Avigilio A. Castillo, Jr., from Mertzon, passed away unexpectedly in his home on August 2, 2024, in San Angelo.

Avigilio attended Irion County then joined the United States Marines and graduated from bootcamp as a Marine Corporal on April 2, 1976, in San Diego. He was then stationed overseas in Okinawa, Japan, until he was honorably discharged in1980. After serving, he returned to his family in Mertzon.

“Junior” met and married Valleri Kiser, the love of his life. Their union resulted in their three children, Ramon Carlos, Monica Elena, and Mario Jesus Castillo.

Junior is proceeded in death by his parents Avigilio Castillo, Sr., and Leonor Castillo, brothers-in-law Jerry Malone, Thomas Hubert, and several nieces and nephews. Junior is also survived by his son-in-law, Daniel Sanchez and grandchildren, Dieudonnée, Athyna, Barrett, Emelia and Zikiah.

Junior was a long-haul truck driver for almost 30 years; he loved the road. He loved that he had driven from coast to coast and from the deep south to upper northern states. He was so glad to show his young sons different cities and states. Young Ramon and Mario traveled from inside Mexico to and into Canada with their Dad. To his daughter’s extreme disapproval, she did not get to share in the road trips with him. Monica loved to bake cookies for her dad’s return home. He must have loved his daughter too much to allow her to experience life on the road. Junior spoke about the sights he witnessed and traveling on rough and dangerous roads through snow and icy conditions. He was a test driver for Goodyear. Junior mentioned how much he liked his coworkers in Goodyear.

Also left to cherish his memories are his siblings, Dominga (James Rambo), Mario Castillo, Susana Castillo (Hubert), Sylvia Malone, Sandra (Mando), Diana (Robert), Norma Castillo, and Jesus (Amanda) Castillo and numerous nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to VA’s home health staff, whom Junior called his “nurses”. Junior’s family would like to express their love and thanks to the workers and staff at Family Dollar, Sonic, and Stripes, and especially to Julio’s on the corner at Knickerbocker Road. To the fellow neighbors at the Bellagio Apartments, thank you for your kind words and help to our father and brother.

Mario De Leon, Jr., 35, of San Angelo passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2024.

Viewing will be from 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM on Friday, August 9, 2024 at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel with a wake service at 6:00 PM. Arrangements are under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.

Mario was born on January 10, 1989 in Richland Hills and attended San Angelo Central High School. After high school he worked as a mechanic at Jim Bass Ford for 7 years and was later an IT Field Tech for Tel-Pro Communications. Mario was a loving son and a great big brother to his siblings. He was always smiling, joking, and loved to be the life of the party. He loved to fish and hang out with his family and friends. Tio Mario, will be especially missed by his nieces and nephews.

Mario is survived by his Mother, Margaret Jasso and husband Abelardo of Crowley; his father Mario De Leon, Sr. of San Angelo; his three siblings, Edward De Leon and wife Vanessa of San Angelo, Brandon De Leon and wife Amanda of San Angelo, and Mariah De Leon of San Angelo; his fiance, Rosemary Rodriguez and her children, Alyrica and Mason; his maternal grandparents, Jesus and Ilda Aguirre of San Angelo; his paternal grandmother, Irene De Leon of San Angelo; his nieces and nephews; Edward Jr, Adaylnn, Jeremy, Braylon, Brielle, and Julian.

John David (Jake) Young, of San Angelo, passed away to the arms of the Lord on August 5, 2024. He was born August 21, 1932, in San Angelo, Texas to Ollie Richard Young and Velma Thigpen Young.

Jake’s parents helped to build the original home of San Angelo’s Harris Ave. Baptist Church where they attended and were charter members. Jake was the last surviving charter member.

A highlight of Jake’s childhood was participating in the Little Olympics Relays, where he earned a 1st place medal, just as – to his great delight – his grandchildren would do many years later.

At the age of 18, Jake joined the Navy, serving until his father’s death less than 2 years later. He received an honorable discharge to return home to care for his mother and young sister. On November 24, 1955, Jake married Gloria Ann Bitner, with whom he raised three loving children in the house his father built on S. Archer Street. He served as a valued member of the San Angelo Police Dept. from 1966 until his retirement in 1992. One of Jake’s greatest joys was becoming “Poppa” to his seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He loved watching them grow and enjoyed camping, hunting, and adventuring with them, as well as cheering them on at all their school events over the years. He was a man of many talents, including welding, teaching his grandson the basics and making many trailers and smokers with and for friends and family. A lifelong barterer, collector, and lover of local history, Jake amassed a trove of unique artifacts and treasures which will live on and be cherished by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Some of the indigenous artifacts in his collection are now on display at the Fort Concho Museum in San Angelo. Jake was also an avid outdoorsman. His adventures ranged from his own back yard all the way to Alaska & Canada, making lifelong memories with cherished friends and family members.

Jake was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Donald Richard Young, his sister, Judy Raye Vick. He is survived by Gloria, his wife of nearly 69 years and their three children, Cynthia Bulloch (Mike) of Horseshoe Bay, David Young (Mitzi) of Fredericksburg, and Carolyn (Susie) duBois (Chris) of Killeen, granddaughter Kirsten Joyner (Tim) and children Rowan, Lydia, Elanor and Edmund, granddaughter Brook duBois (Roy Scheeren), grandson Jerrod duBois (Taylor) and daughter Amelia, grandson Jake Young (Genevieve Miura), grandson Shane Young (Abi), step-granddaughter Christi Copeland and her children Harper and Haddie, and step-grandson Taylor Bulloch (Mandi Goldwing) and their daughter Bryn, as well as his sister-in-law, Dottie Young. Jake was also a favorite uncle to many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Johnson’s Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens, led by Rev. Neil Connor and special, long-time friend, Russell Smith.

Amelia Pedroza Perez, 89, went to be with the Lord on August 4, 2024. She was born in Eola, TX and lived her adult life her here in San Angelo. She will be missed by so many who loved and cherished her.

She has joined her parents, Genaro and Mercedes Pedroza (Eola, TX), brother, Felix Pedroza (Ft. Worth, TX), sisters, Beda Pedroza Gonzalez and Isabel Pedroza both of San Angelo, TX.

She is survived by her husband, Ernesto Perez and two sons, Ernest Jr. Perez and wife Betty (McAllen, TX), and Hector Perez and wife Martha (San Angelo, TX); grandchildren: Stephanie Perez Gonzalez (Portugal), Lance Perez (Lubbock, TX), Blake Perez (Singapore) and Allyssa Perez (San Antonio) and 5 great grandchildren; sister, Pascuala Gamez (Irving), and brothers, Mike Pedroza (Louisiana) and Joe Pedroza (Ft. Worth).

A rosary will be held at 6:00pm on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at Harper Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held a 10:00am on August 8, 2024, at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

We would like to thank the staff at San Angelo Nursing Home for the care and love they showed.

We love you mama.

Frank A. Gully, 95, passed away on August 3, 2024 at his home in Wall surrounded by his family and eternally joined his loving wife in Heaven.

Frank was born in Rowena, Texas in the big two-story home of his parents, Frank J. and Agnes Gottschalk Gully on April 4, 1929. He attended and graduated from St. Joseph High School in Rowena.

Following graduation, he began farming in the Rowena area until he was called to serve our country during the Korean War Conflict. He served several years, being honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in the Army Field Artillery, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Following his military service, Frank married Dolores Dierschke on February 23, 1954, and started farming in the Wall area. He was elected as secretary to Germania Insurance Co. and served faithfully with them for 60 years. He served as a member of the Board of Directors of Germania Insurance Co. for 44 years while keeping up the farm. He served on the Wall School Board and the Wall Coop Gin Board for many years and was secretary for the Knights of Columbus for several years, also.

Frank and Dolores celebrated 65 years of marriage. They loved to go antique hunting all over the United States. They collected old clocks, old butter churns, old tools, old tractors, old and unique dolls and many other items. They have put together a small museum at their home. Many visitors have come from far and wide to view all their collections. It is a sight to see.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Dolores, his parents, Frank J. and Agnes Gully, brothers, Wilbert, Alois, Quentin, Robert and Harvey Gully, sister, Adeline Fuchs, brother-in-law, Walter Fuchs, sisters-in-law, Marilyn, Bernice and Grace Gully and grandson, Todd Gully and great granddaughter, Bryce Rodriguez.

He is survived by his 6 children of whom he was proud had all earned a college degree: Russell and Patricia Gully of DeSoto, Rodney and Madelaine Gully of St. Lawrence, Stuart and Donna Gully of Wall, Bruce and DeAnna Gully of Veribest, Janice and Jim Cain of San Angelo, Karen & Steve McMillan of Clyde.

He is also survived by his 19 grandchildren: Monica and Paul Chartier, Teresa and Kevin Moore, Rachel Gully, Andrea and Gabriel Rodriguez, Jeremy and Mikela Gully, Stacy and Nick Welch, Katie and Martin Phiffer, Emily and Sterling Satterfield, Travis and Jessica Gully, Elizabeth and Jason Pelofske, Sarah Gully, Paul and Becky Gully, Michael and Leah Gully, Miles Gully, Macy and Clayton Daniel, Brandon and Hanna Cain, Kendra Cain, Mason and Sarah McMillan and Carissa McMillan and her fiancé Cade Smith. Also surviving are 20 great grandchildren: Rosemary and Lily Chartier, Tate Rodriguez, Nash, Beckett and Jaxon Gully, Claire and Carter Welch, Nevin and Shaw Phiffer, Connor and Watson Gully, Tanner, Faye and Della Gully, Eli Pelofske, Alice Gully, Cru and Kisner Cain and Luke McMillan.

He is also survived by his brother, Msgr. Bernard Gully of San Angelo and his in-laws, LaVerne and Robert Knezek of Arlington, and Marvin and Janis Dierschke of Wall.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons.

A Rosary Service will be at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6th at St. Ambrose Church in Wall. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 7th at 10:00 a.m. with Father Joe Choutapalli, Monsignor Bernard Gully, and Monsignor Larry Droll presiding. Burial will follow in St. Ambrose Catholic Cemetery in Wall.

We are especially grateful for the compassionate care provided by the caregivers and staff at Comfort Keepers and the nurses with Hospice of San Angelo. Memorials may be made to the St. Ambrose Church Building Fund or a charity of your choice.

Norine M. Valicek, 97, of San Angelo went to be with the Lord on Friday August 2, 2024, in San Angelo. Norine was born March 8, 1927, in Galveston Texas to Roswell and Norine Moreland. She grew up in Galveston and Houston and graduated from St. Agnes Academy in Houston in 1943. After high school, she attended Rice University. Norine met her future husband Edwin A. Valicek in Houston through the Rosarian Club, a young adult group for Catholics. They married on November 22, 1952. Norine’s first job was as a hostess during WWII at the Stage Canteen in Houston. After that, she spent most of her career working for CPA firms. Norine was active in the Houston Camelia Society. Their home was on the Houston Camelia Society Garden Tour. She was also a girl scout leader for many years. In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing, gardening, dancing, playing cards, keeping her mind sharp by playing card games on her ipad and traveling. She celebrated her 80th Birthday with a hot air balloon ride and her 90th Birthday with a trip to New York. Norine also loved her dogs, especially her dog Greta. She was affectionately called “Zsa-Zsa” by her grandchildren and their friends. Norine was a “Mom” to everyone, especially to all of her children’s friends. Those that knew her will always remember her no-nonsense advice. Her life and love will remain in our hearts forever and we will dearly miss her! Norine was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two brothers and one sister. She is survived by her daughter Mary Frances Valicek and husband Jack, her daughter Diane Womack and husband Chris, her son Edwin Valicek, Jr. and wife Kristin. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Carson and his wife Bonnie, Cade, Alex, Annie and Emily, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and her longtime friend, Nancye Parker. The family will receive friends for visitation from 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M., Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at Harper Funeral Home. The Memorial Service will be at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at Mount Carmel Hermitage in Christoval, Texas. A private inurnment will take place following the service. The family requests that memorials be made to Mount Carmel Hermitage or a charity of your choice.

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

Raul Francisco Lopez, Jr. peacefully passed into heaven with family at his side on August 2, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Carmen and Raul Lopez, Sr. welcomed their son Raul into the world on January 24, 1948, in McAllen, Texas. At an early age, they could see their son was smart, disciplined, and kind. Kindergarten in the Rio Grande Valley at that time was a privilege, and young Raul rode the city bus by himself to and from school each day. Only once did he miss his stop, but the five year old kept his composure and stayed on the bus until it completed its daily route, where he was greeted by his anxious and relieved parents. Raul has always been the calm during a storm.

Raul was a person of drive and focus and was a high-achieving student at McAllen High School where he earned top grades and played multiple sports. He excelled at football, playing linebacker for the Bulldogs and was named to the Rio Grande Valley’s All-Decade Team. He graduated from high school in 1966, where he made many lifelong friends, but most importantly it was where he met Deborah Sue (Debbie) Bloomfield, beginning a 60-year love story.

After high school, Raul was recruited to play football for the University of Texas at El Paso. After two winning seasons and a victory at the Sun Bowl, an injury forced him to reconsider his football career. He decided to return to McAllen, and most importantly, back to Debbie. She came home to the Valley after two semesters at Baylor University and together they enrolled at Pan American University, where Raul was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He graduated in 1970 and made the decision to follow in his father’s footsteps and serve his country in the armed forces; however, he could not leave for Officer Training School without asking Debbie to marry him. Raul and Debbie were married on April 3, 1971, at First Baptist Church in McAllen.

Raul completed a highly decorated 20-year career as an officer in the Air Force, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His service led them to Indiana, where they had their son Derek. They then moved to Merced, California, where their daughter Marissa was born. Raul was a navigator in KC-135 aircraft, taking him all over the world including Greenland, Alaska, Thailand, England, Spain and his favorite destination, Portugal.

Raul’s last assignment was Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, where he served as Deputy Base Commander. Debbie and Raul loved San Angelo so much that they decided to stay and raise their family in the friendly West Texas city. Raul retired from the Air Force in 1993, and decided to continue contributing his professional skills and passion for helping others by working with San Angelo Central High School to create and develop its Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. Over the next two decades, Raul, with the help of an excellent and committed staff of other Air Force veterans, provided thousands of students with encouragement and the skills necessary to make themselves the best that they could be.

Raul loved classic rock, driving his 1988 Porsche 911 to San Antonio for repairs, playing “old man golf” and spending summers in Hawaii with his beloved Debbie. Above all of his hobbies and interests, faith was always first for Raul. A follower of Christ, his faith showed in every aspect of his life. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, sisters, in-laws, and all of his friends. Raul thoroughly enjoyed watching his children and his grandchildren compete in all sports, and wouldn’t miss a game or meet if he could help it.

Raul is survived by his devoted wife Debbie; son Derek Lopez and his wife Kim; daughter Marissa Giesecke and her husband Wes; sisters Carmen (Bobby) and Norma (Rob); grandchildren Wyatt, Samuel, Wesley, Carmen, Whit, and Margot, and eight nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by countless friends, former students, golf buddies, fellow servicemen, and all that knew Raul’s kindness, loyalty, and generosity.

“The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.” – Proverbs 20:7

The Visitation will be on Friday, August 9, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Harper Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church. Pallbearers include: Derek Lopez, Wes Geisecke, Wyatt Lopez, Samuel Geisecke, Wesley Lopez, Whit Lopez, Bobby Ramos, Rob Wickham.

Today we say goodbye to Pamela Lynn Fletcher Sisi, born March 13, 1962 to Carol and Orville Fletcher in Lubbock, Texas. Pam was raised in San Angelo and graduated in 1980 from San Angelo Central High School.

Pam lived most of her adult life in Ohio and only recently moved home. Her passion was cooking (just as was our mother’s) and she spent many years as a chef. Pam had a great love of all animals and owned many dogs and cats over the years. She also loved to garden and planted many flowers and herbs every year.

Pam was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Sisi, our mother, Carol Ann Fletcher and nephew, M. Clayton Smith.

She is survived by her daughter Christy Smith, son, Bobby Knoteck and 5 grandchildren. Also, father Orville Fletcher, sister Denise Smith and brothers Mark and Ken Fletcher.

Our family is so very grateful to all who are such wonderful caregivers, Sylvia Pinto, Marsha Hughes, Kaitlyn Owens, Hilda Hernandez and Sadie Telles. Also, grateful to Concho Hearts for providing wonderful care these last few months including Vanessa Seyle, RN and Jolissa Payne-McNeal, CNA.

Services will be held at First Christian Church + Grace Presbyterian Church on Wednesday August 7, 2024 at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to your favorite Animal Rescue.

Francisco "Frank" Gomez, of San Angelo, Texas, went to be with his Lord on July 3, 2024. He was born on December 11, 1955 and was a proud graduate of Central High School’s class of 1975. His exceptional musical talent earned him a scholarship to ASU, where he dreamed of becoming a band instructor. Among the many instruments he mastered, the tenor saxophone held a special place in his heart.

Frank’s distinguished musical career included performances with renowned groups such as Latin Breed, Tejanos, El Coyote, and Tortilla Factory. His dreams came true when Ruben Ramos and the Mexican Revolution invited him to join their ensemble, a partnership that spanned three decades. Frank’s performances, full of passion and joy, left a lasting impression on audiences.

Beyond his musical achievements, Frank was a beloved uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. His warmth and generosity created countless cherished memories. In his later years, Frank found profound peace in his faith, dedicating himself to the Lord and serving as a deacon, embodying a deep devotion to his spiritual path.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Salomon T. and Mary S. Gomez, and his brother, Robert Gomez. He is survived by his cherished siblings, Lucy Perez, Jose Gomez, and Jesse Gomez, who will forever hold his memory in their hearts.

A celebration of Francisco's life was held on Monday, July 22, 2024, at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens in San Angelo, Texas. His legacy of music, faith, and love will continue to inspire and resonate with all who were fortunate to know him.

Mark Raymond Kohutek, 69, of Big Lake, TX, sadly passed away on July 29, 2024.

Born on October 9, 1954, in Winters, TX, to Johnny Robert and Doris (Sladek) Kohutek, Mark spent his formative years in Rayne, Louisiana, and Big Lake, TX. He graduated from Reagan County High School in 1973 and married Janet Guess on August 16, 1975, in Big Lake.

A devout Catholic, Mark took great pride in his faith. He served as a Eucharistic Minister and enjoyed teaching CCD, reflecting his deep commitment to his church community. Mark was never one to meet a stranger and was a passionate supporter of the Dallas Cowboys.

Mark is survived by his son Casey (Melanie) and daughter Allison (Jeremy), as well as his granddaughters Lyndsey (Rafael), Emily (Javan), Khadie, Kallie, and grandson Noah. He also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Cameron and Hazel; his sister Becky MacGregor, his brother David Kohutek (Becky), sister-in-law Susie Kohutek, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Steven, Blake, and Pat Kohutek, his sister-in-law Bonnie Kohutek, and his grandparents.

A rosary will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at 6:00 P.M. in Johnson’s Funeral Home Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, August 2, 2024, at Holy Angels Catholic Church in San Angelo, Texas with burial to follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Jason Kohutek, Josh Kohutek, John Kohutek, Jarrod Kohutek, Jeremy Kohutek, Dylan Kohutek, Derek Quintero, John George, Paul Jones, and Shawn Poynor.

Friends and family may sign the online register book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com.