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."

Bufford David Carr, Jr. was born on August 27, 1939, in El Paso, Texas, to Bufford David Carr, Sr. and Velma Lee Thompson Carr. He passed away on Monday, May 16, 2016, in San Angelo after a lengthy illness. Open visitation and viewing will be 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Johnson's Funeral Home. Services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, May 19, 2016, at Johnson's Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside Services will be 1 p.m., Friday, May 20, 2016, at the West Boone Prairie Cemetery near Franklin, Texas. Buff graduated from Abilene High School where he was an offensive and defensive tackle, four year letterman and as State Champions, was a proud member of the "Team of the Century". He earned a football scholarship to Texas A&M College Station where he played football for Bear Bryant. At A&M he was proud to be a member of the Corp of Cadets, a member of Squadron 13 and Squadron 22 "The Fighting Day Ducks", and was a member of the graduating class of 1961.When he moved to San Angelo, he became a very active member of the West Texas A&M Club. Buff began his insurance career as a very young man and continued on throughout his life. He worked for many different agencies and also owned multiple independent insurance firms as well. He was an active member of IIA, Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, a 21 year volunteer with the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo and chairman of the Premium Sale. He is survived by his family, Jo Ann Carr; their daughter Courtney Carr Reeves, her husband Blake Reeves; and his two precious twin grandsons Bryce and Braxton Reeves. His oldest daughter Lezlie Ann Carr of Houston and her mother Brenda Carr; his brother Terry Lee Carr and his children Kyle Carr and Kimaleigh Carr Altshuler; and his extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mary Rojas Hernandez, 43, was born June 21, 1972, to the late Mr. Albert Martinez and the late Mrs. Marcelina Rojas Guerra. A loving soul, she loved the color blue, and had an overwhelming love for young people. Especially her students, in which she served as a special education para-professional during her thirteen year tenure at San Angelo Independent School District. She had an unquenchable thirst and love for the Lord. She also loved her pet turtles. Believing in the versus, Philippines 4:13, " I can do all things through Christ who strengths me." She fought one of the biggest battles of her life and won against stage 4 ovarian cancer. A fighter in the spiritual realm she never gave up hope for a cure even after the cancer returned. With the help of her loving husband of twenty-two years Benjamin Hernandez, she bravely fought until God decided to call her from labor to reward on May 16, 2016. Although Benjamin and Mary never had children of their own she was a mother to several of her nieces and nephews; Chris Matthew Guerra, D'anna Garza, Timothy Guerra, Heaven Marie Guerra, Jon-Marc Guerra, Amaris Guerra, and Cassandra, Guerra. Although she has left her earthly tabernacle, her memory will forever be burned in their heart. She also leaves to cherish her memories her husband, Benjamin Hernandez, two sisters: Margie (Larry) Garcia and Olga Rojas. Two brothers: Albert Guerra and Jose Guerra, A sister-in-law: Wilma(Paul) Garcia Three brother-in-laws: Eddie Hernandez, William Hernandez, and Daniel Hernandez. A father-in-law Ignacio Hernandez. A very special uncle: Celestino (Lupe) Rojas. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. The family would like to extend a special word of appreciation to her colleagues at San Angelo Independent School District, Emelinda Sanchez ( her special prayer warrior) and Dr. Cheriku of Shannon Medical Center for all of your support. She will be in repose Thursday, May 19, 2016, after noon for the public. A Family visitation will be held at The Life Church Friday night at 7:00 P.M. and funeral services will be Saturday at 10:00 A.M. at The Life Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson's Funeral Home of San Angelo, Texas. 

Gayle Bell Harding, 69, of San Angelo, passed away Friday, May 13, 2016, after a brief illness. She was born to Loyd H. and Mildred Fowler Bell on Tuesday, August 27, 1946 in San Angelo. She married Donald Glen Harding on June 6, 1964 in San Angelo. They were married almost 39 years at the time of his death in 2003. 
As a founding member of the Helps Ministry at Our Savior's Church in San Angelo, a volunteer for StreetWise / J316 Global Rescue Ministry, and a pastoral counselor and mentor, Gayle guided and encouraged many who celebrate her and the gifts she gave throughout her ministry. 
To all who loved her, and especially to those who consider themselves "sons" and "daughters" of this lovely lady, she cherished you, and this recently posted message on her Facebook page must be for you. She wrote, "Nothing happens by chance…but God can use that thing to teach us and to grow us…only IF we allow Him. GBH 5/4/16."
Gayle is preceded in death by her mother, Mildred Fowler Bell; husband, Don Harding; and son, Tod Harding. Survivors include her father, Loyd H. Bell; grandchildren, Jacob Harding and Kaylie Harding; cousin, Judy Chandler Spicer; and a host of other relatives and friends. 
A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 in The Life Church, formerly Christian Faith Center at 1414 N. Chadbourne. A private graveside service will be held at a later date in the Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.