George E. Thurston, of San Angelo went to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 3, 2017 in San Angelo. George was born October 5, 1955 in Rochester, N.Y. to Richard and Joy Goff Thurston, and grew up in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1976 and served his country honorably for 21 years, retiring at the rank of Master Sergeant. He started his military career as an infantryman in the 3rd Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) as a member of the Presidential Honor Guard and Continental Color Guard under Presidents Ford, Carter, and Reagan. He then transitioned into the Special Operations Forces (SOF) community with an assignment to the newly formed Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) at Ft. Bragg, NC. He spent the rest of his career in the SOF community with assignments to Ft. Drum, NY, Augsburg, West Germany, Ft. Devens, MA, and Ft. Eustis, VA. His combat operations included OPERATION URGENT FURY (Grenada), OPERATION JUST CAUSE (PANAMA), and other missions as assigned.
George married the love of his life Susan L. Thurston on December 20, 1997 in Coral Springs, Florida and they shared almost 20 beautiful years together. George was a loving son, brother, husband, father and grandfather who devoted his life to his family and his country. He was a very straight forward kind of man, so you always knew where you stood with him, and his advice was always stellar. He was a member of the San Angelo Gun Club and he volunteered in the VIPS program with the San Angelo Police Department. George was a Master Mason and belonged to Muenster Lodge #831, in Ulm, Germany. In his spare time, he loved fishing, clay shooting and watching the Washington Redskins play football. “HTTR” “Hail to the Redskins!” was his favorite chant. Most of all, he loved spending time with his granddaughter Lily and fishing on Lake Amistad. George’s love for his family and incredible patriotism and love for his country will remain in our hearts forever! He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him! George was preceded in death by his father Richard. He is survived by his wife, Susan L. Thurston, of San Angelo; his sons, Jason George Thurston and his wife Adriana, of San Angelo and Joshua David Thurston, of Silver Spring, MD, his grandchildren, Lily Marie Thurston and Julian Thurston; his mother, Joy Horton, of Sodus, N.Y; his brothers, Randy Thurston and his wife, Patrice, of The Colony, TX and Lee Thurston and his wife Peggy, of Phelps, N.Y. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and a host of very good friends.
The Memorial Service for George will be 2:00 P.M., Friday, December 8, 2017 at Goodfellow Air Force Base Chapel with Rev. George Varela officiating. Interment will be 10:15 A.M., Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
Anyone wishing to attend George’s memorial service must contact the funeral home for GAFB access instructions. (325-340-1850)

L.E. Miller, 83 of San Angelo went to be with his Lord on December 2, 2017. He was born December 21, 1933 in Bullard ,Texas to the parentage of Coverson and Annie Bell McKeller, later raised by his step-father William L. Miller. He was employed by Safeway Food Stores for 35 years. Landscaping was his passion and received Yard of the Month several times during the 1990’s. He was a member at St. Paul Baptist Church where he enjoyed being an usher. He loved people and enjoyed laughter. 
L. E. is survived by his children, Brenda Bundage, Diane Raphael, son Rev. Lester E. Miller and wife Dinnie of Rosenberg, Texas, mother of his children, Dorothy Miller, grandchildren and great grandchildren, sisters, Regina Barlow, Mayra Frater, Jessie Mass, Lucille Smith, Naomi Moore, brothers, Tony McKellar, Coverson McKellar, Jr. Winfred McKellar, host of nieces, nephews and friends. 

There will be viewing from 8:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M., Thursday, December 7, 2017 at Harper Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be 11:00 A.M., Friday, December 8, 2017 at Wesley Trinity United Methodist Church with Rev. Robert Marks officiating. Interment will follow at Fairmount Cemetery. 

The family of L. E. Miller would like to take the opportunity to express sincere appreciation to Hospice of San Angelo for services rendered to our father. 

He will be missed, but never forgotten.

Abel Reina Juarez, of San Angelo went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 in San Angelo surrounded by his loving family. Abel was born August 4, 1952 in San Angelo, Texas to Manuel and Obdulia Reina Juarez. After High School Abel served his country honorably in the United States Marine Corps for 8 years. During his time of service, he was a Marine Corps sniper and received the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and received several sharp shooter badges. Abel was a truck driver in the transportation industry for many years and retired in 2009. He married the love of his life, Elia Gonzales on August 21, 1976 and they shared 40 wonderful years together and raised two beautiful daughters. Abel was a loving son, brother, husband, father and grandfather who devoted his life to his family. He was a very no-nonsense kind of man, but he loved helping others and was extremely generous with advice or anything anyone needed. All his friends and family knew that Abel was a great listener and that they could count on him to be there when they needed him. In his spare time, he loved camping and was a tremendous weapons enthusiast. Most of all, spending time with his family, his grandchildren and his close friends was what he loved most. Abel’s incredible love of family and his country will be carried in our hearts always. We will dearly miss him! Abel was preceded in death by his mother, Obdulia and his brother, Oscar Reina Juarez, who was killed in action serving his country during the Vietnam War. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Elia Juarez, of San Angelo; his daughters, Rosario Rangel and Dolores Juarez, both of San Angelo; 6 grandchildren; his sisters, Sylvia Alvarado and her husband Albert, of San Angelo, and Cynthia Gonzalez and her husband Benny, of San Antonio, TX; his Brother, Mario Juarez and his wife Diane, of Dallas, TX. The family will have a visitation and service of remembrance from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M., Thursday, December 7, 2017 at Harper Funeral Home. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude and thanks to the Doctors and Staff of Shannon Medical Center and to Ernestina Bejil-Luna and all the staff at Kindred Hospice for all the loving care given to Abel.

‘When I die, don’t come to my grave to tell me how much you love me and how much you miss me, because those are the words I want to hear while I’m still alive.’

Peggy Miller Stovall, age 82, went to be with her Lord on Sunday, December 3, 2017. She was born in Santa Anna, Texas to Claude O. Miller and Hazel Upton Miller on September 30, 1935.

Peggy and Robert E Stovall, Sr were married in Kermit Texas in 1954. They moved with the oilfield business and in 1966 she lost her husband to a tragic oil field accident in Venezuela. Peggy moved with her two small children to join her parents in Fort Stockton, Tx that year. She began her banking career at Pecos County State Bank in 1979 and retired in 2008. She loved opening her home to all of her children’s friends. She was a mother to many and a cherished friend to even more. 

Peggy spent her last year’s residing in San Angelo, Tx at Brookdale retirement community. There, she was cared for and deeply loved by many as she battled memory disease. She was known so fondly for her humor, quick wit, her selfless giving and love for all those around her.

Peggy is survived by son, Robert E Stovall, Jr., and wife Cindy, daughter Julie Kasberg and husband Mike. Grandchildren Parker Stovall and wife Bonnie, Austin Stovall and wife Ashley, Jerod Glaspie, Madison Krantz and husband Jordan. She became an inherited grandmother to Sydney Kasberg and brother Benjamin Kasberg. Great grandchildren Ryder Stovall, Jackson Stovall, Avery Layne Krantz. She is also survived by sister Maylayne Brown and husband Joe, and brother Claude O Miller, Jr.

The family will host a Service of Remembrance to be held at Harper Funeral Home in San Angelo Texas on Thursday December 7, 2017. Remembrances will begin at 3:00 PM. Please direct any gifts of memory to Kindred Hospice of San Angelo or the National Alzheimer’s Association.

Jay Coates Chandler was born on September 12, 1970 in Lubbock, Texas to Janice Coates Chandler and J.D. Chandler. He passed away peacefully at his home after a period of declining health on November 28, 2017 at the age of 47.
Jay developed a love of the outdoors at a young age on the family ranch in Reagan County with his grandfather, P.H. Coates. Over the years, he continued to help his uncle, Steve Wayne Coates, out at the ranch. He loved the time he spent there, especially feeding corn to the deer and turkey and watching the quail.
Jay attended schools in San Angelo, graduating from Central High School in 1989 and later Angelo State University. At San Angelo Central High School, he received recognition as a versatile honor student.
From the time he was young, Jay enjoyed playing football. He started out as a Gary-Y player in elementary school and continued on to play as a San Angelo Central Bobcat.
Throughout his life, Jay had a love of music that was instilled in him by his grandmother Louise Coates. He expressed this through his guitar which delighted all who listened.
Jay was a member of the Methodist Church. In his youth, he participated in MYF activities. He attended Laity Lodge first as a camper and later as a member of the work crew. There he encountered the leadership and fellowship that led to his growth in the love of Christ and his fellow man. His faith gave him strength in his valiant battle with his illness.
The many friendships he developed over his life were dear to his heart. All who knew Jay were captivated by his smile and kind, compassionate manner.
Preceding Jay in death are his grandparents P.H. and Louise Coates, grandmother Ruth Chandler, uncle and aunt P.H. Coates III and Wynell Coates, aunt Lucy Jean Harmon, and dear family friend Dennis Blackburn, MD.
Surviving family members include his beloved mother Janice Coates Chandler, father J.D. Chandler, sister Joy Gumbiner, niece Anastasia Gumbiner, uncle Steve Wayne Coates and Nan, and numerous cousins.
Honorary pallbearers will be his many friends.
Visitation will be Sunday, December 3, 2017 from 3:00 – 5:00 PM at Harper Funeral Home in San Angelo.
Funeral Services will be Monday, December 4, 2017 at 2:00 PM at Sierra Vista United Methodist Church of San Angelo, with the burial at Fairmount Cemetery. 
Memorials may be made to West Texas Counseling and Guidance Center, 242 N. Magdalen Street, San Angelo, TX 76903 which held a special place in Jay’s heart. Meals for the Elderly, 310 East Houston Harte, San Angelo, TX or any charity of your choice.
The family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to MHMR.

Jerry Lee Cranford, 80, of San Angelo, Texas is with his Lord and Savior since Wednesday, November 29, 2017. He died at the home he shared with his wife of over 57 years, Kaye Hubbard Cranford.
Born in Carlsbad, New Mexico to Mildred Frances Rowley and Leroy Dewey Cranford, he graduated from Artesia High School in 1955 (and was known to sing the bulldog fight song at the drop of a hat!). After receiving his BBA from Abilene Christian University, Jerry worked in the mortgage and loan, discountretail, and banking fields before discovering his passion for the cable television industry. He was an avid tennis player, golfer and outdoorsman for much of his well-lived life. He has been actively involved in supporting his community through organizations such as the Optimist Club and the Wounded Warrior Project. Jerry was honored to serve as a deacon for his church family, and was buoyed by the support from his small group friendships. Jerry’s uncanny ability to put people at ease meant he never knew a “stranger” for long.
Jerry is preceded in death by his mother Mildred F. Rowley, father Leroy D. Cranford, son-in-law David S. Strickland, dear friend (and “runnin’ mate”) Gene R. Wilborn, and beloved cousins, nephews, and in-laws. He is survived by his cherished wife Kaye (San Angelo), daughter Shelley Cranford (Sierra Vista, AZ), son Bradley Gene (Cara Lee) Cranford (Abilene, TX), granddaughter Lindsay Lee (Jason) Boone (Abilene), grandson Caleb Bradley Cranford (Abilene), granddaughter Riley Caraline Cranford (Abilene), sister Janice Lou Gonzales (Carlsbad, NM), brother Jon Garfield (Sylvia) Cranford (Granbury, TX), several wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and very dear friends.
Visitation will be from 3:00 until 4:30pm at Harper Funeral Home on Saturday, December 2, 2017. Funeral services for Jerry will be at the Johnson St. Church of Christ on Monday, December 4, 2017 at 11:00am, with the graveside service to follow at Fairmount Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Rust Street Ministries, 803 Rust Street, San Angelo, TX 76903; Pro2g Mission, 4658 Trevor Trail, Grapevine, Texas 76051 or pro2g.com; the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210.

Lucy Ruth Combites Allen was born on a farm in Wagoner, Oklahoma on February 22, 1941. She passed from this life surrounded by her family on November 30, 2017. Her Parents were Clifton E. Combites and Mary Harris Comites Benefield of Wagoner, OK.
Lucy graduated from Wagoner High School in 1957 and Northeastern State University in 1963 earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Her teaching career spanned over 50 years. Her first job as a teacher was in Wichita, Kansas where she taught 2nd grade. She later moved to San Angelo where she worked as a Substitute Teacher and a Teacher’s Aide at SAISD for over 20 years. In 2004, she began working with students at the James Phillips Williams Memorial Foundation where she retired in 2017.
She was very active in the community of San Angelo through the following organizations: Delta Zeta Sorority, Order of the Eastern Star, Daughters of the Nile, Brush and Brag, Daughters of the American Revolution and was a founding member of the Concho Valley Republican Women.
She is survived by her children: Mary Ann Cochran of Christoval, her husband Gary, Mattie Cochran and James Cochran; Bill Allen of Burleson, his wife Karina, and Haley Allen; Dana Renken Cullimore of San Angelo, husband Mark, Courtney Renken, Britney Renken and Allen Renken. Cousins: Ralph Porter of Locust Grove, OK: Bill Harris of Muskogee, Ok and Fred Combites of Wagoner, OK.
Her last request was instead of flowers, please make a donation to the James Phillips Williams Memorial Foundation in San Angelo, Texas to continue helping children with dyslexia bloom into thriving individuals.
A memorial service will be held at Harper Funeral Home at 10:00 AM Monday, December 4, 2017.

Douglas G. Swain, 82, left this earthly plane on Wednesday, November 22, 2017 in San Angelo, Texas. He was born on October 13, 1935 in Vernal, Utah. Doug was preceded in death by Marilyn, his wife and the love of his life and his beloved grandson Sean Douglas Sparks.
Doug's younger sister, Jo Swain Roberts has been his best friend throughout the years. In the weeks before his death, Doug was making grand plans for her expected visit in December. 
Doug is also survived by his son Rick Swain and wife Mary, daughter Kim Swain Sparks and husband Sam. His grandchildren Christina Swain Black and husband Russell. Ricky and Rusty Swain, Pamela Hernandez, Shai Sparks Freitze and husband Hector, Kenneth-Ross Sparks and wife Angela. Great nieces and nephews, Garrison and Hudson Black, Cole, Lilly, Seth, Talia and Layla Swain, Coda and Jonah Hernandez, Eric (Megan), Christopher, Debra and Matthew Wood, Sterling and Sloan Sparks.
Nieces Cassie O'Connor, Gabbi Rasmussen, Tracie Hansen, and nephew Chuck Rasmussen and of course his longtime companion, "Tiger Dog."
A Rosary for Doug will be on Thursday, November 30, 7:00 p.m. at Harper Funeral Home.
A Celebration Mass will be on Friday, December 1, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral.
Honorary Pallbearers: Marlin Hahn, Ron Rathbone, Bill Broncy, Sam Sparks, Howard Ward, Kenneth Ross Sparks, Russell Black and Chuck Rasmussen.
Doug's family wishes to recognize the following as special friends of both Marilyn and Doug: Tita Campos, Suzie Sparks Nevins and Suzanne Hahn.
Doug and Marilyn Swain moved from Utah to Midland and then to San Angelo in the 1960's where they established Swain Plastering Company. In Utah, Doug had worked with his father Garn, a gifted artist in the world of plaster. Doug had that same talent, along with talents for business and leadership. His legacy continues through his son Rick.
Suzie Sparks Nevins wrote the following: “I met Doug's family when I was 14 years old. For the last 40 years, Doug has been my friend and boss. More importantly, he was my second dad. Family was always his priority. He made sure I could always be there for my family. Doug Swain, I will miss you as you always put a smile on my face and laughter in my heart. Your generosity and kindnesses to those you loved will always be remembered. We miss you.”
Doug seemed to sense when a friend might need a helping hand. A man who valued deeds over words, Doug often would just show up with the right tools and a few very carefully selected words. Doug loved his dogs, feeding his birds, and he loved fishing, especially in Utah. He was a dedicated football fan, and was convinced the Bobcats could beat the Cowboys on any given day.

GOD BLESS AND KEEP DOUGLAS G. SWAIN. JUST ONE LIKE HIM.

John J. Price, 98, originally from Carlton, Texas, lived a rewarding life from March 10th, 1919 to November 30th, 2017. A veteran of WWII, serving as a Navy air craft mechanic, while in pilot training and later
retiring from the Army Corps of Engineers. He crafted musical instruments, furniture, and jewelry as hobbies. Recently, he celebrated 69 years of marriage with Jeane Gilbert. Together, they raised 2 daughters, Donna Bradley and Pamela Bethune, husband Oscar. Papa had 2 grandchildren, William Bradley and Paula Bradley (Randy), and 3 great grandchildren Sterling, James, and Deven Bradley. He is also survived by 2 nephews Larry and Bill Price (Also, a good friend), as well as many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Neith Price, as well as 2 brothers, Walter and Neil Price. Special thanks to Liz Worbington for her assistance. There will be a private remembrance.