Maria L. Minjares

On the evening of Wednesday, September 2, 2015, Maria L. Minjares, 98, formerly of Marfa went to be with the Lord in the community of Greenwood surrounded by her granddaughter Jennifer and her spouse, Todd Hebert.

Maria was born May 29, 1917 in Marfa to Eduardo and Monica G. Lujan. She married the love of her life, Nicholas Minjares who preceded her in death 73 years ago.

She was a devoted Catholic, a homemaker, and for several years was employed by DeVolin’s Laundry and Cleaners.

She was especially known for her excellent baking, especially her delicious biscochos, ladyfingers, pineapple upside down cake, her carrot cake, and her favorite Christmas delicacy, Christmas fruitcake.

Fondly known as Ana or LOL (Little Old Lady), her survivors include daughters, Rosa M. and husband Roger Granado of Pecos, and Mary Jane and husband Willie Hernandez of Marfa; grandsons Nicholas (Shannon) Granado of Dallas, Javier Fierro of Odessa, Christopher (Lupe) Granado of Midland, Wesley Jon (Monica) Hernandez of Melissa, and Waylon James Hernandez of Midland; granddaughter Jennifer and husband Todd Hebert of Midland; great-grandchildren Alexandra (Chris) of Midland, Mirand (Matt) Holm of Midland, Rowan (Alex) Granado Macias and Aaron Natividad of Denver City; and great-great grandson Jordan Espinoza of Midland.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her two brothers, Eduardo Jr. and Francisco Lujan; her grandson Willie Joe Hernandez; and her granddaughter Marina Granado Natividad.

The family viewing was the evening of Sunday, September 6. The rosary was recited the evening of Monday, September 7 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marfa. Funeral Mass was the morning of Tuesday, September 8 at the church with burial in Merced Cemetery. Farther Estevan Sescon officiated.

Ellis Funeral Home of Midland is in charge of the arrangements.

Nicholas Cataño

Nicholas O. Cataño, formerly of Casa Piedra and Redford, passed away September 17, 2015 in Odessa.

Mr. Cataño was born in Casa Piedra to Jose Cataño and Zenona Ocon on December 6, 1946.
He attended Reford School.

He married Irma L Cataño on April 30, 1968 in Odessa, and worked as a diesel mechanic for BJ Services for more than 20 years.

Survivors include Irma L Cataño, Rene (Mayra) Cataño, Criselda (Claudio) Hinojos, Leticia (Auden) Madrid, Nick Cataño Jr., Chela (Rogelio) Molinar; sisters Sabina Olivas of Andrews, Eduvijes Martinez of Redford; bothers Daniel Cataño of Odessa, and Jesus Cataño of Marfa; also eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by Jose and Zenona Cataño, parents; Epifanio Cataño and Guadalupe Cataño, brothers.

Rosary was the evening of September 21 at Martinez Funeral Home in Odessa. Funeral services were the afternoon of September 22 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with father Joe officiating. Burial was in Peaceful Gardens Cemetery.

The Cataño, Hinojos, Madrid, Molinar, and Lujan families extend their sincere thanks to Dr. RJ Patel and the staff at medical center.

Pallbearers were friends and family. Thank you for all the support.

Daddy we will miss you.

Arrangements are by Martinez Funeral Home of Odessa. To sign our online guest book, please go to service@martinezfuneral.com.

Rudy Nuñez

Rudy Nuñez of Fort Stockton, the co-owner of Amistad Motors, passed away Sunday, September 27, 2015. He was 62,

He was born in Odessa on December 7, 1952 to Frank and Carolina Nuñez.

In 1998 he moved to Fort Stockton to fulfill his passion for the car business. Along with his wife Diane, they started Amistad Motors.

Rudy loved to share his passion of life, but most importantly he loved to share his children and grandchildren’s accomplishments. Traveling the world, going to Las Vegas, playing golf, team roping and scratching lottery tickets was what he considered work.

He will greatly be missed but will remain forever in our hearts. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Nuñez of Fort Stockton; a son, Eric Nuñez and his wife Deidra of Fort Stockton; a daughter, Ronnie Nuñez Hernandez and her husband Victor of Odessa; a stepdaughter, Amanda Jones and her husband Jesse of Fort Stockton; also 11 grandchildren, Jakob Nuñez, Rylan and Ethan Nuñez, Jade, Cyra Cayden and Addison Hernandez, Jordyn Graham, Marcelino (MJ), Bryan and Marianna Torrez; and a nephew, Corky Nuñez.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Carolina Nuñez; a nephew, Rocky Nuñez; and a niece, Katie Nichols.

Rosary was the evening of Tuesday, September 29 at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Fort Stockton. Funeral Mass was the morning of Wednesday, September 30 at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Fort Stockton with Father Serafin Avenido officiating. Burial was in Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Odessa.

Honorary pallbearers are his grandsons Rylan Nuñez, Ethan Nuñez, MJ Torrez, and Cayden Hernandez. Pallbearers are Jakob Nuñez, Corky Nuñez, Bryan Torrez, Marcelino “Pito” Torrez, Eddie Muñoz and Zeke Rodarte.

Memorial Funeral Home of Fort Stockton is in charge of arrangements.

Thomas Schneider

Thomas Edward Schneider, 57, of Midland died unexpectedly Friday, September 25, 2015.

He was born in Midland to Tom and Patricia Schneider. He is the twin brother of Pat Schneider of Marfa and Alpine and brother-in-law of Presidio County Agent Jesse Lea Schneider.

At the age of 13, the family moved to the ranch near Eagle Pass.  It is here that he developed a love of ranching. He graduated from Eagle Pass High School in 1976. He continued his education at Texas A&M University where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree. He later earned his Master’s degree in International Business from Thunderbird School of Global Management in Phoenix. After graduation from college, he and his brother formed Double S Partnership.

They ran a successful cattle ranching operation in the Big Bend area for many years. A linguist, he was fluent in English, Spanish, and Russian. He used his mastery of the Spanish language to develop a Midland-based import/export business.

While on a buying trip to Mexico, he met the love of his life, Ana. They were married on November 8, 1997 in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico. They began their married life in Midland where he joined his father in the oil and gas industry. Together they ran Topat Oil Corporation.

Although their primary focus was in the Permian Basin, they also looked into other markets as far reaching as Siberia. He was an entrepreneur who was always looking for other avenues in the Permian Basin.

He was an avid runner. He served as president of the Permian Basin Road Runners for several years, both planning and competing in marathons. He qualified for and competed in the Boston Marathon. He loved to travel and passed that passion onto his daughter.

He was a proud and caring father. He always challenged his daughter to set her goals high. He could not have been more proud of the fine young woman that Kelsi had become. He was a caring person who always had a kind word for everyone. He was always willing to help anyone in need.

He is survived by his wife, Ana; and daughter, Kelsi; his twin brother, Patrick Schneider and his wife, Jesse Lea of Marfa and Alpine; a brother, Brian Schneider; a sister, Maggie Snow and her husband Billy and their daughter Danielle; a sister, Molly Clark and husband Reb, and their three sons Seth, Duncan, and Cooper; and sister, Laura Riley and husband Rob; also his mother-in-law, Maria Elenena Ponce de Leon; sister-in-law Leticia Ramirez and husband Martin Rangel; brothers-in-law, Arturo Ramirez and wife Griselda, Marco Ramirez and wife Candelaria, Hector Ramirez and wife Rosario and Guillermo Ramirez and wife Fabiola; nephews, Edgar Rangel, Oscar Rangel, Guillermo Rangel, Adrian Ramirez, and Guillermo Ramirez; and nieces, Carolina Ramirez and Lucero Ramirez.

He was preceded in death by his father, Tom Schneider, and his mother, Patricia C. Schneider.

A rosary was at St. Stephens Catholic Church, and a celebration of life was October 1 at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Midland Christian School, 2001 Culver Street, Midland, TX 79705, or St. Stephens Catholic Church, 4601 Neely Avenue, Midland, TX 79707.

Nancy Jane Reid passed away peacefully and comfortably on September 25, 2015 in Newport, Oregon.

She was born August 8, 1951 in Fort Worth and went to college at the University of Texas at Austin where she majored in photojournalism. She was drawn to the desert of the Big Bend area, where she thrived on hard light and deep canyons. She lived in Terlingua and guided Rio Grande river trips with Far Flung Adventures. At the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute, she joined up with her future husband, Pete. Together they traveled in Mexico, camping at the base of 500-foot cliffs studying and photographing Maroon-fronted Parrots and Peregrine Falcons.

Nancy Jane moved with Pete to Pocatello, Idaho and she ran rivers and explored outer and inner worlds with her cameras and darkroom. They married in 1982 and their son, Alex, was born in 1986.

In 1987 they moved to Newport, far from the crisp light and desert vistas that she loved. She was involved in local theater as actor and photographer. Her photos appeared in the Newport News-Times, on posters and publicity brochures, and exhibits in galleries around town.

She is survived by her husband, Peter Lawson; her son, Alex Lawson; her sister, Ellen; brothers Brian and Robert; nieces Rebecca and Allison; and nephews Michael and Stephen.

There will be a Celebration of Life at the Performing Arts Center on Halloween, October 31 from 3-5:30pm. Costumes and absurdity are welcome.

Remembrances in her name should go to the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts, Visual Arts Center, Youth Art Program.

Clara Gonzales

Clara “Clarita” Acosta Gonzales passed away peacefully in her long-time Fort Stockton home on September 18, 2015. She was 81.

She was born July 22, 1934, in Santa Elena, Chihuahua, Mexico, a village across the Rio Grande from Big Bend National Park. The eldest of 13 children born to Gomecindo DeLaO and Encarnación Viscaíno “Mamá Chona” Acosta, Clarita lived much of her childhood at the family homestead, Las Hicoteas, Chihuahua in a three-room stone house built largely by Mamá Chona.

Mrs. Gonzales married Ydelfonso Acosta Gonzales on December 31, 1951 at the Templo Católico in Grandfalls.

As a young child, Mrs. Gonzales had helped her family with subsistence gardening, making asadero goat cheese and caring for her siblings. Education was not an option, and migration was, so as a young woman, she performed seamstress piecework at clothing manufacturing plants in Fort Stockton and Pecos. When her children were a bit older, the family moved to Imperial, at the time a thriving agricultural area and, her son David recalls, a great place to be a kid. Later, Mrs. Gonzales was a baker in the Fort Stockton Independent School District food services. She also served the students who patronized the pay-as-you-go snack bar, and granddaughter Lisa recalls her own plate piled high with curly fries, protesting fellow students admonished to move along.

She is survived by a son, David, and a daughter, Alicia Nieto; three sisters, Emilia Espinoza, Braulia and Reyes, all of Lovington, New Mexico; four Acosta brothers, Hilario (and Dominga) of Terlingua, Severiano (and Elva) of Lovington, José Luis (and Araceli) of El Paso, and Ricardo  (and Mercedes) of Carlsbad, New Mexico; also 14 great-grandchildren and six grandchildren, including Lisa (and Johnny) Bernal of Del Rio, Alma (and Michael) Thompson of El Paso; Amanda and Michelle Castro, both of Corpus Christi, Angelo Gonzales of Fort Davis, and Adina (and Ben) Rodriguez of Midland.

An aunt, cousins, in-laws, nephews, nieces and friends, most from Fort Stockton, are also among those who cherish memories of a devoted mother and grandmother, who every day warmly welcomed visits and long stays.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gomecindo and Encarnación Acosta; her husband, Ydelfonso Gonzales; a son, Ydelfonso Gonzales Jr.; a daughter, Guadalupe Castro; three brothers, Jesus, Oscar and Apolinar Acosta; and two sisters, Carmen Molinar and Ambrosia.

Memorial donations may be sent to Hospice of Val Verde Medical Center of Del Rio (checks to Friends of Hospice), P.O. Box 2301, Del Rio TX 78841.

Martha Louise Francell

Martha Louise Evans Francell, the mother of Jeff Davis County Commissioner Larry Fancell passed away at her Odessa home on Thursday, October 1, 2015.

A memorial service will be at 10am Saturday, October 24 at the First Presbyterian Church of Odessa.

She was born October 13, 1925 in San Antonio. She was the oldest daughter of John W. Evans and Frances Evans, early settlers of Odessa and founders of the First Presbyterian Church.

Mrs. Francell was a senior in high school when she met Earl Lawrence Francell, a Staff Sergeant stationed at the Midland Army Flying School, at a USO dance, and they were married November 6, 1943.

She was a “stay-at-home mom” until she went back to school to fulfill a life-long dream to become a registered nurse. She fulfilled all the academic and clinical requirements and took state boards to become an RN in 1974.

She enjoyed working part-time as a staff nurse at Medical Center Hospital in the orthopedic and neurosurgical units.  Also she enjoyed being camp nurse at Prude Ranch Camp in Fort Davis for kids part of every summer for 15 years.  She was also the nurse for Bloys Campmeeting one week every summer for 17 years.

She is a former member of the Junior League, served on the board of the Odessa Day Nursery, on the board of Planned Parenthood, and is a past president of the Women of the Presbyterian Church.

Mr. and Mrs. Francell were always active members of the First Presbyterian Church of Odessa, both having served in the office of Deacon.  All four of their children attended San Jacinto Elementary School, Bowie Junior High and graduated from Odessa High School. For Mrs. Francell, Odessa was always home.

She is survived by her sister, Mary Frances VanPelt, who is married to W. P. “Chop” VanPelt; sister-in-law Joyce Evans; four children, Lawrence John “Larry” Francell, who is married to Beth Byerley Francell of Fort Davis, Garry Francell, who is married to Jacqueline Winter, Clay Francell, who is married to Terri Tucker Francell, DeeAnn Francell McCutcheon, who is married to James McCutcheon; seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; an infant son; her brother, John Richard Evans; and her husband Earl Francell.

Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Odessa or Bloys Campmeeting Association.

Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Willeen Austin

Willeen Smith Austin, 89, passed away peacefully at her Alpine home October 3, 2015.

Services are 10am Saturday, October 10 at Redeemer Lutheran Church with graveside services to follow.

She was born January 2, 1926 in Brookshire, Texas to Harris Seymour and Winnie Donald Smith. Her grandfather William Oliver Smith was a pioneer moving his family to the Big Bend in 1901 to ranch.

Her father, Harris, was one of the owners of the Buena Suerte Quicksilver mine near Lajitas. Willeen’s grandmother, Adecia Ann Walker, was the first kindergarten teacher in the Alpine school district.

Willeen graduated from Alpine High School in 1942 and attended Sul Ross Normal College. She moved to California and worked for Goff Industries, then Hunt Wesson Food, which later became Conagra Inc. where she retired and moved back home to Alpine in 1992.

Willeen became actively involved in the community, volunteering at the Museum of the Big Bend, Meals on Wheels, and active in her church activities of the Redeemer Lutheran Church. She always wore a smile and never met a stranger she did not like. The highlight of her life was the many good friends she made through the years.

She was so very thankful to the community for coming to her and her nephew Rusty’s aide when their home burned last year, expressing heartfelt thanks to the outpouring of donations made for their new start in life. It was unfortunate that she passed away on the day she was to move into her new home.

She is survived by her sons, David Michael Austin of Pacific Grove, California, James Bruce Ilten (Carol) of Eloy, Arizona; grandchildren Stephen (Eve) Ilten, Scott Ilten, Sam Ilten (Kathryn) of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Shaun Ilten of Long Beach, California, Brian Ilten (Suz) of Whittier, California, and Kathryn Ilten (Jerry) of Hacienda Heights, California; 13 great-grandchildren; nieces Robbie Burns (Dale) of Alpine, Roxie Klinksiek (Paul) of San Antonio, Billie Mora (Larry) of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Bettie Potter (David) of Gallup, New Mexico; and nephew James “Rusty” Hill of Alpine; also numerous grandnieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert James Austin; father, Harris Seymour Smith; mother, Winnie Donald Smith; sisters, Winabeth Smith Hill, Celia Ann Smith Hill and son, Christian Seymour Ilten.

Memorials may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1003 W. Holland Avenue, Alpine, TX 79830; Museum of The Big Bend, PO Box C-101, Alpine, TX 79832; or Meals on Wheels, 205 E. Sul Ross Avenue, Alpine, TX 79830.

Alpine Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of services.

Roberto Valencia

Roberto Valencia, 42, of Alpine entered into Eternal Life on Monday, October 5, 2015.

He was born Friday, October 5, 1973 in Alpine to Juan and Virtudes Valencia. He was a longtime Alpine resident and Alpine High School graduate. He lived in Alpine until 1998 when he moved to San Angelo. He worked for Sitel for nine years.

Roberto was a Cursillista and a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus.  He was very active in the church until he became ill five years ago.

He enjoyed baseball and football, and was an avid Chicago Bears fan.  He had a passion for fantasy football and for wood burning crafts.  He enjoyed Halloween parties with his friends.  Roberto had touched the lives of many.  He was an amazing son, brother, uncle, and friend.  He loved and was loved by everyone.  Roberto will be greatly missed but will remain in our hearts forever.

He is survived by his three brothers and his three sisters, Margaret Valdez and her husband Lionel of Brownwood, Juan Valencia and his wife Olga of Alpine, Sammy Valencia and his wife Rosa of Pecos, Diana Torres and her husband Ramon of San Angelo, Raul Valencia and his wife Mary of San Angelo, and Luz Maria Valencia of San Angelo; numerous nieces and nephews; many cousins and friends; and his special friends, Rita Holguin, Monica Flanagan, Sherry Murray Kanicki, Carrie Yadon, and Michael Jackson.

Roberto was preceded in death by his father and mother, Juan and Virtudes Valencia; his nephew, Raul “Bully” Valencia; his grandparents, his aunts, and uncles.

Viewing was the afternoon of Friday, October 9 at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, with the Rosary that evening at the church. Funeral Mass was celebrated the morning of Saturday, October 10 at the church  – officiated by Father Jovino Antonio Martinez Ceballos, with holy burial in Holy Angels Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Victor Natera, Israel Natera, Rene Ybarra, Juancarlos Valencia, Alonzo Valencia, and Edward Valencia. Honorary pallbearers are Martin “Boy” Sandate Jr. and JD Portillo.

Funeral services entrusted to Memorial Funeral Home of Fort Stockton.

Maria Ramos

Maria Isabel Ramos, 70, of Alpine, passed away Monday, October 12, 2015 at Big Bend Regional Medical Center.

Rosary will be recited at 10am Friday, October 16 followed by the Mass of the Resurrection at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, with burial in Holy Angels Cemetery, Fr. Robert S. Kobe and Fr. Antonio Martinez officiating.

Mrs. Ramos was born in Alpine November 2, 1944 to Leonardo and Lorenza Pando. She had worked for the Alpine Independent School District as a teacher for many years.

She is survived by her husband, Frank Ramos of Alpine; daughters, Lisa Hernandez (Jerry) of Odessa, Lydia Ochoa (Alex) of El Paso, and Frances Vasquez (Cris) of San Antonio; a son, Lito Ramos of Fort Davis; also seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Alpine Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Don Mulhern

Donald Joseph Mulhern, 87, of Alpine died suddenly at church on Sunday, October 18, 2015, of a coronary occlusion with immediate cardiac arrest.

This followed a wonderful birthday celebration the evening before at the Alpine Country Club for four members of Holy Cross Anglican Church. Included in those members were Donald and Father Eugene Myrick, his longtime friend and companion. Many family members and friends from afar attended.

A memorial service will be at 1pm Friday, October 23 at Holy Cross Anglican Church in Alpine.

Mr. Mulhern, a Master’s graduate of The University of Texas at El Paso, was the retired assistant superintendent of the El Paso public school system. He was elected to an honorary life membership in the Texas Association of School Business Officials.

He loved Alpine and its environment and had lived in Alpine for nearly 20 years. Don, along with Father Myrick, were named Citizens of the Year in 2002 under the auspices of the Alpine Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Mulhern was also past president of the Alpine Rotary Club.

Donald was well known and loved in Alpine as a gentleman of strong faith, kindness, good humor, charming wit and impeccable manners. No one ever said an ill word about him.

He was a United States Army Korean War combat veteran.

Donald Joseph Mulhern, born in Fort Davis on November 14, 1927 was the son of Joseph and Nellie Thomas Mulhern of El Paso, both deceased. His sister, Pasty Burns of Roswell, New Mexico, also is deceased.

Mr. Mulhern is survived by Father Eugene Myrick of Alpine; a brother, Tom Mulhern, formerly of Alpine; a sister, Nellie Marston of El Paso, and many nieces and nephews.

Services have been entrusted to Alpine Memorial Funeral Home.

Klaus Glaser

Klaus Jurgen Glaser, 68, of Fort Davis passed away Sunday, October 11, 2015 in Dallas.

Throughout his life, he tenaciously navigated the road less traveled. He was born January 28, 1947 in Frankfurt, Germany to American parents serving with the U.S. Army after World War II. He was adopted at birth by a Polish couple who had been interned in Nazi concentration camps and could no longer have children. His childhood was formed by the traumatic experiences of his parents. His father schooled him in protecting himself from potential Nazi resurgence by giving him the distinctly un-childlike challenge of escaping Germany through the Swiss Alps to retrieve a gun from a safe deposit box in a Swiss bank in Geneva.  His parents’ experiences and training influenced his actions for the rest of his life.

He attended boarding school in St. Gallen, Switzerland and college in Frankfurt.  The compulsory German draft put him in the German army for two years.  Once released from military service Klaus followed a girlfriend to Israel where he mistakenly stayed for over three months – and was promwptly drafted into the Israeli army. After six weeks of boot camp he was offered two choices – do two years of active duty in Israel (after which he was subject to potential call-up until age 75) or leave the country, never to return.  He left the country, never to return.

Back in Germany, he met his first wife and they moved to Maroochydore, Australia.  After living in Australia for several years, he returned to Germany (without doing a hitch in the Australian army), divorced, and with the help of a Mormon bishop found his birth father in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. Klaus immigrated to the US and began a new life with his father and extended family, following the family business of well drilling.

However, his luck didn’t hold and he was drafted yet again, this time by the US army.  He was deployed to Vietnam – for all of three days – and was then given orders to report to an airfield for departure, destination unknown.  When his flight landed he discovered he had been transferred back to his hometown of Frankfurt where his linguistic skills and knowledge of Germany made him a natural choice as liaison between American and German top brass, as well as in the area of procurement.  He was honorably discharged after two years.

Upon his return to the US, Klaus eventually settled in the Los Angeles area where he raised his daughter as a single parent, met his future wife Allistair in 1986, and pursued his passion for firearms by working in a succession of gun stores, often selling to Hollywood notables such as Charlton Heston, Charles Bronson, Sean Connery and Mötley Crüe lead guitarist Mick Mars.  He had a prolific memory for both current and curio & relic firearms – particularly single-action army pistols and black powder rifles – and was known in many circles simply as The Gun Guy.

Klaus embraced life in the US and never faltered in his devotion to the communities and country he called home. During a stint with the Volunteer Surveillance Team in the Los Angeles Police Department, he received the honor of Volunteer of the Year in 2001. In 2003 he was the recipient of a rare commendation from the Federal Bureau of Investigation for exceptional service in the public interest.

Klaus and his wife moved from Los Angeles to Fort Davis in 2005, where he happily proclaimed himself a “born-again Texan.”  The couple served together in the Fort Davis Volunteer Fire Department for several years.  They also worked with gun manufacturer, Tripp Research Inc., now located in Bastrop, Texas.

Klaus was retired and living in Fort Davis until October 12, 2014 when he was irreversibly poisoned by a toxic drug, Amiodarone, prescribed by an Odessa cardiologist.

He had always been proud of his Viking heritage and fought for his life for a year with the fierceness of his forefathers but, despite his family’s history of longevity, he lost his final battle far too early and passed away of cardiac arrest on October 11 in Dallas.

With his tragic passing the world has lost a unique man of integrity, intense commitment and sensitivity who turned what could have been overwhelming life challenges into action to protect and serve the country and people he loved.  He deserved far better than he received and he will be missed more than he could ever know.

One of Klaus Glaser’s mottos was, “If you don’t have any scars you haven’t played the game.” A book based on his life is forthcoming.

A Mormon convert, Glaser is survived by his loving wife and companion 29 years local artist, writer and owner of The Dog Shop in Fort Davis Allistair Mitchell; his 90-year-old father, Melvin Frandsen of Lava Hot Springs, Idaho; a daughter, Berkeley Glaser; granddaughter Lyric Carrick of Baltimore, Maryland; sister Melanie Gladics of Washington, DC; brother Burke Frandsen of Lava Hot Springs; also one aunt, six uncles, and over 500 cousins.

Memorial services will be at 7pm Friday, October 30 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Sunny Glen Road, (look for white spire on the right), Alpine – 432 837-3779. A private ceremony will also be held at a later date.

Liliy Daly

Presidio native Lily Galindo Daly, 82, passed away peacefully at home in Dallas, surrounded by her family on August 29, 2015.

She was born and raised in Presidio and attended Presidio Elementary School, graduated from San Marcos Academy, and the Business School in San Antonio.

Lily married Fernando Daly of Presidio and they lived in Presidio for many years with their children, Patrick, Richard, Dianne, Loreta, and Sandra.

She is survived by her beloved children and their spouses and by her beloved grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces, including Candy Myers of Presidio; a sister, Ester Rodriguez of Pico Rivera, California, and her cousin, Nancy Crown Sanchez of Montebello, California; her sister-in-law, Jane Daly Hueman of Reno, Nevada; also the Valenzuela family, and a half-sister and half-brothers of El Centro, California.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fernando Daly Jr.; her parents-in-law, Lupe and Fernando Daly of Presidio; her mother, Lucia Valenzuela, and her father, Bernabe Galindo; her sister-in-law, Stella Daly McKeel of Presidio; her aunt, Nancy Crown and Uncle Patrick Crown of Presidio, former owners of the Oil Flyer Café in Presidio.

Her fun loving presence will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Funeral Mass and burial were Saturday, October 10 in Midland.

Charlie Villanueva

Charlie M. Villanueva, 73, of El Paso passed away Tuesday, October 20, 2015.

He was born in Marfa November 4, 1941 to Bartolo Villanueva and Concepcion (Concha) Martinez Magallanez. He was the 11th of 13 children, which included a family of five boys and eight girls. He attended Blackwell School and Marfa High School.

On February 11, 1962 he married Imelda Dominguez, also of Marfa, and moved to El Paso to start a family.

He began his career in the early 1960s as a machinist for the family apparel company, Farah Inc., well known for its slacks and jackets as well as for their highly automated production facilities.

Charlie’s sharp knowledge and common sense, quickly gained the attention of his supervisors and company executives. He recalled with pride the confidence William “Willie” Farah placed in him and his abilities as a toolmaker and machinist. Charlie worked for Farah until the early 1980s when he attained a job with the government as a civilian toolmaker at White Sands Missile Range.

He received several commendations and awards over the years and took pride in being a specialist in his field. He retired in 2004, but continued his love for problem solving, sketching plans, and creating things with his hands until the day of his passing.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Imelda; a son, Raynaldo; and granddaughter Janice Libaton of Temecula, California; a son, Christopher and his wife Michelle, and grandsons Matthew Isaac and Christopher Ryan of San Antonio; a son, Charles Omar of Fountain Valley, California; a son, Gene Isaac and wife Amy of Kent, Washington; and son Vincent Paul of El Paso.

He leaves behind his sisters Adelaida Fuentes, Paz Jurado, Maria Rosa Baeza; and brother, Urbano Villanueva, all of Marfa.

He was preceded in death by brothers Richard, Jose, Reynaldo, and sisters Magdalena, Hortencia, Luz, Romelia, and Maria del Rosario.

Visitation and Vigil were Friday, October 23 at Hillcrest Funeral Home El Paso. Funeral Mass was Saturday, October 24 at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Marfa with burial in Merced Cemetery. Fr. Sescon officiated.

Dad, we will miss your love, your fatherly advice, guidance, your jokes and laughter, but most of all we will miss being able to call you any day and sit with you on the front porch and talk with you about life and love. May Our Lord and Father bless you and welcome you into His loving embrace. Rest in peace.

Clay Evans

Prominent Presidio County rancher Jesse Clay Evans, 79 of Marfa, passed away Friday, October 23, 2015 in Alpine surrounded by his loving family.

Clay was the owner of the Evans Ryan Ranch near Marfa, the location of the famed movie “Giant.”

Clay was born March 30, 1936 in El Paso to well-known ranchers Worth and Katherine (Espy) Evans of Fort Davis.

Clay was a graduate of Fort Davis High School and attended Texas Tech University and Sul Ross State University where he was a member of the rodeo team.

In the 1960s and 1970s Clay furnished cattle for various large rodeos and ropings across the country, including “The Daddy” of them all, the Cheyenne Frontier Days in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

In 2006, Clay was the recipient of the Highland Soil and Water Conservation District Conservation Rancher Award, which encompassed 52 Texas counties. He served as a member of the Marfa Independent School District Board of Trustees and was on the board of the Production Credit Association. Clay was also a member of the Ranching Heritage Association, Rodeo Alumni Association, The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and he was a Gold Card member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association

Clay was an excellent horseman and cattleman. He also enjoyed sharing memories and reminiscing of the sport that was near and dear to his heart, rodeo. Later in life Clay enjoyed hunting coyotes, fishing and riding with “The Dune Buggy Boys” and hosting his annual antelope hunt.

Clay will always be remembered for his honesty, integrity and for possessing the highest standard of honor and conduct, his sense of humor and sound judgment. Clay’s smile could light up a room with his rare sense of humor. Clay was loved and will be missed by all.

He is survived by his friend and companion of 25 years, Anne Powell of Marfa; his son Sidney Worth Evans and wife Chrysti and their three children, Alexis Evans, Launa Evans, Ruby Worth Evans all of Burnet, Texas; and his daughter, Kimberly Knuell Evans of Fredericksburg, Texas and her two children Kendall Harris of Highmore, South Dakota and Ryan Harris of Gillette, Wyoming; his niece, Jean Ann Fort and her husband Bill Fort and their three children Drew Leeton, Holly Manahan and Mimi Fort; his nephew, Curtis Evans and his two children Curtis Evans, II and Agee Ann Evans; also numerous family members and beloved friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Worth and Katherine Evans; his wife, La Blanche (Davis) Evans; his son, Jesse Clay Evans Jr.; and a brother, J.W. (Bub) Evans.

A viewing was Monday, October 26 at Alpine Memorial Funeral Home. A celebration of life for Clay was Tuesday, October 27 at the First Presbyterian Church in Marfa, with the Reverend Dr. Gary Dill officiating.

Pallbearers are Curtis Evans, Souli Shanklin, Bill Parrott, Joe Williams, Lane Foltyn and John Lannom. Honorary pallbearers are Bill Fort, Red Brown, Richard Gates, Joe Harris, Hayes Mitchell, Cliff Lambert, Armando Bustamente, Gene Everett, “The Dune Buggy Boys,” Robert Pruett, Mike Livingston and Jake Shanklin.

In lieu of flowers, the Clay Evans family kindly asks that a donation to your favorite charity be made in Clay’s memory.

Alpine Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Carmen Armendariz

Carmen Muniz Armendariz, 73, of Alpine, passed away at her residence on Friday, October 23, 2015.

Mrs. Armendariz had worked for Nurses Unlimited.

She is survived by daughters, Hortencia Armendariz de Aranda of Midland and Elda Elena Nuñez of Alpine; sons Roberto Armendariz of Presidio, Alfredo Armendariz of Alpine, and Hector Manuel Armendariz of Presidio; a sister, Gloria Muniz de Carnero of Julimes, Chihuahua, Mexico; brothers Enrique Muniz Franco and Jesus Jose Muniz Franco, also of Julimes; also 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Rosary service was held Sunday, October 25 at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Alpine with Fr. Antonio Martinez officiating. Mass of the Resurrection was Tuesday, October 27 at the church with burial in the Holy Angels Cemetery with Fr. Robert S. Kobe officiated.

Arrangements were conducted by the Alpine Memorial Funeral Home.

Armando Villarreal

Former Marfa resident Armando D. Villarreal Sr., 64, went to be with the Lord on October 14, 2015 in Tomball, Texas.

A memorial service will be at 11am on Saturday, November 7 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marfa.

Armando was born to Maxino Villarreal Sr. and Estella Dominguez Villarreal on March 20, 1951. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle who will be greatly missed, but will be in our hearts forever.

He was a Marfa High School graduate, and for several years worked as a Presidio County jailer.  He and his family moved to Tomball where he continued to work as a jailer. 

Mr. Villarreal was a Catholic. He enjoyed sports and liked to play golf.

He is survived by two daughters, Debra and husband James Moreno of Tomball, and Mindy Villarreal of Marfa; one son, Armando Villarreal Jr. and his wife Liz of Tomball; one granddaughter, Kay Lynn Moreno; and three grandsons, Jesse, Jose, and George Villarreal, all of Tomball; two brothers, Ernest Villarreal and his wife Nellie of Marfa and Benjamin Villarreal and wife Connie of Fort Stockton; five sisters, Gloria and Tommy Garcia of Balmorhea, Rosalinda and Ernesto Aguilar of Marathon, Laura and Danny Dominguez of Marfa, Corina and Charles Ortiz of Marfa, and Inez Chavez of Monahans; also numerous nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Velma; his parents; his brother, Max Villarreal Jr.; and two sisters, Nora Hughes and Nancy Villarreal.

Beaulah Jane Parsons passed away October 23, 2015 in Alpine.

A memorial service will be at 11am Saturday, November 7 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Alpine.

She was born June 25, 1934 in Centralia, Oklahoma, the daughter of Bert and Beaulah (Ivie) Horn. She married her high school sweetheart, Gerald Parsons, on August 2, 1952, in Centralia. Of this marriage came one son, Gerald (Jerry) Parsons of Stillwater, Oklahoma.

She is survived by her son Gerald Parsons of Alpine; a son, Jerry Parsons of Stillwater and his wife Sheila; a granddaughter, Savanah Parsons of Brooklyn, New York; a grandson, Spencer Parsons of Stillwater.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, brothers Bill Horn, Ben Horn and Gene Horn of Miami, Oklahoma, sisters Ora Etta Acers also of Miami and Sue Riley of Kansas; and a sister-in-law, Joann Horn, also of Miami.

Arrangements are by Alpine Memorial Funeral Home.

Melody Crowder

Presidio educator Melody Joy Crowder, 55, passed away Thursday, October 29, 2015.

A Celebration of Life service will be at 3pm Sunday, November 8 at Presidio High School.

Mrs. Crowder was born in Bloomington, Illinois on May 17, 1960 to Jim and Donna Walley. She was a teacher with the Presidio Independent School District.

She is survived by her husband, Mikal Crowder of Presidio; her father, Jim Walley and Brenda Walley of Wichita Falls; her mother, Donna Walley of Houston, Missouri; daughters Valerie Pendergast of Ben Wheeler, Texas and April Crowder of Presidio; and a granddaughter, Dune Pendergast.

Alpine Memorial Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.

Ramon Fuentez

Ramon A. Fuentez, 69, of Alpine passed away at his home on Sunday, November 8, 2015.

Rosary will be at 7pm Friday, November 13 at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Alpine. Mass of Christian burial is at 10am Saturday, November 14 at the church with military graveside services in Holy Angels Cemetery.

Mr. Fuentez was born February 28, 1946 in Longfellow, Texas to Celestino and Rosario Arambula Fuentez. He retired from the City of Alpine Water Department. He was a U.S. Army veteran.

He is survived by his wife, Balvina Fuentez of Alpine; his mother, Rosario Fuentez of Alpine; daughters Anna Velia Fuentez of Alpine, Norma Anzures and husband Steve of Austin; his sister, Francis Marquez of Andrews, his brothers, Celestino Fuentez Jr. of Del Rio, and Adan Fuentez and Abel Fuentez, both of Alpine; also four grandchildren; Joseph Monclova of Alpine, Austin Monclova of Steubenville, Ohio, amd Valerie Anzures and Steven Anzures, both of Austin.

He was preceded in death by his father, Celestino Fuentez, two brothers, Tomas Fuentez and Samuel Fuentez; and a grandchild, Ana Anzures.

Pallbearers are Ruben Fuentez, Hector Fuentes, Michael Fuentez, Sonny Rodriguez, Oscar DeLeon, Rick Cavazos.

Alpine Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.