James Murrell Young Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. Born on September 11, 1938, in San Angelo, Texas, to Murrell and Violet Young. Jim lived a full and adventurous life, defined by his love for his family, his hard work, and his enduring faith.

From an early age, Jim showed a remarkable work ethic, beginning his first job as a paperboy. At the age of 16, he drove a very large truck with family friends to wheat harvest through several states ending in South Dakota, a chapter he often fondly reminisced about. His sense of adventure led him to join the Navy as a teenager, where he traveled the world, forming lifelong friendships and creating cherished memories in places like Japan and Australia. He was proud to be a Veteran and loved his Country.

Jim met the love of his life, Shirley Bitner, in their hometown of San Angelo and married December 17,1960. Together, they built a life of love and devotion just 13 days shy of 64 years. His work with Firestone Test Center and later Mobil Oil took their family to Fort Stockton, where they lived and thrived for many years. He retired from Mobil Oil in 1999.

An avid outdoorsman, Jim found joy in hunting and exploring the area where OC Fisher Lake was built and later fished there. Surviving the Lakeview tornado of 1953 left an indelible mark on his life—one that ensured he never wore a yellow shirt again!

Jim’s thirst for knowledge and creativity was evident throughout his life. A dedicated learner, he pursued continuing education courses and mastered many trades. His woodworking skills were extraordinary, crafting intricate wooden toys and puzzles that are now cherished by his great-granddaughter and future generations.

Jim and Shirley moved back to San Angelo when they retired, where they embarked on countless RV adventures across the U.S., often visiting their beloved grandchildren. His family was his greatest pride and joy, and he imparted lessons of hard work, perseverance, strength, and honesty to his children and grandchildren.

Jim’s faith in the Lord was steadfast throughout his life. He was a member of Fort Stockton Baptist Church and later Harris Avenue Baptist Church in San Angelo.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley Bitner Young; his sister Ann Whitley; his brother Steve Young; and his daughters Sherry Horak (husband John), Michele Singh (husband Ted), and Jenny Goodwin (husband Scott). He also leaves behind his treasured grandchildren, Ashlen Thornton (husband Brantley) and their daughter Saige and soon-to-arrive baby girl, Austin Horak, Rylan Horak (wife Lily), Ben Goodwin, and Grace Goodwin, along with many nieces and nephews whom he deeply cherished. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Tom Young, and his brothers-in-law, Buck Whitley, Ray, Winston & Harold Bitner, Jim Johnson & Jake Young.

Jim will be remembered for his boundless love for his family, his unshakable faith, his adventurous spirit, and his determination to always stay busy and learn something new. His legacy lives on in the lives of those he touched and the values he instilled in his family. He will be profoundly missed but lovingly remembered by all who knew him. His journey on earth may have ended, but his love and influence will live on forever.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at Harper Funeral Home in San Angelo on Saturday, December 7th at 10 a.m., with burial to follow at Fairmount Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude’s or DAV: Disabled American Veterans in Jim’s memory.

Special thanks to Angelo Home Care, Allen, Jennifer & Alexandra Poppell, Caregivers Larry Albert, Crystal Ramirez, Rachel, Jolissa & Elivia and Veterans Administration.

Frank Quinn died beautifully on December 3, 2024, as he saw his living hope fulfilled in Christ Jesus. Frank considered himself an Arkansas boy, having lived there in his formative years but his birth was in Memphis, Tennessee. He was born to Roy Lee and Thay Evelyn Quinn on May 19, 1925. Frank is survived by his four children Carol, Candace, Donna and Mike all of Texas. He has six grandchildren, Amy, Jacob, Burke, Micah, Brittany and Hunter and 12 great grandchildren, Paige. Daniel, Makayla, Michael, Colston, Hudson, Ashley, Evelyn, Tess, Lily, Owen and Jack. Two grandchildren, Kathleen and Jarrod Blake preceded him in death as did his wife of fifty-two years, LaFelta. After the death of LaFelta, Frank married Veronica Krzysiak, and they enjoyed 22 years together. Veronica also preceded Frank in death.

A memorial service to remember Frank will be held at Harper Funeral Home on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. A time of visitation will follow the service. A family burial will take place at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas, Texas.

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

Gerald Wayne (“Ace”) Elliott of Ferris, Texas passed away peacefully at his home on November 28, 2024 at the age of 80 years. He was born on May 8, 1944 in San Angelo, Texas to parents, Willie Elliott, Sr. and Emaline (Klattenhoff) Elliott. Gerald grew up on a dairy farm northwest of Miles, Texas. He graduated from Miles High School in 1962, where he was an all-around athlete. After high school he attended Southwestern University for a short time studying business administration. He pursued many employment interests including car salesman, bar tender, and dealer in Las Vegas, but his greatest accomplishment was evangelism. Gerald established The Church of Texas in 2002 on a five-acre tract of land off I-45 South in Ferris, Texas, where through the years he welcomed many homeless and downtrodden individuals and helped to restore them back to where they had a feeling of self-worth. He gave away thousands of Gospel CD’s at his many outreach efforts at truck stops and Walmarts in the area in an effort to spread the Word of God.

Gerald is predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his son, Scott Menchaca, and his brothers, Willie Elliott, Jr. of Marietta, Oklahoma, and Morris Elliott (Amy) of San Angelo, Texas, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside services for Gerald are scheduled for Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 2 PM at the Miles Cemetery, Miles Texas, with William Rosser, officiating. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Harper Funeral Home, San Angelo, Texas.

“Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Until we meet again.

On November 25, 2024 we lost our much loved husband, father, and brother Patrick “Pat” Hugh Lewis. 

Pat was born on July 21, 1953 to Hugh Lewis, Jr. and Billie Partin Lewis in Robert Lee, Texas. Pat attended school in Robert Lee where he was active in various sports and FFA. He graduated from Robert Lee in 1971. 

After graduation, Pat attended school to become a physical therapy assistant. Over his lifetime, Pat made friends where ever he went. Whether he was cutting hair, doing physical therapy in the hospital / nursing homes, or working at Wal-Mart. Pat will be missed by all. 

Pat was preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law, Bob Hollway and Joe Moseley; and niece, Tracy Hollway Saunders. 

Left to cherish Pat’s memory are his loving wife, Debbie Lewis, whom he married in June 2014; son, Jason; sisters, Gayle Moseley and Lexie Hollway; step son, Josh Holbert; nieces, Dawn Seagler, Edie Welker, and nephews, Bobby Hollway, Cameron Hollway, and Chad Moseley. Also left to cherish Pat’s memory are his loving grandchildren and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. 

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Friday, November 29, 2024 at Johnson’s Funeral Home with Pastor Bobby Roger officiating.

Effie Ellen (Shook) Cochran earned her Heavenly reward on November 23rd, 2024. She was born on June 9th, 1935, to William Harrison Shook and Berta Elizabeth Brown Shook. On June 1st, 1953 she married a handsome young airman, Richard Cochran. They were married for 66 years, and have 4 children. While the Air Force took them all over the country and the world, they would always return to San Angelo, TX. 

Effie was preceded in death by parents, William and Berta Shook, her husband, Richard by 5 years and 1 day, her sisters, Wilene Gunn and husband Buddy, Juanelle Verfurth and husband Raymond, and beloved daughter-in-law Becky Cochran.

She is survived by her four children, Debbie Holland (Tony), Kenneth Cochran, Beth Shaw, and Rick Cochran (Susan), and cherished former daughter-in-law Kathy Cochran Fiscus. She was blessed with eight grandchildren, Cody Holland (Jessica), Dustin Holland (Natelle), Jason Shaw (Jasmine), Cory Cochran (Ashley), Tanner Cochran (Kaitlin), Amanda Cochran, Megan Gentry (Forrest), and Abigail Cochran. She also leaves eleven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and a large and devoted church family.

She served her country at a time when her role as a military wife and mother was not recognized or supported by the military. She never questioned what was asked of her, she just did it. As a young, newly married military wife, she was a silent witness to the crash of Abbot 27, to which her husband Richard was deployed on the crash response crew. She would then persevere through Richard’s two tours of Vietnam, keeping her home fires burning with four children. 

Effie raised her children with a tender loving hand, but she was also very candid and open about everything. They could talk to her about anything, the awkward, the bad, and the good. She never judged, she never scolded, she would just try to gently guide them in the right direction. She was always there for her children and grandchildren to guide, support, and encourage. Her door was always open to anyone in need, and she would always provide warmth and support. She was a master homemaker, and made it look easy. She was an excellent cook and has left everyone with wonderful memories of not only the large holiday meals and special treats, but also the simple, routine comfort food. Her superpower was peanut brittle. While she has left her recipe, it’s the art and skill that she had that can’t be replicated. 

When her children were older, she launched her own career, working at McDonalds. She worked for 25 years, working her way up to Store Manager, and was one of the managers that opened the second McDonalds location, managing both stores. Her children always referred to the golden arches as “M for Mom.” 

Effie was the most gracious and humble servant of the Lord. She was a living example of grace and faith and was a pillar of her church. She was one of the founding members of the Sonshine Quilters Club, providing beautiful hand-crafted quilts for new babies and family members of the church. She taught Sunday School and was a faithful servant in the church’s hospitality activities. Later in life when her husband Richard accepted the Lord, he followed her example and the two became an integral part of the church infrastructure. Effie was known as the Bread Lady and Richard was known as the Van Man. Their presence was a constant in the activities and outreach of the church.

She was a living example and role model in her devotion to God and country and she passed on her ethics and core values to her children, grandchildren, and extended family. Her calm and graceful presence touched and molded so many lives, far beyond what she was ever aware of. She was so much stronger than she ever gave herself credit for. She loved unconditionally. She also had a spicy sense of humor. When you least expected it, she would make a remark that would catch you off guard and turn your head. 

Pallbearers are her grandsons, Cody Holland, Dustin Holland, Jason Shaw, Cory Cochran, Tanner Cochran, and Forrest Gentry.

In recognition of Effie’s service as a Veteran Surviving spouse, there are honorary pallbearers made up of Surviving Spouses and Military spouses. Her procession will be escorted by the Patriot Guard Riders. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Grace Temple Ministries Benevolence Fund. 

Visitation will be Friday Nov 29th at Johnson’s Funeral Home from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Service will be held Saturday, Nov 30th at 2:00 PM at Grace Temple. Interment will follow at Belvedere.

Wilda "Jo" Abbott, age 90 passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2024. 

A visitation for Jo will be held Sunday, December 1, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Johnson's Funeral Home, 435 West Beauregard, San Angelo, TX 76903. A funeral service will occur Monday, December 2, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 435 West Beauregard, San Angelo, TX 76903. A graveside service will occur Monday, December 2, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Johnson's Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens, 4989 FM Highway 1223, San Angelo, TX 76905.

Danny Maciel Gaitan, Sr., 42, passed away Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at his home.

Public viewing will be from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM followed by his funeral service at 6:00 PM Friday, November 29, 2024, at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel. Graveside services will be at 11:00 AM Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Sterling City Cemetery under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.

Mr. Gaitan was born July 25, 1982 in San Angelo to Abel and Anna Gaitan. Danny was a lifelong resident of San Angelo. He attended Lincoln Middle School and Lake View High School. Danny was a cook for many years. He attended the Lighthouse Church with his son Dylan. Danny liked listening to music and barbecuing. He also loved spending time with his family and friends very much. He had a big heart and was welcoming to anyone with open arms. He will truly be missed by all.

Survivors include his six children, Destiny Aguilar, Dylan Aguilar, Julius Ramirez, Danny Gaitan, Jr., Alyssa Gaitan, and Mark Andrew Gaitan; two sisters, Susan Gaitan, and Ruby Gaitan; two brothers, David Gaitan, and Damian Arroyo; many aunts, uncles and cousins. Danny was preceded in death by his parents, and an brother, Abel Gaitan, Jr.

Beverly Ann (Palmer) Williams of San Angelo, Texas, went to be with her Lord and Savior on November 26, 2024 at the age of 101.

Beverly was born August 14, 1923 in Shreveport, Louisiana, to John Clarence (Jack) Palmer and Henrietta B. Palmer. Shortly thereafter, her parents moved to Smackover, Arkansas when her father got a job with Lion Oil Company. She grew up in Smackover with her parents and younger sister Jackie. She attended high school in Smackover.

Beverly married the love of her life, Leslie Lee Williams on April 11, 1941 in the First Baptist Church in Eldorado Arkansas. After Pearl Harbor December 7th, 1941 Lee joined the army and she moved to Dallas, Texas to attend Baylor School of Nursing. He went to fight for freedom and she went to learn how to help people.

After she graduated from nurses training in 1945 she moved back to Smackover to start her life caring for others and to wait for Lee to come back from the war. They lived in Smackover until their son, Rick was born on March 27, 1946. Lee got his prior job back with Magnolia Oil Co. and they were transferred to County Line, Oklahoma. They were transferred with Magnolia to Edna, Texas where she was a school nurse in Vanderbuilt, Texas. In 1955 they were transferred to Midland, Texas where she became school nurse for Midland Independent School District until she retired with 36 years of nursing in 1977.

Lee retired in 1977 and they moved to Center Point, Texas. In 1978 the Guadalupe River flooded and tragically took Lee’s mother’s life. It damaged their home so they moved back to Midland for a number of years. Then in 1987 they moved to San Angelo, Texas to be near their son and Daughter-in-law. They joined and became active in the First Baptist Church of San Angelo. Together they shared 48 loving years together before Lee’s passed away in 1989.

Beverly continued to serve others through the church where she served on various committees, served in the summer lunch program for children, sang in the choir, and was a Sunday School teacher.

In 2007 she moved to Baptist Retirement Community where she lived for 17 years until she passed away.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Lee and sister, Jackie Mitchell.

She is survived by her son Leslie F. (Rick )Williams and wife Ann of San Angelo, Texas; two grandchildren, Alexis Daniel and husband Dusty of Dallas, Texas, Matthew Williams and wife Kim of Dallas, Texas and two great grandchildren, Michael and Katherine Williams of Dallas, Texas; niece Lisa Cram and husband Rance of Shreveport, Louisiana, and many friends.

A visitation will be held on Monday, December 2, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Harper Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM, on December 3, 2024, at First Baptist Church under the direction of Harper Funeral Home, with Greg Breedlove, Pastor of First Baptist Church of San Angelo and Kerry Peacock officiating. Interment will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

The family wishes to thank Baptist Retirement Community for 17 wonderful years of nurturing and care. We want to extend a special thank you to the staff of Sagecrest Care Center for the loving care and compassion they showed her during her final days.

It is with a soft heart that we announce the passing of Lucian Albert Gunter III, known to family and friends as Lou, Dad, Grandaddy, and GGD, at the age of 91, on November 21, 2024, in San Angelo, Texas. Lucian was born on July 22, 1933, in Norfolk, Virginia, to the late Lucian Albert Gunter Jr. and Beulah Jones Gunter.

Lucian's life was a testament to his dedication to service, passion for adventure and love for family. He graduated from Kempsville High School in 1951, then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of New Orleans in 1969. He furthered his education with a double major in Economics from the University of Nebraska in 1970.

In 1951, Lucian enlisted in the United States Air Force. In 1953 he entered the Aviation Cadets, and he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1954. Over the course of his 22 years of service, he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, serving in various capacities and locations, including Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo, where he was awarded his fixed-wing flight rating. During his service, he completed six weeks of Jungle Survival Training and Arctic Survival Training, experiences that reflected both his resilience and his commitment to readiness. Lucian's military career included two tours in the Korean War and one in the Vietnam War. He was awarded nine military honors for his service. After retiring from the Air Force in February of 1973, Lucian continued his work in aviation, project manager over plane assembly for Mitsubishi until operations closed. Lou then took up his passion of day trading.

Lucian’s life was marked by his many passions and talents. He loved sports, participating in various activities throughout his life, and he was an active member of numerous organizations, including the Masons. His true joy, however, was in dancing, whether ballroom, square dancing, or his own version of the Texas two-step, Lucian was a sought-after partner, always with a line of dancers waiting for a chance to share the floor with him. His flirtatious charm and vibrant personality made him a beloved figure in every community he was part of.

He was also a member of the Southland Baptist Church and First Church of the Nazarene in San Angelo. Known for his humor, Lucian loved to tell jokes whenever he could, although he was often amused by his own tendency to forget the punchline. Lou also had a well-known sweet tooth, and few things brought him as much joy as a scoop of ice cream or a cold root beer.

Above all, Lucian's greatest role was providing for his family. He was the sole caregiver for his wife, Gloria, who battled Parkinson’s disease for many years. Lucian selflessly cared for her until her passing in 2001, demonstrating a depth of love and commitment that was truly inspiring.

Lucian is survived by his daughter, Lynn A. Deering (husband-Casey); his son, Lucian A. Gunter IV; his grandchildren, Tiffany L. Abundis (husband-Chris), Becca A. Fischer (husband-Dj), Cole T. Deering (wife-Margaret), and Corinne R. Deering; and his great-grandchildren, Hailey R. Abundis, Greenlee R. Maberry, Tayla R. Abundis, and Dalton J. Fischer. He is also survived by his nephew, Doug Hughes, and niece, Patty Hughes Shook, as well as his beloved cats, Princess and Atta-Boy. Also including his precious caregivers over the past several years.

Lucian was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria Swanson Roberts Gunter; his father, Lucian Albert Gunter Jr., and mother, Beulah Jones Gunter; his sister, Marcella Hughes; and his niece, Debroah (Hughes) Rhodes.

Lucian’s legacy of humor, devotion, stubbornness, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will forever motivate those who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) or the Dementia Society of America, causes that would have been meaningful to Lucian. Service will be held on Monday, December 2nd, at 10am at San Angelo First Church of the Nazarene with burial to follow at Lawnhaven Cemetary.

Rest in peace, Lou. You will forever be loved and remembered.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Jack Francis Moore. Husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, who left us on Tuesday November 26th, 2024, at the age of 90. He was loved and cherished by everyone whose life he touched.

Jack was born on Valentine’s Day (February 14th, 1934) in Thrifty, Texas. He grew up with a passion for family, travel, gardening and his career in the Boy Scouts. He attended Texas Tech University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy. He met his wife, Ann, at the Wesley Student Center on campus. Jack was involved in many community activities serving and supporting his church, civic clubs, and many charities. He and Ann frequently joined their voices to sing in the church choir and danced whenever the music and dance floor was available. They attended and were members of the San Angelo Symphony Society, garden clubs (he was a Master Gardner) and the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts enjoying so many wonderful events.

Jack F. Moore was known for his kindness, generosity and sense of humor. He brought joy to everyone he met. He is survived by his wife, Ann Moore, daughters Sharon Alexander (Husband John Alexander) and Michelle Moore Oswald (Husband Johnny Oswald), his son, Glenn Moore (Wife Michelle Moore). His loving grandchildren Rachel Lucas (Husband Andrew Lucas), Andrew Moore (Wife Sarah Moore), Jack C. Moore (Wife Stephanie Moore) and Anna Oswald. His loving great grandchildren, Mila Moore, Zane Moore and Brandon Lucas, as well as seven nieces and nephews, who will forever cherish his memory.

A memorial service will be held at the United Methodist Church (37 E. Beauregard Ave. San Angelo, TX 76903) 2 pm Sunday, December 1, 2024. Friends and family are invited to attend and celebrate the life of Jack F. Moore. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Boy Scouts of America (Concho Valley Council – 104 Veterans Memorial Dr. San Angelo, TX 76903) in Jack F. Moore’s honor.

Jack F. Moore’s legacy of love, compassion, and kindliness will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be deeply missed by so many.