Robert “Bob” Spencer Bates Sr., 82, of San Angelo, TX, passed away on Thursday, October 3, 2024. He was born on October 2, 1942, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Charles and Bernice Bates.

Bob attended Boulder High School in Colorado and graduated in 1960. In September of that year, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in Denver, CO. After celebrating his 18th birthday, he was sworn in the next day and headed to boot camp. During his seven years in the USAF, Bob reached the rank of Staff Sergeant and served with distinction as a member of the Air Commando Squadron, specializing as an aircraft electrician in Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, during the Vietnam War. His notable service included supporting the visit of President Lyndon B. Johnson to Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia, for which he and his team were presented with Zippo lighters engraved with the presidential seal and LBJ’s signature. Bob was highly decorated and deeply proud of his military service.

On August 10, 1963, Bob married the love of his life, Judy Ione Diana Hamner, and together they raised three sons.

Following his honorable discharge in 1967, Bob embarked on a career in the aerospace and telecommunications industries, working first at General Dynamics and LTV Aerospace before joining GTE in 1971. Over the course of his 32-year career at GTE/Verizon, Bob held numerous positions with increasing responsibility, ultimately retiring in 2003 as the Area Customer Services Manager (ACOM) for the West Texas Division. He was respected and admired by colleagues, earning the affectionate nickname “The Legend.” Bob took great pride in mentoring others and was instrumental in helping many begin their careers with the phone company.

Bob was a proud member of the Pioneer Club and the American Legion. An avid outdoorsman, he loved golfing, hunting, and fishing, with a particular passion for turkey calling and crappie fishing. He was also a loyal fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Dallas Cowboys, supporting them through both triumphs and challenges. Bob was proud to purchase a ranch for his family while planning for his retirement. He loved nothing more than to sit on the porch and watch his family enjoy the ranch, hunting and tending the garden he and his son’s created. 

Bob was proud of his careers in the military career and GTE/Verizon. However, it pales in comparison of how proud he was of his family. Judy was the love of his life, always referring to her as “My Heart”. He took great pride in his three sons and their accomplishments and successes in life, both in their careers and families. His three boys were everything to him. Bob taught his boys how to be responsible outdoorsman. He passed along to his boys the love of sports, hunting, fishing, camping, and golfing, just to name a few of his favorite activities. He taught them to be men and to respect their mother and all women. He loved his daughters-in-law like they were his own daughters. He loved them dearly and was equally as proud of them as his son’s. As much as he loved being a father, he equally loved being Pop/Papa. He loved his grandsons and great grandson with all his heart. It is with great pride that his son’s will carry on his legacy and memory to them and the next generations of family members. Shortley before he passed, while all together with his family, they would see him staring and smiling at them. When asked if he was ok, he would say, “I am just happy”. He was not only a legend in his work career, he was a hero and a legend to his family. 

Above all, Bob cherished his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Judy Bates, and his fur babies, Phoebe and Daisy. He will be dearly missed by his sons: Bob Bates Jr. of San Angelo, TX; Craig Bates and his wife, Jennifer, of Argyle, TX; and Brandon Bates and his wife, Ashley, of San Angelo, TX. His memory will also be carried on by his grandchildren: Nathan Hunter Bates of San Angelo, TX; Kristopher Lane Hogg and his fiancée, Jessica, of Riesel, TX; Logan Michael Hogg of Waco, TX; Landon Robert Bates of Argyle, TX; and Landry Eliott Bates of Argyle, TX, as well as his great-grandson, Jackson Lane Hogg of Riesel, TX. Bob is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Bernice Bates; brothers Gerald Lynn Bates and Charles “Butch” Bates; and daughters Diana Dea and Cynthia Lea, both of whom were born prematurely.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 pm, on Monday, October 7, 2024 at Johnson's Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 2:00 PM at Johnson’s Funeral Home Chapel. Pallbearers will be Tim Williams, Antheny Pape, Dr. Shaughn Sims, Derek Cox, Joe Williams, and Terry Nolan. Honorary pallbearers include Nathan Bates, Lane Hogg, Logan Hogg, Wayne Graves, Richard Dunn, Butch Flint, Ron Knight, David Berry, and Bill Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Shriners Children's, the American Diabetes Association, or National Breast Cancer Foundation. The family also extends special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and Hospice of San Angelo for their compassionate care during Bob’s illness.

Bob will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, especially his family, who will forever treasure his memory.

Maclovia Peña Flores, 86, passed away Saturday, October 5, 2024, in San Angelo surrounded by her family.

Public viewing will be from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM with a Prayer Service being at 6:00 PM Wednesday, October 9, 2024, with Alfonzo Ruiz, officiating, at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel. Funeral Service will be 10:00 AM Thursday, October 10, 2024, at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel with Joel Ruiz, officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.

Mrs. Flores was born February 1, 1938 in San Angelo to Candido and Maria De La Luz Peña. Maclovia married Henry P. Flores, and he preceded her in death in 1970. She was a housekeeper for several families in San Angelo. Maclovia was Pentecostal and she loved going to church to worship her Lord and Savior. Maclovia was a very outgoing person. She loved spending time with her family.

Survivors include her son, Pablo Peña of Houston; a sister, Tomasa P. Rios of San Angelo; three grandchildren, Omega Peña of San Angelo, Linda Mediano of Bedford, and Janelle Peña-Reyes of Frisco; nine great grandchildren, Victoria Medina, John Lucero, Ariana Lucero, Alex Mediano, Adriana Garcia, David Garcia, Pablo Garcia, Sophia Reyes, and Hugo Reyes; and seven great-great grandchildren. Maclovia was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Ezequiel Peña, Candido Peña, Jr., and Senovio Peña; and two sisters, Maria Luisa Chavarria, and Angela DeLeon.

The family would like to give a special thanks to all the nurses of Hospice of San Angelo for their love and care.

The family will be accepting guests at 2208 Dartmouth Drive, San Angelo, Texas 76903.

Pallbearers will be John Lucio, Roy Chavarria, Joe Chavarria, Salvador P Sosa, Pedro Chavarria, and Alejandro Medina. Honorary Pallbearers will be Joel Medina, Jamie Medina, and Adrian Median. 

Sandra Jane Helmers was born on July 30, 1942 to Sarah and Emmett (Bud) Hall, and passed away peacefully on October 3, 2024 surrounded by her loved ones. A lifelong West Texan, she graduated from Eldorado High School in May of 1960. Just one week later, on June 4, 1960, she married her high school sweetheart, Bobby Helmers, beginning a 64-year marriage filled with love, devotion, and ranch life between Christoval and Eldorado.

Together, they raised two daughters: Paige, born in 1961, and Staci, born in 1969. Sandra was a devoted mother and an active presence in the lives of her children and, later, her grandchildren.

While raising her family, Sandra pursued her teaching degree from Angelo State University and taught in Eldorado and then in Christoval for more than twenty years. Known as a strict but compassionate teacher, she made a lasting impact on her students, many of whom fondly remember “Mrs. Helmers” and her famous sentence-writing exercises. Her love for education and nurturing spirit extended beyond the classroom, touching the lives of countless students. She once gave a favorite student this memorable advice, “There is more to life than driving around Christoval and throwing beer bottles at stop signs.”

Sandra’s deep faith guided her throughout life. She was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church of Eldorado, where she served in numerous roles over the years, including Sunday School teacher, youth group leader, choir director, and handbell director. One of her most enjoyable roles in the church was her work with the LEON youth group, a large group of teenagers from the Presbyterian and Methodist churches. Each year, the Helmers cosponsored a ski trip during Spring Break for over 50 students. These trips truly were a labor of love that combined one of her favorite pastimes with the sharing of the gospel. Her leadership and dedication were a cornerstone of the church community. She was also an active member of the Schleicher County Library Board and a passionate supporter of the West Texas Rehabilitation Center.

An enthusiastic sports fan, Sandra loved supporting the Christoval Cougars, the Eldorado Eagles, the Texas Longhorns, and the Dallas Cowboys. Whether cheering on her daughters and granddaughters or embracing her role as a coach’s wife, sports were always an integral part of her life. She formed lasting bonds with many of Bobby’s players over the years and was frequently found courtside at basketball games, track meets and tennis matches. One spring, Sandra and the girls were on the way to a state qualifier track meet when she was pulled over for speeding. When the trooper asked her if there was an emergency, she simply replied, “We are going to miss the sprint relay!”

In her spare time, Sandra enjoyed reading, snow skiing, shopping and traveling. Above all, Sandra’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family. She adored her granddaughters, Macy Michalewicz and Blake Jenkins, who were truly the light of her life.

Sandra is survived by her beloved husband of 64 years, Bobby; her daughters Paige Franklin and husband Joe, Staci Jenkins and husband Monte; and her granddaughters Macy Michalewicz and Blake Jenkins.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Schleicher County Nursing Home, Hospice of San Angelo, and Sandra’s private sitters: Amy Ortiz, Mary Ponce, Lizzie Fuentes, Alicia Martinez, and Josefa Fuentes, for their compassionate care. Sandra's final year was filled with comfort and grace, thanks to the devoted attention she received. Their loving care greatly enhanced her quality of life, allowing her to spend her remaining days surrounded by kindness and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the West Texas Rehab Center, the Schleicher County Library, or the First Presbyterian Church of Eldorado.

A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Eldorado on Monday, October 7, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. A private burial service will be held at the Christoval Cemetery.

Mary Regina Pustka 92, of San Angelo, went to be with the Lord on October 3, 2024. She was born November 24, 1931, to Alfred and Millie Pustka, in the small town of Rowena, Texas. Mary worked at Ethicon and retired after 28 years. Then went to work for the Harper Family at Johnson’s Funeral Home for 10 years. Mary was lifelong member of The Cathedral Church of The Sacred Heart. Her favorite hobbies were playing blitz with her friends and shopping on QVC. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Justine Kennedy, sister Margarite Dailey, sister Ellen Thomason, a brother Alphonse Pustka and a brother Robert Pustka. She is survived by her sister-in-law Dorothy Pustka; her nieces and nephews, Sharon Little and her husband Jim, Rhonda Holik and her husband Ruben, Mark Dailey and his wife, Janette, Douglas Pustka, Gary Pustka and his wife Michelle, Desdie Smith, Jacqueline Lanqlinais, Anna Knopp and her husband Chuck, Cynthia Kerby and her husband Troy, Alana Kerr and her husband Neal, Teena Blasdell and her husband Mike, Patricia Rhoads and her husband Andy, Mellissa Blair and her husband Terry and David Pustka and his wife Jeanine.

The rosary and vigil service will be held on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at 5:00 PM at Harper Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, October 7, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart Cathedral with Msgr. Larry Droll as celebrant. The burial will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. The family would like to thank the staff and nurses at San Angelo Nursing and Rehab & Hospice of San Angelo. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Meals of the Elderly.

Clayton Shelby McCown of San Angelo,Texas passed away on October 3, 2024. 

Clayton was born in Eden, Texas on January 27, 1945, to Wilson Avery McCown and Viola Ida (Helmers) McCown. He graduated from Miles High School and attended Texas A & M University and received both his bachelors and masters degrees. He married the love of his life, Carolyn Faye Singletery, on June 8,1968 in Abilene, Texas. He began his career teaching science and vocational agriculture in public schools, then retired from managing the Angelo State University Ranch and MIR facility after 30 years. He then began ranch consultation and also worked with his brother, Chester, harvesting and caring for pecan trees. He served on his church board, as well as the Soil and Water Conservation Board. He was passionate about agriculture, especially seeing good grass grow after a West Texas rain! He enjoyed traveling both locally and abroad, hearing and sharing stories. 

Clayton was preceded in death by his parents, Wilson and Viola, and his brother, Chester. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn of San Angelo, his daughter and son-in-law, Kendra and Ken Buchanan of Waco, his daughter and son-in-law, Amanda and Doug Welch of Evans, Georgia, his brother, Sidney and wife, Kathy, of Robert Lee, his sister, Brenda Conley and husband, Quinn of Tuscola, his sister-in-laws, Ollie McCown, Carle Bell, Gay Horn, and Jane (Paul) Moot, his granddaughters, Shelby and Aubrey Buchanan of Waco, his grandsons, Ben and Luke Welch of Evans, Georgia, many nieces and nephews, and numerous special friends. 

The family would like to extend their gratitude to all those who have reached out to share the ways Clayton touched their lives.

There will be a celebration of life at First Christian Church in San Angelo at 1 pm on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Burial will follow at Miles Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Meals for the Elderly or the San Angelo Food Bank.

Family and friends may share online condolences at www.harper-funeralhome.com.

Julia Padilla Arocha was born on August 8, 1928 died peacefully on October 1, 2024.

She was born to Theodore and Estella Padilla in San Angelo, Texas.

Julia retired from Ethicon after 20 years of service.

Julia is survived by her children: Freddie Arocha, Belinda Joyce Fernandez (Damas), Loretta Arocha, Michael Arocha (Sylvia), Rebecca Douglas (Will), Gilbert Arocha (Sandra).

14 Grand Children and 10 Great Grandchildren.

Julia is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Alfredo Moran Arocha, 4 brothers Manuel, Norris, Alex and Gilbert and 2 sisters Antonia and Herman and her niece "Honey" whom she loved like a sister.

At Julia's request there will be no funeral nor memorial service. She has requested that if you would like to make a donation in her memory, please consider the San Angelo Animal Shelter (she loved all her rescue pets).

Special thanks to the Hospice of San Angelo (Purple Team) for their support and outstanding care they gave to our mother.