Willie B Armistead Slaughter was born on July 28, 1918 in Melvin, Texas (McCullough County) to Bob and Dora Neve Armistead. She was the youngest of three daughters. Willie B graduated from Melvin High School in 1936. 

Willie B married Garland Slaughter in Brady, Texas on February 22, 1942. They were married 64 years. The couple had two daughters, Sue Ann and Joellen and later adopted two daughters, Diana and Linda.

Willie B was an active member of Johnson Street Church of Christ formerly Harris and Irving Church of Christ since 1942. Willie B had a passion for teaching 2-3 year olds. Willie B was also an active volunteer at Rust Street Ministries for many years.

Willie B and Garland enjoyed travelling with their travel trailer and gardening. Willie B made numerous quilts for family, quilt shows, babies, and charity. She also enjoyed playing games with the grandchildren and friends.

Willie B is preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Virga and Opal, and her husband, Garland. She is survived by her daughters, Sue Ann (Steve), Joellen (Roy), Diana, and Linda (Johnny), 9 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and 13 great-great grandchildren.

Visitation for Willie B will be held from 5-7 pm, Thursday, December 26, 2024 at Johnson's Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 10 am, Friday, December 27, 2024 at Johnson Street Church of Christ with burial to follow at Johnson's Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to the staff at Regency House for caring for Willie B for the past two years. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Rusk Street Ministries or Johnson Street Church of Christ Children’s Ministries.

Alfredo Parra Rios, age 80, of San Angelo, Texas passed away on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. 

A prayer service for Alfredo will be held Sunday, December 22, 2024 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 Monday, December 23, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church, 2619 Era St, San Angelo, TX 76905. A graveside service will occur Monday, December 23, 2024 at Johnson's Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens, 4989 FM1223, San Angelo, TX 76905.

Douglas Wells, 90, of San Angelo/Grape Creek went to be with the Lord on December 17,2024. He was born in Winters, TX on January 14, 1934 to Mack and Vera (Taylor) Wells. They moved to San Angelo a few years later. Doug attended Lake View High School and graduated in 1952. He married Margaret Turk in 1958. Doug and Margaret then moved to Lubbock, TX where he attended Texas Tech University and graduated with an Education degree in 1961. Doug and Margaret moved back to San Angelo(and later Grape Creek) where he got a job with San Angelo ISD, teaching at Day Elementary. He later obtained a Master’s Degree in Education from Angelo State University. Doug taught at Day Elementary for 31 years, his entire teaching career. He was the favorite teacher of many students.

Doug and Margaret had two children, Steven Wells (Sandra) and Susan Feeler(Mike). He had one grandchild, Mikayla Thorp(Tanner). He was always ready to tell you about Mikayla and was especially delighted when she chose to attend Texas Tech.

Doug enjoyed sports and hunting and loved to cheer on Steve, Susan and later Mikayla at all of their events. He was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church and later Trinity Lutheran Church. He faithfully took care of Margaret during her long illness and still managed to keep his optimistic and playful outlook on life! If he had that twinkle in his beautiful blue eyes-look out-he was up to something!

Doug is survived by his children and their spouses, his granddaughter and her husband, his brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Cherry Wells, his brother-in-law Lawrence Wright, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Margaret, his brother Donald Wells, his sister Nancy Wright, his brother-in-law Herbert Turk, his brother-in-law Carroll Turk and sister-in-law Sharon Turk.

The family would like to thank all of Doug’s friends from church, Pepe’s Diner, and MJ Burger in Grape Creek for their friendship to Doug over the years. We would also like to thank The Springs Memory Care Staff for their wonderful care and love for Doug. Thanks also to Regency House and Interim Hospice for the good care they took of Doug the last few months.

In lieu of flowers a memorial donation to Trinity Lutheran Church or Meals for the Elderly is appreciated. 

A visitation for Douglas will be held Thursday, December 19, 2024 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, December 20, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 435 West Beauregard, San Angelo, TX 76903. A graveside service will occur Friday, December 20, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Belvedere Memorial Park, 3504 Arden Rd, San Angelo, TX 76901.

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.