Husband. Father. Son. Brother. Uncle, Unkie, Unk. Friend. Favored Teacher. Model Student. Patriot. Veteran. Storyteller. Minstrel. Jester. Life of the Party. Man of God. From a childhood of ups and downs through the Bronx, confronted by the many challenges of that era, Bill found his way through those times, and through the stories he experienced and learned to tell, lived a life that made all those around him better and happier and made sure his beautiful bride and the blessed family they raised never wanted for anything. Through the cultures he met and embraced and the leadership he exemplified through his career in the Air Force and afterwards in the civil service, he paved a path that led the way to a better life for many. Through travels in retirement with Celeste and many friends, they enjoyed Greece, Italy, Germany, Hungary, Turkey, Czech Republic, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Alaska; his ability to make a friend anywhere and tell a story were proven over and over. In fact, the only thing Bill liked better than telling a story, was telling a story twice. Annual Easter gatherings in Junction, Texas, where the San Antonio and San Angelo military families picnicked regardless of weather, were favored storytelling times. The annual gathering of the same clans to celebrate Chinese New Year, either in San Angelo or San Antonio, added to the lore. Family travels for a Christmas in Seaside, Florida, to the Texas Coast and to Charleston, South Carolina, made for wonderful memories, new friends and more stories. Through the faith that he lived and taught, he created a way that led so many to the church he loved and lived. Through the true joy of life he exemplified in everything he did, he lived his life out loud, enabling all of us around him to do the same. Through his unwavering commitment to family and friends, he made sure we all knew we mattered. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William Edward and Gertrude Steele Allen; his sisters, Roberta "Bobbie" Grosso and Patricia "Pat" Domon; his brother, Donald Allen; and too many nieces and nephews. He is survived by his wife, Celeste B. Allen of San Angelo; his daughters Jane Allen of Flower Mound, Texas, and Maura Gast and her husband, Marty, of Flower Mound; numerous nieces and nephews; and his extended military family. He began his career in the Air Force in July 1951, and was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars. His career in the military as a Chinese linguist included assignments in the Republic of Philippines; Republic of China in Taiwan; Hong Kong; South Korea; Germany; North Africa/French Morocco; Bangkok, Thailand; Oregon; Washington; Fort Meade, Maryland; Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi; and Goodfellow Air Force Base, San Angelo. Among the awards and decorations he received for his service were the: National Defense Service Medal; Good Conduct Medal; Air Force Longevity Service Award; Air Force Expeditionary Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Air Force Commendation Medal; Republic of Viet Nam Gallantry Cross; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award; and Army Occupation Medal. Following his retirement from active duty in the Air Force on Nov. 1, 1971, as Master Sergeant, he went back to school, receiving his Bachelor of Arts (1973) and then Masters of Arts (1975) from Angelo State University. He worked at the Texas Employment Commission, helping counsel job seekers and connecting employers with candidates. He returned to Goodfellow Air Force Base in the civil service, serving as the first Wing historian, registrar, training development chief, training advisor and flight commander. He was recognized with several awards and commendations during this service including: the Civilian Commendation Award- Air Training Command; and the Department of Air Force Performance Award for three consecutive years. He retired again in 1997, after a combined 37 years of military and civil service. In retirement, Bill did not sit still. He joined the Concho Cadre, welcoming businesses, groups and visitors to the San Angelo community and was recognized as the Concho Cadre Newcomer of the Year. Wednesday mornings were usually held for coffee with fellow military retirees, where stories were told and the world's problems solved. It was at Holy Angels Catholic Church, however, where his greatest energies were committed in his retirement. He served as lay presider of the Liturgy of the Word, team member for the Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program and participated in the hospital ministry which brought Communion to patients. He and Celeste were regulars at the daily 8:30 a.m. Mass. The American Indian Prayer was a favorite of his and he used it when he presided at this Liturgy. His wife, Celeste, was the love of his life. His children, Jane and Maura, the apples of his eye. His was a life of faith, of joy, of hope, of servant leadership, of heart. Well done, good and faithful servant. Family and friends may sign an online register

Beatrice Levario Mendez, 92, of Fort Worth, passed away August 18, 2014, at her residence. Survivors include her children; Adelina Flores, Lucy Taylor of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Sam Mendez of San Antonio, Annabelle Basques of Austin, Thelma Mendez, Nellie Fontaine, both of Fort Worth, Diamond Heredia of Sweetwater, and Antonio Mendez, III, of Fort Worth; and brother Juan Levario. Rosary will be at 7:00 PM, Thursday, August 21, 2014, at Johnson's Funeral Home Chapel. Mass will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, August 22, 2014, at St. Peter Mission in Mertzon with the burial following in Mertzon Cemetery.

Our beloved mother, Diana S. Martinez, 75, was called to her eternal home by our Heavenly Father on August 19, 2014; our father, Manuel, welcomed her.
Rosary will be at 7 pm, Friday, August 22, 2014 at Gutierrez Funeral Chapels North. Mass will be at 10 am, Saturday, August 23, 2014 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with burial in Mertzon Cemetery.
Diana was born on May 27, 1939 to Ben G. and Elisa Robles Samaripa. She met and married the love of her life; Manuel F. Martinez on November 1, 1960 in San Angelo. Diana worked and retired from Holiday Cleaners after many years. Retirement didn’t last long as anyone who knew our mom knew she could not sit still for a minute; thus starting her career teaching Head Start with the Community Action Council. After her retirement from teaching, she became a “Blue Coat” with the Area Agency on Aging and continued working at the Adult Enrichment Center until her health no longer allowed.
Diana was a woman of strong faith and was a Cursillista. She read her bible daily, prayed her rosary every morning and night, and listened to Mass on Sunday mornings when she was unable to attend. She never gave up; even though there were many times she felt she could not continue. She was a fighter in the true sense of the word. She lived life to its fullest, and she inspired us to the end, and always reminded us to trust in God.
Diana enjoyed dancing, reading, watching movies, spending time with her sisters-in-law and traveling to Longview for visits with our brother.
Diana was preceded in death by her husband of 32 years, Manuel F. Martinez, Sr., her father, Ben G. Samaripa, her mother and step-father, Elisa R. and C.M. Rios, her sister and brother-in-law, Ofelia and Francisco Lujan, her brother, Sam G. Samaripa, her mother and father-in-law, Vicente and Consuelo Martinez, and brother-in-law, Efren F. Martinez, Sr.
Diana is survived by her children, daughters, Teri Dominguez and husband Armando of Sonora, TX; Tracy Guevara and husband Ernie of San Angelo; sons, Manuel Martinez Jr. and wife Rachel of San Angelo; Martin Martinez and wife Lisa of Longview, TX; Matthew Martinez of San Angelo, and a granddaughter whom she helped raise, Elisa Martinez of San Angelo; her step-sisters, Mary Solis and husband Paul, Dora Garcia and husband David, Elvira Martinez and husband Nick all of San Angelo and Gloria Skaggs and husband Steve of Midland, TX; Sisters-in-law, Ramona Lara and husband Sam, Elodia Hinojosa, Mary Lou Martinez and brother-in-law, Adan Martinez and wife Toni; 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Our mom will be dearly missed and her life lessons on family, love and our God will forever guide us.

Genoveva "Genie" Leal Villanueva, 58, was born on Oct. 29, 1955, in Mathis, Texas, to Israel and Anita Leal. She was called to her home in heaven on Monday, Aug. 17, 2014. Genie was married to Jose Luis Villanueva. Genie was preceded in death by her parents, Israel Leal and Anita Games Leal; and her brother, Israel David Leal. Survivors include her daughters, Irmalinda and Pete Talamantes, Genie and Aldo Maldonado and Jennifer "Jenna" Villanueva; her seven grandchildren; her siblings, Juan Manuel and Anita Leal, Sandy and Freddie Ontiveros, Amando Leal and Delfie and Eddie Flores; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great nephews. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23 Viewing will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 22, 2014, at Gutierrez Funeral Chapels/Knickerbocker. Service will follow at 3 p.m. Family will gather at 5 p.m. at Mejor Que Nada.