Wanda Louise Knight, 83, of San Angelo, Texas, went to be with the Lord on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025 surrounded by her loved ones. She was born in Merkel, Texas to Rubert and Lena McLean, on August 20, 1941. Wanda graduated from Merkel High School in 1959. She married the love of her life Charles Bruce Knight in March of 1961 in Midland, Texas. They were married for 56 years before Bruce passed away. They had four children, whom their whole life revolved around.

She was a devoted working mom her entire career until retirement. Over the course of her life, Wanda worked for various oil companies, including Gulf Oil, Atlantic Richfield oil and Pool Company. In 1983, Wanda took a job with Reece Albert, Inc. which became her career for the next 38 years, before she retired.

Wanda loved people and loved life. She was the most generous, loving, and caring person to all who knew her. She had a servant’s heart and wanted to help and serve others always. Some would say, her happy place in life was preparing a feast for friends and family. She was an excellent cook and loved feeding those she loved.

In 1975, Wanda joined Beta Sigma Phi, a non-collegiate international sorority focused on friendship, service, and philanthropy. In San Angelo, she first joined Tau Pi, and later progressed to Xi Alpha Nu, where these ladies became lifelong friends who are like family to her. She was so proud to be apart of Xi Alpha Nu and took great pride in being a part of many different community service projects the chapter supported.

Wanda was a member of The Heights Church and formerly Park Heights Baptist church where she raised her children in the Lord.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Rubert and Lena McLean and her husband Bruce Knight, her two Brother’s – in- law, Grady Knight and Patrick (Jerry) Spellman.

She is survived by her four children, Rodger Knight and wife Judy of San Angelo, Melinda Frantum and husband Keith of McKinney, Vickie Chester and husband Casey of McKinney, and Robin Harmon and husband Brint of San Angelo.

She had amazing grandchildren whom she loved dearly including Ashley Warriner and husband Cliff, Taylor Frantum, Evan Frantum, Brynson Harmon, and Logan Harmon. The prize of her life was her great- grandchildren Olivia, Eden, Grayson, and Kaul Warriner. All her grandchildren and great- grandchildren brought her great joy.

Wanda is also survived by her 2 sisters, Joyce Knight of Merkel and Venita Spellman of Cedar Park. She has two nephews Charles (Chuck) Knight and Kelly Knight of Merkel and one niece Rhonda Reynolds and husband Jason of Cedar Park. She had several great nephews and a great-niece as well. Family was everything to Wanda.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, April 27, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Harper Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Harper Funeral Home. Burial to follow at Fairmount Cemetery.

Allen Rappaport, 86, of Cedar Falls, Iowa, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2025, at 12:40 a.m. at MercyOne Hospital in Cedar Falls. Born on March 9, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York, Allen was the beloved son of Norman and Helen Rappaport.

A humble and devoted husband, Allen is survived by his sister Judie, and three sons, Mark, David, and Paul.

He enjoyed spending time with grandchildren, playing tennis and ping pong, fishing, and restoring classic British sports cars.

Throughout his career as a finance professor, Allen published numerous papers and retired from the University of Northern Iowa.

Allen will be laid to rest in San Angelo, Texas, beside his beloved wife Marian.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Allen's memory.

A graveside service for Allen will be held Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Johnson's Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens, 4989 FM Highway 1223, San Angelo, TX 76905.

Diana Sue Lundine Baker, of San Angelo, Texas passed away on the Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025. She was born on March 15th, 1945 in Kearney, Nebraska to Frank Lundine and Lulu Monroe. Diana attended Kearney High School and graduated in the class of 1963. She began her career in finance, working for GTE and then to Verizon as a receptionist. Diana Baker married Glenn Slatter and had 2 children. Diana was a proud member of Living Water Lutheran Church and had a passion for arts crafts, family, friends, and baking, and will always be remembered for her diamond painting, cross stitching, making holiday wreaths and working as a foster grandparent in schools with Pre-K children. She is preceded in death by her father Frank, her mother Lulu, her sister Pat, and her dog Pepper. She is survived by her sister Barbara Burroughs; her children, Jennifer Benton (Brad), and Scott Slatter; Grandchildren, Chelsey Elliott (Casey); Great-Grandchildren, Pistol, Breanna, Joshua, Serenity, Gage, and Edward; and Numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank all of the friends and family who attend Ms. Baker's services.

A visitation for Diana will be held Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Johnson's Funeral Home, 435 West Beauregard, San Angelo, TX 76903. A funeral service will occur Friday, May 2, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Johnson's Funeral Home.

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.