John Dean, loving husband, father and grandfather passed peacefully from his earthly life into the loving arms of Jesus on February 22, 2025. He was the youngest of four children, born July 20, 1937 to Joseph C. Dean and Mary Kahanek Dean in Oklahoma City, OK. John spoke fondly of his childhood, growing up on a small farm on the edge of the city.

In his formative years John attended Corpus Christi Catholic School before transferring to Northeastern High School. He was an accomplished pianist, winning many state competitions, he played alto sax and was band major of his high school band. As a teenager, John declined a scholarship to Juilliard School in New York. After graduating Northeastern High School (Oklahoma City) in 1955, John attend Oklahoma University and Central Oklahoma College.

John entered the corporate world shortly after college where he worked for GE Financial and Sperry Rand. He had several job offers during these years as well as offers to go into business for himself. One such job offer came from a new company called Visa, John thought it was for a ludicrous idea to buy things on credit and couldn’t imagine the credit card taking off. He laughed about this missed opportunity many times, but ultimately knew moving to San Angelo was his ultimate calling. John started in business for himself in 1968 in Amarillo, TX where he had a vending machine route. He soon realized winters were difficult and not prosperous, so he took on a part-time job at Shakey’s Pizza Parlor to make ends meet. It was this part time job that would change the course of John’s life as he knew it. Within 6 months he was offered a partnership in the San Angelo restaurant in 1969. Now an owner, John set the standard for hard work, tirelessly transforming Shakey’s into a town icon by providing great food and outstanding service. He was never too prideful for any job, whether mopping floors or bussing tables. He never asked his employees to do a job he was not willing to do himself. Because he valued education, John offered many of his employees college tuition assistance. He was a huge supporter of San Angelo Independent School District and worked with them and the San Angelo Police Department to start the first DARE program in San Angelo. He encouraged students to excel by providing game tokens for A’s on their report cards. John owned many businesses in San Angelo throughout his career, mostly as a silent partner. It pleased him to see others succeed as he had. His last business, Qwik Cash, started as a part-time venture in his retirement in 1999. But because of John’s hands-on ownership, it turned into quite a success lasting 20 years, closing December 31, 2019. John finally retired at age 82.

While always a true Oklahoman at heart, John loved Texas, especially the city of San Angelo and always strived to make the city better in anyway he could. He served on the San Angelo City Council, San Angelo Symphony Board, San Angelo Restaurant Association, and he started Taste of San Angelo in 1975. John was voted president and board member of the Shakey’s Franchise Association many times.

John is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Melissa Dean, his two children, Jennifer (Taylor) Hammack and Ryan (Kindall) Owens and his six grandchildren, who fondly called him “Papa”, Simon, Willa, Adler and Micah Owens and Sloane and Ryan Dean Hammack, along with his god daughter Rianne Manning. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. Brothers-in-law John Roberts of NY, Bill (Kathy) Roberts, Scott (Mary) Roberts of San Angelo and Russel (Lucy) Roberts of Plano. John is predeceased by his parents, his brothers Joseph Dean and Tom Dean, and sister Patricia Catron.

We would like to thank Enhabit Home Health, Enhabit Hospice and Acadia Caregivers (Faith), especially nurses Lindsey and Andrew for the wonderful care you provided John.

A rosary service will be held at Holy Angels Catholic Church on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 10 AM with a funeral Mass to follow at 10:30 AM. The family wishes to keep the burial private.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the National Kidney Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association or charity of your choice. Honorary pall bearers Jim Carel, John Kling, Grady Harlow, Mark Brown, Robert Baxter, Jeff Manning.

Calvin “Cal” Lee Vick, 93, of San Angelo, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2025. Born on November 10, 1931, in San Angelo at “The Polo Field” and raised in Knickerbocker, Texas, to Emmett and Margaret Vick, Calvin was a man of faith, family, and deep passion for his work and interests.

He was united in marriage to his first wife, Joan Marie Bollinger, in San Angelo, and together they raised three children. He was preceded in death by Joan and Lynn Just Vick, his wife at the time of her passing. A proud Aggie, Calvin was a skilled homebuilder and rancher, shaping the land and homes with his hard work and dedication. His love for literature, particularly the works of Mark Twain, influenced his writing, and he shared his insights through articles published in the Buffalo Gap Paper and the Standard Times.

Cal’s character traits included independence, loyalty, a strong work ethic, and unimpeachable integrity. He had great respect for America and pride in his family heritage and Native American lineage. He was an exceptional storyteller, and his hobbies and many interests included flying and the outdoors. He could build anything, and the breadth of his diverse abilities shaped him into a captivating, respected man.

Calvin was a devoted member of Immanuel Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as a deacon for many years.

Calvin is survived by his children, Don Vick, Marty G. Vick, and Stephanie Vick Bowers (Tom); his sisters, Bernice Cahill and Roxie Cauley (Lehman); his brother, Roy “PeeWee” Vick (Carolyn); as well as seven grandchildren: Courtnay Wallen (Kevin), Christopher Vick, Jessica Vick Deford (Shaun), Cally Molyneaux (Kevin), Christie Bowers, Maggie Christensen (Louie), Blake Bowers; and six great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his younger siblings Preston Wayne Vick and Fay Vick Theriot.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Sagecrest Nursing Home and Concho Hearts Hospice for the great care and loving atmosphere they provided him for the past six months.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at the Chapel at Baptist Retirement Community at 902 N. Main Street in San Angelo. In lieu of flowers, feel free to make a donation in his name to the Knickerbocker Community Center, PO Box 111, Knickerbocker, TX 76939.

On August 12, 1928, God blessed the world with the birth of Frank Stuart Williams to John and Frankie Williams in Eldorado, TX. He grew up on a family farm and understood the worth of land and the foundation it provided to many families. His life took a serious turn when he responded to Uncle Sam’s call, and he enlisted in the Army. He served from 1950 to 1952 during the Korean War. He completed his tour, then went on to attend Texas Tech University. While completing his education, he met the love of his life, Betty Ruth Franks. They soon married and raised their son, Charles, who was a devoted and faithful son, following the example of his father. Upon graduation from Texas Tech, Stuart began a career in accounting which fit him like a glove. He had a lengthy career with Anderson Clayton. Even after retirement, he worked with smaller businesses trying to assist everyone who asked. He was astute with numbers wherever he was. He even found it fun to be able to add up the cost of groceries before the checker could even add the final item!

He and Betty spent many fun times in Ruidoso, NM at the horse races. In later years, Stuart became a regular attendee at the Race Barn in Fredericksburg, TX working with numbers any way one could imagine. It was fun to see how accurate he could be. When getting to the Race Barn became more than a challenge, he added some sports teams and rodeos to the list of his favorite things, as well as western movies, Perry Mason, and MASH.

He was a faithful attendee at First Presbyterian Church in Abilene. When he and Betty Ruth moved to San Angelo, he continued his faithfulness with Sierra Vista United Methodist Church. He looked forward to being a volunteer back row greeter each week and participating in activities like Fun Fest and Sunday lunches with friends.

Saving the best for last, Stuart was more than a faithful friend to so many, especially in Village East. If there was someone who needed a ride to a doctor’s appointment or treatment, he was there. If there was someone who needed any kind of help, he was there. Daily newspapers appeared at the door instead of in the street. It was almost like he was a guardian angel for the folks at Village East. He checked on friends and newcomers alike to be sure needs were met. Somehow, the maintenance man might appear or other friends. The verse that reminds me of Stuart, quietly going about his day, just being helpful and encouraging, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law” Galatians 5:22-23.

Stuart is now present with the Lord as of February 19, 2025. He was a very special man who was so loved and will be so missed.

Stuart is survived by his son, Charles and wife Kathy; two grandsons, Steven Williams and Brian Williams; granddaughter, Keiland Williams; nieces, Jacqueline McDonald and husband George, Avan Blair, and Susan Wilson and husband Steve.

The family will receive friends at Harper Funeral Home on Monday, February 24, 2025 from 5 – 7 PM.

Marcia Lee Ducote Baker passed away at her home in San Angelo, TX on February 17, 2025, at the age of 84. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Brook Alan Baker; her son and daughter-in-law, Bryan and Heather Baker of San Angelo, TX and daughter and son-in-law, Kara and Scott Ellis of Arlington, TX; grandson, Kole Ellis; brothers, Charles and Clint Ducote of San Angelo, TX; niece, Candice Majors of San Angelo, TX; nephews, John Curry Ducote of San Angelo, TX and T-Gabe Loftin in the DFW area. 

She is preceded in death by her sisters, Belle Schmidtzinsky and Laura Menchaca.

Marcia was born at the St. Johns Hospital on January 28, 1941, to Curry and Mildred Ducote. She attended Catholic Schools in her early years before attending San Angelo public school. Marci was the first graduating class of Central High School in 1959. She attended St. Mary’s Dominican University in New Orleans, LA for one year and then enrolled at the University of Texas in Austin in the fall of 1961 where she majored in Elementary Education. She met her future husband, Brook Baker at the University and they were married on January 26, 1963.

The family moved to San Angelo in September 1970, where Marci started her teaching at St. Lukes School. They were involved in business interests until the 1980’s when Marci decided to enroll at Angelo State University and complete her degree in Elementary Education. She taught at Grape Creek Elementary. The family moved to the DFW area in 1989, and Marci began her very rewarding period of teaching at Bear Creek Elementary in the Grapevine Colleyville ISD, teaching from September 1989 until her retirement in 2004. She was loved by many fellow teachers, administrators and staff, students, and parents. In a graduating class of high school seniors, the top 20 students were asked to name the teacher in their career that had the most influence in their education. One of the seniors chose his third-grade teacher, Mrs. Baker, because that was the year that going to school became fun. The young man was headed for college on scholarship to play soccer.

Following retirement, the Bakers moved back to San Angelo in late 2006 and bought the house on Red Oak Lane in July 2007. In June 2009, the Bakers returned to the DFW area and Brook returned to work with a commercial appraisal company where he had previously worked. Complete retirement followed in late 2015, with a return to the home in San Angelo. The Bakers began attendance at First Methodist with Marci joining the Morning Glories Bible Study Group and an Emmaus Study group, with some old friends from her High School days, including Carol Santry.

Services for Marci are scheduled for 11:00 AM on February 28, 2025, at First Methodist Church located at 37 East Beauregard in San Angelo. A reception will be held in the Celebration Hall in the Church immediately following the service. Inurnment will be in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in San Angelo at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice.

The family would also like to extend their gratitude to Gentiva Hospice of San Angelo for their very loving care of Marci and the family during a very difficult time.

Darlynne LaRue Jones; "LaRue" was called home on February 17, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at Reagan County Care Center in Big Lake, Texas. She was the widow of Wade Jones, sharing 66 years of marriage together. LaRue was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ in Big Lake. After Big Lake’s Church of Christ closed, LaRue loved worshipping at the First Baptist Church of Big Lake.

LaRue was born on February 23,1933 in Whittenburg, Texas to Charlie and Geanie Plumlee Hart. After moving to Big Lake, she became an employee of the telephone company where she worked as a switchboard operator. After the purchase of what became Jones Garage, LaRue oversaw the books from 1957 to 1996. During that time, she also worked as a bookkeeper and store clerk for Shaffer Lumber Company, followed by the Reagan County Tax Office, retiring in 1996.

Early on, LaRue enjoyed playing softball. She showed pride in her family and friends by scrapbooking their growth and milestones. Throughout the years, she played dominoes and cards with friends and family, having no mercy on her opponents. Wade and LaRue toured 49 states on the motorcycle or in the motorhome, accompanied by family members and friends.

Grandma Rue enjoyed time with her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She would sit on the floor and play with them. Grandma Rue raced vehicles, played games like “Old Maid,” “Go Fish,” and “Monopoly,” and showed them the ropes in “Mexican train.” One thing she ensured was how to properly strategize when playing “Tic-Tac-Toe” to give a competitive edge to win. Grandma Rue introduced the grandchildren to many traditions. She baked Christmas cookies, hung personalized Christmas ornaments, and allowed them to decorate the tree to their liking.

As a resident at the care center, LaRue created strong relationships in her newfound community. She shopped with the girls, had fun on the patio, ensured her caretakers were fed, and recognized them for their service.

LaRue touched many hearts with her acts of kindness and praise towards them. She will be remembered for being quick-witted, fashionable, and having immense love for others.

LaRue is survived by sons, Mikel Jones and wife Laura of San Angelo, Texas, and son Terry Jones and wife Lori of Big Lake, Texas. Grandchildren: Bryan Jones (Amy), Tori Jones, Paul Jones (Michelle), Daryl Jones (Kara), Ellen Clark (Justin). Great grandchildren: Taya Quain, Katelynn Quain, Skyler Browder, Taylor Younts, M.C. Fry, Jace Clark, Avery Jones, Scott Jones, Slate Clark, Avery Clark, Cole Jones, Wyatt Jones, Gracie Jones. Great-great grandchildren: Ryley Parker Quain, Asher Younts, Lakelyn Younts. Sister in laws: Mary Nell Hesse, Phyllis Hatchett, Ginger Waller and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Wade Jones, her siblings: Rue Ell Camp, Calvin Hart, Ophelia Witt, Marvin Hart, and Marlin Hart.

LaRue’s family would like to thank the Reagan County Care Center, Reagan Hospital District, and HOSA staff for their care for LaRue and her family.

LaRue’s visitation will be held on Friday February 21, from 5-7 pm at Harper Funeral Home in San Angelo, Texas. A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, February 23, at 3 pm at the Reagan County Care Center.

David Dean Williams, 69, of San Angelo, Texas passed away peacefully on February 17, 2025.

He was born on May 17, 1955, in San Angelo, TX to James and Irene (Turk) Williams. He was a graduate of San Angelo Central High School. David was considered a Jack of All Trades/Master of None. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t do from carpentry, electrical, plumbing, roofing, upholstery, automotive and the list goes on. This is why so many family members and friends looked to him for help with many projects because he was dependable and always willing to help.

David worked for the San Angelo Ind School Dist. in the Roads and Ground Division for over 10 years. He then moved into the oil field working for Schlumberger, Fesco and Sunoco. No matter which company David was at, one thing was for sure, he made lifelong friends that he kept in contact with until he no longer could.

David was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. If you were to ask him his favorite past time it was spending time with family. He loved nothing more than being with Nana and spoiling his grandkids, making memories, and of course harassing them. He was extremely proud of all their achievements, and he never hesitated to brag on them, whether you asked or not.

David is survived by his wife, Lisea Williams; his son, Jerod (Michelle) Williams of Floresville, Texas; Shannon Pounds of San Angelo; Jennifer Clark of San Angelo; Jason (Crystal) Pounds of San Antonio; a sister, Darlene Lampier (Mickey) of San Angelo; a sister-in-law, Michelle of San Angelo; eight grandchildren, Logan and Jenna Williams of Austin; Ethan and Wyatt Williams of Floresville; William and Elizabeth Clark of San Angelo and Addison and Jaxon Pounds of San Antonio; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Trisha Nichols; and brother, Jimmy Williams.

Honorary pallbearers are Jerod Williams, Logan Williams, Ethan Williams, Wyatt Williams, William Clark, Bo Williams, and Justin Jetton.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Harper Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers the family request you please make a donation to a cancer organization of your choice.

David Paul Kruppa, 82, of San Angelo, TX was called home to be with his Lord and Savior Sunday, February 16, 2025. Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm, Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Johnson Funeral Home. Mass will be held at 10 am, Rosary held before at 9:30am, Friday February 21, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catheral, San Angelo Texas, with graveside to follow at Rowena Cemetary. 

David Paul was born on September 24, 1942, in San Angelo, Texas to Emma (Sturm) and Edward Kruppa, Jr. Growing up, he was an altar boy at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rowena Tx. He graduated from Rowena Catholic School. In his early years, he loved working as the operator of the film projector on weekends at the Drive In and Texas Theater in Ballinger, TX. 

He started career at Kimble’s Warehouse in San Angelo, Texas and after a fire which burnt the warehouse, he was then transferred to the Abilene Texas Kimble’s Warehouse and continued working there for many more years. David decided to move back and went to work at Zentner’s Daughter doing various duties from clearing tables to unloading trucks until his retirement. 

David always took pride in his work, no matter the job. 

David lived his retirement years at Rio Concho Terrace and loved it there. He loved people and greeted everyone with the biggest, sweet smile. He will be remembered as very humble, kind, and generous man.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Emma and Edward Kruppa, his brothers, Edward, Richard, Ralph, and one sister Dolores Kruppa Starkweather. 

David is survived by his sisters, Shirley Deitcher of San Angelo TX, Emma Allen of Lexington, KY, Diana and husband Johnnie Salinas of Graham, TX, and Faye and husband Randy Wrobel of San Angelo, TX.

Nieces and nephew, Sue and Gerone Scott of Haltom City TX, Renee and Rodney Smith of Sulphur Springs, TX, Todd Henderson, of San Angelo,TX, Scott Allen of Royersford PA, Michelle and Ronnie Quillan of Burleson, TX, Melissa Carter of Frisco, TX, Ralph Kruppa Jr. of Waco, TX, Austin Terry of San Angelo, TX, and Keylee and husband Cody Rumsey of San Angelo TX. 

And many great nieces, and nephews.

We want to express our gratitude to Regency House, Laura, Susan and all the Staff who cared for David, and also Hospice of San Angelo (HOSA), Johnnie, Candy, Andrea and the staff. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rio Concho Terrace or Hospice of San Angelo (HOSA).

Nelda Jean Marcum, age 91, of San Angelo, Texas passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025. 

A visitation for Nelda will be held Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Johnson's Funeral Home. A graveside service will occur Monday, February 24, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Fairmount Cemetery. 

Full obituary to follow..

Antonio Tapia Talavera, 97, of San Angelo, passed away on February 9, 2025.

After graduating from high school, Antonio worked for Allied Van Lines for many years before pursuing a career in barbering. He graduated from San Angelo Barber College and went on to work at a local barbershop. In 1972, he opened his own hair salon.

Antonio married Margaret S. Carmona on July 12, 1953, and together they built a life filled with love, family, and community. He was an avid golfer, hunter, and fisherman. Antonio was also dedicated to volunteering his time and energy to various organizations, including the San Angelo Emergency Corps, Knights of Columbus, Sacred Heart Cathedral School, South Side Lions Club, and Bobcat football chain crew.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret Carmona Talavera, on November 14, 2006. Antonio is survived by his daughter Myra Talavera, his son Mark Anthony Talavera, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, Victor of Chicago and Manuel of Denver, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel Bonilla Talavera and Manuela Tapia; his son Perry Lee; brothers Jesus and Jose (both killed in action during WWII); brother Diego; and sister Lupe Martinez. He was also preceded by his sister Elida and one great-grandchild.

Pallbearers for the burial will be Cian Talavera, Christian Talavera, Jayden Hernandez, Julien Hernandez, Jorden Hernandez, and Alex Rios.

A Rosary will be held at Johnson’s Funeral Home chapel at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 16. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 17, at Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral. Interment will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Kevin Lynn Huyler, age 58, of San Angelo, Texas passed away on a Sunday morning, February 2, 2025. He was born July 16th, 1966, in San Angelo, Texas to Mary and James Huyler. Kevin graduated from Central High School. He later went on to Angelo State University to obtain his Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Science, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Minor in Journalism. Kevin, AKA, Thumper, then started working for the State Supported Living Center; working his way up to an Educator for the facility and retired after 30+ years. Kevin later decided to go back to work for the facility one more time. 

Kevin married Robbie on July 1st, 2005 and gained two daughters. Kevin enjoyed bike riding, and was a proud member of the State School Bike Club. "Thumper" will always be remembered for his love of Aquatic Life, snacks, being an ultimate Trekkie and Star Wars fan, his love for aircrafts, a found love for cooking and baking, his knee slapping jokes, his laughter, and his passion for photography and journalism. 

Kevin is preceded in death by his parents, his maternal and paternal grandparents, his uncles, Benjamin Groom and Wayne Jackson, and his aunts, Juanita Jackson and Jennie Huyler.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of almost 20 years, Robbie Huyler; his honorary parents, Belinda and Scott Weddle; his children, Heather Cavin, Britany Kennedy, Kristian Kennedy, and Carli Gardea; his grandchildren, Hayden Ledbetter May, Jade Cavin, Mordecai Soto, Delilah Soto, Matthias Soto and Emma Cavin.

Visitation for Kevin will be held Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 5 - 8 pm. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025 at 1 pm in Johnson's Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at Johnson's Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will include Josh Norton, Brandon Norton, Javon Brown, Jeffrey Sipho, Benjamin Reed, and Kristian Kennedy. Honorary Pallbearers will be Andre Norton, Michael Norton, Olen Smith and Jeff Johnson.