Eli William “Bill” Prater, Jr., beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend passed away peacefully on May 9th, 2018.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 am on Wednesday, May 16th at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in San Angelo. Visitation will be 6-8 pm on Tuesday, May 15th at Harper Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the West Texas Physical Rehabilitation (Texas Rehab) Center: 3001 S Jackson St, San Angelo, TX 76904 or the TCU Frog Club: TCU Box 297140, Ft Worth, TX 76129 

Bill was born on February 13, 1926 in Mansfield, Texas to Bill and Wallace (Adams) Prater and grew up in Alvarado, Texas, graduating from Alvarado High School in 1942. He served in the US Navy in WWII until 1946 on the USS Montpelier and received the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Star, Philippine Liberation, American Campaign and Victory Medals.

After military service, Bill attended TCU where he met Peggy Jo Trammel of San Angelo. They married in 1949 and graduated in 1950. Bill and Peggy raised their family in Fort Worth where Bill had a long career with General Dynamics. Upon retirement in 1990, they returned to San Angelo to enjoy friends and family and Bill remained after Peggy’s death in 1994.

Bill loved all sports, was an avid golfer, and enjoyed being with his golfing buddies. He was devoted to his TCU Horned Frogs, rarely missing a football game since the 1950s. Bill spent summers in Ruidoso enjoying his many friends. Bill treasured time spent with his dear friend, Sony. She brought love and joy to his life for many years. He was a longtime member and devoted lay reader at Emmanuel Episcopal.

Bill is survived by his sons, David and wife, Andrea, and Paul and wife, Sally, of Fort Worth and daughter Brenda Drgac and husband, Gary, of McCamey. He was Granddaddy to grandchildren, Kellsy Drgac, Brett and Eli Prater III, Paige Prater Casey and husband, Reagan, and Mallory Prater Lummis and husband, Palmer, and great grandchildren Hayes and Council Casey and Palmer and Will Lummis. Bill is also survived by brother in law, Howard Haby and wife, Marilyn and son, Hunter, of San Angelo and special friend, Sony Roethemeyer of Odessa, Texas.

Patty Lou Francis Bell, 79, passed away at her home in San Angelo, Texas on May 7, 2018.

She was born in Old Glory, Texas on October 12, 1938 to Marvin and Lucille Francis.Patty graduated from Coahoma High School in 1957. Patty worked in civil service until retiring in 1999.

During her career, she worked at Air Force bases in Big Spring, Lubbock and San Angelo. She had a passion for golf and for taking care of animals. Patty was an active member of Southgate Church of Christ and a special thank you goes to the ladies bible study group for their support of Patty while she was on dialysis.

Patty is survived by her son, Brad (Kristi) Bell and her grandson, Seth (Chris) Bell. She is survived by her older sister Joyce Spears and nephew Devon and nieces Carla, Mandy and Erin.She is survived by her twin sister Peggy (Ray) Engelhardt and nephews Chad (Stacy), Kent (Mandee) and niece Mitzi. She will be missed by her family, her many friends and her beloved cat, Birdie. Patty was preceded in death by her mother and father and nephew Todd.

A memorial service will be held from 2-4 pm on May 10th at Johnson's Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Patty may be made to an animal rescue organization of your choice.

Sylvia Frances Socha Barta, 96, of San Angelo, Texas passed away May 6, 2018 in the caring hands of Sagecrest Alzheimer's Care Center.

Sylvia was born January 27, 1922 in Moravia, Texas to Fred and Julia Kubos Socha. She married Charlie Barta on October 7, 1944, in Gonzales, Texas and moved to San Angelo, Texas in 1946. While Charlie served in the United States Army in World War II, she worked various jobs helping support the war effort at home. After the war, she helped her husband build a successful home building company in San Angelo.

Sylvia was an incredibly strong and passionate woman. Her love and devotion for her family and friends was felt by everyone she met. She loved to entertain in her home, making all who visited feel like a part of her family. She loved to dance, especially the polka, travelling with her husband to dances in different cities. She enjoyed playing games like dominos, bingo and bunco, and her playful competitive nature leaves behind wonderful memories for friends and family alike. Sylvia loved to cook and was known for baking some of the best poppy-seed kolaches around, leaving all who tasted them longing for more. She had a green thumb and grew beautiful plants that she shared and loved to see others enjoy. Her joy was contagious through her laughter, and the love she had for life shone brightly.

She was extremely proud of her Czechoslovakian heritage and was a member of SPJST. Her faith was an important part of her life and was a lifelong member of the Holy Angels Catholic Church, as well as a member of the Holy Angels Women's Society and Catholic Daughters of America.

Sylvia is survived by her two children and their spouses; Carolyn and Mike Brower of Houston and Mark and Donna Barta of Fort Worth; grandchildren Ben and Erika Brower of Houston, Marissa and Matt Davis of Houston, Brandon Barta and Beth Zetzman of Austin, and Lauren Barta of Lubbock; great grandchildren, Lucy and Elle Brower of Houston; a brother, George Socha of San Angelo, dear friend Polly Brosh and many nieces, nephews and in-laws. Sylvia was preceded in death by her loving husband Charlie Barta, brother Laddie Socha; sisters, Lillian Williams Holubek, Dorothy King Gillespie, and two sisters, Irene and Mildred as well as many other cherished family members.

A Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 10 at Johnson's Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, May 11, 2018 at 10 a.m. at Holy Angels Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ben Brower, Brandon Barta, Larry Socha, Craig Lennefelt, Scott Socha, and Kyle Beck. Honorary pallbearers include Neal Socha and Dean Bates. The family wishes to thank the entire staff of Sagecrest Alzheimer's Care Center for their many years of continued love and care of Sylvia. Memorials be made to Holy Angels Catholic Church, Alzheimer's Association, or your favorite charity.

Milton Andrew Plagens, of Wall, passed away on May 8, 2018 at the age of 93.

He was born on October 16, 1924 in Kurten, Tx to parents Edward and Victoria Opersteny Plagens. Milton was the oldest of ten children, eight brothers and one sister. He started school at A&M Consolidated and then later as a teenager joined the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC).

He worked in Colorado for six months while sending money home to his family. He then returned to Stephen F. Austin high school in Bryan. However, he was drafted in his senior year by the army during World War II where he served in the European and Asiatic Pacific campaigns. He was a member of the 140th Ordinance Heavy Maintenance Company. Upon his return from the war, he joined his family in Wall where he met his wife, Albina Holik. They were married December 20, 1947. Milton and Albina settled in the Wall Community where they raised their family.

Milton was a cotton and grain farmer along with having some livestock on the side. He received the Tom Green County Conservation award in 1977.
Milton was involved in several community activities. As a member of the Wall Brethren Church, he served as an elder, Sunday School teacher and delegate to several unity conventions. He was a member of the Wall PTA, Wall Young Farmers and the Wall Volunteer Fire Department.

Milton enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren’s sporting events and various school activities. He loved to cook outdoors for family gatherings. He also loved to fish and hunt.

Mr. Plagens is preceded in death by in death by his parents Edward and Victoria Plagens; Sister Alice Lero; Brothers Norman Plagens Clarence Plagens, Monsignor James Plagens, Donald Plagens, Edward Plagens; Great Grandchild Ely Plagens.
Milton is survived by his wife of 70 years Albina Rosalie Plagens; three children Milton A. Plagens Jr. and wife Linda, Brenda Sue Thomas and husband Larry, Dr. Leslie F. Plagens and wife Camille; Grandchildren Richard Milligan and wife Chris Lee, Joseph Thomas and wife Cristi, Julie Barnes and husband Charles, Kyle Plagens and wife Ryan, Chase Plagens and wife Tiffany, Lauren Plagens; eight Great Grandchildren; Brothers Franklin Plagens and wife Cathy, Earl Plagens and wife Shelia, Robert Plagens and wife Cathy; Sister in Laws Georgia Plagens, Leigh Plagens, Lynn Plagens, Bernadette Plagens, Marcella Carpenter, Wanda Holik; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Brookdale Assisted Living, Encompass Home Health, and Kindred Hospice for their care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wall Brethren Church or a charity of your choice.

A visitation will be held at Harper Funeral Home, Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 6:00 to 8:00 PM. A funeral service at Wall Brethren Church, Friday, May 11, 2018 at 10:30 AM with burial to follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

Giles Sylvester Williams was born November 14, 1942 to Rev. A. J. Williams and Beatrice Williams.

Giles was baptized and saved at an early age. G.S., as he was known, worked for Pool Oil Company until the company closed. G. S. was also known for a lot of laughter and showing a lot of love through his great cooking and sharing. G.S. will truly be missed by everyone!

Giles was preceded in death by sister, Elizabeth Davis; and brother, T. L . Williams and Allen Williams, Jr;and three of his children Patricia Williams, Andre Williams, and Gayla Grossman. 

He leaves to cherish precious memories his children; Sylvester Williams, Jr., Lorenzo, Williams, Lucretia Williams, Toya Williams, Nakkia Dangerfield, Thomas Anthony Blade and LaNecie Owens; 

Grandchildren, Sylvester Williams, III, Sequia Williams, Tyler, Williams, Sky Williams, Brison Williams, Tamdolyn Williams, Tavonte Williams, Earl Turner III, DeQuin Sims, Laila Ford, Pierce Yans, Joshua Dangerfield, Jade Dangerfield, Kavon Owens, Karlyce Owens, Arianna Manley, Sah’Cyah Blade, Jhazara Black, Zy’ir Blade, Z’Marion Black.

Great Grandchildren, Jayoron Williams, Zhanae Williams, Avonte Williams, Wilemete Williams, Ra’Dya Dantzler, Ryan Dantzler, Ahmari Turner, Chase Sims and Tajih Williams.

Siblings, Clara B. Williams and Monroe Williams.

A host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Kenneth Wayne Fannon, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and coach, passed away at 83 years old, on Sunday May 6, 2018 at his home on Lake OH Ivie, near Paint Rock, Texas. A true west Texas boy, Ken was born in O’Donnell, Texas on October 20, 1934 to Nola and Clyde Fannon, and remained in the San Angelo area throughout his life.

Ken’s 40 year career in athletics began at O’Donnell High School where his talent in the high and low hurdles earned him the title of State Champion, and a full scholarship to Abilene Christian College. During this time, he received several state titles and formed a brotherhood with his teammates. In 1956, he qualified as an alternate for the Melbourne Olympics. He went on to receive his Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, a Master’s degree in Counseling, and a degree in Administration. Ken took great pride in his coaching career and maintained a lifelong bond with the athletes he mentored during his time at Kermit High School, Odessa Permian, San Angelo Central High School, and Angelo State University. Prior to becoming the Athletic Director in San Angelo, he masterminded the well-known San Angelo relays. He remained there until his retirement in 1995.

In his free time, he enjoyed many hobbies, such as gardening, raising pecan trees, hunting, fishing, shorthorn cattle, 5-10 mile runs, and especially loved watching his grandchildren's sports events and activities. His favorite hobby, however, was spending time with his beloved wife of 63 years, Carolyn, at their home on the lake. They have been a part of Bayith Sunday school class at First United Methodist Church for many years and enjoyed hosting them for fish fry’s and fellowship. In his last years, every Friday night, you could always find Ken listening to the Bobcats and the Chiefs on the radio.

In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Ken installed major invitational tournaments or meets in all sports. He was inducted into the Abilene Christian College Hall of Fame, the Kermit High School 
Hall of Fame, and the San Angelo Central Hall of Fame.

He will be dearly missed and remembered by his family for his love, wisdom, and cute sense of humor.

Ken was preceded in death by his grandson, Tyler Enderli, his parents, Nola and Clyde Fannon, and three brothers and one sister. 

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Carolyn, his daughter, Jill Enderli and husband Darrow, his son, Jack Fannon and wife J'Laine, his grandchildren, Brittany Baker, and husband Rusty, David Fannon and wife Randi, and Heather Fannon, and his Great Grandchildren, Hunter Fannon and Mason Fannon. He is also survived by his sisters Pauletta Crawford and Nadine Lockwood, and many dear in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

The family will gather together to receive friends from 5:00-7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, May 9th at Harper Funeral Home. Ken's Funeral Service will be at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, May 10th, at First United Methodist Church at 35 East Beauregard in San Angelo. Graveside Internment will precede the funeral service at 10:00 A.M. at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens on Thursday morning. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the First United Methodist Church in San Angelo or a charity of your choice.

We would like to thank Dr. Jack Sun, Dr. Joe Kasberg and his wonderful nurses for all of their great care.

James T. Elder, 79, of San Angelo, Texas has joined the Lord on May 7, 2018. James was born in San Angelo, Texas on August 27, 1938. He was the son of Thomas H. Elder and Helen Herring Elder both of San Angelo.

James was married to Jeanie Hahn Elder on January 1, 1992. James was an Eagle Scout from Troop 1 and served on numerous Eagle Boards of Review. He retired from GTE in 1993 along with his beloved wife Jeanie. James also served his Country by joining the United States Navy and being assigned to the Command Ship USS Estes. He was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church of San Angelo and served on multiple committees. His favorite thing to give back to the Church was in working with the children in Vacation Bible School and helping with the Confirmands. James was also the President of the Sundown Lions Club from 1990 to 1991.

James is survived by his loving wife Jeanie, his two children: Janell Kendzora and David Elder, along with three grandchildren: Thomas Kendzora, Hanna Elder and Chandler Hahn; as well as three stepchildren: Jeffrey Hahn, Sarah Fairchild, and Andrew Hahn. He is also survived by his brother, Lewis Elder, and multiple nieces and nephews.

His visitation will be held on Thursday, May 10, 2018, from 5 to 7 PM at the Harper Funeral Home. The Memorial Service will be performed at the First United Methodist Church of San Angelo on Friday, at 11 AM on May 11, 2018, officiated by the Reverend Scott Bradford and Reverend Nathaniel Hankins. 

Memorial donations may be made in James’ honor to the First United Methodist Church of San Angelo Children’s Ministry. 

Thank you to all of his friends who have stood beside him during the last year’s of his life and also to the beautiful nurses and aides at Sagecrest Care Center who made him comfortable.

“You can change your life by changing your heart.” Max Lucado

Dean Steen, 77, of San Angelo, passed away on Saturday, May 5, 2018 in San Angelo.

He was born to Roy and Fannie Steen on January 15, 1941 in San Angelo. Dean married the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth Elliott, on January 19, 1960 in San Angelo. Dean had the pleasure of growing up in a large, loving family. He was a very kind and generous man that had a heart of gold. He never met a stranger and always had a smile on his face. Dean worked for the City of San Angelo in the street and bridge department for 32 years, retiring in 1996. After retirement, Dean spent his free time watching Sunday night football with his son, Johnny.

Dean is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Fannie Steen; son, Michael Steen; 3 brothers and 3 sisters. Dean is survived by his wife, Mary Steen; son, Johnny Steen and wife, Judy; granddaughter, Erica Steen; grandsons, Brandon Steen and wife, Melinie, Quentin Steen and wife, Karyn, and Clayton Steen; 6 great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. The family would like to thank the staff at BRC Nursing Home and Main Street Pharmacy, as well as Hospice of San Angelo (HOSA). There will be a time of visitation from 6:00-8:00 PM on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at Johnson’s Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in the Fairmount Cemetery with Rev. Leroy Steen officiating. Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital at www.stjude.org. Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson’s Funeral Home of San Angelo.

FAMILY

Dean is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Fannie Steen; son, Michael Steen; 3 brothers and 3 sisters. 
Dean is survived by his wife, Mary Steen; son, Johnny Steen and wife, Judy; granddaughter, Erica Steen; grandsons, Brandon Steen and wife, Melinie, Quentin Steen and wife, Karyn, and Clayton Steen; 6 great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

After a successful kidney transplant, on April 26, 2018, Johnny Harris, Jr., 60, of San Angelo, Texas succumbed to an unrelated illness.

Johnny is survived by his wife of 38 years, Regina (Major, United States Air Force ret.), daughters Zenobia Harris (Darvell) Bivens and LaGina, son Johnny III (Jessica), grandson Dean Bivens (part-time Batman and Grandpa's full-time superhero), parents Johnny Sr. and Flora Mae Harris, brother Chauncey, sister Flora Mae Harris (Ray) Rattler, and many loving, nieces, nephews and extended family.

Johnny's motto was "God, Family, and Education," and he lived his life accordingly.

He believed that knowledge and education could change your life and perceptions, making you a better person. Johnny had a bachelor's degree in business and two master's degrees, one in business and the other in education.

He and Regina have 3 children: Zenobia (a partner at a law firm), LaGina (an artist, educator and philanthropist), and Johnny III (a clinical counselor). He encouraged them to be the best versions of themselves and never quit. Johnny committed most of his life to helping his and other people's children. After years selling insurance and owning his own businesses, he returned to his passions-educating and coaching. He first coached football at Zaragoza Air Force, Spain. He later coached at Estacado, High School in Lubbock, Texas. When Johnny and Regina moved to San Angelo, he taught at Lincoln Middle School, then taught and coached at Edison then Lee Middle School.

Johnny began mentoring local high school students and founded a non-profit to help high school student athletes improve their academics and obtain scholarships for college. Johnny was proud, extremely proud of CAAP (the Center for Athletic and Academic Placement) and the students and cubbies that he coached. During the past 20 years, he and Regina helped mentor hundreds of students and helped many of them get into college. Services for Johnny will be from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM at Johnson's Funeral Home on Saturday, May 5. There will be music, laughter, and stories (many stories), which is how Johnny wanted to be remembered. Johnny's ashes will be interred at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.

Johnny believed that no child should suffer. So, in lieu of flowers, Johnny wanted everyone to donate to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, a children's hospital that pioneers research and treatment for kids with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. If you would like to bring something to the service for the family, please bring a note or card showing that you support St. Jude.

FAMILY

Regina Harris, Wife

Zenobia Harris Bivens and husband Darvell, Daughter

LaGina Harris, Daughter

Johnny Harris III and Jessica, Son

Dean Bivens, Grandson

Johnny Harris Sr., Father

Flora Mae Harris, Mother

Chauncey Harris, Brother

Flora Mae Harris Rattler and husband Ray, Sister

and many loving, nieces, nephews and extended family.

James “Jim” Houston Eudy passed peacefully at home on Sunday, April 29, 2018, surrounded by his loved ones.

Jim was born in Veribest, TX on September 25, 1932, to Samuel and Celena Eudy. Whether it was getting into everything he could as a youngster or worrying his mother to death, Jim loved life and lived every moment he had to the fullest. He met the love of his life, Frankie, in February of 1960 and they were married 4.5 years later on October 26, 1964. Family was Jim's top priority; together he and Frankie raised 7 children. Jim served 4 years in the Marines prior to going to work for the Goodyear Tire Testing Division where he drove over 3 million miles in a truck before retiring after 26 years.

Jim never met a stranger; he loved to sit down and talk about life. Some of his hobbies included Woodworking, Fishing, Camping, White Water Rafting, Photography (capturing and developing), Flying Airplanes, Fixing Cars, and Riding Motorcycles. He also enjoyed working with horses and taught us the valuable lesson that even though you get thrown off sometimes, you get right back on. After retiring from Goodyear, he became a carpenter and loved working in his woodshop making crosses, pens, bowls, and many other items.

In his later years, he traveled the United States on his motorcycle taking trips to Blue Ridge Parkway and Dragon’s Tale in Tennessee at 80. He even went Zip lining down Fremont Street in Las Vegas at 82 with his prosthetic leg. He taught us about hard work, integrity, and the importance of family, but most of all he taught us how to love life and not to waste one minute of it. Fly high, Daddy, you will be missed

He is survived by his wife, Frankie Eudy, 2 sons, Leroy Sargent of Spring, Texas and Rodney Sargent and wife Laurie of San Diego, three daughters, Dortha Sargent of Pearland, Charlene Eudy of Eden, and Celina Eudy of San Angelo. He is also survived by a sister, Mary Hyatt and husband Doug of Lubbock as well as 15 Grandchildren and 21 Great-Grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Jimmy Eudy, a daughter, Sherri Eudy Orona, and a brother, Benny Eudy.

A visitation with the family will be held from 6 – 8 PM on Friday at Johnson’s Funeral Home. Services will be held at 10 AM Saturday in Johnson’s Chapel with burial to follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.