Make a mark and see where it takes you. William "Bill" Alden Flanders, of Fort Davis, Texas, made his mark on this world beginning on October 4, 1947, in Kansas City, Missouri, and passed away September 13, 2023, holding hands with his beloved wife of over 55 years, Peggy (McDonald).

Bill was a brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; the pillar of the family with a neverending dedication to support and encourage, anchoring his family and friends with his loving guidance.

As a lifelong learner fueled with natural curiosity, Bill left his mark in many fields. Sometimes this curiosity was fueled by the desire to make things better, such as when there were only three in the Flanders' Sibling Tribe, Lynn, Bill, and John. Bill took a hammer to John's new tractor and found himself in deep trouble. Many years later, he revealed the reason for his destruction was to create a seat for his sister. His parents, H. Alden and Mary Flanders, quickly realized the depth and persistence of his love of learning when his father was approached by the curious 12-year-old asking when he could have a car. The reply, "When you have enough money to purchase one." led to a paper route and first car purchase that quickly became disassembled, including the engine, in order to learn how it worked. It didn't take long for Hays, Kansas locals to spot the lad driving about. In high school, natural winds, windmills, and a desire to conserve our natural resources, led to experiments for wind-powered electricity.

Before pursuing his formal education in mechanical engineering at Kansas State, Bill enlisted in the United States Army and fought overseas, returning as a multiple decorated veteran, including a Purple Heart recipient. He carried this patriotism for his country throughout his life. No time was wasted upon his return to marry the love of his life, Peggy Jo McDonald. Their love story began when she was just sixteen, and his adventurous ways led to a first date that included the surprise of attending a Christmas formal dance with both adorning white Levi's and sweatshirts. Peggy returned home with her sides hurting from a night filled with laughter...laughter that continued throughout their entire marriage.

Bill's career as a petroleum engineer included numerous awards for his contribution to the industry with his CO2 research and innovation. His career could have taken a much different path when he was approached early in his career by a NASCAR driver to join his team. Though his previous time spent as an alternate race car driver was fun, his family now included two children, Aron and Lisa, and it wasn't too hard of a decision to stay in the engineering career where he supported several American companies, received requests to work in other countries, and retired as president of Transpetco Engineering.

Being born in a time pre-internet and home computers didn't stop him from always exploring the latest and greatest technologies for work and as a hobby. Other pursuits throughout his life included sailing, windsurfing, drawing, astronomy, birding, State Park host/tour guide, indigenous culture, and whatever sparked his interest in a new research project, such as his deep dive into photography in pursuit of capturing the perfect photo to support his artist bride's plein air paintings that many times weren't completed on site. This research led to a possible superior light theory. Bill never needed accolades for his research knowledge shared but instead focused on contributing to the greater good. When he moved to new research topics, he happily shared research gained with someone in the specialized field most likely to continue the research. If you were ever involved in a project with Bill, no matter how big or small, you quickly realized how he held himself and others to a higher standard and paid particular attention to even the most minuscule detail.

Bill's kids learned early on to "Do your best or don't do it at all," "no excuses," "think for yourself," "be at the family dinner table at 6:30," and many other values and words of wisdom. His grandkids and great-grandkids learned that "Papaw" was competitive and may have the advantage of bringing his own games of skill. This younger generation missed out on the fun of learning tactical strategies of July 4th bottle rocket wars with the Minden neighbors.

He shocked family and colleagues alike when he announced his early retirement to make time for what he enjoyed ... spending countless hours soaking in the beauty of nature and wildlife as he, Peggy, and their fur babies camped primarily throughout Texas. Though he enjoyed transitioning to a simpler life, research projects continued to be an integral part of his life, such as his passion for genealogy. A highlight of this research was when he verified his family's lineage connection to a baby found in Flanders' Field in Belgium in the 17th century by a war soldier. Through a deep dive into DNA genealogy, he was also able to identify one of the baby's parents.

Bill and Peggy's travels to their favorite region, Far West Texas, led to their new homestead, Flanders' Paradise located in the Davis Mountains Resort, DMR. Here he founded, expanded, and maintained the DMR Community Library supported by his wife, donations, and a dynamic group of volunteers. The library has been operational for over a decade and was recently handed down to the next generation of librarians. This project was particularly special to Bill, a dyslexic, who avidly read for knowledge and purpose, but not for pleasure until discovering the Dyslexie font in his early 70s. This discovery led to an enjoyment of reading mysteries on his Kindle from his favorite chair, perfectly positioned to watch wildlife. The wildlife of the DMR soon realized Bill's soft spot for animals. Birds, deer, turkeys, and many other creatures knew when he was home and would immediately visit for food and water. Even the wild donkeys won him over.

Bill's final research project produced voluminous amounts of gallbladder cancer research. This research included the success of some patients, including himself, in tracking the progression of the disease through CA 19-9 and CEA tumor markers, as well as the need for close monitoring of the disease during immunotherapy. Bill's family is looking forward to sharing his findings, as he would, with an expert in the field who can hopefully use the information to make advancements in gallbladder cancer research.

Bill's lessons to us all:
•   Stay curious
•   Never stop learning
•   Learn to be quiet and just do
•   Pursue your interest with depth and persistence
•   Make time for what you enjoy
•   Learn to live a simple life
•   Do it all with laughter

Bill was preceded in death by his Grandparents, Earl and Pearl Flanders and Kenneth (Poppo) and Ola Munson, as well as his parents, Dr. H. Alden and Mary Flanders.

He will be greatly missed by his wife of over 55 years, Peggy Jo Flanders (McDonald); his daughter, Lisa Flanders-Dick and her husband Mike of Minden, Louisiana; his son, Aron Flanders and his wife Christon of Pratt, Kansas; his granddaughter, Lauren Davidson and her husband Daniel of Minden, Louisiana; his four grandsons, Taylor Dick of Lexington, Kentucky, Zackry Dick of Minden, Louisiana, Gabriel Flanders of Overland Park, Kansas, Cohen Flanders of Pratt, Kansas; his two great-grandsons, Elijah Davidson and Jaxon Davidson; his sister, Lynn (Flanders) Broman and her husband of Littleton, Colorado; his three brothers, John Flanders and wife Gail of Rochester, Minnesota, Richard Flanders and his wife Cyndi of Grayslake, Illinois, and Philip Flanders of Lawrence, Kansas; along with his many nieces, nephews and close friends.

Bill's family would like to extend a special thanks to his DMR, Eden, KOA, Texas City, and Minden "family", Shannon Health System, Dr. David Cummings and staff, and Dr. Hosein M. Shokouh-Amiri.

A family Celebration of Life for our Mountain Man will be held in the Manhattan, Kansas area in November.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Emergent Learning Research Institute (ELRI) in the College of Education and Human Sciences at Louisiana Tech University for Dyslexia research and outreach or to the Mayo Clinic designated for gallbladder research in honor of William Alden Flanders.

Polly Liles Waterhouse went to be with her Lord and Savior on September 25, 2023. She was born on May 24, 1929, to Harry and Truda Liles in Belton, Texas. On February 29, 1952, she married Roy Waterhouse in Texarkana, Arkansas, After Roy completed dental school in Dallas they moved, with their 4 children, to San Angelo, Texas where they opened a dental practice. Polly helped Roy run his practice for many years while raising her children. Polly joined the First Methodist Church in San Angelo in 1960 and was a loyal and faithful member and volunteered in every place she could. She loved everything she did! She also loved to play bridge and made many friends through her bridge club.

Polly was preceded in death by her husband, Roy, her daughter, Kim Waterhouse, her twin sister, Zolly Jones, her brothers Cecil and Bubba Liles, and her sisters, Lela Glazner and Marie Hayden.

Polly is survived by her children, Leslee and Gary Bowen, Kelley and Chip Cole, Randy Waterhouse, and Jeff and Connie Graham. Her grandchildren, who all were adored, Trent and Jaime Bowen, Lane and Elaine Bowen, Jess and Kelli Cole, Annabelle and Jordan Arnold, Leisel and Dave Bailey, Chili and Carla Cole, and Judson and Sarah Cole.

Also surviving Polly are her great grandchildren, Lena Kate and Ainslee Bowen, Cinco and Pecos Cole, Wade Cole, Catalina, and Jackeline Gutierrez. She is also survived by a sister, Estelle and Don Fisher, brother-in-law Van and Ann Waterhouse and many special nieces and nephews. Polly had so many wonderful friends, too many to mention here, but they know who they are.

A memorial service will be held at First Methodist Church on Friday, October 6, 2023 at 2:00pm.

The family would like to thank Baycrest Senior Living, where Polly spent her final months, and Concho Hearts Hospice for their loving care of our mother.

We are also thankful for Pastor Cyndy Young for her visits and her prayers.

Instead of flowers please send donations to First Methodist Church San Angelo or a charity of your choice.

Patsy June Nail Randolph went to be with the Lord on September 20, 2023, at the age of 84. Patsy was the baby, the youngest of four girls, born to Andrew James “Doc” and Lillie Mae Nail on November 17, 1938, in Wichita Falls. She was the son they never had and Daddy’s girl. Being a “Nail” identified her immediately as strong and tough and she lived up to it in every way.

Patsy grew up in Vernon and was a proud Vernon Lion, graduating in 1957. Shortly after, the family moved to Lubbock. It was there that she met the love of her life. Singing in the choir at Oakwood Baptist Church, she turned to see this man staring at her. He says he looked at her and thought, “What a beautiful woman! Whoever is married to her is a lucky man!” They met face-to-face a couple of weeks later while gathered around the piano at a church sing-along. She married Truett Randolph on June 12, 1964, and they spent 48 years singing together. They were blessed with three children, Kim, Rory and Cory; they were her pride and joy.

Truett’s CB handle was “Paper Peddler” and Patsy was his “Paper Doll.” He adored her, allowing her to believe the world revolved around her. When he passed away in 2012, we wondered how she would go on without him. She surprised us all by being that strong and “tough as nails” force to be reckoned with.

Besides her love of God and family, Patsy loved cardinals and all things red. She was the neighborhood cat lady, feeding, naming, and caring for every cat that wondered into the yard.

Patsy was preceded in death by her husband, parents, three sisters (Lurine Sharpe, Doris Brown and Betty Langston) and step-daughter, Deborah Randolph Bratcher. She is survived by her three children: Kim (Steve) Randolph Hayes, Rory (Pamela) Randolph, and Cory (Tracy) Randolph; five grandchildren: Ashtyn (Dillon) Tucker, Cayla Randolph, Celsey Randolph, Jordyn (Sterlyn) Wood, and Huntyr (Kyle) Klausner and two great-grands: Lola Mae Tucker and “Baby” Klausner (due in March,) as well as step-son, Ronnie Randolph (Nelda) and family. She is also survived by nieces and nephews and a host of others who called her Mom, Grammy and Friend.

There will be a visitation Friday, September 29th from 5pm – 7pm at Harper Funeral Home. Celebration of life will be 10am, Saturday, September 30th at Celebration Church (2639 Sunset Drive) followed by graveside service at Grape Creek Cemetery. Feel free to wear red!

We honor her life that was, celebrate her life that is more alive now than ever and we mark the legacy that lives on in her children, grandchildren and countless others!

Jess L. Allen, Jr went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at the age of 93 years.

Jess was born on August 17, 1930, in Miles, Texas. He was the only boy of nine children, those eight sisters were each one special to him. He married the love of his life, Vena Belle Ables on June 25, 1949, in Miles. He once took her to the " Picture show" on a tractor. They were married for 74 years.

In 1951 Jess was drafted into the United States Army, 224th Infantry Regiment and was eventually sent to South Korea. He served his country there in the Korean War until 1953. In 1954, after returning from Korea, He and Belle moved to North Reagan County where they lived in the old Stiles School House for several years. He worked at Mac's Grocery in Big Lake as a butcher. After that he went to work for Reagan County driving a maintainer. Jess and his father bought and cleared land in North Reagan County where they farmed cotton. Jess and Bell eventually moved from the old School House to the farm where they lived until moving to Mertzon in December of 2011.

Jess and Belle were founding members of The Community Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for many years. Together, in that little farmhouse, they raised four children. Johnny, Linda, Lonnie, and Kim. He loved his family endlessly. He not only shared his love with his family, but he loved his neighbors and friends. He never met a stranger and was famous for inviting anyone and everyone to come in and eat supper with the family or just have a glass of tea. Thank goodness Belle could prepare for a family of six or a crowd of ten at the drop of a hat. He always did his Christmas shopping on Christmas Eve and made sure he bought an extra gift or two to share in case someone extra joined the celebration. He will always be remembered for having a loving, caring heart when it came to people.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Jess Lee Allen, Sr and Jessie Bell (Emert) Allen; six sisters, Opal Jones, Gladys Sturgill, Dorothy Cox, Ruby Faust, Billie Reed and Betty Clifton; and his son-in-law, John Sanders.

He is survived by the love of his life, Belle; his two baby sisters, Wanda Jo Ables of Denver City and Shirley Bruton and brother-in-law, Bert Bruton of San Angelo; a host of nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly; his two sons and two daughters, Johnny Allen and wife Correne of Blackwell; Linda Matthews and husband Jimmy of Big Lake; Lonnie Allen and wife Carole of Blackwell; and Kim Sanders of Shallowater; nine grandchildren; Brandon Allen and wife Brittany of Midland, Michael Matthews and wife Natalie of Mertzon, Jill Fortenberry and husband Michael of Big Lake, Julie Matthews and husband Claudio also of Big Lake, Jennifer Furr and husband Ethan of Kent, Wade Allen and wife Shelby of Big Spring, John Wesley Sanders and wife Marisa of Brownfield, and Zy and Julian Sanders both of Shallowater; and 13 precious great-grandchildren with one more on the way; Jaxton and Landry Allen, Ally and Macy Matthews, Jentry Fortenberry, Allison, Josh, Brazos and Avery Sosa, Rylin, Whitley and Waylon Furr, Weston Sanders and arriving in February 2024, Charlye Ann Allen.

Pallbearers include his grandsons, Brandon Allen, Michael Matthews, John Wesley Sanders, Wade Allen, Zy Sanders and Julian Sanders. Honorary Pallbearers include his grandson-in-laws, Michael Fortenberry, Claudio Sosa, and Ethan Furr. Additional Honorary Pallbearers will be Joel Ham, Juan Barajas, Bubba Akin, Ted Spence, Michael Schwertner, Danny Schwertner, Larry Asbury, Larry Plumlee, Joe Phillips, and Eddie Joe Morton.

The family wishes to thank the staff of The Reagan County Care Center for their tremendous outpouring of love and care for our Daddy during his time there.

Memorials may be sent to the West Texas Boys Ranch and Sonrisas of San Angelo or to The Irion County Food Pantry, P.O. Box 583, Mertzon, Texas 76941.

Visitation

Thursday, September 28, 2023

3:00PM - 6:00PM

First Baptist Church of Big Lake 
510 E. 7th St. 
Big Lake, TX 76932

Funeral Service

Friday, September 29, 2023

10:00AM - 11:00AM

First Baptist Church of Big Lake 
510 E. 7th St. 
Big Lake, TX 76932

Bruce David Allred, passed away on September 22, 2023, at his residence in San Angelo, Texas. Bruce was born on February 28, 1956 and raised in Fort Stockton, Texas. His parents were Maxine (Robbins) Allen and Oscar Allen.

Upon graduating, Bruce entered into the U.S. Army, where he served for four years, and was in Vietnam. Bruce was a cabinet maker, and master carpenter. He could build anything. Bruce was also, a gifted and very talented artist – portraits were his specialty.

In 2003, Bruce let God into his heart again, from that time forward, he served the Lord. He served as a prison minister for a time, as well. Bruce was a true biker having ridden all over the U.S., Canada and Mexico – true joy to Bruce, was heading down a highway.

He is survived by his mate, Melody. He has two daughters, Jennifer and Aime and four granddaughters. His brother, John Cockburn (Judy) and brother Jody. He is also survived by his best friend Karl Kedziora.

He is preceded by his parents, and sister Jan. He also has many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Pat Roberts Richardson passed to eternal life on Friday, September 22, 2023 at the age of 93 years old.

Pat was born in 1930 in Duncan, Oklahoma, to Silas B. Roberts and Eunice Burleson Roberts. In 1951, she married the love of her life, Cecil George Richardson. They were married for 71 years when Cecil passed in 2022. They were blessed with a son, Mark, and a daughter, Dena. She returned to school in the late 1960s and earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Accounting from Angelo State University. She worked for GTE for many years in San Angelo, Dallas and Tampa, Florida.

Pat had a wonderful memory most of her life, even to remembering the license plate numbers of her out-of-state family members’ cars. She loved cooking, photography, history, genealogy, traveling and her family. She and Cecil spent many happy days traveling and delving into past records tracing their family histories. In her 80s, she took up painting which she loved. She was feisty, fun, sentimental and dearly loved by her family.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband, father, mother, sister (Helen Cunningham) and niece (Laurel Cunningham). She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Mark and Jamie Richardson, her daughter and son-in-law, Dena and Jerry McKenzie, her grandchildren, Jennifer, Ryan and Katarina and Robert Richardson, Caitlyn and Jaina McKenzie, her great-grandson, Cohen Richardson, and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023 in the Chapel at First Methodist Church, 37 E Beauregard Ave in San Angelo, Texas at 11 o’clock a.m.

Antonio Martinez Hernandez, 74, died on 21 September 2023, at Shannon medical center. He was born May 07,1949, in Barrio de Los Angeles, Rio Verde San Luis Potosí Mexico, the son of Pedro Martinez and Elodia Hernandez.

Antonio grew up working on a farm with his 2 brothers and 6 sisters, his passion was riding and working with horses, and anything to do with the farm and animals. On 1966 at the age of 17 he decided to migrate to the United States in the search for a better way of life arriving to the Schwartz family farm that he constantly considered his second home and family.

Antonio married the love of his life, Magdalena Maldonado on March 24, 1974. They celebrate their 49 years of marriage in March. Anyone who knew Antonio knew that he was the most loving Father and husband a family could ask for.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Maria del Socoro Martinez Hernandez and brother Pedro Martinez Hernandez Jr.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Magdalena Martinez, are his daughter Ofelia Martinez, his son’s Antonio Martinez Jr., and Erwin Frank Martinez. Antonio’s pride and joy were his 4 grandchildren: Tristan Martinez, Isabelle Martinez, Luciana Martinez, Abigail Elizabeth Martinez; one brother Javier Martinez Hernandez, and 4 sister Maria de Jesus Martinez Hernandez, Guadalupe Martinez Hernandez, Maria Luisa Martinez Hernandez, Veronica Martinez Hernandez.

Our father was a true role model who we will always look up to. The mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Ambrose Catholic Church on Thursday September 28 at 10:00 a.m.

Milton Ray Langston Jr. of San Angelo went to be with the Lord on Friday, September 22, 2023. He was 76 years old. Milton was born in Batesville, Arkansas on May 13, 1947, to Milton Sr. and Oza Langston.

He grew up in Mesa, Arizona where he attended grade school, high school, and Mesa Community College. He married the love of his life, Judy Carol Hyder, on August 5, 1966. They had 4 children: Marie, Christine, Abraham, and Rachel. In 1971 they left Arizona to move to Lubbock, Texas for the Sunset School of Preaching. After Lubbock they moved to Maseru, Lesotho for 8 years to serve as missionaries in southern Africa. Afterwards Milton preached in Bangs, Texas for 8 years and Jal, New Mexico 9 years. In 1999, Milton and Judy moved to San Angelo where Milton served as an Education Minister for 24 years for the Southgate Church of Christ. He retired in April 2023.

He is survived by his children, Marie Ledbetter and husband Robert, Christine Crowson and husband Murphy, Abraham and wife Kristi, and Rachel Naugle and husband Mark, grandchildren, Amber Cochran and husband Phillip, Johnathan Ledbetter, Morwyn Ledbetter, Dustin Langston, Lori Denton and husband Davis, Michelle McFetridge and husband Jacob, Steven Crowson, Matthew Crowson and wife Molly, Noble Naugle, Phoebe Naugle, RaeAn Crowson, and Oswin Naugle, great grandchildren, Emmerick Cochran, Aurelia Cochran, Corwin Cochran, Carter Denton, Kinsley Denton, and Fisher McFetridge. He is also survived by his sister, Beth King, and brothers, Phillip Langston and wife Donnie, Doyle Langston and wife JoAnn, Guy Langston and wife Sandra. Preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, Shelby Gerald, Mitchel Ray, Allan Todd, and Teddy Dale and his precious bride, Judy Langston.

Memorial will be Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 2:00pm at the Southgate Church of Christ in San Angelo, Texas.

Juanita (Janie) Hernandez Valdez entered the hands of his Lord and Savior on Sunday, September 10, 2023. She was a loving daughter, mother, nana, great-nana, aunt, sister and friend.

She is survived by her loving children: Monica Valdez, Efrain III, & Jordan; Victoria (Ernesto) Sanchez, Krystina & Nikales; Joshua Valdez, Yesenia Kat; Eduardo Valdez; Efrain Nava II; Granddaughters: Genesis, Seryn, Morgan, Angelina & Erin Ann Mansanalez. Great Grandson: Xavier Psalm Mansanalez; Sisters: Mary, Rita, Gloria, Rosie, Lucy, Diana & Norma; Brother: Carlos; Uncle: Ramon (Maria) Lucio.

She is preceded by: Grandmother Gabriella Chapa Lucio; Parents: Miguel & Victoria Hernandez; Son: Steven Mansanalez; Sister: Dora Ortiz; Brothers: Roy & Arthur Hernandez; Nephews: James Jr & Robert Baca.

Juanita was born in Robstown, TX, to Miguel (Mike) Hernandez & Victoria Lucio Hernandez. Her childhood was spent in Robstown, TX, with a brief time in Arizona and Porterville, CA. In 1960, her father moved the family to Gridley, CA, where she spent many years. In 1973, Janie started her journey through central California and landed in beautiful Oceanside, CA, where she planted her roots and raised her five children on her own. In 2006, her eldest son Steve moved her to Christoval, Texas.

Janie was a hard worker; she held two jobs while attending college and raising her five children on her own. She loaded her kids up in her “Hulk” green wagon, ventured on many summer vacations, camping trips to beaches, the Grand Canyon, KOA’s and trips to Texas to visit her Grandmother Gabriella and much more.

Janie adored her grandchildren, loved quilting, watering her garden & was extremely faithful to the Catholic Religion. She taught catechism at the San Luis Rey Mission, St. Martha’s Church and The Immaculate Conception Mission for many years. She deeply loved her Padres and Chargers and always wore jerseys with pride.

Texas Family & Friends, please join us for a memorial service to celebrate the life of Juanita on September 30, 2023, at the Immaculate Conception Mission Church, 12264 W Torres Rd, Christoval, TX @ 11:00 AM - reception to follow.

California Family & Friends, please join us for a memorial service to celebrate the life of Juanita and her son, Steven Mansanalez, who perished on October 10, 2020. We will gather together on, October 27, 2023 at The Oceanside Mortuary, 602 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA at 10:00 AM, tribute to Janie. Rosary & Mass tribute to Janie & Steve at 1:00 PM, Mission San Luis Rey 4050 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA. Rosary: Gloria Hernandez-Mize. Eucharist Minister: Augie Agado. Reception to follow.

Erminia B. Mejia, age 76 of Eldorado passed away Saturday, September 23, 2023. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at 11:00 at the Agape Assembly of God. Interment will follow in Eldorado Cemetery. Survivors include her husband Francisco Daniel Mejia, sons David, Daniel Jr., and Michael Mejia, daughter Margaret Contreras, brothers Ramon, Ramiro and Frank Barajas, and sister Maria Hill.