Gail Iness Payne, of San Angelo, passed away August 8, 2019, at the age of 91. She was born on January 20, 1928, in Van Alstyne, TX, to parents Birdie and Ruth (Knight) Coats. Gail graduated from Cooper High School in Lubbock County, Texas, in 1945, and was one of the first females to receive a bachelor’s degree in Geology from Texas Tech University. She married Bobby Darrell Payne, Sr., on February 6, 1948. Gail taught science and math in Brownfield, TX, and at Washington Junior High and Central High School in San Angelo. She was an excellent gardener and one-time president of Senisa Garden Club, an avid reader, a seamstress, quilter, and a Gold Life Master duplicate bridge player.

Gail is survived by her son, Bobby Payne, Jr. and wife, Frederikka; son, Michael Payne and wife, Carol; daughter, Marianne White and husband, Michael; and grandchild Christopher White. She is also survived by her brothers, Charles and John Coats. She is preceded in death by her husband, Bob; her parents, and her sisters Ethel Coleman, Elizabeth Perser, and Nancy Swanner.

Graveside services will be held at Fairmount Cemetery at 10:00am on Saturday, August 17. Memorial gifts may be made to Tom Green County Library, 33 West Beauregard, San Angelo, TX, 76903, designated for the purchase of large print books; the Alzheimer’s Association, 438 E. Houston Harte Expressway, San Angelo, TX, 76903; or the charity of your choice.

Mortimer Leonard Mertz, horseman, polo player, and livestock man was quoted as saying he had had a wonderful life and wouldn’t have changed a thing, though maybe it could have rained a little more. Mort passed away peacefully on August 14, 2019, in San Angelo, Texas. Mort was born in San Angelo, Texas on October 18, 1923. His parents, Len and Ernestine Mayer Mertz, were both from early-day ranching and banking families.

Mort graduated third in his class from San Angelo High School in 1941. He was also named All-West Texas as a guard in the 1940 season and was selected to play in the Texas High School coaches All-Star Game played in Houston at Rice University Stadium.

An unusual occurrence took place during that game. Each position had two players. Unfortunately, the other player at right guard was hurt in practice and Mort played the entire game.
Mort attended Texas A&M from 1941 to 1943 and while in school was on the polo and football teams. In 1947 he graduated with a degree in Animal Science after serving three years in the Army, including eight months overseas in Europe.

In 1950 he was recalled to active duty and served as Company Commander, Company C, 66th Tank Battalion, 2nd Armored Division in Gonsenheim, Mainz, Germany.

After leaving the service in 1952, Mort went to work on a ranch he and his brother Joe had purchased in 1949 north of Pie Town, New Mexico. During the Christmas holidays of 1952 the brothers went home to San Angelo. At a party during their stay, Mort met Madolyn Powell. The attraction was strong and a year and a half later Mort left the New Mexico ranch and moved back to Texas. On April 20, 1954 they were married and together they ranched in Irion, Reagan, Crockett, and Schleicher counties.

In past years, Mort served on the Reagan County Agricultural & Stabilization Committee, the Reagan County Water Supply District, the Schleicher County ISD board, the Plateau Underground Water Conservation and Supply District, and the Texas Animal Health Commission. He was also a director of the Texas and Southwest Cattle Raisers Association, as well as a past president of the Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association.

He is survived by his wife Madolyn; three sons and their wives Len and Trish, Mort and Susan, and Michael and Trina; his daughter Susan Slaughter; and his brother Joe, brother-in-law Jimmie Powell and sister-in-law Marolyn Bean. He will also be fondly remembered by his grandchildren, James Mertz, Phillip Mertz, Will Slaughter, Louis Mertz, Lawson Mertz, Madolyn Mertz Brinig, Len Slaughter, Arden Mertz, Chase Mertz, Wyatt Mertz and his seven great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death are his daughter-in-law Frances Schneider Mertz, and his son-in-law William “Dub” Slaughter, Jr.

A memorial service honoring his life and legacy will be held on Friday, August 16, 2019, at The Cathedral Church of the Sacred Heart at 10:00 a.m.

Memorials may be made to The Children’s Miracle Network, P.O. Box 1879, San Angelo, Texas 76902 or a charity of your choice.

James Anthony “Tony” Smith, 75, of Big Lake Texas went to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 11, 2019 in Big Lake, TX. James Anthony, affectionately known as “Tony,” was born September 25, 1943 in San Angelo, Texas to Edgar and Vivian Goode Smith. He grew up in San Angelo and graduated from Central High School in 1962. After high school, he moved to Austin where he worked as a butcher for a period of time. Austin would be the place where he met the love of his life Evelyn Jo Yocham. They were married September 13, 1969 in Big Lake, Texas. Just shortly before the birth of their first child, they relocated to Big Lake and made their home for almost 50 years, raising three beautiful children. Tony went to work for Oil Field Maintenance in 1969 and began his career in the petroleum industry. He would eventually own his own transportation company Smith and Yocham Transport. He stayed in retirement for about five years until their youngest child started school. He was a hard-working man all of his life and decided to go back to work hauling crude oil for BML Trucking until his final retirement in 2009. Tony was a loving and devoted husband father and grandfather who loved his family dearly and enjoyed spending time with them. In his spare time, he was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, hunting, boating, water skiing, snow skiing, traveling and just being active in the “great outdoors.” Aside from his hobbies he loved the Lord and had a tremendous faith in God. Tony was also a Mason in The Big Lake Masonic Lodge #1203.

His Life and legacy of love will remain in our hearts forever and we will dearly miss him! Tony was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Joe Smith, and his dear Stepmom, Joy Stokes. He is survived by his wife Evelyn Jo Yocham Smith, of Big Lake; his children, Tony Roy Smith, of San Angelo, Rebecca Jo Smith Pena and her husband Natalio Pena, Jr., of Big Lake, and James Russell Smith and his wife Cheree Smith, of San Angelo; his Grandchildren, Jacob Shane Avila, Anndie Kathleen Perez, JoDee Elizabeth Perez, Troy Irvin Smith and Macy Rose Smith; his Sisters, Gwen Kirk and her husband Butch, Dianne Lee and her husband Dan, Nancy “Pickles” Shockley and her husband Darrell; and a host of nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at Harper Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be 10:00 A.M., Thursday, August 15, 2019 at Harper Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

Donald McQueen, of San Angelo, passed away on Sunday, August 11, 2019.

He was born in Bronte to Mae (Gibson) McQueen & Alexander McQueen on October 20, 1925. He graduated from Bronte High School in 1943 and joined the US NAVY in 1944 where he served on the USS Lexington as a radioman. He graduated from Texas Tech in 1949 and married Frances Dodge in 1950. He worked as a banker for many years in California.

He loved aviation and his second love of his life, his plane, a Cherokee Arrow.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Frances McQueen, his son Jim McQueen and wife, Nancy, daughter, Susan McQueen, two grandsons, Sean McQueen and his wife, Beth, and Scott McQueen, sister, Leona Hufstutler and her husband, Gale.

Funeral services will be 3:00pm Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel with Rev. Mike Dorman, officiating. Arrangements are made by Robert Massie Funeral Home.

The family of Donald McQueen wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff of Talley House for the wonderful care shown to our family.

Toni Munoz, 41, passed away Friday, August 9, 2019, in San Angelo surrounded by her family.

Public viewing will be from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM Monday, August 12, 2019, at Robert Massie Funeral Home. Memorial Services will be 10:30 AM Thursday, August 15, 2019, at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel with Pastor Freddy Chavarria, pastor of Lighthouse Presence of Christ Church, officiating. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.

Mrs. Munoz was born November 21, 1977 in San Angelo where she has been a lifelong resident. Toni attended Lakeview High School. She worked as a CNA for Baptist Memorial for 10 years and Visiting Angels just under a year. Toni enjoyed caring for her patience so much that when she became ill some of her patience family members came and visited her. Toni will be remembered for her love and care for others. She is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Antonio, Sr. and Bernabe Munoz; her maternal grandfather, Emilio G. Rerez, Sr.; her aunt, Rosalinda Perez; and a 2nd cousin, Bobby Ray Chapoy.

Survivors include a son, Daniel Cantu of San Angelo; a daughter, Maria Isabel Aguirre of San Angelo; her parents, Antonio, Jr. and Maria Munoz of San Angelo; a brother, Isreal Munoz of San Angelo; a sister, Lori Palacios and husband Rudy of San Angelo; Maternal grandmother, Maria Rios Perez of San Angelo; six nieces, Moriah Munoz, Mayah Madison Munoz, Madylon Mae Munoz, Mylee Marie Munoz, Marina Munoz Palacios, and Marissa Munoz all of San Angelo; a great nephew, Josiah Zayd Urquidez; and a great niece, Olivia Alvarez both of San Angelo.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Kindred Hospice for their loving care and everyone for their prayers.

Wanda Parks was born on January 3, 1932 and passed away on August 6, 2019 in San Angelo, Texas.

Lelia Trevino Castro entered eternal rest surrounded by her family on August 9, 2019. She was born on August 20, 1925 in Ciudad Acuna, Coahuila Mexico to Carlos and Consuelo Trevino. At a young age, she immigrated to the United States with her family where they settled in Sonora, Tx. There, she met and married the love of her life, Abel Castro Sr. Later, they relocated to San Angelo, Texas where she would spend the remainder of her life. Lelia was a mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to many. She had a sense of humor that brought laughter and smiles to many. She was quick-witted and had boundless energy. At the age of 90, her children decided to put an end to her driving a vehicle. She never forgave them and as she would always say about the numerous fender benders that it was always the "other drivers fault". One of the fondest memories of her children and grandchildren is her Saturday morning breakfasts. She would make delicious tortillas and all the fixings, and the family would gather with laughter, joy and endless chatter. Sadly, no one learned to make the delicious homemade tortillas, and we miss them fiercely. One of her greatest joys was cooking for her family and it was done with lots of love. Lelia is survived by three or her four children; Abel Castro, Jr. (Leticia) of Plano, Texas, Danny Castro (Michelle), and Alma Boisse (Rudy), and daughter-in-law, Linda Castro, all of San Angelo, Texas. Also, her grandchildren; Gabriel Castro (Jana), Kevin Castro, Renee Boisse, John Paul Boisse (Shalisa), Tiffani Castro, and Sydni Castro (Johnathan) all of San Angelo. Great grandchildren Jacob and Luke Castro, Brynlee and Berkley Boisse, Aidan Martinez, Asher Gonzales, and one sister Consuelo Perez. Proceeding her in death, her husband Abel, her beloved son Hector Castro, and one grandson Hector Orlando Castro. Rosary will be recited Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at 7:00 pm at Johnsons Funeral Home and Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at 10:00 am at Saint Mary's Catholic Church. The interment at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. A special thank you to Alice Reyes, who Lelia loved as a daughter for her kindness and compassionate care. "Vaya con Dios, Madrecita linda"

Mary Ann Barbee Meroney, 83, of Big Lake, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2019 after a 10 year battle with a rare neurological disease. Mary Ann was born on June 12, 1936 in Texon, Texas to William Curtis and Eva John Young Barbee. She graduated from Reagan County High School in 1954 and from the University of North Texas in Denton with a BBA in 1958. Mary Ann married her high school sweetheart, Donald Leon Meroney, on August 16, 1958 in Sinton, Texas. She worked as an Administrative Secretary for several oil companies before becoming a Teachers Aide at Reagan County Elementary. Mary Ann was a member of the Reagan County Garden Club, the 20th Century Club, the Happy Homemakers Club, as well as the American Legion Auxiliary in Big Lake. She was also an active member of the First Baptist Church where she was on the Benevolence Committee and a former 5th Grade Sunday School Teacher. Mary Ann enjoyed gardening, reading, scrapbooking and caring for her family. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, and friend who had strong Christian convictions and a positive outlook on life. Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Mark Patrick Meroney; niece, Louanne Munden and husband Michael and family; brother-in-law, Robert Neal Meroney and wife Gloria; cousin, Larry Lynn Spitler, and a host of other relatives and friends. Mary Ann is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her sister, June Barbee Bone and husband Clyde. She is rejoicing in heaven with her loved ones who have gone before her. Open visitation will begin Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at Johnson's Funeral Home in San Angelo. A family visitation will be held from 12-2 pm, Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at First Baptist Church in Big Lake with the funeral service to begin at 2 pm with Gerald Bastin officiating. Burial will follow at Glen Rest Cemetery in Big Lake. The family would like to send a special thank you to the staff at the Reagan County Care Center and Hospital as well as Dr. Chris Vanderzant and Amber with Hospice of San Angelo. Family and friends may sign the online register book at www.Johnsons-FuneralHome.com.

FAMILY

• William Curtis Barbee, Father (deceased)
• Eva John Young Barbee, Mother (deceased)
• Donald Leon Meroney, Husband (deceased)
• June Barbee Bore, Sister (deceased)
• Clyde Bore, Brother-in-law (deceased)
• Mark Patrick Meroney, Son
• Louanne (Michael) Munden, Niece
• Robert Neal (Gloria) Meroney, Brother-in-law
• Larry (Lynn) Spitler, Cousin
• Mrs. Meroney also leaves behind a host of cherished family and friends that will continue to treasure her memory.