With deep faith and the promises of eternal life, Darrell Halfmann passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the age of 62 years.

Darrell was born on July 4th, 1962, to Delbert and Betty Jean Halfmann. They brought him home to Stiles, Texas, outside of the farming community of St. Lawrence. Darrell grew up in a caring Catholic home where he learned the love of faith, family, and farming. He graduated from Garden City High School where he enjoyed playing football and participating in 4-H stock shows. Knowing he had always wanted to be a farmer and own his own business, his early success in life started with creating his own PVC pipe sales business and renting his first farm from his dad in St. Lawrence by age eighteen. With the help of his Uncle Jerome Hoelscher, who helped him buy his first tractor, and with the loving support from his parents, Darrell’s farming business began to grow. As a young man, Darrell enjoyed fishing at the Pecos River, deer hunting, skiing, golfing, and the occasional trip to Las Vegas with his many friends.

Darrell married the love of his life and his soulmate, Danielle Jansa, at St. Ambrose Church on September 9, 1989, in Wall, Texas. Darrell and Danielle started their lives together in St. Lawrence, where they farmed cotton and watermelons and enjoyed farm life. They were blessed with four children, and their lives were wonderfully busy with their children's activities. Darrell enjoyed watching them compete in sports, working alongside them for countless hours with stock show pigs, and teaching them how to lead a life full of faith. Hearing about their achievements always made him happy, and he was proud of them all for graduating from college.

Darrell had an aptitude for numbers and financials that he used to build a successful farming operation and was a hardworking man full of strength and wisdom. He not only farmed cotton, but he was also known to many as the ‘Melon Man.’ Nobody grew watermelons and cantaloupes like Darrell! His melon business sold melons across the entire state of Texas. Darrell also used his business sense and unwavering kindness to serve his community. He served five terms for a total of fifteen years as the longest serving board member of Glasscock County Co-Op, with the first nine years as secretary, and the last six years as president. He was also a member of the Glasscock County Junior Livestock Association Board. Darrell was a man of few words, but when he spoke, people listened. When asked, Darrell always had the best advice; whether it was for broken farm equipment or a complex financial question, he always knew exactly what to say.

Darrell was a leading example of steadfast holiness and a devout Catholic. He prayed the rosary and chaplet daily, loved attending mass, and taught all those around him, especially his children, the true meaning of always putting God first in their lives. Darrell always had time for others; he was a faithful Catholic servant who led others to God by volunteering with the Small-Town Men’s ACTS Retreat, the Knights of Columbus, and as a member and former two-time President of the St. Lawrence Parish Council. He loved his faith and was a shining example of goodness for the St. Lawrence Catholic Church and community. Darrell truly embodied the essence of the Spirit of St. Lawrence.

Darrell will be missed by his family and friends. He loved a good meal, spending quality time with his family, traveling on trips, relaxing at the lake house on Lake Buchanan, gardening, farming, and embracing his newest role as Pa Pa to his granddaughter, Madelyn. Darrell has been taken from us too soon. He was beginning to enjoy his golden years and was looking forward to slowing down and spending more time with his family and friends. Our hearts are forever broken, and our families will always miss him dearly.

Darrell is survived by his wife of 35 years, Danielle, and his children Laura Michelle Halfmann and Eli Rex of Midland, Shanna Denee Rollwitz and husband Mason and granddaughter Madelyn Jean of San Angelo, Kamie Ann Kellermeier and husband Chad of San Angelo, and son Derek Kye Halfmann of St. Lawrence. Parents Delbert and Betty Jean Halfmann of St. Lawrence, and mother-in-law LaRita Jansa of Wall. Siblings Scott Halfmann and wife Tana, Ricky Halfmann and wife Becky, Jennifer Seidenberger and husband John, all of St. Lawrence, and Sherri Spruiell and husband TC of Lubbock. His in-laws Curtis and Marcie Holtman, Norm Jansa and Dan Hogan. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, and his Godchildren Hope Foster and Mark Holtman. Darrell is preceded in death by his father-in-law, Daniel Jansa.

Darrell was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, friend, and son-in-law. Darrell will be remembered for his unwavering love, quiet strength, and his lasting example of holiness by all those fortunate enough to have known him. He will never be forgotten and will always be dearly missed.

The Rosary vigil will be held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Lawrence on Sunday, January 19th, 2025, at 4:00 pm. The funeral Mass will be held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church on Monday, January 20th, 2025, at 11:00 am. The burial will follow at St. Lawrence. Pallbearers for the service will be Carey Niehues, Jeff Turner, Jeff Rollwitz, Richard Watkins, Joseph Wilde, Gary Halfmann, Henry Chudej, and Kevin Hirt. Honorary Pallbearers will be Rory Niehues, Wayne Hirt, Roland Halfmann, Tommy Hoelscher, and Nathan Halfmann. Memorials in Darrell’s name can be made to the St. Lawrence Cemetery Fund, the Knights of Columbus, or St. Lawrence Catholic Church.

 

 

Marilyn Frances (Itz) Bumann, age 80, died Tuesday, January 14, 2025 in San Angelo, TX. She was born March 22, 1944 in Fredericksburg, TX to Paul and Elizabeth Itz. They later moved to Wall, TX where she grew up. She graduated from Wall High School in 1962. On June 12, 1965, she married Jon Bumann, and they were together over 58 years until his death on March 3, 2024. She was a long-time member of Holy Angels Catholic Church in San Angelo. She graduated from San Angelo Business College and served as an administrative assistant at Holy Angels Church from 1977 to 1983 and at Angelo State University from 1983 until her retirement in 2005. She was a gifted crafter and expert seamstress who sewed for family members, friends, and the public for many years. She never met a stranger and was especially fond of the students she worked with at ASU. A lover of animals, she cherished the many cats she and Jon cared for and considered family over the decades. She enjoyed travelling to Alaska, Las Vegas, Wisconsin and all over Texas with her husband and family.

She is survived by her daughter Michelle Crenwelge and son-in-law Heath of Dallas, TX, grandchildren Jon Brandon Bumann of Houston, Stuart and Connor Bumann of San Angelo, Natalie Crenwelge of Newnan, GA, and Collin Crenwelge, his wife Danielle, and great granddaughter Lakyn Ann of Justin, TX, sister Patty Preas of Grape Creek, TX, brother-in-law Ted Zeidler of Weston, WI, numerous nieces and nephews, and many good friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Jon, son Russell, sister-in-law Lois Zeidler, parents Paul and Elizabeth Itz, and in-laws John and Florence Bumann.

Arrangements will be made by Harper Funeral Home of San Angelo. A Mass of Resurrection will be held at Holy Angels Catholic Church in San Angelo on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 10:30 am. Her ashes will be placed in the Columbarium at Holy Angels.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Park Plaza Nursing and Rehabilitation and Hospice of San Angelo for their compassionate care.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Johnie Smith, a loving mother and grandmother, who was born on September 10, 1939, and left us on January 14, 2025 in her home surrounded by family. Johnie resided in San Angelo, Texas, where she lived a full and meaningful life serving the community. She was a devoted follower in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and spread his message to everyone.

Johnie was the beloved child of John Ethridge and Mozzelle Ethridge. She was the loving partner of Boyd Wayne Smith Sr., they got married on May 5th of 1959, and were together for 63 precious years. Together they had many great adventures including living in Germany and Colorado. Johnie was always a gracious host to family and friends alike making sure that they were comfortable in the picturesque surroundings in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

Together they also raised a son, Boyd Wayne Smith Jr. in San Angelo, Texas, who they deeply cared for.

Johnie is survived by her son Boyd Wayne Smith Jr. and his wife Della Smith in addition to three grandchildren, Lauren Smith (boyfriend Tyler Johnson Durant), Laci Smith, and Kolden Wilkins. She was preceded in death by her mother Mozzelle and father John, an older brother, infant John, and younger sister, Susie Green, and younger brother Berl Ethridge, and her husband Boyd Wayne Smith Sr.

Special nieces during this time of sorrow are Lisa Lavender, and Kimberly Peters, plus her nephews Kelly Green and Matthew Green.

Johnie attended San Angelo High School then graduated in 1958, then went on to also take trade classes at Howard College. She was a hard working secretary for 30 years at SAISD then after retirement still went to work at two churches in Colorado. Her final calling was to work at Wall Brethren, where she dedicated herself to the church as always.

In her free time, Johnie enjoyed cooking and gardening, finding joy in creating delicious meals and tending to her garden of not only plant’s, but of love. If you knew Johnie, you knew fashion and cosmetics were her forte. She enjoyed empowering women with beauty while working for Mary Kay. To her family, she was affectionately known as “Manny”, and was given that name by her grandchildren. She will also be greatly missed by her precious cat, Miss Kitty, who she named after one of her favorite westerns character. She stayed right with her until the very end.

Johnie's presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. May she rest in peace and her memory be cherished and celebrated forever by her loved ones.

“Nature's first green is gold,

Her hardest hue to hold.

Her early leaf's a flower;

But only so an hour.

Then leaf subsides to leaf.

So Eden sank to grief,

So dawn goes down to day.

Nothing gold can stay.”

 

If any donations would like to be made the family would like them made to Wall Brethren Church.

 

Visitation

Monday, January 20, 2025

3:00PM - 5:00PM

Harper Funeral Home

2606 Southland Boulevard

San Angelo, TX 76904

 

Graveside

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

1:00PM - 2:00PM

Fairmount Cemetery

1120 W. Ave. N

San Angelo, TX 76901

Jack Guthrie Turner of Eldorado, Texas passed away on Thursday, January 9, 2025 in Abilene. Tx.

He was born on July 13, 1931 in Voss (Coleman County) Tx to Grady and Sybil Turner. 

He attended Mertzon High School and graduated in 1949. Jack joined the Navy and served from 1951-1955. He returned home and worked for MSystem Grocery Store before beginning a career in finance/banking with Pacific Finance in San Angelo, Abilene, Amarillo and Ft Worth, Tx and later worked in the banking industry in the Dallas-Ft Worth area. Jack and Lou Ann returned home to the family ranch in Schleicher County in 1979. 

Jack met Lou Ann in high school and later married July 2, 1954 in Mertzon, Tx. They had 4 children. 

Jack was a member of several organizations including American Legion of Eldorado, Texas Association of Angus Cattle, American Association of Angus Cattle and American Quarter Horse Association. 

Jack was preceded in death by Lou Ann, his wife of over 53 years, parents Grady and Sybil Turner; sister Elizabeth Turner Gunn and brother Gary Turner; and great granddaughter Kari Diane Faulkner. 

Survivors include his 4 children (spouses), Theresa, Ricky (Perri), Cindy, and Amy (Darrin); grandchildren, Christopher, Brett, Ashley, Clay, Stephanie, Jack Edward, and Caelen; great grandchildren Walker, Michael, Jonathon, Hannah, Lawson, Caroline and Woods. Nieces/nephews: Lori, Merri Ann, Tammie and Jason.

Graveside services will be held at Mertzon Cemetery on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at noon with Bud Arendt officiating. Honorary pall bearers are his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a memorial donation to West Texas Boys Ranch, 10223 Boys Ranch Rd, San Angelo, Tx 76904 or the organization of your choice.

The family would also like to thank Linda Steele for her loving care of Jack for over 4 years as well as Hendrick Hospice Care during his final days here on earth. The family is very appreciative of the outpour of love and prayers extended to them during this time.

Marilyn entered her heavenly home on January 8, 2025, in Fort Worth.

Marilyn was born on November 17, 1945, to Viola and J.P. Cox. She graduated from Central High School in 1964 and San Angelo Business College in 1965. On March 19, 1965, she married the love of her life, Harold McEwen.

During her life, she lived in San Angelo, Houston, Sonora, Fredericksburg, and most recently, Weatherford.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Harold; her parents; and her sister, Shirley Alsup.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Key Simon of Weatherford; her granddaughters, Ashley Seibert (Will) of Fort Worth, Tiffany Callahan (Tray) of Midland; and her precious great-grandsons, Jameson Seibert, Key and Mac Callahan. She is also survived by her Brookdale Weatherford family.

Graveside services are Saturday, January 18, at 10 a.m. at Johnson’s Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens in San Angelo. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.

Her family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Brookdale Weatherford. Thank you for the care and love you had for Mom.

Charles Sebesta, 67, of San Angelo, TX, passed away on January 15, 2025 after his fourth battle with cancer.

Charles was born on February 28, 1957 to B.J. and Patsy Sebesta in San Antonio, TX. After graduating from Central High School, he went on to major in Building Construction Technology at TSTC in Waco. After graduating from TSTC, he went into the construction industry. He worked for Mike Eckert Construction in San Angelo, TX for a little over 10 years. He then went on to work for Angelo State University in the Facilities Management department for 20 years. He retired from Angelo State University in 2023.

In 1978, Charles met his wife Charlotte at Eagles Pool Hall in San Angelo, TX. They went on to get married in 1980. Charlie and Charlotte went on to have two children, Cortney and Callie.

Charlie loved hunting, fishing, and playing golf. He also enjoyed watching all sports. He was a huge fan of the Dallas Cowboys and could frequently be heard screaming at the TV while they were playing. He would jokingly tell his girls that the players could, in fact, hear him through the TV.

Charlie can best be remembered for being reserved and quiet, but profound and hilarious when he did say something. He loved listening to music on the radio but refused to acknowledge any music that was made after the 1980s.

He loved watching James Bond movies and Westerns. He also loved Hallmark movies and would even record them and rewatch them (with the Closed Captioning on). When asked why he loved Hallmark movies so much, he would say, “They always end right. Everyone ends up together and in love.”

Charlie was preceded in death by his wife Charlotte. He was also preceded in death by his father B.J, mother Patsy, and son Cameron. He is survived by his daughter Cortney and her husband Michael, his daughter Callie and her husband Justin, and four grandchildren Chase Watson, Maci Watson and their father Michael Watson, Eden Gaston, and Emily Gaston. He is also survived by his brother Bill and wife Mary, his sister Betsy and husband Ben and their two children, Kate and Grant and their spouses and children.

He is also survived by his four bonus daughters Nancy, Angela, Amber, and Brooke, and his bonus granddaughter Briley. Nancy and Briley were a god send in helping take care of Charlie in his final days.

Services will be held Monday, January 20 at 10:30 AM at Holy Angels Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Catholic Charities.

Duke was born in San Angelo Texas July 31, 1946, to the late William B and Mary Glover Wilson. He graduated from Central High School Class of 1965 and went on to attend Texas A&M University. After being drafted he served in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era. He returned to San Angelo, graduating from Angelo State University with an Accounting Degree.

During his extensive business career, he held many executive and Board positions with Wilson Companies and Ranches.

His love of the ranches held by his family for over one hundred years was where he was the happiest.

Duke was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for hunting and fishing. An accomplished rider, he was a member of the Wilson Ranches Polo team playing in Santa Barbara, California with his brothers and father. Never one to shy away from a challenge he was the best example of a Texas Gentleman.

Dancing his own version of a Texas Two Step he and his wife, Linda, enjoyed traveling over Texas attending dances. Friendships made along the way are among the closest. He will be remembered for his love of those many nights shared with what he called our "dancing buddies".

A life well lived; Duke was an active member of the Anglican Church of The Good Shepherd.

Duke is survived by his wife, Linda Miller Wilson, His children, his son, Stephen W Wilson, daughter Lorrie Wilson

Scholl (David), daughter Mary Margaret Khan (Riaz) and son Will Wilson. Sister-In-Law, Laura Wilson

Grandchildren, Will and Benjamin Scholl and Celina Wilson.

His brothers, William (Bill) Wilson (Nikki) and Word Wilson (Celia)

Mike Wilson (Laura)

Nieces and Nephew whom he loved very much.

A viewing will be held at the Harper Funeral Home, 2606 Southland Blvd., San Angelo, Texas 76904, from 5pm to 7pm on Friday January 24th.

Funeral services will be performed at the Anglican Church of The Good Shepherd at 2pm on Saturday, January 25th with a reception following at the church.

 

Heaven gained an angel on January 9, 2025, when Kay Helen Koon Franks, 86, of San Angelo, TX, passed away with her daughter by her side.

Kay was born on January 16, 1938, in San Angelo, to Lonzo Forrest Koon and Clyde Bennet Koon. At the young age of 2½, her father, an SAPD officer, came home for lunch, climbed on top of the windmill next to their swimming pool, lost his footing, and fell onto a garden hoe. After her father’s death, her mother moved from their beautiful home, which her father built on 37th and Short Street, to Santa Rita.

Kay attended San Angelo High School and graduated in the class of 1955. She then went on to obtain her RN from Shannon School of Nursing in 1958. While working at Shannon in the early '70s, she went to Houston and became the first NP in San Angelo. Kay worked from 1954, taking care of her sick aunt, Cleo Gunter, as an aide, to the early '90s at Shannon. She also worked at Planned Parenthood, returning to Shannon on the weekends. In 1985, she opened Family Planning with Dr. Bridges, eventually closing in 2009 to take care of her husband.

Kay married David Franks on December 31, 1956, and together they had two children. They were inseparable, building his business and their dream home, and even racing when they had time. She was a member of Shannon Alumni, Tom Green County Democrats, San Angelo Ski Club, and Community Christian Church.

She will always be remembered for her teaching skills and for treating all patients equally and with compassion.

Kay was preceded in death by her husband, David; grandparents, Koon, Bennett, and Kirk; nieces, Tiffani and Janna Lynn; cousins, Kenneth and June Gunter, and Marilyn Bennett.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Gena (Dennis); her sister, Jan Richardson (Perry); cousins, Cathy Crawford of Sonora, CA, Sonny Arrington of Miles, TX; and her pets, Ivy and her cats.

There will be a memorial service at Johnson’s Funeral Home, in the chapel, on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.

The family would like to thank Concho Hearts Hospice and Russ Frasier, along with Kathy, Margaret, Twyla, and Lucia.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to any local animal rescues.

Jon "Corky" L. McDonald, 85, after a hard-fought battle where he showed tremendous strength and grace, was surrounded by love as he peacefully passed away Friday, January 10, 2025, at his home in Blackwell.

A Celebration of Life will be from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the McDonald's Home at Oak Creek Lake, 1119 Lake Dam Road, Blackwell, Texas 79506.

Mr. McDonald was born December 1, 1939 in San Angelo to Charles and Texas Pearl McDonald. Corky married Jerry Reva Tyler on December 10, 1960 in San Angelo. Corky has been a resident of Blackwell since December 2004, moving from San Angelo where he was born and raised. He was a mechanic for Reece Albert for 27 years, he retired in 2004. Corky loved fishing, camping, gardening, and yard work. Corky would not pass up watching a John Wayne movie even if he has seen it multiple times.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Jerry Reva Tyler; three sons, Josh Dwain McDonald and wife Tracy of Christoval, Jerry Jefferson McDonald and wife Kelly of Livingston, and James Darin McDonald and wife Teresa of Carlsbad; a daughter, Johnna Ugalde and husband Nick of San Angelo; nine grandchildren, Jennifer Wiese, Jodi McDonald, Jake McDonald, Ty McDonald, Gage McDonald, Garret McDonald, Eli McDonald, Steven Ugalde, and Candice Ugalde; 8 great grandchildren; two brothers, Pat McDonald of San Angelo, and Mike McDonald of Austin; a sister, Joann Earnest of San Angelo; and many nieces, and nephews, who were close to his heart.

Rosalia Cortez, 85, a beacon of unwavering faith and boundless love, passed peacefully on January 11, 2025, in San Angelo, Texas, with family at her side. She was born on February 24, 1939, in Ballinger, Texas.

Rosalia’s early years were filled with the joys of family and the formation of bonds that would last her entire life.

Rosalia worked for Selkirk in Winters, TX, for twenty-seven years. She was a member of the Guadalupana Society, Sack Lunch Ministry, and CCD Family Meal Ministry at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Rosalia’s life was a testament to her service to God and the warmth of her loving heart.

She was a cherished daughter of the late Neco and Belen (de Le Crus) Picon.

Rosalia was preceded in death by her husband, Jake A. Cortez Jr., and her brother, Pedro Picon. She navigated her life with grace and devotion.

She was a proud mother of Ernestina (Jesse) Trevino, Antonia (Rudy) Torres, Mary Lou Luna, Valentine Luna, Isabel Cortez, Emma Esquivel, Betty Luna, Brenda Hassell (Albert Dominguez), Andy (JoAnn) Luna, Andrea (David) Ojeda, JoAnna (Michael) Wyse.

Rosalia’s legacy of love includes thirty-five grandchildren, eighty-one great-grandchildren, twenty great-great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and family.

Known for her faith, Rosalia’s relationship with God was the cornerstone of her existence. Her unwavering faith guided her through life’s triumphs and trials, and she was a source of spiritual inspiration to all who knew her.

Rosalia had a loving soul; her capacity to give and receive love was immeasurable. Her tender care and affection extended to her family and everyone she encountered. Rosalia will be remembered for her smile and generous heart. She leaves a void in the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

The celebration of her life will include a Rosary at Harper Funeral Home on Thursday, January 16th at 6 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 17th, at Holy Angels Catholic Church, followed by the internment at Northview Cemetery in Winters, TX.

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