Willie Valdez, 79, went to be with his Lord and Savior Wednesday, October 1, 2014. Visitation will be held all day Sunday, October 5, 2014 at the funeral home with a rosary to follow at 6:00p.m. Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 6, 2014 at St. Mary’s Church with burial to follow in Calvary Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Shaffer Funeral Home/Sherwood Way.
Willie was born on October 9, 1934 in San Angelo, TX to Adolph and Minnie Valdez.
Willie was very devoted to his family and was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed time spent with family and put his family first even above his own needs. He always had a kind word for everyone and never had anything negative to say. He greeted everyone with a smile and was highly thought of by all who knew him
He was an avid follower of the Dallas Cowboys and he never missed a game! Willie was also very talented and it showed through his drawings and paintings. He loved the outdoors, fishing, reading, and enjoyed listening to country music. Willie also loved all animals.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Ramona Valdez in 1999.
He is survived by his sons, Daniel Valdez of San Angelo, Thomas Valdez and fiancé Karla Geer of Austin; daughters, Denise Valdez of San Angelo, Laura Valdez of Austin; sisters, Catherine Valdez of San Angelo, Ida Martinez of San Angelo, Norma Basquez of San Angelo, Mae Guajardo of San Diego, CA; granddaughter, Kimberly Valdez of Houston; great granddaughter, Priscilla Valdez of Houston; many nieces, nephews and friends. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the American Diabetes Association.
On line condolences may be made to www.shafferpioneer.com

Geneva Palmitiere, 92, of San Angelo, went to be with our Lord on Friday, October 3, 2014 at her residence.
Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, October 9, 2014, at Calvary Baptist Church, 2321 Armstrong, with Pastor Bobby Roger and Pastor Jim Wilkerson officiating.
Geneva was born February 14, 1922 in Muskogee, Oklahoma to Earnest and Martha (Miller) Humphrey. Her husband of 54 years, Anthony Palmitiere, preceded her in death in 2008.
Left to cherish her memory are 6 children, Geneva Myer, Lyle Hager, Donna Young, Donna Perry, Rosemary McEnroy and Carol Palmitiere; 12 grandchildren, John Milos, Jr., Danielle Hager, Jim Hager, Tony Narveson, Kevin Narveson, Kim Narveson, Diana Perry, Deana Perry, Donna Rae Ball, Melissa Ball, Antonio Yamashita and Kona Yamashita; numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.
Family and friends may express condolences and sign the online guest book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com.

John R. (Johnny) Fowler, 77, of San Angelo, died after a lengthy illness Friday, October 3, 2014 in Dallas, TX. Born June 29, 1937 to John H and Mayme Fowler, he grew up in Jayton, TX. After graduating from McCallum High School in Austin, he graduated Texas Tech University. He married Judith in 1960 and worked for the USDA for 31 years. He was a farmer and rancher in Kent County and after retirement moved to San Angelo. He was a Mason and an active member in the Suez Shrine Temple. For several years he was a Shrine clown, winning several awards. He was a member of the Greeters, Concho Shrine Club, Masonic Lodge 570, Aspermont Lodge, Paint Rock Lodge, and Order of Eastern Star, serving as Worshipful Master and Worthy Patron. He became a popular western writer, and published 32 novels, ranging from historical westerns to contemporary fiction.
He is survived by his wife, Judith and three children: son, Bill, daughters, Vanessa and Terry. And four grandchildren: Chris, Kevin, Katie and Daniel.
Family visitation will be Tuesday, Oct. 7 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Johnson's Funeral Home. A celebration of John's life will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8 at First Baptist Church with Dr. James Hassell officiating. Burial will follow in Jayton Cemetery near Jayton, Texas at 4:00 p.m.
Family requests memorials be sent to Shriners Hospitals for Children, in care of Suez Shrine Temple, 2915 Loop 306, San Angelo, TX 76904.
Family and friends may sign the online register book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com

Cecil (Sam) Sanchez, loving husband, father and PoPo, lost his battle with cancer and kidney failure on Friday, Oct. 3, 2014. He was 72. Sam was born May 15, 1942, in Sterling City, Texas. Prayer service will be at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6, 2014, in Johnson's Funeral Home chapel. A celebration of Sam's life will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2014, in Johnson's Funeral Home chapel. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Theosita and Samuel Sanchez; siblings Ruth Lopez and Jimmy Sanchez; and a son, Sammy Sanchez. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Raquel V. Sanchez; daughters Annette Garza and husband George Ybarra, Norma Polanco and husband Erlu, Samantha Sanchez and husband Gus Martinez, Natasha Sanchez and husband Michael Gonzales and Jodi Hernandez and husband Adrian; grandchildren Sammy Sanchez, Erlu Polanco Jr., Breyanna Polanco, Joshua Cady, Hailey Cady, Christopher Polanco, Anastasia Candela, Gabriella Selbera, Oscar Casillas III and Lee Hernandez; and great-grandchildren Aria Polanco, Averie Perry, Aubree Polanco and more. The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Demory, Dr. Cummings, Dr. Ivan, all the nurses at the dialysis center, and Cindy Baca with Gentiva Hospice. We love you, PoPo. Family and friends may sign the online register book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com.

Aldon D. Ethridge died Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014, in San Angelo, Texas. Aldon, the oldest son of Fred and Esther Ethridge, was born on Dec. 23, 1919, in Mills County, Texas, near Mullin. He joined the Army Air Corps in September 1939, and was stationed at Randolph Air Force Base near San Antonio. He married Laura E. Mills Ethridge in 1941. She preceded him in death in 2010 after 69 years of marriage. They were stationed at several Air Force bases in Texas and two overseas assignments, one in Alaska and one in Puerto Rico. Aldon retired from the Air Force in February 1960 with rank of M\SGT. He and his family moved to San Angelo where he later worked for the San Angelo Independent School District in the warehouse until his retirement in 1974. He was a member of the Church of Christ. He was an avid "rock hound" and lapidarist who was active in the local Gem and Mineral Society of San Angelo. He constructed much of his own equipment to cut and polish rocks himself and turned many rocks into beautiful objects. Aldon appreciated the beauty of nature. He is survived by one son, Gordon D. Ethridge of Lago Vista; one daughter, Victoria Ethridge Gaston of San Angelo; son-in-law Buddy Gaston of San Angelo; four grandchildren, Michelle Ethridge of Taylor, Meredith Ethridge of Round Rock, Doran Gaston of San Angelo and Leslie Gaston Ashlock and husband Ben Ashlock of San Angelo; four great-grandchildren, Trey and Hailey Meaker of Taylor, Sierra Cortez of Round Rock and Drew Ashlock of San Angelo; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by two sisters, Shirley Welch of Goldthwaite and Juanita Henry of Denton; and two brothers, Eualdene Ethridge of Goldthwaite and Billy Ethridge of El Paso. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Rudolph Ethridge and James Ethridge; and twin sons Ronald and Donald Ethridge. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014, at Johnson's Funeral Home. Graveside service, with full military honors, will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 3, 2014, in Oakview Cemetery, in Mullin, Texas, (near Goldthwaite, Texas) with the Rev. Bill Hodge officiating. He was a loving and devoted husband and father who was the true essence of a gentle man. He will be dearly missed. His family wishes to thank Dr. Steven McCloy and Dr. Chris Vanderzant, as well as his longtime caregiver, Rosa Ibarra, and the staff at Sagecrest Allison House for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oakview Cemetery, care of Brenda Phelps, 411 S. 3rd St., Mullin, TX, 76864; or a favorite charity. Family and friends may sign an online register book at johnsons-funeralhome.com.

Deulah Elaine Howard, 85, of San Angelo went to be with the Lord on Monday 29, 2014 in San Angelo. The Family will receive friends for visitation from 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. Friday, October 3, 2014 at Johnson's Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be 10:00 A.M., Saturday, October 4, 2014 at Johnson's Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. David Miron officiating. Interment will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Deulah was born March 7, 1929 in Winters, Texas to Calvin W. and Willie P. Sutton Colburn. Deulah grew up in Winters and graduated from Winters High School. She married William T. Howard on December 21, 1946 and they shared 48 wonderful years together. Deulah was a loving mother and grandmother who devoted her life to her family.
Deulah was a DAV member and always cherished the opportunity for her and W.T. to travel and meet back up with his WWII Army buddies that were part of the 10th Mountain Division. Deulah placed her membership in Day Memorial Methodist Church in 1960. She had given freely and was active in the Women's Society. She was a Bereavement Chairman for many years and helped families cope with the loss of loved ones. She loved to quilt and sew. She was an excellent cook always trying new recipes and always remembered individual family favorites and made sure she prepared them when you showed up to visit or on special occasions like holidays or birthdays. Deulah loved watching the Texas Rangers play baseball.
Deulah was preceded in death by her parents, her husband W.T and three brothers, Lee Colburn, Mutt Colburn and Douglas Colburn, and one sister, Emily Mathis. She is survived by her loving daughters, Brenda Burleson, of Houston, TX., Barbara Bradford and her husband Dennis, of Blanco, TX. and Denise McDonald and her husband Gary, of San Angelo; her grandchildren, A.J. Burleson, Jake Burleson, Paige Hughes and her husband Dustin, Carie Bradford, Torie Hendrickson and her husband John, Trey Bradford and Pace Morgan; 9 Great Grandchildren; her sisters, Neva Puckett, of Abilene and Nell Bowen, of Winters; brother and sister-in-laws, Cleo Colburn, Jane Colburn, Carl and Velda Howard, Dortha Howard, nieces and nephews; and her special friends, Bill and Sandy Hartlaub and Elida Martinez.
Pallbearers for the service will be Pace Morgan, Trey Bradford, Jake Burleson, Byrun Mabry, Randy Hanes and Darrell Colburn. Honorary pallbearers for the service will be Dennis Bradford, Gary McDonald, Paige Bradford, A. J. Burleson, Torie Hendrickson, Carie Bradford and all her nine great grandchildren.
The family requests that memorials be made to the Purple Heart Foundation, www.purpleheartfoundation.org/ or a charity of your choice.

Family and friends may sign an online register book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com.

Patricia Ann Mayes Heck, 77, a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed from this life on Tuesday, September 30, 2014.
Patricia was born October 27, 1936 to H.C. and Ouida Dawn (Ward) Mayes in San Angelo, where she grew up and lived most of her life. In 1955 she met, and married, the love of her life, Gordon F. Heck. They lived in Amarillo for a short time and then returned to San Angelo to raise their family. Through the years, she had many careers, including being a bookkeeper, child care provider and a cafeteria worker for Baptist Memorial Center, which she dearly loved. Pat also enjoyed the outdoors and enjoyed crocheting, quilting and crafts and spent some of her time as a volunteer for the Baptist Memorial Center.
Pat was a loving, caring, compassionate mother and friend. She was always sharing her life thru various acts of kindness. Making crochet crosses for the hospital chaplin to pass out to those who were sick, and any person she met as a way of sharing the gospel. Making Christmas tree ornaments for hospital associates to brighten their holiday, she was always with a smile and words of encouragement.
Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and a great granddaughter, Faith Fulks.
She is survived by her children, Gary Heck of San Angelo, Lee Heck and his wife Beth of Arlington, Texas, Brenda Fulks and her husband Mike of San Angelo and Dale B. Heck of San Angelo; grandchildren, Christopher Heck of Arlington, Texas, Candice Schneider, Garath Fulks, Wyatt Fulks and Lauren Fulks, all of San Angelo; great grandson, Lance Evans of San Angelo; sister, Theresa Allen of San Angelo; cousin, Bobbie Allen of Robert Lee; and dear friend Evelyn Guzman of San Angelo, and many other dear friends.
Friends may call at Johnson's Funeral Home where Patricia will lie in state Thursday and Friday for viewing. Graveside Service will be held 10:00 AM Saturday at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens with Rev. Jim Benson officiating.
Family and friends may express condolences and sign the online guest book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com.

Wallace T. Jordan passed away on September 30, 2014 due to complications from Parkinson's Disease. Graveside services will be held at 3:00pm, Thursday, October 2, 2014 at Lawnhaven Cemetery, San Angelo, TX. , under the direction of Johnson's Funeral Home. Wallace T. Jordan was born February 13, 1925 in O'Donnell, Texas. His parents were Walter Turner Jordan and Vera Douglas Jordan. Wally spent his formative years dividing school time with his family in Albany and Abilene and his summers with his maternal grandparents in East Texas. He graduated from Abilene High School in 1943 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Wally served in the Pacific Theater during World War II as a teletype operator on LCI's until he was discharged in 1946. He then lived in Snyder, Texas where he met and married Jean Taylor in 1948. The family grew by one daughter, LeeAnne, before they moved to Abilene in 1950 where Wally began his career with Southwestern Bell. That career ended 37 years later with his retirement in 1987. A great enjoyment of his as a young man was playing catcher for the Abilene A's, a fast-pitch softball team. After the softball days came to an end, golf took its place as his favorite pastime. Later that pastime changed to restoring a 1929 Model "A" Ford Pickup. After a move to San Angelo in 2004 to be near family, his health began to decline and his last years were a valiant struggle against Parkinson's Disease. This battle was lost September 30, 2014. Wally is preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, seven brothers and three sisters. He is survived by Jean, his wife of 66 years, son-in-law, Danny Webb, granddaughters, Stacie McWilliams and husband Bart, Stephanie Martin and husband Dax, grandson, Michael Cole, and great grandchildren Cole Henry McWilliams, Tyler and Sydney Martin. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a favorite charity. The family would like to thank Angels Home Health and Kemari Montoya, Dr. Steve Burgess, Gentiva Hospice and Stephanie Moore, and Visiting Angels for their care and support.

ANNA (Annie) MARIA ZWASCHKA, age 92, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 30, 2014, in her home. Annie was born August 25, 1922, in Staab, Bohemia, to Franz & Elisabeth Tausch. She came to make San Angelo her second home in March, 1957, as a refugee with her small son, Franz.
Family will receive friends at Johnson's Funeral Home 7:00-9:00 PM Thursday, October 2, 2014.
A memorial service honoring Annie's life will be held on Friday, October 3, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. at Johnson's Funeral Home Chapel.
Annie is survived by her son, Franz, and wife, Judy, of San Angelo, along with her granddaughters, whom she dearly loved, J'Nae Zwaschka Cohorn and husband, Stephen, of Cedar Park, Texas, and Allison Zwaschka of Boston, MA. Also surviving Annie are her brother and sister-in-law, Ernst and Resi Tausch, of Tussling, Germany, and nieces, Anita Ganter and Jutta Ramirez. She was pre-deceased by her parents and brother, Franz Tausch.
Friends may express condolences and sign the online guestbook at

Rita Gaitan Reyes, 57, of San Angelo passed away surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, September 30, 2014 in a local hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am Friday, October 3, 2014 at St Joseph Catholic Church with Emilio Sosa officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements are with Robert Massie Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Doug Vaughn, Michael Cervantez, Mackey Estrada, Logan Gaitan, Carlos Estrada, and Shannon Graves.

Rita was born on October 23, 1956 to Guillermo and Jesusita (Estrada) Gaitan in Sterling City. She was raised by her step-father; Domingo Balderaz Sr. Rita married Barney Reyes in San Angelo on September 16, 2006; she worked at the Mental Health Mental Retardation Center as a caregiver. Rita served as the nexus linking all the family together. She was the go-to person for information on everyone she loved. She was a loving daughter, mother, sister, aunt, cousin and special friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law, Benito Torres; first husband, Miguel N. Perez.

Survivors include her husband, Barney Reyes of Fort Worth; children, Esmeralda Perez, Edward E. Perez, Amanda Garcia and her husband Jacob, and Logan Gaitan and wife Jesica all of San Angelo; sisters, Janie Houck and her husband Bob, and Irma Torres of Robert Lee; brother, Eugene Gaitan of San Angelo; grandchildren, Jaime, Jesiah, Abel Ramirez and Jayden Gaitan, Maya Garcia, Selena and Cynthia Vargas, and Sierra Hernandez.

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