Jon Henry Parks of Mertzon died on May 22nd, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer. Jon was born to Howard and Mary Frances Parks on Feb 19, 1944 in San Angelo. He attended Mertzon High school and after graduating attended Southwest Texas State University and then Angelo State University. His first employment was in San Angelo where he worked for Ethicon. He met and married the love of his life, Sylvia Ann Pool on June 3, 1966. Jon and Sylvia, along with their two sons, moved back to the family ranch in Mertzon where he lived until his death. During his life in Mertzon he provided for his family through ranching and working for ConocoPhillips for many years until his retirement. Jon also worked tirelessly to care for his parents and loved spending time attending ASU sporting events.
He was preceded in death by his wife Sylvia Parks, his mother and father-in-law, Willie Mae and Ira Pool. He is survived by his parents, Howard and Mary Frances Parks of Mertzon, mother-in-law Doris Pool of San Angelo, son Eric and wife Martha Parks of LaPorte, TX, son Jason and wife Shonna Parks of Mertzon and grandchildren Ashlyn, Haley, Jonathan and Phoenix.
A viewing will be held at Harper Funeral Home on Sunday May 29th from 4-6 PM & Graveside service will be on Monday, May 30th At 11 AM at the Mertzon Cemetery. The Parks family would like to give a special thanks to special loved ones: Pamela Murphy, Lakan Mariano, Elton and Linda Davis, Dennis and Mary Winterrowd, Steve and Jolene Hart, Lynda Young and family, HOSA, and Sagecrest. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that donations be made to Hospice of San Angelo. Psalm 116:15 -- Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants.

Van Osborne, 58, died peacefully in his sleep on May 19, 2016, at his residence on the banks of the Concho, near San Angelo, TX. The city’s vibrant music scene has lost one of its most revered players and crafters of songs. There was a deep-seated sweetness to Van that was tempered with an equal measure of sadness. He loved fiercely, possessed the soul of a poet, and the muse paid frequent visits to his abode. The guitar was the extension of his artistry. His fingers did impossible things to it, and together they transformed suffering and heartache into beauty. He loved his dogs, spectacular sunsets, enchiladas, the Rio Frio, and a few lucky women he met along the way. He wore a tender heart on his well-worn sleeve but was still one tough son of a gun. He handled unimaginable hardship with stoic calm and still gave frequent vent to a sense of humor that was as dry as the Trans Pecos. 
Van was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy, his step-daughter, Robin, and his mother, June. He is survived by his beloved hounds, Lucky and Romeo, grandson, Matt, his father, Harold, brothers, Michael and Sam, step-daughter, Jenny, niece and nephews, Kelsey, Wheeler and Jack, sister in law, Audra, former wife, Kathy and her two children, and a list of friends and students too numerous to tally here. 
A memorial service will be held for Van on Saturday, June 4th, from 2-5pm at one of Van’s favorite San Angelo venues, SPAM’S, 2321 Sherwood Way.
The family requests no flowers. Please make a donation to your favorite charity, preferably one that involves dogs.

Kyle R. Ezell, 56 of San Angelo, passed away on Sunday, May 22, 2016. Kyle was born on August 23, 1959 in Cameron, Texas to Eddie and Virginia Tomasek Ezell. 

A celebration of his life is at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 26th at the First Christian Church with Rev. Ben G. Hubert officiating. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Johnson's Funeral Home.

He is preceded in death by his father. Survivors include his children: Jarrod K. Ezell, Brandon R. Ezell, Brandi R. Ezell, and August R. Ezell; his mother Virginia Ezell; and a sister, Vickie Scott.

James I. Hargis, 95, died Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at his home in San Angelo with his wife, Virginia, by his side.
James was born August 11, 1920 in Nash, Texas and grew up in Brownsville, Texas. He attended Texas A&M University and the New Jersey Institute of Technology, earning an electrical engineering degree.
James served 38 months in the United States Navy at Corpus Christi Naval Air Station during World War II.
James was president of Lighting Group LTD, J.H. Lighting Consultants, and the New Jersey Chapter Producers Council. He was a founding member of the Illuminating Engineers Society of New Jersey and lectured for more than 30 years about lighting engineering.
James was a member of the Montclair Society of Engineers, a 60-year member of the Copestone-Ophir Masonic Lodge, and a very active member of the Montclair Historical Society.
He was a very active member of St. James Episcopal Church in Montclair, New Jersey, serving as the director of Brotherhood of St. Andrews, warden of the vestry, director of acolytes, and a cup bearer.
James was preceded in death by his first wife of 52 years, Lethé Allen Kellinger. They were the fourth consecutive generation in his family to be married more than 50 years. He also was preceded in death by brothers Cecil Hargis and Bartlett Hargis, and niece Nancy McCann.
He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Virginia Hargis; step-daughters Patricia O’Brien and Miki Clemens of San Angelo and their families; his brother, Gerry Hargis of Mexico, his sister, Elizabeth Terrazas of Grandbury, Texas, and numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.
The Graveside service will be 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, May 24, at The Cemetery of the Highlands in Highland Mills, New York.
Arrangements by Harper Funeral Home.
In Lieu of Flowers, Memorials can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

John Carlos Parsons, born June 3, 1959, passed into eternal glory on May 18, 2016. A beautiful light went out of the world, and a bright star now shines in heaven. John, or Jack as called by some, grew up as a member of an Air Force family and lived in a variety of places including Germany and the island of Crete before his father retired in San Angelo. He attended Edison Junior High and Central High School, graduating in the class of 1977. John married his high school sweetheart, and the love of his life, Gwen on May 24, 1980 and was blessed with two beautiful children, Bryce John and Meredith Claire, and one granddaughter, Alexia, who lovingly called him Pawpaw. He attended Angelo State University where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism, and he received his Masters of Science in Human Resource Development from Indiana State University. John worked for News Photo publishing company in the mid 1980’s, then took a position as the director of the San Angelo Adult Literacy Council, which was elected at that time as one of George Bush’s 1000 Points of Light. Working a number of years for the local American Cancer Society office, John was proud to have lead the volunteers organizing many special events to raise money for cancer, including the first Relay For Life in San Angelo. For the past seventeen years, John worked for Howard College, most recently as the District Chief Facilities Operations Officer for Howard College. He served his country for a number of years in the United States Naval Reserve. Having a strong faith and love for God, John was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of San Angelo where he served through the years as a youth leader, Sunday school teacher, deacon, and elder. He loved being involved with the community and was a former member of the San Angelo Sunrise Rotary Club and later a member of the San Angelo West Rotary Club where he served in a number of positions including club president and district assistant governor, was a Paul Harris Fellow, and was chosen as Rotarian of the Year. He was a graduate of Leadership San Angelo and a member of the Leadership San Angelo Alumni Association and served on a number of civic committees including the San Angelo Economic Development Council, the San Angelo Symphony Board of Directors, the San Angelo Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors, and the San Angelo P-16+ Education Partnership to name a few. John loved music and rekindled his love for playing the trumpet a few year ago. He was a member of the San Angelo Community Band and the Ice House Brass Band. John and Gwen loved to travel and took many wonderful trips around the country and world, including favorites to Hawaii, Canada, Panama, and last summer traveling with good friends on a trip of a life time to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. He also loved working on his five acres in Christoval and was quite proud of all the rock moving and flower bed building he did. John was preceded in death by his father, James (Jim) Parsons, his nephew, Justin Callan, and in-laws Harold and Eloise Hodapp. John is survived by his wife, Gwen, son, Bryce John Parsons, daughter, Meredith Claire Parsons, granddaughter, Alexia Brooke Parsons-Ramirez, mother Barbara Parsons, brother, Jim Parsons, sister, Pam Callan, brother-in-law, Homer Stewart, brother-in-law Harold Hodapp (Nancy), sister-in-law Becky Hartman (Mike), sister-in-law Karla Snell (Richard), sister-in-law, Melanie Connery (Kevin), brother-in-law Chuck Hodapp (Gayle), numerous nephews and nieces, great nephews and nieces, a great-great nephew and niece, aunts, and cousins as well as numerous long-time, dear friends, including the “band geeks” and his Howard College associates. John was greatly loved by all who knew him because of his quick wit, sharp mind, and never failing charm and friendly disposition. He loved teasing with people and was well known for his practical and corny jokes. Feeling so naturally at ease with people, John never met a stranger and will be greatly missed by so many. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27.
The family will receive friends for visitation from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M., Friday, May 20, 2016 at Harper Funeral Home. The Memorial Service will be 10:00 A.M., Saturday, May 21, 2016 at The First Presbyterian Church in San Angelo with Rev. Bill Proctor officiating. Inurnment will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.
Memorials may be sent to, First Presbyterian Church, Howard College Justin Callan Scholarship, Howard College Foundation, MD Anderson, Rotary International, or a charity of your choice.

Betty Baity passed away Thursday, May 19, 2016 in San Angelo, TX. Betty was born December 8, 1917 to Zella and Charles Filby in Junction City, KS. She lived in her hometown until her marriage to Jack Baity, a hometown boy. Betty and Jack were married in Wasco, CA. May 18, 1942 and Betty became an Air Force wife. Their travels eventually brought them to Goodfellow Field. They made the decision to make San Angelo their permanent home, a decision they never regretted. Betty loved to sing and was a member of various choirs, most recently, the First Baptist Church Glory Choir. Betty was a Sunday school teacher for 60 years, teaching classes from cradle roll to Sr. Adults she always felt she gained more knowledge than she imparted. After Jack's death in December, 1992, Betty moved to Baptist Memorial Retirement Center. She was an active member of the auxiliary, serving in the hospital gift shop and the courtesy desk. She leaves to cherish her memory, brother and sister-in-law, Don and Lois Filby of Wichita, KS; son Frank Baity and wife Irene of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; son, David Baity and wife Nancy of Round Rock, TX; son, Hugh Baity and wife Beverly of San Angelo, TX; three beloved grandchildren, Kim Baity of Lewisvile, TX, Micah Starkey and husband Bill of Forney, TX, Matthew Baity and wife Shannon of Omaha, NE; daughter-in-law, Judy Baity of San Angelo, TX; four great grandsons, Joshua, Elijah, Jack, and Luke; and many nieces and nephews. Memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 28, 2016 in the chapel at Baptist Memorial. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Meals for the Elderly.

Edward Rodriguez Duarte went to his heavely home embraced in our Father's arms on Tuesday May 17, 2016. After battling cancer for four years, the Lord restored our beloved father, son, grandfather, loved one, and friend and blessed him with eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Edward was born in Lovington, New Mexico on November 30, 1954 to Isaac and Petronila Duarte. Edward gave 26 years of service at Shannon Medical Center in housekeeping and was well known for his outstanding work ethic and being the number one Dallas Cowboys fan. He was preceded in death by his mother Petronila Duarte and three brothers Johnny , Bernadino, and Victor Duarte. He is survived by his father Isaac Duarte Sr., his children Edward Duarte Jr, Mishael Duarte, Corina Villarreal, Ruby Duarte and his many grandchildren. His brothers, Isaac, Israel, Raymond and Tony Duarte, and sisters Barbara Martinez, Sandra Garza and Brenda Gamez, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Edward was a funny and great person to be around. He enjoyed working and spending time with his children and granchildren. He enjoyed picnics with his children and camping when they were young, and boy did he love watching those Dallas Cowboys play! Viewing will be held on May 20th 2016 at Johnson's Funeral home at 6 p.m. A short service will be held on May 21st, 12:00 PM, at Johnson's Funeral Home followed by burial at Lawnhaven Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Johnson's Funeral Home for funeral expenses. John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."