband Justin), April Johnson and nephews Gabe and Josh Cummings (wife Hiromi). He especially loved his “greats,” Paxton, Landree, Mickey Harlin and Landon and Emma Kate Robinson, and Haru Cummings. He was looking so forward to meeting his new grandbaby in August and he also leaves behind his loyal loves Bentley and Mazie. Todd is preceded in death by his parents, his father and mother-in-law Andrew and Laura Hennecke, and his sister-in-law, Pam Cummings.

Thank you, Dr. Raj Cheraku and Dr. Sarah Burkes, for their great care, Shannon Home Health, Makenna, Megan, Madolyn, and Keith, and Hospice of San Angelo and their team.

Todd, we know that you are resting in peace and doing all the things that you loved to do that became challenging towards the end. Our hearts are breaking to see you go but it’s not goodbye, it’s “‘till we see you again.” Go sing with the angels! You were loved by so many.

In place of flowers, the family suggests that memorials can be made to Mount Carmel Hermitage and the V Foundation for Cancer Research or the charity of your choice, or your favorite charity. 

The service will be held at Mount Carmel Hermitage in Christoval on May 2nd at 10 am. The family welcomes you to attend a reception at Fort Concho Quarter Master Building after the service at noon.

Family and friends can share online condolences at www.harper-funeralhome.com.

Wanda Louise Knight, 83, of San Angelo, Texas, went to be with the Lord on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025 surrounded by her loved ones. She was born in Merkel, Texas to Rubert and Lena McLean, on August 20, 1941. Wanda graduated from Merkel High School in 1959. She married the love of her life Charles Bruce Knight in March of 1961 in Midland, Texas. They were married for 56 years before Bruce passed away. They had four children, whom their whole life revolved around.

She was a devoted working mom her entire career until retirement. Over the course of her life, Wanda worked for various oil companies, including Gulf Oil, Atlantic Richfield oil and Pool Company. In 1983, Wanda took a job with Reece Albert, Inc. which became her career for the next 38 years, before she retired.

Wanda loved people and loved life. She was the most generous, loving, and caring person to all who knew her. She had a servant’s heart and wanted to help and serve others always. Some would say, her happy place in life was preparing a feast for friends and family. She was an excellent cook and loved feeding those she loved.

In 1975, Wanda joined Beta Sigma Phi, a non-collegiate international sorority focused on friendship, service, and philanthropy. In San Angelo, she first joined Tau Pi, and later progressed to Xi Alpha Nu, where these ladies became lifelong friends who are like family to her. She was so proud to be apart of Xi Alpha Nu and took great pride in being a part of many different community service projects the chapter supported.

Wanda was a member of The Heights Church and formerly Park Heights Baptist church where she raised her children in the Lord.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Rubert and Lena McLean and her husband Bruce Knight, her two Brother’s – in- law, Grady Knight and Patrick (Jerry) Spellman.

She is survived by her four children, Rodger Knight and wife Judy of San Angelo, Melinda Frantum and husband Keith of McKinney, Vickie Chester and husband Casey of McKinney, and Robin Harmon and husband Brint of San Angelo.

She had amazing grandchildren whom she loved dearly including Ashley Warriner and husband Cliff, Taylor Frantum, Evan Frantum, Brynson Harmon, and Logan Harmon. The prize of her life was her great- grandchildren Olivia, Eden, Grayson, and Kaul Warriner. All her grandchildren and great- grandchildren brought her great joy.

Wanda is also survived by her 2 sisters, Joyce Knight of Merkel and Venita Spellman of Cedar Park. She has two nephews Charles (Chuck) Knight and Kelly Knight of Merkel and one niece Rhonda Reynolds and husband Jason of Cedar Park. She had several great nephews and a great-niece as well. Family was everything to Wanda.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, April 27, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Harper Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Harper Funeral Home. Burial to follow at Fairmount Cemetery.

Allen Rappaport, 86, of Cedar Falls, Iowa, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2025, at 12:40 a.m. at MercyOne Hospital in Cedar Falls. Born on March 9, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York, Allen was the beloved son of Norman and Helen Rappaport.

A humble and devoted husband, Allen is survived by his sister Judie, and three sons, Mark, David, and Paul.

He enjoyed spending time with grandchildren, playing tennis and ping pong, fishing, and restoring classic British sports cars.

Throughout his career as a finance professor, Allen published numerous papers and retired from the University of Northern Iowa.

Allen will be laid to rest in San Angelo, Texas, beside his beloved wife Marian.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Allen's memory.

A graveside service for Allen will be held Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Johnson's Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens, 4989 FM Highway 1223, San Angelo, TX 76905.

Diana Sue Lundine Baker, of San Angelo, Texas passed away on the Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025. She was born on March 15th, 1945 in Kearney, Nebraska to Frank Lundine and Lulu Monroe. Diana attended Kearney High School and graduated in the class of 1963. She began her career in finance, working for GTE and then to Verizon as a receptionist. Diana Baker married Glenn Slatter and had 2 children. Diana was a proud member of Living Water Lutheran Church and had a passion for arts crafts, family, friends, and baking, and will always be remembered for her diamond painting, cross stitching, making holiday wreaths and working as a foster grandparent in schools with Pre-K children. She is preceded in death by her father Frank, her mother Lulu, her sister Pat, and her dog Pepper. She is survived by her sister Barbara Burroughs; her children, Jennifer Benton (Brad), and Scott Slatter; Grandchildren, Chelsey Elliott (Casey); Great-Grandchildren, Pistol, Breanna, Joshua, Serenity, Gage, and Edward; and Numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank all of the friends and family who attend Ms. Baker's services.

A visitation for Diana will be held Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Johnson's Funeral Home, 435 West Beauregard, San Angelo, TX 76903. A funeral service will occur Friday, May 2, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Johnson's Funeral Home.

Our wonderful mother, sister, and grandmom, Betty Joyce Gifford, age 95 gained her angel wings on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. She is now pain free and resting in the arms of our Savior. She was born in Brady, Texas on September 3, 1929. Her life was full taking care of her family and working at the courthouse, Connie's Shoe Dept., and Val's Shoe Tree.

Betty is preceded in death by 1 brother, Buddy, and two sisters, Gladys and Rhene, as well as her darling daughter, Linda Lee Gifford, and her loving husband of 47 years, John Harold Gifford I.

She is survived by her brother, Don Ewing; her sons, Johnnie H. Gifford II and wife Linda, and Steven D. Gifford. Also left to cherish her memory are her 2 grandchildren, Pamela Kay and James Wesley, as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A graveside service will be held at 2 pm on Monday, April 28th, 2025 at Fairmount Cemetery. Friends and family may pay their respects and sign the register book at Johnson's Funeral Home on Sunday, April 27th from 10 am to 5 pm.

It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our beloved dad. Juan Rodolfo Esparza, lovingly know as Johnny, was called home to be with our lord on April 24th 2025. Johnny was born in Uvalde Texas on October 9th, 1957 to Fortunato and Juanita Esparza, he was the youngest of nine children, he was the baby that kept everyone on their toes.

Johnny spent most of his career working in the oilfield, where he was known for his strong work ethic and willingness to lend a hand to anyone in need. He never met a stranger and would give the shirt off his back with no thought of ever getting anything in return.  

In his younger years Johnny excelled in all sports, a trait he surely, passed down to his grandchildren. Through his 67 years he carried many names Husband, Brother, Tio, Coach, Friend, but the names he carried with the most pride were husband, dad and Welo. Welo being the one we know he carried with the most pride. Anytime he spoke about any of his grandkids you could just see his chest puff out just a little bit extra and he would travel all over just to see them compete in anything. Whether it was leaving at 3 in the morning to watch a track meet or up all night to watch a baseball tournament Welo was going to be there.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Lee, Joe, and June, as well as his sisters Francis Gomez, Seserina and twins Margaretta and Antionia Esparza. Mother-in-law Lovelle Crawford and Father-in law Bill Crawford. Sister-in-law Karen Bishop, and brothers-in-law Cliff Crawford and Ricky Crawford.

Johnny is survived by his loving wife Tressa (Mimi) Esparza; His loving children John Esparza and wife Tiffany of Ozona, Jennifer Vickers and husband Stephen of Wimberley, Kemari Esparza of Eagle, Michigan, Blake Esparza and wife Courtney of Weatherford, and Tanner Esparza (Bryce) of Austin. His loving sister Yoland (Freddy) Flores of Uvalde. He now watches over his nine amazing grandsons and one beautiful granddaughter, along with numerous nieces and nephews, and extended family who will miss him dearly. 

Johnny’s legacy is one of unconditional love, loyalty, and joy-a man who never hesitated to show up no matter the distance. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him.  

Robert Tyrrel Coffey passed away April 25, 2025, at the age of 79. He was born on January 18, 1946 to Robert H. and Betsy Smith Coffey. He graduated from Central High in San Angelo in 1964. He then received a BBA in accounting from Angelo State College in 1968.

He started his career in public accounting with Jones, Freeze, Hay, and Company. Next he went to work for an audit client, Shannon West Texas Memorial Hospital in 1976. His career in healthcare financial management continued with St. John's Hospital, Concho Valley Regional Hospital and concluded with Shannon after Concho Valley Regional was purchased by Shannon Health System in 1995, where he retired at the end of 1999.

During his career, Robert was a member of the American Institute of CPAs, the Texas Society of CPAs, the Healthcare Financial Management Association and the San Angelo Rotary Club and First Presbyterian Church. Robert was active in his church where he served for 13 years on the Stewardship Committee.

Robert is survived by his wife Betty Jan Coffey of the home, his ex-wife Priscilla Faulkner Coffey of Midland and their sons Robert Curtis Coffey (Leoni Davis) of Midland, Kenneth Lee Coffey (Tammy) of Conroe, Texas. Also surviving Robert are his brothers Bill Coffey (Mary) of San Angelo and Bud Coffey (Adele) of Ft. Davis. Survivors include his stepdaughters Traesha Robertson of Brunswick, GA, Tessa Hammond (Chris) of Denver, CO, and Tamatha Bollinger (David) of Coppell, Texas. He is also survived by his grandchildren Caylan Gandy (Ryan) of San Angelo, Cortney Lamb (Hollis) of Edmond, OK. Casey Coffey of California, Abby Nicole Payne of Coppell, Texas, Cashten and Cambria Hammond of Denver, CO. Also surviving Robert are his great grandchildren Noelle Capri Gandy and Ryker Lamb.

Visitation will be at Harper Funeral Home on May 1st from 6:00 to 8:00.

Funeral will be Friday, May 2nd at 10:00am at First Presbyterian Church at 13 N. Irving with Dr. Joel Moore officiating.

Graveside Services will be at Hillcrest Cemetery in Fort Davis on May 3rd at 12:00pm with Paul Harst officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of San Angelo.