George Hernandez

George Ramos Hernandez, 55, of Alpine entered into internal life on August 30, 2016 in Alpine.

“Big George,” was born June 1, 1961 in Alpine, where he remained and dedicated his entire life. He was one of 11 children born to their father Mr. Salvador Rubio Hernandez Sr. and Mrs. Elena Ramos Hernandez who precede him in death.

Serving as the biggest Alpine Fightin’ Buck fan, and line crew for the football games, you couldn’t miss his tremendous stature of purple and gold for his high school alma mater.

He loved and served his community, church and most especially the Alpine Council 5096 Knights of Columbus as a 4th Degree Knight. Over the years he fulfilled several jobs including PCSI, Porter’s, McDonald’s, Alpine High School, Sul Ross State University, and various landscaping jobs.

George is survived by his four brothers, Lalo and Sarita Hernandez of Alpine, Salvador Hernandez Jr. and Estella Torres of Marfa, John and Laruen Hernandez of Fort Worth, and Danny and Lisa Hernandez of Alpine; six sisters, Bridget Oliphant and fiancé Chris Chopelas of Alpine, Dena and Dan Portillo Jr. of Alpine, Cynthia and George Estrada of Odessa, Ruth and Richard Portillo of Alpine, Debbie Newberry and Scott Kelly of Alpine, and Yolanda Hernandez and Roy Ramon of Alpine; also 30 nieces and nephews and 22 great-nieces and great-nephews.

He will be greatly missed and the void in the lives the Alpine community, his friends and family will be never filled yet always remembered.

Rosary was the evening of Sunday, September 4 at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Alpine under the direction of the Knights of Columbus. Funeral Mass was the morning of Monday, September 5 at the church with Father Mike Alcuino officiating. Burial was in Holly Angels Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers are his four brothers, Lalo, Danny, John and Sal Jr., and his nephews, Robert Oliphant and Sal Hernandez.

Peaceful Garden Funeral Home of Fort Stockton is in charge of arrangements.

Eva Gonzalez

Former longtime Presidio resident Eva Garcia Gonzalez, 93, passed away Tuesday, August 30, 2016 in Midland.

She was born in El Vado de Pierda, Mexico on September 22, 1922. Eva married Pablo R. Gonzalez at the age of 18 and raised 10 children.

She was a devoted Catholic. Her faith was immense, which kept her strong.

Eva lived at Senior Care of Midland for eight years, where she was cared for by the considerate staff who loved her.

She was a very witty, smart, charitable, caring and humorous person and loved life to its fullest.

Eva is survived by her three sons, Dolores “Lolo” Gonzalez of Presidio, Jose Luis “Joe” Gonzalez of Midland, and Francisco Gonzalez of Midland; four daughters, Celina Baxter of Midland, Jesus Elena Muñoz, Socorro Espinoza, and Maria Teresa “Terri” Gonzalez Lujan, all of Odessa; three brothers, Luciano Garcia of Crane, Ezequiel Garcia of McCamey, and Bibiano Garcia of Presidio; a sister, Guadalupe “Lupe” Molina of Odessa, 15 grandchildren, Pablo R. Gonzalez, Leticia Ramos, Cesar Hernandez, Justo Muñoz, Benjamin Muñoz, Veronica Ortega, Christina Chavez, Laura Martinez, Adrian Gonzalez, Joel Gonzalez, Yvette Gonzalez, Gabby Maurecio, Marisol Vasquez, Adriel Gonzalez, Cynthia Chavez; also 26 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Pablo Ramos Gonzalez; two sons, Justo Gonzalez and Benjamin Gonzalez; and a daughter, Anna Maria Gonzalez.

A Rosary was the evening of Friday, September 2 at Santa Teresa de Jesus Catholic Church in Presidio. Viewing took place the morning of Saturday, September 3 at the church, with a funeral Mass that afternoon. Burial was in Presidio’s Desert Hills Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Paul R. Gonzalez, Jaime Luna, Ben Muñoz, Aurelio Vasquez, Tracy Chavez and Adriel J. Gonzalez. Honorary pallbearers are Justo Muñoz, Joel Gonzalez and Adrian Gonzalez.

Funeral service was under the direction of Lewallen-Garcia-Pipkin Funeral Home of Midland. Family messages and condolences may be emailed to pipkin@nts-online.net or visit the website, www.lewallengarciapipkinfh.com.

Ernest Chavez

Ernesto “Ernest” Chavez, 62, of Marfa, passed from this life at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa on Sunday, September 11, 2016.

He was born in Marfa on September 8, 1954 to Pedro and Lucilla (Alvarado) Chavez.

He was a longtime Marfa ISD employee and avid golfer.

He will be greatly missed by many Marfa and area residents and many, many Marfa students, teachers, and administrators both past and present.

Those left to cherish his love and memories are his parents, Pedro and Lucilla Chavez of Marfa, a son, Ernesto Chavez Jr.; a sister, Fabiola Chavez of Marfa; and three grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held in Marfa at a later date.

Arrangements are entrusted to Acres West Funeral Chapel of Odessa, and condolences to the family may be sent online at acreswestfuneral.com.

Philip Chaim “Rubie” Rubinstein, 62, of Alpine left us to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 after a brief illness.

A celebration of Rubie’s life will be 1pm Saturday, September 17 at the Faith Alive Cowboy Church in Marfa.

He was born in Chicago, Illinois to Annette and Martin Rubinstein on September 1, 1954.

Rubie was a fireman, EMT, deputy sheriff, and a city peace officer. He spent his life after retiring from his service in the Roswell Police Department continuing to serve and love and celebrate the wonder his Lord, Jesus Christ, and of the people he met.

He was known as the man behind Bubbie’s Holy Smoke Barbeque and more recently Bubbie’s Brain Freeze gourmet ice cream.

He is survived by his wife, Shelley Rubinstein of Alpine; his father, Martin Rubinstein of Lake Worth, Florida; his uncle and aunt, Lou Rubinstein and Marcia Rubinstein of Bellingham, Washington.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Annette Rubinstein; an older brother, Dan Rubinstein; and his younger sister, Lynn Rubinstein.

There will be a potluck meal at Rubie’s celebration and acquaintances will be sharing their “Rubie stories,” so if you have a story to tell about how Rubie impacted your life or would just like to celebrate his life, please come.

Jason Orosco

Jason Joey Orosco, 16, passed away Saturday, September 10, 2016 in Marfa.

Rosary service will be 7pm Friday, September 16 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Mass of Christian burial will be 11am Saturday, September 17 at the church with burial in Merced Cemetery.

Jason was born February 28, 2000 in Ft. Hood, Texas to Rosaura Molinar Arreola and Joseph Orosco. He was in the 11th grade at Marfa High School.

Jason is survived by his parents, Rosaura and Ricardo Arreola of Fayettville, North Carolinia and Joseph and Sandra Orosco of Marfa; his grandparents, Alfonso Molinar and Rosario Chevailier of Presidio and Joe and Kate Orosco of Marfa; his sisters, Jasmin Arreola and Ariana Arreola of Fayettville, Esmeralda Salas of Fort Worth, and Bianca Salas of Marfa; his brothers, Shawn Molinar, Christopher Arreola of Fayettville, Brandon Lara of Kermit, Christopher Salas and Alex Salas of Marfa.

Pallbearers are Paul Baeza, Michael Salazar, Roger Alvarez Jr., Shawn Molinar, Alfonso Molinar, and Steve Molinar. Honorary pallbearers are Saulito Baeza, AbelBaeza, Christian Davis, and Roger Salazar.

Alpine Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Victoria Carpenter

One of Marfa’s most steadfast advocates, Dr. Victoria “Tori” Carpenter, 60, passed away suddenly on November 15, 2015 in Anchorage, Alaska.

Carpenter was born April 4, 1955 in San Saba, Texas, to well-known bootmaker and cowboy George Thomas “Buster” Carpenter Jr. and Jean Finley Carpenter. An only child, she grew up in Dallas, and attended Bryan-Adams High School. Carpenter then studied art and psychology at The University of North Texas, graduating magna cum laude with a BFA.

An accomplished artist, Carpenter had nearly completed a PhD in Art Education when she made the decision to pursue her passion to study medicine. But she continued throughout her life as a hobby, working with black and white and infrared photography, photo etching and lithography, and producing mixed media monoprints. Her Southwest landscape and “cactus portraits” have been exhibited in galleries in Alpine, Phoenix, Arizona, and a special showing at Building 98.

Carpenter earned her Doctor of Osteopathy through Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery. Later, she completed psychiatric residency at Emory University School of Medicine, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center where she served as co-chief resident. Carpenter’s primary professional interests included psychoendocrinology, TBI (Traumatic Brian Injury), med-psych disorders and multicultural psychiatry. She was an early leader in integrative medicine.

Dr. Carpenter’s desire to help the downtrodden throughout her many years of practicing medicine drew her to work, without hesitation, with AIDS patients in Dallas. She also served as a civilian physician with the United States Air Force and Army. In the final years of her career, she was able to realize an important dream – to serve the aging veterans – which led her to the Veterans Administration of Alaska.

Her broad psychiatric practice ranged from Indian Health Services in Gallup, New Mexico to the intellectually disabled in San Angelo, Texas as well as other locations and populations, while maintaining a private practice in Dallas-Fort Worth. Her desire to understand the human psyche never waned.

Carpenter’s service to the Permian Basin region from 2001 to 2007 resulted in working with MHMR’s five-county frontier region, as well as High Frontier Residential Treatment Center.

She and Marfa resident Mona Garcia created the International Women’s Foundation, which supports Building 98, part of historic Fort DA Russell. Carpenter served on the board for more than a decade. As Vice President, her influence helped to save Building 98, conserving it and gaining a National Historic Site designation.

Tori was a gourmet cook and a lover of animals, especially cats. She loved God and country, was a great wit, enjoyed old standard jazz music and read voraciously of history and culture. She was a brilliant and successful woman, but she never forgot her Texas roots.

Dr. Carpenter leaves behind her son Joshua Thomas Carpenter as well as grieving family and friends.

TR Woodward and Elvira

TR Woodward, 61, of Alpine passed away at his home with the “love of his life” Elvira, his dog, Friday, September 16, 2016.

Graveside memorial services are 11am Tuesday, September 27 in Elm Grove Cemetery, officiated by his cousin, Ernest L. Teague.

TR was born June 29, 1955 in Wiesbaden, Germany while his father was active Air Force. After graduating from Robert E. Lee High School in Midland in 1974 and attending Texas A&M University, TR worked as a draftsman with Dawson Geophysical and other oil companies in Midland and eventually found his dream vocation as a DJ, known by the names Kid or TR, for KBAT radio in Midland, where he resided growing up.

He retired to Alpine several years ago to be near family and continued researching and cataloging music, which became his life work and daily passion, building a library of notebooks and CDs that could fill a museum.

Survivors are his parents, Tommy and Katherine Woodward, originally from Alpine and recently moved from Midland to Alpine; two sisters, Ella Trumpfeller of College Station and Joyce Wood from Alpine; a very special niece, Ashleigh Occasso of Spring, Texas; and a very special “brother,” Mark A. Sanders.

May TR rest in peace now.

The Woodward family has entrusted Alpine Memorial Funeral Home with professional services. Online condolences may be made at www.alpinememorialfuneralhome.com.

Patricia Mather

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Patricia Ann Mather announces her passing from this life on September 17, 2016 at the age of 85.

Patricia was born in Marfa to George and Ida Chastain on May 30, 1931. She was a retired surgical nurse, homemaker, and loving wife to Sam Allen Mather. She was very active in her church and loved singing in the choir and serving the Lord. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, reading, music, and baking.

Patricia is survived by her husband, Sam Allen Mather of Alpine; daughters, Lela Whiddon (Ronnie) of Evangeline, Louisiana, and Mary Ann Mather of Alpine; sons, Charles (Carol) Sansom of Marathon, and Billy Tom Mather of Alpine; grandchildren, Tyra Hebert, Brandon Whiddon, Nicole Wright, Lia Bermudez and Andrea Hood; also nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, George and Ida Chastain; sisters, Ruth Musgrave and Avril Cameron; and her son, George Bourgeois.

Funeral services, at the First Christian Church of Alpine, were the morning of Tuesday, September 20 with the Reverend Lana Covington officiating. Burial was in Elm Grove Cemetery, Alpine.

Carrying Paricia to her final resting place was Ronnie Whiddon, Billy Tom Mather, Sidney Hebert Jr., Charles Sansom, Brandon Whiddon, and Mikhael Hebert, with honorary pallbearer, Hugh Johnson.

Alpine Memorial Funeral Home is entrusted with her services. Condolences may sent to www.alpinememorialfuneralhome.com.

Avery Duke Walker Jr.

Avery Duke “A.D.” Walker Jr. passed away September 5, 2016 in Beeville Spohn Hospital, surrounded by his loved ones, including his daughter, Cinda Muench of Marfa.

He was born August 22, 1927 in Edna, Texas where he grew up, graduated from Edna High School, and then volunteered for service in the U. S. Army during World War II.

After his military service, he attended Texas A & I University at Kingsville, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Education.

On December 26, 1951, he married the love of his life, Patricia Dale Barlow. They had 64 years of a bountiful and wonderful life.

Before his retirement, A.D. was the County Executive Director for the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service in Beeville, Texas. From his early years of helping his dad, he loved cattle and enjoyed a small ranching operation. A.D. also enjoyed woodwork, carving wood and poetry.

Survivors are his loving wife of 64 years, Patricia Dale (Barlow) Walker; his children, Richard Bruce Walker and his wife, Tracy and son, Ben; Ivy Dale (Walker) Wilson and her husband, Wayne and children, Tracy Turner and her husband, John and their children, Taylor, Morgan and Cameron; Amber Johnson and her husband, Chandler, and their children, Ayden and Camden; Adam Wilson and his wife, Stephanie and their daughter, Devyn; Cinda Belle (Walker) Muench and her husband, Teryn and children, Tricia Stieg and her husband, Ryan and their children, Ty, Ryanna, Talynn and Hunter; Teryn Lee Muench and his wife, Holly; Clay Muench; Christian Rosas; Drew Alan Walker and his wife, Doreen and children, Wesley Walker and his wife, Ellen and their children, Jakob and Eli; Chad Reagan Walker; Avery Harper and her husband, Justin; Ryan Walker; Dylan Brandt his wife, Sara and daughter, Josie; Michelle Hauske and her husband, Jake and their sons, Zachary and Conner; Colton Brandt and his wife, Ashlynn.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Avry Duke and Ivy (Yearwood) Walker; and a sister, Vivian Marie Rowlins.

Visitation and funeral service were the afternoon of Saturday, September 10 at Galloway & Sons Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Joe Burke officiating. Burial was in Mineral Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Wesley Walker, Chad Walker, Justin Harper, Ryan Walker, Clay Muench, Chandler Johnson, Ty Muench and Colton Brandt. Honorary pallbearers are Jake Hauske, Dylan Brandt, Adam Wilson, Ben Walker, Teryn Lee Muench, Christian Rosas and Ryan Stieg.

Robert Lee Nuñez

All who served valiantly that men might be free. Toll of bells drums slow beat – silence fall in every street.  In each heart swells the plea; keeps us safe, but keeps us free! An American hero, Robert Lee Nuñez, 69, a Vietnam veteran and lifelong resident of Marfa, surrounded by his loving family and the overwhelming patriotic pride of all his fellow Americans, closed his eyes to his earthly home and opened his eyes to a Heavenly flag waving homecoming on Saturday, September 24, 2016.

He was born in Marfa on August 17, 1947 to Juan M. and Genoveva Nuñez. Robert was a self-employed master electrician, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, Marine and a true American patriot.

During the Vietnam War, Robert, as well as many brave men, answered the call for their nation. Robert joined the United States Marine Corps and served his country proudly. Upon being wounded, he was awarded the Purple Heart medal in honor of his sacrifice of his life and well being for his heroic service to the United States of America.

Being the life of any party, Robert enjoyed barbequing with his family, spending time with his grandchildren and enjoying life.

He is survived by his wife, Linda V. Nuñez of Marfa; a son, Robert Lee Nuñez Jr.; a stepdaughter, Lori A. Flores; a stepson, Rico V. Roman; grandchildren, Timothy Paul Flores, Kaci Lee Flores, Ava Lola Flores, Robert Lee Nuñez lll, and Lorina Roman; sisters, Helen Calderon and Josie Madrid; brothers, Juan Nuñez Jr., Frank Nuñez, and Mike Nuñez; several nieces and nephews; and his special friends, Jaime Peña-Alfaro, Pete Leos, Steve Hall, Ernest Salgado, Israel Martinez, Tony Calderon, and Manuel Rodriguez.

Rosary and Mass of Christian burial were the morning of Wednesday, September 28 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marfa with Father Esteban Sescon officiating. Burial, with full military honors, was in Merced Cemetery.

The following poem was written by Robert’s grandson Timothy when he was in second grade to honor his grandfather:

Robert,

Flags today in tribute wave for those loyal ones who gave of their hopes their might for a cause they knew was right. Morning bells sound their call. Pause and say a prayer for all, all who served valiantly that men might be free. Toll of bells drums slow beat – silence fall in every street. In each heart swells the plea; keeps us safe, but keeps us free!

Semper Fidelis

Love,

Timothy – 2nd Grade

Semper Fi, Marine, and

God bless!

The Nuñez family has entrusted Alpine Memorial Funeral Home with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.alpinememorialfuneralhome.com.

Severiano Holguin

A strong, fair, compassionate loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, Severiano Holguin, 72, of Marfa passed away Sunday, September 25, 2016 at Big Bend Regional Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 1pm today, Thursday, September 29 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marfa with burial in Merced Cemetery. Fr. Esteban Sescon will officiate. The Rosary was recited the evening of Wednesday, September 28 at the church.

Mr. Holguin was born in Buenos Aires, Chihuahua, Mexico on November 8, 1943. He was a rancher, working until his retirement for the Dipper Ranch. During his younger life, Serveriano spent two years as a sergeant in the Ejército Mexicano. He married the love of his life, Nati,  on June 15, 1966. They had three children.  Serveriano and Nati just celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary.

Being an avid baseball fan, with his favorite team being the Atlanta Braves, Serveriano, also enjoyed watching the favorite pastime of his native country, “football.” While Serveriano enjoyed spending time with his family, and being a proud father and grandfather, he was never more at peace or happier than when he was sitting tall and proud in the saddle on his favorite horse.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nati Holguin of Marfa; three sons, Omar Holguin of Alpine and Oswaldo Holguin and Eduardo Holguin, both of Plainview; also nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family of Serveriano Holguin has entrusted Alpine Memorial Funeral Home with arrangements. Online condolence’s may be made at www.alpinememorialfuneralhome.com.

Edward Silvas Jr.

Edward “Little Eddie” Silvas Jr., 46, of Midland, an Alpine native and Fort Davis resident, went home to be with the Lord on October 3, 2016.

A funeral service is today, Thursday, October 6 at Redeemer Christian Fellowship Church in Midland. In Fort Davis, a farewell service is 10am Saturday, October 8 at Saint Joseph Catholic Church followed by his burial.

He was born November 9, 1970 in Alpine to Edward and Linda Silvas. At an early age, he moved to Midland where he was raised. Eddie attended Midland public schools and Fort Davis High School. He graduated from Fort Davis High School in 1989.

Eddie loved to listen to music, and play his drums and watch the Pittsburgh Steelers football team. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

During his working career, he was employed by Hertz Rental Car and Deerhorn Aviation.

Eddie was a member of Redeemer Christian Fellowship.

He is survived by his parents, Edward and Linda Silvas of Midland; his aunts and uncles, Carmen and Ray Burroughs, Sulema and Don Andreoli, Diana Baribeau, Kathy Kozakiowicaz, Grovernor and Dolores Knox of Springfield, Massachusetts; Marcia Scarnici of California; Maria Roncarati of Playa de Carmen, Mexico; Delores and Robert Najar, Gloria and Teclo Bustamante, Fred and Lenora Rodriguez of Monahans; Patsy Rodriguez of Fort Davis; also numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Clara and Gregorio Silvas of Fort Davis, and Hilberto and Barbara Gonzales, of Springfield, Massachusetts.

Ellis Funeral Home of Midland is in charge or arrangements, and online condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com.

Antonio Molinar

Antonio Jacquez Molinar passed away at his residence on Friday, October 7, 2016 in Alpine.

Rosary will be recited at 7pm today, Thursday, October 13, at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Mass of Christian burial is 10am Friday, October 14 at the church with burial in Holy Angels Cemetery.

He was born to Alberto Baeza Molinar and Luisa Jacquez Molinar in Terlingua on February 9, 1927.

He worked for Sul Ross State University, Brewster County, and the City of Alpine.

He had a passion for raising animals and being outdoors.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Enriquetta Hernandez Molinar; seven daughters, Delma Marquez, Nora Hernandez, Lorina Delaney, Margie Valenzuela, Barbara Franco, Elva Molinar, Jeannie Washington; three sons, Tony Molinar, Armando Molinar, and Eddie Molinar; also 23 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Alpine Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to www.alpinememorialfuneralhome.com.

Carmen Valenzuela Velasco, 97, longtime resident of Presidio, passed away Thursday, October 6, 2016 at Giles Nursing Home in El Paso.

Mrs. Velasco was born at La Hacindita near Presidio on October 27, 1918 to Fernando and Francisca Valenzuela. She was a homemaker.

She is survived by her son, Gilberto Velasco of Presidio, his wife and two grandchildren.

Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial was the morning of Wednesday, October 12 at Santa Teresa Catholic Church in Presidio with burial in Desert Hills Cemetery.

Alpine Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements

Aurora Salgado

Aurora Brito Salgado, 92, a longtime Marfa resident, passed away at her residence surrounded by family and friends on Friday, October 14, 2016.

Aurora was born in Marfa on July 14, 1924 to Sara B. Garcia. She had attended Blackwell School in her earlier years.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary M. Nuñez of Marfa; her sons, Jose B. Salgado and Richard B. Salgado; grandchildren, Linda Wright Crafton, Erica Nuñez Carrillo, Antonio Carrillo, Elizabeth Salgado; great-grandchildren, Alexandra Roy, Sydney Crafton, Matthew Anthony Carrillo, Ryan Eric Carrillo, Luis Angel Salgado, Adrian Lopez Jr., and Amerah Lopez.

Rosary and funeral Mass were the morning of Tuesday, October 18 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marfa.

Alpine Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Blair Pittman

Dean Blair Pittman Jr., 79, a widely known Big Bend author and a longtime photographer at the Houston Chronicle, died in Odessa, on October 10, 2016 following complications from a stroke. His photographs won numerous regional and national awards, and he was known for his books on the Big Thicket and the Big Bend.

A memorial service is at 10:30am Saturday, October 22 at St. James Episcopal Church in Alpine.

Pittman photographed a story on the Big Thicket published in National Geographic magazine in 1974, which was influential in gaining recognition for a National Wildlife Preserve. His later books included The Natural World of the Texas Big Thicket; King of the Dog People; Texas Caves; Tales From The Terlingua Porch; and More Tales From the Terlingua Porch.

His photographs appeared in National Geographic books, Time-Life books, National Wildlife Magazine, American Heritage, Smithsonian, and other national publications.

Photographs from his archive are held by Texas Tech University, including photographs of Elvis Presley, Lyndon Johnson and other Texas figures.

Pittman began his career as a journalist in 1964 at the Denton Record-Chronicle, and moved to the Houston Chronicle in 1967.

A longtime friend, Roy Hamric, the former editor of the defunct Desert Mountain Times in Alpine, said Pittman’s work on the Big Thicket was a significant contribution to the creation of the Big Thicket National Preserve.

“He recognized the Thicket’s importance early on, and he devoted a decade to meeting the people and helping to tell that story. He was a student of nature and people, and after the Thicket work, his home became the Big Bend, another wild place in the Texas landscape.”

He moved to Terlingua in 1999, and lived alone in a rock casita in the desert. He was a regular member of “the porch gang” at the Terlingua Trading Post, where he gathered many of his stories for his popular books of Big Bend tales.

In 2009, he married Jean Hardy, the owner of Front Street Books in Alpine, and in 2011, he moved to Alpine to live with her following an automobile accident.

“Blair and I shared a passion for Far West Texas and our desert and mountain country,” said Jean. “It was a joy for me to share with him the last 10 years of his life.”

Pittman graduated from Fort Worth’s Arlington Heights High School in 1955. He was an Explorer Scout Troop adviser from 1958 through 1961, when he was only a few years older than his scouts. The troop specialty was caving, and they traveled throughout Texas and adjoining states, where they explored non-commercial caves and helped to map them.

One of his former Scouts and a lifelong friend, Cedric Snyder of Austin said, “When Blair moved to Big Bend, he immediately was assimilated into the culture, as evidenced by his many friends there. I was privileged to be best man when he married Jean, and she was a godsend through his health issues the last few years.”

Pittman’s sister, Sue Fox of Fort Worth, said “I was fortunate to be the little sister who sometimes got to tag along on his expeditions – mountain-climbing, rappelling, Scuba diving and cave exploring. He made me braver than I might have been, and far more daring.

Blair had an energy about him, always excited for the next new thing, and people were drawn to that energy and enthusiasm. They wanted to be with Blair and to go with him on his next adventure.”

In 1962, Pittman married Abbie Carlene Brummett in the Caverns of Sonora, where he worked at the time, turning the natural cave into a commercial tourist attraction. They had a son, Troy Randall Pittman, now deceased.

Other former wives included Jeanne Norsworthy of Dallas, Houston, and the Big Bend, an artist and great-granddaughter of Dallas Morning News publisher George B. Dealey; writer Gay Scarborough of Houston, now both deceased; granddaughters, Elizabeth “Toni” Pittman and Rachel Smith, and her husband, Bryan; great-grandchildren, Anthony Lavender and Jasmine Simmons. Also he is survived by two great grandchildren.

He was born February 12, 1937 to Myrtle Lawson and Dean Blair Pittman Sr. in Little Rock, Arkansas. As a child, he lived briefly in Pecos, Texas, and overcame bouts of pneumonia and polio.

He is survived by his wife, Jean, of Alpine; and his sister, Sue Fox of Fort Worth.

Elfin Granado

Elfida Granado, 96, of Fort Davis passed away October 16, 2016 in San Antonio.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10am today, Thursday, October 20 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Fort Davis with burial and a graveside service in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Deacon Paul Lister will officiate.

A viewing was the morning of Wednesday, October 19 at the church, and the Rosary service was that evening.

Mrs. Granado was born in Marfa on October 28, 1919 to Guillermo and Maria Alvarado. She was a homemaker.

She is survived by her daughters, Lena Ontiveroz of Marfa, Delia Granado of Alpine, and Linda Gallego of Alpine; sons, Roger Granado of Pecos, Armando Granado of San Antonio, and John Lionel Granado of Albuquerque, New Mexico; sisters, Estella Carrasco of Carlsbad, New Mexico, Eelia Garcia of Carlsbad, New Mexico, and Lidia and Elisa of California; also 19 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, and 20 great-great-grandchildren. She is also leaves behind her beloved “BoBo.”

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alfredo Granado; her daughter, Nancy Salgado; and her brothers, Manuel Alvarado and Herman Alvarado.

Pallbearers are Johnny Granado, Chris Granado, Glen Ontiveroz, Brent Mata, Benito Gallego, and Martin Salgado.

Alpine Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Federico Duran

Federico Duran, 87, of Presidio, passed away Monday, October 24, 2016 in Odessa.

Funeral Mass will be at 11am Friday, October 28 at Santa Teresa Catholic Church with Father Mike officiating. Burial will be in Desert Hills Cemetery.

Federico was born on September 4, 1929 in Midland to Bonifacio G. Duran and Manuela Hinojos.

Arrangements are under the care of Martinez Funeral Home.

Ramon Bonilla Rodriquez, 86, of Alpine, passed away at his residence on Sunday, October 23, 2016.

Mr. Rodriquez was born May 18, 1930 in Fort Davis to Alfredo and Ventura Rodriquez.

He was a retired ranch hand of 40 years and worked on the O6 Ranch.

He is survived by a son, Robert Rodriquez; two daughters, Emma and Elva Rodriquez; and a brother, Salvador Rodriquez, all from Alpine.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Matilde Rodriquez, and daughter, Elma Rodriquez.

Graveside services will be at a later date.

Memorial Funeral Home of Alpine is in charge of arrangements.

Maria Aracely Sanchez Sotelo, 64, passed away on October 18, 2016 in El Paso.

She was born September 25, 1952 in Ojinaga to Mr. and Mrs. Juan and Sanchez.

She is survived by her mother of Presidio, brothers, sisters and nieces and nephews.

Visitation and the Rosary were Friday, October 21 at Santa Teresa de Jesus Catholic Church. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, October 22 at the church. Burial were in Desert Hills Cemetery, Presidio.