Dr. Tom Benson was born at home on Jefferson Street in San Angelo, Texas on the night of January 17, 1929. His mother was Gladys Martin Benson and his father was William Thomas (Bill) Benson. Tom had two siblings, Cindy Ferguson who survives him in Dallas and Russell who is deceased.

Dr. Benson met the love of his life in his college years and married Sylvia “Hootie” Rutledge July 7, 1950. Hootie has been his partner thru life plus the poverty of three years of Veterinary School. Hootie also gave their marriage the gift of two beautiful children, Taylor Benson and his wife Terri of South Texas and Charlotte Koch and her husband Richard of St. Louis, Missouri.

Dr. Benson attended Texas A&M University from September 1946 to June 1953 when he received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. He was in “D” Company Infantry.

Dr. Benson practiced small animal Veterinary Medicine in Houston forty-seven years, mostly in the Memorial area. He loved his work. He loved the animals and he loved the people who brought them. He told young people who were interested in becoming a Vet, “If you don’t like people, don’t be a Vet; in all my years of practice I haven’t had a single Tomcat walk in alone and ask to be “fixed”.

Dr. Benson is a life member of the American Veterinary Association, the Texas Veterinary Association, the Harris County Veterinary Association and the American Animal Hospital Association.

Dr. Benson loved mentoring youngsters. Several Veterinarians in the Houston area started by working for Dr. Benson and his partners Dr. Charles Saxe and Dr. Mike Brasher. Dr. Benson was a Boy Scoutmaster for two different troops and since his retirement he has tutored first graders in reading.

Tom had a wonderful sense of humor – he loved a joke and loved to tell stories. He will be sorely missed by his family and his friends.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. January 19, 2015 at Fairmount Cemetery. For more information contact Robert Massie Funeral Home, (325) 655-8121.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Salvation Army.

Margarito Chapoy Castaneda, 74, passed away Thursday, January 15, 2015, in San Angelo, Texas.

Services are pending at this time under the care and direction of Gutierrez Funeral Chapels/North, 1002 N. Oakes St., San Angelo, Texas, 76903, (325) 658-5995.

Becky Kathleen Winston Gaston left this life in her home on January 14, 2015 around 4 o’clock in the morning. Her residence was in San Angelo, Texas.
Ms. Gaston was born June 30, 1956 to her parents, Trinon Molloy and Jettie Rae Winston, in Dallas, Texas. She attended Water Valley High School and graduated in 1974. She attended Lon Morris Junior College and graduated from Angelo State University in 1977.
Becky led a life devoted to Christ and embodied the picture of Christ’s unconditional love. Becky loved and embraced people from all walks of life. She reached out to those around her no matter their circumstances. She was passionate about books, movies, music, and acting. She participated in many productions at the civic theater including The Steel Magnolias and Arsenic and Old Lace. In one of her roles, in the play Over the River and Through the Woods, she had the line, "You look hungry. Let me make you a sandwich." This one line described perfectly the life Becky lived. She loved to open her home to anyone and everyone, and she loved to feed people.
Becky is survived by her two sons and two daughters, Christopher Michael Gaston, Justin Scott Gaston, Samantha Ann Gaston, and Teresa Renee Gaston; her mother, Jettie Rae Holmes Winston; her sister, Sharon Rose Winston Kern; and her brother, Ralph Wayne Winston.
She is predeceased by her father T.M. Winston in 2004.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 16, 2015 at the funeral home with family present 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 17, 2015 at Freedom Fellowship Church. Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. at Water Valley Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Shaffer Funeral Home/Sherwood Way.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Freedom Fellowship Mission Fund.

Ben Bessent was born Dec. 22, 1936, in San Angelo, Texas, to parents Charlie W. Bessent and Lou Ella Bilbo Bessent. He died on January, 13, 2015.
His family lived in Robert Lee, Texas, and upon graduation from Robert Lee High School in 1955, Ben attended San Angelo College and Odessa College.
He was married to Mary Angeline Vaughan on July 8, 1956.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Bobby Joe and Charles Bessent, his parents-in-law Robert and Pauline Vaughan, and his beloved grandson, Cody Bill Bessent.
Ben was an entrepreneur who began his work career at the age of six, washing dishes at a local café where he had to stand on a box to reach the sink. People in Robert Lee knew him as Benny, the boy who came up with ideas like selling snow cones, shining shoes, or selling the Grit newspaper. As a teenager he worked for Earl Roberts in a local grocery store. Early on Ben showed his great drive when he won an award from The Abilene Reporter for his high percentage of paper sales. Ben was definitely a people person and a salesman. He began working for Vaughan Chevrolet in 1954, and Robert Vaughan became his mentor and later his father-in-law. They developed a close and lasting bond until Robert's death in 1998.
After Ben and Mary married, they moved to Odessa where he worked for Bronco Chevrolet and attended Odessa Jr. College. In 1958, he went to work for Mobil Oil Co. on a seismograph crew and lived in McAllister, Oklahoma, and Liberal, Kansas, during that time. He returned to the car business in 1959, taking a job with Mustang Chevrolet in San Angelo. In 1968, Ben and Mary returned to Robert Lee, became partners in Vaughan Chevrolet, and when Robert retired, Ben became the sole owner of the dealership.
In 2004, Ben Bessent Chevrolet was sold, and Ben retired. After three weeks of retirement, Ben said, "No, retirement is not for me." So Ben’s good friend, Mike Mitchell of Mitchell Buick/GMC gave Ben the opportunity to continue the career he loved where he could sell cars, see old friends, make new friends, and have a great time.

Ben lived his life with intensity, giving 150% of his energy to everything he loved, which included his family, his friends, his work, and barbeques at the pool. In fact, he always said, "I want everybody to know that I had more fun than anyone! And I played Pebble Beach!"
Ben is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary, his children Craig and Lisa Gilstrap Bessent, Randy and Cindy Ash Bessent, and Lisa Myers. Ben also leaves three grandchildren, B.J. Bessent and wife Rachel, Katie Bessent and Shaye Anne Atwood and husband Ross. Ben also leaves three great-grandchildren, Cody and Cali Bessent and Hudson Atwood, as well as a cousin, Katrina Hallmark, who has been like one of Ben and Mary's daughters.
The family wants to thank Dr. John Harvey, Dr. Walter Rustmann, Dr. Raj Cheruku, and Dr. Gene Sherrod as well as Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate and loving care
Visitation will be all day Thursday at Shaffer Funeral Home with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Robert Lee, Texas on Friday, January 16, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. Services are under the direction of Shaffer Funeral Home. Memorials may be sent to First United Methodist Church of Robert Lee.

Mary Williams Houston, of San Angelo, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 surrounded by her family and close friends. She was 83 years old.
Mary was born on May 5, 1931 in Corsicana, Texas to Hazel and Bell White, Jr. She married Bill Williams on January 16th, 1951. They were married for 31 years and had three children. On February 14, 1985, she married Jerry Houston. Their marriage was filled with love, laughter, and devotion.
For many years while her children were young, Mary was a homemaker. In later years, she embarked on a career in banking and began to work her way up the ladder, eventually serving as an officer at Charter National Bank in Spring, TX and Texas Commerce Bank in San Angelo. She took great pride in the success she achieved during her years in banking. In her retirement, she enjoyed working for small businesses in San Angelo, including Mathis-Baze, The Carriage, Shirley Floral Company, and Medical Arts Pharmacy.
Mary was an incredible woman with a zest for life and boundless energy. Her happiest moments were spent with her family and friends, old and new. She loved her church, her dogs, sparkly jewelry, a good cup of coffee with cream, and ice water with a side of lemon and a straw. She had great style and a knack for making every house she lived in a home. She was fiercely protective of her family and supported each of us in any endeavor we pursued. We will always laugh at the way she could bungle her computers and phones. When fixed, she would get as excited as if she just got a new puppy. She will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to have known her.
Mary is survived by her husband, Jerry Houston, former spouse and father of her children, Bill Williams, daughter, Mary Eakman and husband Doug, son, Mike Williams, and son, Blane Williams and wife Kim. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Leslie Eakman Breeland and husband Matt, Kelly Williams Kiefer and husband Alex, Melissa Williams, Kevin Williams, Tara Williams Joiner, Lauren Williams Guins and husband Cody, Courtney Williams Jezek and husband Travis, and Jared Williams, and six great grandchildren . Extended family members, Step-son, Chad Houston and wife Jennifer and daughter Aislynn, and Step-son Chase Houston and daughter Felicity.
Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, January 16th at Johnson's Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 17th at Immanuel Baptist Church in San Angelo with Pastor Tommy Richardson and Young Houston officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to the charity of your choice.

Donald Dee Vaughn, 76, of Abilene formerly of San Angelo went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 in Abilene, TX. Donald was born October 29, 1938 in Kansas City, Missouri to Leonard C. and Alta L. Conklin Vaughn. He married Geneva Irene Hiley on December 21, 1963 in Lulling, Texas and they were blessed with 51 beautiful years together. Donald was a strong man of faith and devoted 20 years of his life pastoring churches in various states. After settling in San Angelo, he worked for the State School and retired from there in October of 2000. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who also devoted his life to his family. Don was a 32 degree mason; he served as past patron of the 1092 Carlsbad Order of the Eastern Star and master of the Phil Head Lodge in Carlsbad, TX. He will be dearly missed but his love will live on in our hearts forever. Don was preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Louise Vaughn and one son Billy Vaughn. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Geneva Vaughn, one son, Robert Vaughn and his wife Stacy, of Abilene; his Grandchildren, Tyler Vaughn, of Houston, and Jade and Jordan Vaughn, of Abilene, TX. The Funeral Service will be 2:00 P.M., Saturday, January 17, 2015 at Johnson's Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. L.C. Messer and Rev. Shirley Cheesman officiating. Interment will follow at Grape Creek Cemetery. Pallbearers for the service will be Noel Zapata, Freddie Graves, Lee Littlefield, John Bankston, Joe Riddle and Michael Dennis. The family will receive friends at a reception following the service at the Full Gospel Assembly of God Church, 1117 Alexander St. in San Angelo.

Dr. James Clifford Womack, M.D., 86, of San Angelo passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2015. James was born August 5, 1928 in San Angelo, Texas to Clifford T. and Agnes West Womack. He grew up in San Angelo and graduated from San Angelo High School on May 29, 1945. James received an Associate in Arts Degree on August 29, 1947 from San Angelo College. James continued his education by receiving a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Texas in Austin on May 21, 1948. James also received a Bachelor of Science in Zoology. James served his country honorably and proudly in the United States Army. He further graduated from the Counter Intelligence Corps School in Fort Holabird Maryland in 1953. Coming from a family of physicians, he then went on to the University of Texas Galveston Medical School where he graduated in May 28, 1959. James completed a full rotation and an internship at Memorial Hospital under the great Doctors DeBakey, Gerard, and Cooley. It was in medical school in Galveston where he met the mother of his three children, Mary Ann Ghiselli Womack. He always had to tackle Frank Jr. before he could go on a date with Mary Ann Ghiselli. They were married for over 28 years.
James, also known as "Jim" and "Doc" was a family practitioner for over 50 years in San Angelo and practiced in the Medical Arts Building. He initially opened his office with his father, Dr. Clifford Thomas Womack, M.D. and Dr. William T. Womack, M.D.in the Medical Arts Building and his offices remained there throughout his career. During his tenure he served as Chief of Staff at Shannon Medical Center and at St. John's Hospital. He was active in building Community Hospital. He also worked as the Tom Green County Coroner for many years performing autopsies on his lunch hour.
James was an amazing brother, father and truly gifted physician. He was very gregarious and energetic and always happy. James never met a stranger. Before and after retirement, he bowled in multiple leagues for over 40 years. He gained strength from bowling, socializing and telling stories, especially at Blaine's. He loved his family and also loved his Blaine's family. The time spent at Blaines's with his many close friends, comrades, and acquaintances, filled his spirit with life, joy, and happiness. Live music filled his soul. Although sometimes he would protest if the live music was too loud; he would remain singing and dancing until the "bitter end". His passion for life and people made him the magnanimous man that he was. He will truly be missed by all who knew him. May everyone know that he truly loved all of you!
James was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Martha Jane Simpson. He is survived by his children, Clifford Thomas Womack and his wife Tomoko, of The Colony, Deborah Ann Womack, of San Angelo and James Clifford "Jimi" Womack, Jr., of San Angelo; his Grandchildren, Amanda "Mandy" McMurrey, of Portland, Oregon, James McMurrey, of West Point, New York., Morgan Forteith, of Richardson and Henry Forteith, of Richardson; his Brother, Dr. William T. "Bill" Womack, M.D. and his wife Nancy, of San Angelo; and numerous nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews and other family members and close friends he cherished. He loved and had many fond memories of his son - in - law the late Frank Valentine Ghiselli and of Carolyn Stubbs, Olivia Estrada and all of the extended family, nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 P.M. – 7:30 P.M., Friday at Johnson's Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be 11:00 A.M., Saturday, January 17, 2015 at The First Christian Church in San Angelo with the Rev. Ben G. Hubert officiating. Interment will follow at Schleicher County Cemetery in Eldorado, Texas. Pallbearers for the service will be Henry Forteith, James McMurrey, Dr. Christopher Womack, D.V.M., Tom Simpson, Devin Albert, and Jimmy Ridge. Honorary Pall Bearers are Mollie Van Winkle, Katie Bollinger, Jimmy Lee, and Shorty Jones.