It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Chester Earl "Chet" Cooley, 68, of San Angelo, Texas. Chet went to be with his Creator on Sunday, December 15, 2024, after a courageous battle with lung disease. 

Born on September 26, 1956, in Guymon, Oklahoma, to Fontaine and Lilian Cooley, Chet was the youngest son in a family of six children. In 1993, he settled in San Angelo, where he built a loving home with his wife, Denise, and raised three wonderful children. Chet and Denise shared a beautiful 35-year marriage filled with love, partnership, and countless cherished memories. 

Chet was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, Papa, and a cherished member of his community. Known for his warmth and compassion, he cultivated countless meaningful relationships, always making those around him feel valued and heard. Chet was a source of encouragement, urging everyone to approach life with grace, empathy, and kindness. His legacy of love and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. 

Work was a significant part of Chet’s life; he was a dedicated maintenance supervisor at the Southland Arms Apartments for over 27 years and held an impactful position with team members and tenants as a steadfast source of trust and unwavering friendship. His commitment to ensuring the apartments were well-maintained reflected his strong work ethic, and he took great pride in his responsibilities. Chet’s leadership was marked by a sense of integrity, always prioritizing the needs of the tenants and creating a safe, welcoming environment for all. His approachability and willingness to go above and beyond for both his team and the residents made him a beloved figure at Southland Arms, where his legacy of dedication and care will be remembered for years to come.

Chet is survived by his beloved wife, Denise; their children, Somer (John), Jessica (Jon), and Brandon (Nicki); six treasured granddaughters, Taylor, Brinley, Sloane, Harlow, Madison, and Dakota; his sister, Jacque; his brothers, Dallas, Wes, James, and Gary; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, as well as his Southland Arms family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fontaine and Lilian Cooley. 

A celebration of Chet’s life will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church in San Angelo on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the American Lung Association in Chet’s memory. 

Chet’s presence will be profoundly missed, but his memory will remain a guiding light for all who were fortunate to know him. To honor Chet, we encourage you to share your cherished stories, spend time with your loved ones, and remind them how much they mean to you—just as he always did.

What did Mom not do? After graduating from High School she raised two boys. She did mainly administrative work becoming the first female safety director for the City of San Angelo. She retired from Irion County Courthouse. She published Texas historical fiction books, painted, and was very faithful to God. She loved her family, friends, and Texas. She was a devoted DRT member.

Marshall Clay Cade was born January 1, 1931 and passed away December 25, 2024. Born in Pioneer, Texas to Marvin and Lucy Cade, Clay and his family moved to Iraan, Texas. Clay attended Iraan schools until the middle of his junior year when his parents moved to the ranch outside of Alpine, Texas. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Alpine High School, he attended Sul Ross State University on a full football scholarship. During the middle of his sophomore year, he married Gaile Barrow on December 21, 1951. Clay coached at Alpine High School for two years before becoming head coach at Marathon, Texas for four years. 

Anticipating athletic excellence and superior educations for his two sons, Clay and his family moved to Sonora in 1963. Clay worked as the elementary school principal until his retirement in 1998. During his interim as principal, Clay helped close the Elliot School and incorporated them under the Sonora Elementary School.

Clay’s love of rodeoing included teaching his sons, grandson and friends’ children to rope and the necessity of always riding a good horse. Clay’s friends remember him as a great horse trainer and having the ability to “put them on to a good one” when they needed a good horse. His horse Smokey, who he trained and rode to national acclaim, was chosen as the Roping Horse of the Year in 1999 by the American Quarter Horse Association.

Clay is survived by his two sons, Jimmy and Larry Cade; three grandsons, Mackenzy, Call and Creed Cade; and two great grandsons, Cohen and Brax Cade. He is preceded in death by his grandson Tan Cade, wife Gaile Cade, his mother, father and siblings.

Clay had a sharp memory all the way to the end and always remembered all his roping and rodeo friends from over the years and spoke fondly of them. 

Pallbearers are as follows: Johnny Hudson, Keith Hudson, Terry Shinkle, Mike Keller, Bud Whitehead and Sam Powers.

Honorary Pallbearers - The 1970 Sonora Broncos Football Team.

Services are at 10:00 am Monday, December 23, 2024 in the First Methodist Church Eldorado. Graveside Services will follow.

December 1, 2024, the first Sunday of Advent when Christians everywhere celebrate Jesus’ message of hope, love and joy, Richard was in ICU at Shannon Hospital.  

The first words he spoke to Jill, his wife of 55 years, were, “ Take me home.” 

On Friday, December 20, 2024, God took him Home.

If the first words God asked Richard were, “ Did you reflect  the Light of My Life on your walk here in the world?”

Riichard could have honestly and simply replied, “Yes.”

He reflected hope when he became a Prayer Warrior. In 2011 , he suffered a major heart attack. Soon after his recovery, everyday out in the field, he would keep a “geographical’ list of people needing prayer and offer those to the Lord.

He reflected love by the presence and well wishes of not only everyone here today, but all those who have reached out to the family, and those who have prayed for him.

Richard reflected hope, love, and  joy when playing neighborhood tag football and growing up in Eldorado to develop lasting friendships.

Joy with his ASU Ram basketball players when they played number 1 ranked Trinity University and won 98-76 .Hope. Love. And joy of being a Ram led by Coach Phil George. 

Joy with his co-workers at the Co-OP playing ping-pong or football during their lunch hour.Joy with the countless amount of friends playing baseball and softball.

 Hope. Love. And Joy when hunting , fishing , or just hanging out together, with his sons Trey and Hunter. 

Joy when he and his sisters, Libby and Vicki would get to ride with big brother Pat to the Drive-In movie. 

Joy when his afternoon calls would reach out to so many especially to Trey, Angela, Thomas,( T) and Lily. To Hunter and Carla ( Carlita). Or to Pat , Janice, and Libby. Or to Jack and Shelley, and to Vicki and Kip. Or to his many nieces and nephews who loved “ Uncle Tree”. ( By the way, Tree, we’re going to miss your calls.)

 Tree was an avid caller to those needing to hear hope during the ravages of Covid. He found and gave so much joy and love when friends and family -young and old- would come by for Happy Hour.

Love, Hope, and Joy were very evident in the help of the creation of Jim Holley’s Men’s Breakfast. He didn’t particularly enjoy the early morning hours as he got older, but he sure enjoyed the meal, the fellowship, and the strong faith of these prayer warriors. Keep it up guys!

Such a special type of hope, love, and joy when he would walk into church nearly every Sunday morning and listen to Lynn practice. And  hope, love, and joy when Richard would worship his Lord and Savior with his church family. 

Tree found love, hope, and joy at the touch of Jill’s hand on his forehead.

She received all three when he was able to recite Psalm 23, The Lord’s Prayer, many Scripture verses, and ending with the Priestly Benediction, even though he was terribly ill. 

Richard embraced the heart of the Christmas story: God’s profound love for all of us. Yes, his parents , Dick and Dale, and his in laws Charlie and Lib, son George Austin, and brother-in-law Johnny would have been proud of this high school and college athlete who became a  faithful, Christian warrior.

Thank You Heavenly Father. Because of Your gift of Your Son, Jesus, we will all see Richard again!

Concepcion "Concha" Cruz Gallegos, 89, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 20, 2024 surrounded by her children, grandchildren, family and much love. She was born in San Angelo, Texas, on February 10, 1935, to David and Francisca Juarez Cruz.

Viewing will be from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at Robert Massie Funeral Home and at 9:00 AM Thursday December 26, 2024 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 7 W Ave N, San Angelo, TX 76904. A rosary will follow at 10:15 AM, and the mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Concha will be laid to rest at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 1501 W. Ave N, San Angelo, Texas 76904 under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.

Concha married the love of her life, Preciliano "Pete, Cacho" Holguin Gallegos on April 7, 1956, in San Angelo at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Together they reared a family of six children. Concha was employed by Ethicon Inc., where she retired after twenty five years of service. At Ethicon, she met many coworkers who not only became friends, but family.

Concha was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, great aunt, and friend, who lived her life with unwavering faith and love for her family.

Concha's deep devotion to God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and her Catholic faith was at the center of everything she did. She was a faithful and active member of St. Margaret's Catholic Church and St. Mary's Catholic Church in San Angelo, TX, where she found great comfort and strength. In her service to her parish at St. Margaret, Concha opened her home and welcomed the neighborhood children whom she taught catechism and prepared them to receive their sacraments. She was a member of several religious ministries at both parishes: the Altar Society, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Homebound Ministry, Religious Education, Catholic Daughters of America, the Guadalupano Society and a Carmelite. She held close relationships and ties to the Lay Carmelites, Father Fabian Rossetti, the Carmelite Monks of Mount Carmel Hermitage, and the Carmelite Nuns from Our Lady of Grace Monastery, both in Christoval. Her love for the Church, along with her dedication to her family, was the foundation upon which she built her life.

Concha is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and six siblings: Benito Cruz, Henry Cruz, Pablo Cruz, Anita Rojas, Luisa Martínez and Herminia Vasquez.

She is survived by her six beloved children, Toni Garcia, Elma Elizondo (Homero), of San Antonio, Gilbert Gallegos (Sylvia), Teresa Gallegos, Gerard Gallegos, of San Angelo and George Gallegos (Angela), of Colleyville. Seven grandchildren, Analisa McCain,(Casey) Iliana Barnes (Joel), Leana Escobar (Kevin), Adriana Elizondo(Robert Ferguson ), Nina Gallegos, Mishelle Sherman (Taylor),and Tomás Gallegos, six great-grandchildren, Isabella Stone, Grant and Flora McCain, Claire and James Homero Barnes and Emilia Elizabeth Escobar, all of whom carry forward the values and love she instilled in them. Her legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering faith will live on through them. Concha is also survived by her siblings, David Cruz(Olga), Mary Minor(Ramiro), Ramona McClellen(George), Ramon Cruz, and Richard Cruz of San Angelo, TX and Mario Cruz ( Maria) of Austin, TX, her sister-in-law, Rita Martínez, of San Antonio, as well numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Concha was a passionate fan of the San Antonio Spurs and sports, often spending her days cheering on her favorite teams with enthusiasm. Whether through sports or in everyday moments, her spirit of joy and support touched everyone around her.

A true matriarch of her family, Concha's heart was always open, and her home was a place of refuge and warmth. We will all remember her giving us her blessing before we left her home. Her kindness, wisdom, and gentle presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Serving as pallbearers are Casey McCain, Lt. Colonel Joel Barnes, Kevin Escobar, Robert Ferguson, Tomas Gallegos and Taylor Sherman. Honorary pallbearers, are great grandsons, Grant McCain and James Homero Barnes.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church in her memory.

May Concha rest in peace, and may her family find comfort in the knowledge that she is now with her Lord.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 5:21

Arturo "Tury" Marquez, 71, of San Angelo passed away on Monday, December 16, 2024.

Memorial services will be at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery in El Paso at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.

Mr. Marquez was born on December 15, 1953 in El Paso to Valentin and Valentina Oporto Marquez. He worked in construction in El Paso, Midland, Abilene and finally San Angelo. Art enjoyed fishing, being outside, animals, and working on his cars. He was quiet, reserved, non-judging and a very giving person.

Survivors include his three sisters, Mary Wiseman and Joseph Charboneau, and Irene Villalba and husband Victor all of San Angelo, and Ida Hernandez of Ontario, California; 3 half brothers, Eddie Marquez, Steve Marquez, and Frank Marquez; a half sister, Liz Marquez; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Maria De La Luz Sanchez, 64, of San Angelo passed away peacefully in her home on December 21, 2024. She was born in San Diego de la Unión Guanajuato México to Diego Arredondo and Ricarda Reyna. Maria married the love of her life Arturo Sanchez on October 3, 1986, and they remained happily married for over 38 years. Maria was an amazing mother to her children. She leaves behind her loving husband, Arturo Sanchez, her 4 children, Mayra Sanchez, Ariana Sanchez, Yecenia Sanchez and Arturo Sanchez, Jr; her 4 grandchildren, Jayla Ponce, Jason Ponce, Ezekiel Sanchez and Kylie Sanchez; 2 brothers; and 1 Sister; and numerous other family members and friends. Maria was a beautiful sweet loving woman. She was a fighter. Maria was loved by so many for who she was and how she loved everyone. She especially loved spending time with her family and grandchildren. She is now at peace and dancing in the sky with no pain! We will dearly miss her! The family will receive friends for visitation starting at 4:00 P.M., Thursday, December 26, 2024, at Harper Funeral Home. The Rosary Vigil will be at 6:00 P.M., Thursday, December 26, 2024, at Harper Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass will be 10:00 A.M., Friday, December 27, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. The burial will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

Family and friends may share condolences and sign the online register book at www.harper-funeralhome.com.

Marion Jean Mock Bledsoe of San Angelo, TX went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at the age of 89. She was born in Long Beach, CA to the parents of Henry and Monta Mock.

After graduating as a Valedictorian of Ozona High School, she married the love of her life, Aaron Bledsoe, on September 6, 1953.

In the late 50’s and early 60’s she was Miss Marion on The Romper Room television show in San Angelo where she influenced over 600 children. Marion was also very active in the Epsilon Sigma Alpha service sorority. She was blessed with many musical talents and shared them by singing, directing, and playing for her church and friends.

Marion is survived by her son Gary and daughter Lori Brooks; grandchildren, Lindsay (Adam), Leanne (Justin), Nicki (John), Natalie (Mike), JT (Laura), Erika (Stance), and 12 great grandchildren; brother Louie “Tex” Mock.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 55 years Aaron Bledsoe, son-in-law David Brooks, daughter-in-law Jayne Reed Bledsoe and 2 brothers Howard and Randy Mock.

We are grateful that mom is in no more pain, has a clear mind, and she is praising the Lord with her beautiful voice. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.

An open viewing will be held on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Harper Funeral Home from 12:00 to 5:00 PM. Graveside services will be held on Monday, December 23, 2024, at Mereta Cemetery at 2:00 PM.

The family would like to give a special thanks to all the staff at the Regency House and St. Gabriel’s hospice for their loving devotion and care for mom.

Billy (Bill) Joe Feathers of San Angelo, at the age of 87, went peacefully to be with his Lord on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 8:08 a.m. in his residence.

Bill was born on December 27, 1936, in Watauga, Tennessee, to Pauline and Walter Feathers. He graduated from Gary High School, in Gary, West Virginia in 1955. Bill enlisted into the military shortly after high school and proudly served as an Air Policeman in the United States Air Force. After his military service, Bill went on to have a distinguished career as a banking professional retiring as Assistant Vice President from San Angelo National Bank in 1999.

Bill, who has joined his beloved spouse, Jane Hoglund Feathers in eternal rest, was married for 66 years and his love for Jane remained steadfast even after her passing in 2000. Together, they shared a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments. Though separated by death, their bond remained unbroken, and they are now reunited in peace.

Bill was a loving father, grandparent, great-grandparent, and sibling who cherished every moment with his family, providing unwavering love, guidance, and support. Bill was a faithful member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, where he found great joy in serving the Lord and the community. He was also a proud and committed long-time member of the San Angelo, Downtown Lion’s Club. He was a true example of what it means to serve others, and his legacy of kindness and generosity will continue to inspire those who were fortunate to work alongside him.

Bill is survived by his two sons, William Dean Feathers and wife, Terry, of San Angelo and Michael Scott Feathers, and wife Casie of San Angelo; three granddaughters, Megan Huddleson and Shelby Segura both of San Angelo and Dana Fernandes of Wink; seven great grandchildren, Autumn Ledbetter, Jayden Huddleson, Jakob Huddleson, Jenna Huddleson of San Angelo, and Layton Fernandes, Kolee Fernandes and Delaney Fernandes of Wink; four sisters, Maggie Duncan, Katie Perry, Brenda Perrotti all of Syracuse, and Louise Mooney of Colorado; and numerous nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Pauline Feathers; son, Stephen M. Feathers; brothers, James L. Feathers, John H. Feathers, Bobby G. Feathers, Bruce F. Feathers and Charles R. Feathers.

Bill will be available for viewing on Thursday, December 26 and Friday, December 27 at Harper Funeral Home from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. A graveside service to honor the life of Bill Feathers will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens in San Angelo. Family and friends are welcome to join in remembering and celebrating his life. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church or Hospice of San Angelo in Bill’s memory.

Arrangements are entrusted to Harper Funeral Home.

Myrta Bob "Butch" Harper Rathbone Porter, 91, moved to her heavenly home on December 17, 2024. Myrta Bob was a godly woman who loved the Lord and her family and friends and set an example for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren that will live on through their lives. She was a faithful servant of the Lord, enjoyed singing in the choir, serving on church committees near and dear to her heart, and being a Hospice volunteer.

Myrta Bob was born in Eldorado, Texas, on August 12, 1933, to Samuel Dunlap (S.D.) Harper Jr. and Ruth Alice DeLong Harper. She was the granddaughter of Schleicher County pioneer rancher David E. DeLong. She was raised in Eldorado, both in town and on family ranches, and attended her early school years in a small, one-teacher school, the Cliff School, and later Schleicher County ISD. She attended Angelo Junior College, where she met and married Norman Dalton Cash. Later, they transferred to Sul Ross State University to finish their education, where she graduated with her teaching degree. They enjoyed traveling with the Detroit Tigers, spring training in Florida, games nationwide, and Tiger Stadium. She fondly remembered the Tiger's Japanese exhibition tour in 1962. They were blessed with two children, Jay Carl and Julie Lee. After their divorce, she met and married Milton "Mickey" Rathbone in 1974 and were fortunate with 38 years of marriage where they enjoyed playing golf, traveling, ranching, hosting friends at the 19th hole (their home and backyard), and following their grandchildren as they participated in sports and various activities. After Mickey's death, she married a long-time friend, Craig Porter, and they enjoyed traveling to Canada, Vermont, Utah, and across Texas. 

Myrta Bob was a remarkable woman whose life was filled with love, family, and dedication to education. As an educator, she influenced countless young minds during her 25+ years of teaching at Eldorado Elementary. Her contributions to her community and the lives she touched will be remembered by many. She lived a full life, marked by her roles as a mother, grandmother, and educator and her passions for travel, art, and nature.

Myrta Bob was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Emily Ann Wolfe Ainslie, her son, Jay Carl Cash, and her husbands, Mickey Rathbone and Craig Porter. Myrta is survived by her daughter, Julie Lee Hargraves Ed.D., and her husband, Perry; her stepson, Ron Rathbone; four grandchildren, Justin Harlin (Jessica), Harper Smith (Sidney), Halie Hargraves (Abbey), and Hayden Hargraves (Olivia); and five great-grandchildren, Paxton, Landree, Mickey, William, and Jetty; her niece Melinda Wolfe Ratliff, cousins Jeffrey Morehouse and Bobby DeLong, and God-children Jane Ann, Stephen, and Carol Jean, and numerous friends.

The family will have a private burial service and a celebration of Myrta's life at 2 p.m. Friday, December 20, at First Methodist Church of Eldorado. The family appreciates the support received during this difficult time, especially from Schleicher County Nursing Home, The Springs Memory Care, and Gentiva Hospice. Their dedication and compassion comforted Mom in her final months and years. The family also invites donations in her memory to the First Methodist Church of Eldorado and the Alzheimer's Association to continue supporting causes important to her. Also, a special thank you to Art and Martha at Work of Art; they played a vital role in extending Mom's quality of life with our weekly hair appointments, which she loved.

In His light, we find comfort in knowing that she is at peace in the arms of her Savior and how blessed our lives are with her love, support, and endless faith.