Our wonderful mother, sister, and grandmom, Betty Joyce Gifford, age 95 gained her angel wings on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. She is now pain free and resting in the arms of our Savior. She was born in Brady, Texas on September 3, 1929. Her life was full taking care of her family and working at the courthouse, Connie's Shoe Dept., and Val's Shoe Tree.

Betty is preceded in death by 1 brother, Buddy, and two sisters, Gladys and Rhene, as well as her darling daughter, Linda Lee Gifford, and her loving husband of 47 years, John Harold Gifford I.

She is survived by her brother, Don Ewing; her sons, Johnnie H. Gifford II and wife Linda, and Steven D. Gifford. Also left to cherish her memory are her 2 grandchildren, Pamela Kay and James Wesley, as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A graveside service will be held at 2 pm on Monday, April 28th, 2025 at Fairmount Cemetery. Friends and family may pay their respects and sign the register book at Johnson's Funeral Home on Sunday, April 27th from 10 am to 5 pm.

It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our beloved dad. Juan Rodolfo Esparza, lovingly know as Johnny, was called home to be with our lord on April 24th 2025. Johnny was born in Uvalde Texas on October 9th, 1957 to Fortunato and Juanita Esparza, he was the youngest of nine children, he was the baby that kept everyone on their toes.

Johnny spent most of his career working in the oilfield, where he was known for his strong work ethic and willingness to lend a hand to anyone in need. He never met a stranger and would give the shirt off his back with no thought of ever getting anything in return.  

In his younger years Johnny excelled in all sports, a trait he surely, passed down to his grandchildren. Through his 67 years he carried many names Husband, Brother, Tio, Coach, Friend, but the names he carried with the most pride were husband, dad and Welo. Welo being the one we know he carried with the most pride. Anytime he spoke about any of his grandkids you could just see his chest puff out just a little bit extra and he would travel all over just to see them compete in anything. Whether it was leaving at 3 in the morning to watch a track meet or up all night to watch a baseball tournament Welo was going to be there.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Lee, Joe, and June, as well as his sisters Francis Gomez, Seserina and twins Margaretta and Antionia Esparza. Mother-in-law Lovelle Crawford and Father-in law Bill Crawford. Sister-in-law Karen Bishop, and brothers-in-law Cliff Crawford and Ricky Crawford.

Johnny is survived by his loving wife Tressa (Mimi) Esparza; His loving children John Esparza and wife Tiffany of Ozona, Jennifer Vickers and husband Stephen of Wimberley, Kemari Esparza of Eagle, Michigan, Blake Esparza and wife Courtney of Weatherford, and Tanner Esparza (Bryce) of Austin. His loving sister Yoland (Freddy) Flores of Uvalde. He now watches over his nine amazing grandsons and one beautiful granddaughter, along with numerous nieces and nephews, and extended family who will miss him dearly. 

Johnny’s legacy is one of unconditional love, loyalty, and joy-a man who never hesitated to show up no matter the distance. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him.  

Robert Tyrrel Coffey passed away April 25, 2025, at the age of 79. He was born on January 18, 1946 to Robert H. and Betsy Smith Coffey. He graduated from Central High in San Angelo in 1964. He then received a BBA in accounting from Angelo State College in 1968.

He started his career in public accounting with Jones, Freeze, Hay, and Company. Next he went to work for an audit client, Shannon West Texas Memorial Hospital in 1976. His career in healthcare financial management continued with St. John's Hospital, Concho Valley Regional Hospital and concluded with Shannon after Concho Valley Regional was purchased by Shannon Health System in 1995, where he retired at the end of 1999.

During his career, Robert was a member of the American Institute of CPAs, the Texas Society of CPAs, the Healthcare Financial Management Association and the San Angelo Rotary Club and First Presbyterian Church. Robert was active in his church where he served for 13 years on the Stewardship Committee.

Robert is survived by his wife Betty Jan Coffey of the home, his ex-wife Priscilla Faulkner Coffey of Midland and their sons Robert Curtis Coffey (Leoni Davis) of Midland, Kenneth Lee Coffey (Tammy) of Conroe, Texas. Also surviving Robert are his brothers Bill Coffey (Mary) of San Angelo and Bud Coffey (Adele) of Ft. Davis. Survivors include his stepdaughters Traesha Robertson of Brunswick, GA, Tessa Hammond (Chris) of Denver, CO, and Tamatha Bollinger (David) of Coppell, Texas. He is also survived by his grandchildren Caylan Gandy (Ryan) of San Angelo, Cortney Lamb (Hollis) of Edmond, OK. Casey Coffey of California, Abby Nicole Payne of Coppell, Texas, Cashten and Cambria Hammond of Denver, CO. Also surviving Robert are his great grandchildren Noelle Capri Gandy and Ryker Lamb.

Visitation will be at Harper Funeral Home on May 1st from 6:00 to 8:00.

Funeral will be Friday, May 2nd at 10:00am at First Presbyterian Church at 13 N. Irving with Dr. Joel Moore officiating.

Graveside Services will be at Hillcrest Cemetery in Fort Davis on May 3rd at 12:00pm with Paul Harst officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of San Angelo.

Katherine Doranne Little, of San Angelo, went home to be with Jesus on April 24, 2025.

Katherine was born in Sweetwater, Texas, on May 3, 1970, to Lizabeth “Anne” Simon. When Katherine was two years old, her mother married Darold Little, who lovingly adopted her and raised her as his own. She grew up in Sweetwater with her four siblings and graduated from Sweetwater High School in 1988. She went on to graduate from nursing school at West Texas A&M University in 2001. Katherine worked in many different capacities as a nurse, but her true passion was always patient care and advocacy. She formed deep, lasting connections with those under her care, often turning professional relationships into lifelong friendships.

Katherine had an adventurous spirit that led her to seek out new and exciting experiences wherever she went. She was known for her love of “adventure dining” — always eager to discover hidden gems and try something new. She loved dancing with her friends, singing karaoke, and playing pool, darts, poker, and card games. She loved being near the water, and Katherine found peace and joy in nature. She could often be found in her kayak or driving in a remote location just to take the “scenic” route. For her, the outdoors was not just a place, but a way of life — a place where she felt truly at home and at peace.

Katherine was deeply grounded in her faith and often spoke of the day she would be united with Jesus Christ. She believed that faith was not just about rituals, but about cultivating a personal relationship with Christ and living each day guided by His teachings. She truly believed in the power of prayer and in speaking with, and more importantly, listening to, Jesus.

Katherine was an artist and loved crafting. She often took things others regarded as trash and turned them into something beautiful. She showed her love to others by gifting her art to those around her. She shared her love of crafting with her family, always encouraging her children and grandchildren to imagine, create, and find joy in making something new.

She loved her children and her grandchildren fiercely and passionately. She spoke of them often and proudly, not for their achievements but for the kindness, compassion, and goodness they showed to the world. Through her own life and example, Katherine taught them many lessons, but the greatest and most lasting gift she gave was the gift of love.

Katherine’s friends and family will forever remember the way she loved them — fully, fiercely, and without reservation. She embraced each person exactly as they were, in every moment of their journey, offering a love that asked for nothing in return. Her love for life was radiant, and she poured that joy generously into everyone blessed to know her.

Katherine is survived by her children, Emilee McKnight (Ryan), Christopher Cavaness (Camarae), Joshua Little (Erica), and Jessica Evers; her beautiful grandchildren, Annaliese, Benjamin, and Audrey McKnight; her father, Darold Little; and her siblings, Debra Little, Kenneth Geaslin, Darla Buckley (Mike), and Diane Little (Jason). She is also survived by many others whom she loved deeply — additional children and grandchildren, who may not have been born to her, but were embraced and cared for as her own.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Anne Little, and one of her best friends, Mandy.

A celebration of life will be held on May 2, 2025, at 2 P.M. at Harper Funeral Home in San Angelo, Texas.

In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that you always choose love. Love those around you like Katherine did, and the world will be a better place because of it.

Joe Bailey, 91, of San Angelo, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2025, at Brayden Park Assisted Living & Memory Care. Joe's passing came quietly, and peacefully, sitting in his favorite chair. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

Born in Abilene, Texas, on October 14, 1933, Joe was a true product of West Texas, where his love for the outdoors, his sharp intellect, and his deep curiosity about the world took root. He went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Mathematics from the University of Texas, which set the stage for a remarkable career.

Joe worked for Shell Oil and then ExxonMobil, where he became known as a pioneer in the field of seismic wave computer processing, developing early techniques for locating oil and gas deposits. His work helped shape the industry, and he retired from ExxonMobil in 1994. After retirement, he moved to a historic house on Lake Nasworthy in San Angelo, a place he had long admired, where he could enjoy the water and nature he loved.

In 1968, Joe married Myla Carroll, and they had one son, Andrew Kevin Bailey. While their marriage ended in 1981, Joe remained a dedicated father. Some of his happiest memories were of trips with Kevin to Big Bend and the Davis Mountains, where they spent time exploring the beauty of West Texas.

Joe’s life took a turn when he met Debbie Hartgrove at a bridge tournament. Their connection was instant, and Debbie would become Joe’s devoted companion for over 20 years, sharing his love of bridge, travel, and quiet moments together.

Joe had a lifelong passion for bridge, both as a player and as a volunteer. He won numerous tournaments throughout the years, but it was his dedication to the local bridge community that left a lasting mark. He used his technical expertise to develop applications that helped the San Angelo Bridge Club organize and run tournaments, offering his skills as a way to give back to a community that brought him much joy.

In addition to bridge, Joe loved boating and spent many years enjoying time on the water in Chocolate and Galveston Bay, and then at Lake Nasworthy. Although he was no longer able to boat in his later years, he held onto his love for the lake and the peace it brought him.

Joe is survived by his son, Kevin Bailey, and his longtime companion, Debbie Hartgrove. He is also remembered fondly by the friends, colleagues, and bridge partners whose lives he touched over the years.

Send donation or memorials to: Unit 204, San Angelo Bridge Club, 902 N. Monroe, San Angelo, Tx. 76901

David George Watson, 81, died Tuesday, April 22 at the Bronte Health and Rehab Center with his wife and older daughter, Jill, by his side. He had been debilitated by dementia and Parkinson’s Disease, and it was time for him to go home and be reunited with friends and relatives that had gone before him.

Dave was born to George Henry and Maybelle Watson in Baltimore MD on August 21, 1943. The family settled permanently in Chicago IL where he grew up attending Oak Park schools. Dave was very intelligent and was a great athlete and a “gym rat” who loved exercise and being fit. He played all sports in school and excelled in all of them. After graduating from Oak Park High School in Chicago, he went to Michigan State University to play baseball. Baseball was his sport of choice, playing into his forties. He had professional aspirations that never worked out. He was also an avid golfer until his knees limited his playing time

Dave met his first wife Jan, at Michigan State and they married in 1964. They had three children, Jill, Tanya, and David II. They were all “bonus” children to Marifrances as they immediately treated her as one of the family. They have all been her rock through Dave’s ill health.

Selling was Dave’s passion and found making a “cold call” exciting and challenging. He could sell anything and did. His favorite years were in Seguin, Texas, where he owned two mobile home dealerships. From Seguin he went to Lewisville, Kentucky to become office manager for his younger brother Tom’s law office. Upon Tom’s passing, Dave came back to Texas near his children and eventually to San Angelo.

Dave met his second wife, Marifrances, at the San Angelo Bridge Club over a bridge game. He was a brilliant player and for ten years won the most points among the non-life master players. They played as partners for five great years and then decided to become life partners on April 15, 2011. He was the love of her life, had a big personality full of love, laughter and good friends. When Dave made a friend if was for a lifetime. He never lost touch with friends or family, calling them regularly.

Dave was a member of many service organizations wherever he lived. In San Angelo he joined the Downtown Lion’s Club. He loved the pancake dinners and went to help in the Lion’s Club Children’s Camp in Kerrville yearly. He would help anyone and could always refer you to someone that provided the service you needed.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents and brother Thomas Watson and a beloved brother-in law, Terrence Brown. He is survived by his wife Marifrances of San Angelo, daughters Jill Holden (John) of Kerrville, Tanya Smith (Loren) of Humble, and son David Watson II of San Angelo. He is also survived by grandchildren Jacqulin Civello of Norfolk, VA; Dominic Civello of Kerrville; Jaden and Jordan Smith of Humble; and great- grandson Warren May of Norfolk, VA. He is also survived by his sisters Judy Brown of Lewisville, KY; and Sally Burres (Leonard) of Goodyear, AZ. Also grieving his passing are two stepdaughters, Misty Davis of Bronte and Melinda Mackey of Blackwell, four step-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

There will be a private family celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the San Angelo Bridge Club, 619 Locust Street, San Angelo, TX 76901 or your favorite charity.

I have a special thank you to all the caring staff at Bronte Health and Rehab Center and to Gentiva Hospice of San Angelo. They all were so kind and took excellent care of Dave.

Ret. MSCAW Gerald (Jerry) Smith of Aubrey, TX passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2025. 

He was born on September 14, 1949, in Lovington, NM to Joe E. and Mary I. Smith. 

Jerry attended Central High School and graduated in the class of 1968. He later went on to further his education in computer programming and culinary arts. He then went on to serve in the US Navy for 30 years as a culinary specialist and Seabee with highlights in his career that included 2 tours of duty in Vietnam, Desert Shield and Desert Storm. His career is also highlighted by serving on numerous ships, crossing the international date line dozens of times, and serving as an Admiral’ s personal chef to prepare meals for kings, queens, high level dignitaries, politicians, and command personnel. 

Jerry married Paula I. Smith on August 31, 1978, and had two children. Jerry had a passion for reading, particularly western novels, military-based books, and Harry Potter. He will always be remembered for his love of his family and loved to cook for them. 

An open visitation will be held on Thursday, April 24th at Johnson’s Funeral Home with the family present between 3-5 pm. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 25th at Lawnhaven Memorial Garden at 10 am in San Angelo, TX . 

In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a memorial donation toward a monument for his gravesite in honor of his memory. Checks can be mailed to the family or Venmo @michingae. 

The Family would like to thank the San Angelo Firefighter Association for use of the Union Hall for the reception after the graveside service. 

Honorary pallbearers for the service will be

Ben Heinze

Doc McAlister

Dillon McAlister

Davis McAlister IV

Keaton Vawter

He is preceded in death by his mother Mary Smith, his father Joe Smith, 6 brothers, and 1 sister. 

He is survived by his wife Paula I. Smith of Aubrey, TX, brother Henry Smith, daughter Teresa McAlister and husband Doc McAlister, and son Ben Heinze and his wife Dawn Heinze. His grandchildren are Brad McAlister and wife Brittany, Dillon McAlister and wife Kali, Davis McAlister IV and wife Mayu, Dana McAlister and fiancée Keaton Vawter, Emma Heinze, and Brooke McAlister. His great grandchildren are Ellamaye McAlister, Doyle McAlister, Lena-Jade McAlister, Weston McAlister, and Rene Ishikawa. He was loved by many nieces, nephews, close friends, cousins, and brothers in arms.

Rosa Delia Rodriguez, age 69, of Del Rio, Texas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 12, 2025. She was born on January 26, 1956, in Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico to Arnulfo and Maria De Jesus Gonzalez.

Delia was a dedicated and hardworking woman who held various positions throughout her career as a cashier and clerk. Beyond her work, she was known for her many talents and passions. She found great joy in crocheting and sewing, and was cherished by all who had the pleasure of tasting her incredible cooking. Delia’s warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

She deeply loved spending time with her friends and family, creating memories that will be treasured forever.

Delia is survived by her loving daughter, Norma Rodriguez; her beloved grandchildren, Alexis Lopez, Ariel Borrego, Alyssa Borrego, and King Borrego; and her precious great-grandchild, Metztli Borrego. She will be remembered with love and missed dearly by all who knew her.

Her memory lives on in the hearts of those she touched.

Paul Valdez, Sr. 74, of San Angelo passed away on April 22, 2025.

viewing will be from 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM on Monday, April 28, 2025 at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel with a rosary being said at 6:00 PM. Graveside services will be at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, 200 Catholic Cemetery Road, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.

Mr. Valdez was born on June 22, 1950 in Fredericksburg to Angel and Lucia Pina Valdez. Paul graduated from Ballinger High School. He was an accomplished musician. He and his brother Pete started a group, La Formula. They played all over Texas at weddings, reunions, parties and Quinceaneras. Paul worked at Ethicon in production for 15 years and worked at Lighthouse for the Blind for 20 years. Paul loved fishing, going to casinos, and playing bingo. He loved Jesus and was in the process of producing a gospel album. Paul was funny, outgoing, and everyone loved him. He loved being around people and talking to them.

He was preceded in death by six siblings, Manuela Morquecho, Angel Valdez, Jr., Lupe Mendoza, Lupita Valdez, Tachito Valdez, Raymond Valdez, .

Paul is survived by two children, Paul Valdez, Jr. and Paula Lutricia Valdez both of San Angelo; six siblings, Janie Valdez of Austin, Mary Bueno of San Antonio, Luisa Valdez of Sweetwater, Pete Valdez of San Angelo, Amelia Puente of Corpus Christi and Johnny Valdez of Midland; three grandchildren, Mickayla Navarro, Christian Navarro of San Angelo, and Elena Valdez of Christoval.