OBITUARIES News
------------------------
Ruth Garcia Martinez (posted 4/15/07)
After a long, courageous battle with cancer, our beloved Ruth Garcia Martinez was carried home in God's loving arms on March 15.
Ruth was born July 10, 1958, in Alpine. She lived in Odessa for several years, and lived the final year of her life in Denton, under the loving care of her mother.
Ruth is survived by her devoted mother, Sara Portillo, formerly of Alpine; son, Marcos Martinez, and daughter, Sarah Martinez, both of Denton; brother, Jerry Don Garcia and wife Tammy, of Durango, Colo.; and sister, Mona Lisa Portillo, of Denton. Her aunts and uncles are Salvador Hernandez, Jr. (Suh-Jen), Rebecca Hinojos (Mike), Rachel Parras (Ruben), Lupe Rodriguez, Arturo Rivera (Rosa), Eva Dominguez (Al), Virginia Belew (Richard), Felix R. Hernandez (Mary) and Joel Hernandez (Reyna). She had many cousins who lovingly called her "Aunt Ruthie."
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Eliza R. Hernandez and Salvador Hernandez, and Florentino Portillo; her uncle, Ruben Portillo; and her cousin, Salvador Evan Dominguez.
Services were held on Monday, March 19, at the First Baptist Church in Alpine with Oscar Cobos officiating and Pastor Kenneth Jordan leading the music. Interment was at Holy Angels Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Salvador Hernandez, Jr., Arturo Rivera, Felix R. Hernandez, Joel Hernandez, Ruben Parras and Richard Belew.
Ruth's family loved her deeply. She takes a piece of our hearts with her.
Source: Alpine Avalanche online
------------------------
Donna Harman (posted 8/13/06)
Donna Christine Shumake Harman died Sunday, December 11, 2005 in Roanoke, VA after a 2 year battle with cancer.
Survivors include her husband, Ernest Harman of Del Rio, TX, 3 children, Christopher Brian Harman of FL (AHS class of 1983), Stephanie Harman of VA, and Barbara Harman McKaskle of Del Rio, TX. Survivors also include her mother Jeanette Shumake of FL, a sister, Agatha Johnson of FL and 4 grandsons, Christian Harman, Dayne Wilkinson, Tyler Wilkinson and Wyatt McKaskle.
Donna was laid to rest in Virginia next to her father, Edward Shumake. She was loved by all who met her and she is missed.
Source: Barbara Harman McKaskle
------------------------
Sherman A. Newsome (posted 8/13/06)
Class of 1935
Sherman Allan Newsom passed away on May 19, 2006, following a sudden heart attack. He was born on December 6, 1917 in Alamogordo, NM to Raymond W. Newsom and Florence S. Newsom. He graduated from Alpine High School in 1935. He married Frances Powell on March 1, 1940 at the First Baptist Church parsonage. They celebrated their 66th anniversary this year (2006). He joined the Army Air Force in May 1942, and served in Italy and North Africa until November 1945. They returned to Alpine where he finished his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration at Sul Ross State College. He worked as Engineer for KVLF radio station for several years before taking a position with the Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration until he retired in 1977. Sherman did much volunteer work at Elm Grove Cemetery, and was President of the Board of Directors of the Alpine Cemetery Association for 10 years. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and a member of the First Baptist Church of Alpine.
Survivors include his wife Frances; son Allan and wife Lisa of Boerne; and daughter Donna and husband Guy Moore of Leander. Also surviving are grandchildren Corey and wife Barbara Newsom of Kingwood; Scott and wife Annette Newsom of Seabrook; Michael and wife Jennefer Moore of Leander; Matthew Moore of Austin; Mark Moore of Leander; Blake White of Lubbock, and four great grandchildren. Other survivors are sisters-in-law Katherine Newsom of Lewisville, Texas; Eva Linn of Novato, California; Katherine Weidel of Carrollton, Texas; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews; and a host of friends.
Sherman is also the earliest Alpine High School Ex posted on this website.
Source: Donna K. Moore
------------------------
Richard Klein (posted 8/13/06)
Class of 1954
Richard Klein passed away Feb 22, 2005 at Cresson, Texas at his home.
Richard is survived by his wife Betty and his children Jerri Lynn, Nancy Jo, adopted children Carla, Jimmy, Judy, Laura and 9 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter.
Richard attended the old Central Grade School and graduated from Alpine High School in 1954.
Source: Philip Klein
------------------------
Jack H. Roach, Jr. (posted 5/20/06)
Class of 1970
On January 14, 2006, following a lengthy battle with diabetes, Jack H. Roach, Jr. went home to be with the Lord. A memorial service was held on Thursday, January 19, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Alpine, Texas
Jack was born in Big Lake, Texas on August 18, 1951, to Mildred and Jack Roach, Sr. He lived in Big Lake until 1963, at which time he moved with his family to Alpine, Texas.
On September 2, 1972, Jack married Marsha DeVoll, in Alpine, Texas, where the couple lived for most of the 33 years of their marriage. The couple has two sons, Chris and Sean Roach, both of Alpine.
During his lifetime, Jack worked for many years in the service station business, was self-employed as a taxidermist, worked as a brakeman for Southern Pacific Railroad, and was the original owner of Roach Glass and Mirror, before going into partnership with his father and brother. In later years, he also worked for Schwann's and Brewster County Road and Bridge Department.
Jack was a 1970 Alpine High School graduate, attended Sul Ross State University, and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Alpine.
Survivors include his wife, Marsha; his two sons Chris and Sean Roach; his parents Jack, Sr. and Mildred Roach; his mother-in-law and father-in law, Sanford and Maurine DeVoll; two brothers, Wes and Dan Roach and their families; all of Alpine. Survivors also include two nieces and five nephews, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, many close friends and extended family members, specifically Shirley and Harris Clanton and their family of Alpine. His paternal grandparents J.A., Sr. & Clara Roach of Alpine, and Alvis and Mary Newman of Big Lake preceded Jack in death.
Jack loved the outdoors, simple activities with his wife and sons, and living in
Alpine, Texas. Jack dedicated more than ten years to the Youth Baseball programs in the Big Bend area.
Donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association or to the Alpine ISD Board of Trustees Scholarship fund, in Jack's memory.
Source: Marsha Roach
------------------------
Julio Quesada (posted 4/19/06)
Class of 1965
Julio Quesada, age 60, died April 10, 2006 due to a sudden illness at his family's resident in Midland, TX. Born in Marathon, TX. Julio was a longtime resident of Alpine. Julio served in the Vietnam War, worked 33 years for the U.S. postal service in Alpine, retired and worked the past three-1/2 years for Alpine Independent School District.
He is survived by his wife, Alicia Quesada of Alpine, TX; his mother, Luisa Quesada of Del Rio, TX; children, Sammy Muniz and wife Melissa, Christina Muniz, Ericka Quesada, Michael Quesada and wife Marissa of Alpine, TX; Glenda Rojo and husband Danny of Midland, TX; Arlene Solis and husband Jessie of Canyon, TX; Benny Muniz of Austin, TX; Delfa Minshew and husband Brice of Corpus Christ, TX; 15 grandchildren. Sisters, Aramita Camacho of Del Rio, TX; Rita Burns of Atlanta, GA; and Brother, Rocha Quesada of Alpine, TX.
Services are to be held at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Alpine with Rosary on Sunday at 7:00 p.m. Burial Services at Holy Angels Cemetery on Monday at 10:00 a.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Geeslin Funeral Home in Alpine.
Pallbearers will be Rudy Ybarra, Cheo Garcia, Alfredo Espinosa, Alberto Moreno, Tacho Milan, and Kachoo Valenzuela; Honary Pallbearers will be Jesus Espinosa and Tony Garza.
Source: Alpine Avalanche online, April 19, 2006
------------------------
Dann L. Drewry (posted 10/23/05)
Socrates once said: "Be of good cheer about death and know this as a truth-that no evil can happen to a good man, either in life or after death." It is with that knowledge and the deepest of sorrows that we announce the death of a good man, Dann L. Drewry, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and son, who, at the age of 55 passed away Friday, September 16, 2005, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
As a youngster, Dann and his family traveled throughout the Texas Oil Patch, his father working for Mobil Oil, until they settled down in Alpine, Texas, where his father opened a White's Auto Store so the kids could stay put in one school for a change. Dann attended and graduated from Alpine High in 1967, where he was a member of the football and basketball teams and was very popular with all of his classmates. After high school Dann attended Sul Ross State University, later transferring to the University of Texas at El Paso where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business in 1971.
On March 12, 1971, Dann and Susan Whitfield were united in marriage at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Las Cruces, New Mexico and from their union as husband and wife, two children, Michelle and Ryan were born. After college, Dann went to work for Whitfield Transportation, Inc. where he became a trusted and valuable protégé to his father-in-law, Hugh Whitfield; eventually succeeding Mr. Whitfield as the President of the Company in 1983, a position which he held until his death. Dann led the company to unprecedented growth, becoming a large regional commercial transportation and trucking business in the Southwest.
Dann greatly loved the University of Texas at El Paso and its athletic programs. One of Dann's greatest pleasures was serving as a mentor to many of the programs student athletes. Dann Drewry was a great man, a kind and generous father, a caring and loving husband, and a great friend to many. He was a spiritual man who appreciated life. He loved automobiles, boats, and pretty much anything that had a motor in it: he enjoyed golfing, live music concerts and hunting, but he particularly loved his friends. Lincoln once said that the better part of one's life consists of his friendships and if that is true then Dann's life on this earth was indeed rich. For Dann following Ben Franklin's creed of speaking ill of no man and speaking all the good he knew of everybody-it is said that to have a friend you must be a friend and Dann was a friend to many and they to him.
Dann is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Susan Whitfield Drewry, their son, Ryan Drewry, daughter, Michelle Renee Lowery, son-in-law, Ace Lowrey and new granddaughter, Addison Danlee Lowery, all of El Paso, Texas; his parents, Betty and George Drewry, his brother, Ronnie Drewry and sister-in-law, Libby Drewry and Dann's nephew, Brandon Drewry, all of Alpine, Texas, and his Mother-in-Law, Fay B. Whitfield, of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Dann is also survived by many uncles, aunts and cousins and by many wonderful friends whom he loved and who loved him. Dann was preceded in death by his father-in-law and business mentor, Hugh Whitfield.
A Funeral Service in celebration of Dann's life will be held at 2:00 P.M. Monday, September 19, 2005 at the First Baptist Church of El Paso, 805 Montana Avenue, El Paso, Tx., the Rev. Felicia Hopkins, Associate Pastor of St. Mark's United Methodist Church will be officiating. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens of the Valley, 4900 McNutt Road in Santa Teresa, New Mexico. Pallbearers will be Lanny Golucke, Reese Lutich, Joel Brown, Bob Walker, Wayne Strachan, and Bill Skov of El Paso, Texas, and Marshall Meece and Steven Tredennick of Austin and Round Rock, Texas, respectively. Honorary Pallbearers are El Pasoans: Don Haskins, Robert Gray, Richard Lyon, Ted Moore, Dennis Neessen, Mack Rhoades, Roger Salome, Bob Stull, Terry Templeton, Pat Wieland, Larry Dorbandt of Las Cruces, New Mexico and Luster "Pony" Goodwin of Houston, Texas who serves as a representative of all of the players, past and present, of Dann's love for the University of Texas at El Paso's men's basketball program.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made as a memorial in Dann's name to St. Mark's United Methodist Church or to your favorite charity. The family would like to thank all of the many doctors and nurses who worked so hard these past 21 months providing conscientious and compassionate medical care to Dann and they would especially like to thank the "prayer group" and the "food brigad" composed of family and friends too numerous to mention individually, but who through their constant love, prayers, and support gave Dann and his family courage and strength, comfort and support, and now peace through this most difficult of times. "Life lends us only feet, Death gives us wings." Fly, Fly, away dear friend, we long for the day that we will be together again in everlasting life, love, and peace. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West, 128 North Resler, El Paso, Texas 79912.
Published on September 17, 2005 on www.ElPasoTimes.com
------------------------
Ellis M. Cleveland, Jr. (posted 8/19/05)
Class of 1957
Ellis Mayo Cleveland Jr, 65, died July 23, 2005 in Orlando, FL. He was born, Sept. 22, 1939 in Brownwood, TX.
He graduated from Alpine High School in 1957. On Feb 21, 1958, he joined the US Navy. He was a US Navy Sonar Tech selective Training and Retention (Star) program. Honorably discharged Nov 30, 1967 at San Diego, CA. He re-enlisted Navy Reserves in 1970; retired in April 1981. He served aboard the USS Bauer (De 1025) and the USS Bronstien (De 1037) at San Diego, CA.
He worked as a technical writer of both hardware and software electronics with Nat-Semi Conductor Pubs Mgr; Rolm Tel-Com Mgr and Fujitsu Tch Corp US Documentation Cntr Mgr in CA. Also worked as a consultant in house at various corps.
A burly man of stature, Ellis was a devoted father and grandfather. He lived his life for his family whom he loved and cherished more than anything.
He will be remembered by all who knew him and who were touched by his grace, gentleness and kindness.
He raised three daughters and two stepsons. Also, raised his adopted grandchildren, Crystal, 21, Steven, 13 and Jennifer, 4.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mayo and Kitty Cleveland, former residents of Alpine.
He is survived by his three daughters: Stacie Kohls, husband, Brian and children, Garrett and Alexandria all of San Jose, CA; Jamie Lee Cleveland of San Jose, CA; Melissa Cleveland, and children, Ashlee, Makenzee and Lacee Cleveland-Aguirre. Stepsons: Arthur Metzger II and wife, Debra and child, Michelle of Alphareeta, GA. and Ronnie Metzger and children, Tavia, Tanar, Sawna and Destiny of CA. One great-grandson, Leocadio Bruno II, born July 20, 2005.
Also, five sisters: Myra Price, and husband, Bob of Jacumba, CA; Ann Sikes and husband, Sam of Potosi, TX; Jo Marie Thompson, and husband, David of Uvalde, TX; Ellen Fannin of Austin, TX; Sandy Cleveland and Bob Holder of Buen Vista, CO. One brother, Austin (Tuffy) Cleveland and wife Cindy of Bristol, PA. One uncle, Marshall V Bittick and wife, Frances of El Cajon, CA. One aunt, Margie Jo Daly of Richmond, VA. Also, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, a donation is asked to be made to an account for his two minor grandchildren, at the Bank of America; Account numbers 10072-40478 (Steven Cleveland) and 10079-4089 (Jennifer Cleveland).
He will be cremated and returned to CA for services and a celebration of his life by his family and friends on Aug. 20, 2005.
Submitted by Jo (Cleveland) Thompson
------------------------
Alvis Teague (posted 6/9/05)
Alvis Teague, 72, of Roscoe and formerly of Sweetwater, died Sunday, Feb. 20, 2005, in the Roscoe Healthcare Center.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2005, in the Sweetwater Cemetery with Chaplain Melvin Martin and the Rev. Ward Hayes officiating.
Services will be under the direction of Cate-Spencer and Trent Funeral Home of Sweetwater.
He was born on March 11, 1932, in Alpine. He married Marylu Ray on Sept. 13, 1969, in Katy. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Alpine. He was a U.S. Army veteran and a teacher at TSTC before retiring.
Survivors include one son, Capt. Kirby K. Teague and his wife, Stephanie, of Mannhein, Germany; one daughter, Amy Diane Rainey and her husband, James, of Sweetwater; three sisters, Alice Maude Rushing of Odessa, Ella J. Teague of Kempner and Katherine Woodward of Midland; one brother, Ernest L. Teague of Fort Davis, and two grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marylu Teague, on Sept. 30, 1995; three brothers and one sister.
Source: Sweetwater Reporter, February 22, 2005 (submitted by classmate Cal Darst, Class of 1950)
------------------------
Frank David "Frankie" Cobos (posted 10/31/04)
Class of 1984
Frank David "Frankie" Cobos, 38, of Alpine, passed away Saturday, Oct. 23, at Big Bend National Park.
Rosary was held on Wednesday, Oct. 27, at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be held today at 11 a.m. at the church with Father Rick Ruiz officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Angels Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Geeslin Funeral Home.
Frankie was born Feb. 19, 1966, in Alpine to Mary Alice Lujan and Lionel Cobos. He was a 1984 graduate of Alpine High School. He was employed by the Alpine school district for several years.
He is survived by his mother, Mary Alice Lujan of San Antonio; his father and step-mother, Lionel and Mary Cobos of Bryan; a sister, Trine Ortiz of San Antonio; three brothers, Javier and Ruben Anthony Cobos of Bryan and David Putman of San Antonio; his grandparents, Frank and Trine Cobos and Ramon and Maria Lujan of Alpine; aunt and uncle Diamantina and Gilbert Dutchover of San Antonio; three uncles, Frank Bustamante of New Mexico and Tony and Ramon Lujan, Jr., of Alpine; and his dog, Jabbo.
He is also survived by an extended family that includes only a few among man names: Joanna, Katie, Ernest and Sonia, Moondog and Keri, Frank and Dale, Geoffrey and Crissinda, Big John, Sam, Neal and Jeanie, and Corky.
Pallbearers will be Peter Acosta, Leo Dutchover, Tony Lujan, Javier Cobos, Ernest Rodriguez, Moondog, Frank Ohl, Geoffrey Calderon and Sam Dutchover.
Honorary pallbearers are his biker buddies and brothers and sisters.
Source: The Alpine Avalanche website
------------------------
John B. "Bud" Burling (posted 8/31/04)
John B. "Bud" Burling, Jr. 60, passed away Tuesday, Aug 17, at his residence.
Graveside services were held on Monday Aug 23, at Elm Grove Cemetery with Pastor Dick Zimmer officiating. Funeral services entrusted to Geeslin Funeral Home.
Mr. Burling was born on May 26, 1944, in El Paso to J. B. and Peggy Burling, Sr. John was a graduate of Alpine High School and had been a resident of Alpine for the last 20 years. "Bud" was a self-employed heavy equipment mechanic. He was a member of the Big Bend Sportsman Club. "Bud" was a loving father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend who will be greatly missed.
Survivors include his daughter, Peggy Jane Low; his two sisters, Connie Springfield and Ginger Coen; his three brothers, Robert Burling, Chuck Burling and Ross Burling; his grandchildren, Amanda and Levi Low; his nieces and nephews, Sharie Moore, Joe Danner, Robert Renn Burling, Ginger Lee Burling, Bobbi Kay Burling, Ashley King, Jami Burling, Dyane Coen and Amber Coen; and many friends.
Memorials may be sent in "Bud's" name to the Big Bend Sportsman Club.
Source: The Alpine Avalanche website
------------------------
Abelardo Baeza (posted 8/7/04)
Class of 1963
SUL ROSS' BAEZA REMEMBERED AS STUDENT ADVOCATE, ENTHUSIASTIC TEACHER
By Steve Lang, Director, News and Publications, Sul Ross State University
When asked for impressions of Dr. Abelardo "Abe" Baeza, Sul Ross State University colleagues and students pointed to creative teaching, high energy and widespread advocacy for students.
Baeza, a member of the Sul Ross faculty since 1970 and an Alpine native, died at his home this Feb. 1, of an apparent heart attack. He was 59.
Funeral services are scheduled Thursday, Feb. 5, 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Alpine.
"Dr. Baeza was known for the high quality of his classes. He taught his classes with a great deal of enthusiasm and excitement," said Dr. Dave Cockrum, vice president for Academic Affairs and a longtime friend and colleague.
"His classes were an adventure for the students. His classes were alive, creative events," he said. "When teaching a literature class he would arrange for the author to visit with the students either in person or via telephone or videoconference."
This included such authors as Adolfo Anaya, Edward Albee and Judy Blume.
"His interest in Rudolfo Anaya grew to such an extent that he wrote two books related to Anaya and his works. In a children's literature class he would have the students write their own children's book and give awards for the best works."
Anaya, contacted at his home in Albuquerque, N.M., said he and Baeza were in contact several times a month.
"He would call me to check on my writing progress and update me on his," Anaya said. "He always said I had encouraged his writing.
"You have lost a great, great teacher," said Anaya, who talked to Baeza's classes and read essays from his students.
The noted author also cited other abilities that Baeza possessed.
"I think he was on the way to more administrative work in the university [system]," he said. "Who knows, he might have been in line for a presidency. That's how highly I thought of him."
Kathy Moreno, whose quest for a degree spanned four decades, remembered Baeza's encouragement and his praise.
"Whenever he saw me, he told me, 'don't give up,' and when I got my degree this past December, he said, 'I'm really proud of you for your accomplishments,'" said Moreno, now a secretary in the Sul Ross Office of News and Publications.
"He was a great advocate for students, and I remember when I was in his class in 1979, he made it so interesting you didn't want to miss," she said. "He made you, as a student, feel so important....He gave me that self-confidence and drive; he wanted his students to be hungry to learn."
Baeza's classes frequently included visits by or teleconferences from noted literary figures, including writers Albee, Blume, Anaya and Richard Rodriguez, and Ernest Hemingway's son, Patrick.
Baeza was born May 14, 1944 in Alpine and attended the Centennial School, then Alpine High School, graduating in 1963. He received his bachelor's (1967) and master's degrees (1970) in English and Spanish from Sul Ross, and his Ph.D. from Texas Tech University, Lubbock, in 1979. He was the first Hispanic Ph.D. to teach at Sul Ross.
During his long tenure at Sul Ross, Baeza served in numerous capacities, including instructor, associate professor and professor of English and Spanish, Minority Affairs director. He received the Outstanding Teaching Award in 1997. Earlier in his career, he was twice nominated for the Piper Professor award presented by the Minnie Stevens Piper Association. In addition to teaching English and Spanish, he served as director of Title V and director of Mexican American Studies.
A prolific writer, Baeza both wrote about and promoted Chicano/Chicana authors and literature. His first book, "Keep Blessing Us Ultima," serves as a reading guide for Anaya's memorable novel, "Bless Me, Ultima."
"Abe and I often shared ideas about how to improve educational opportunity at Sul Ross," said President R. Vic Morgan. "He taught conversational Spanish courses for the faculty and staff and I enrolled in his courses on more than one occasion, always learning new things about the language and culture of this region and Mexico. We visited often about how to make Sul Ross a more accepting and inviting place for minority students.
"His passing will leave a void at Sul Ross that will be difficult to fill," he said. "His love for the university was evident to anyone who had a conversation with him that lasted more than a minute or two. He gave most of his life to Alpine and Sul Ross and there was never a doubt about his commitment to both. He will be missed by the University and Alpine communities."
English professor Dr. Nelson Sager, Baeza's colleague for over 30 years, mourned his passing.
"He was my friend and colleague and supported my career in ways that no one else did," said Sager.
"There is a physical and emotional hole that won't be filled," he said. "It seems selfish in some ways to evaluate someone by what you no longer have and how much you miss him."
Submitted by Kathy Moreno
------------------------
Manuel Fierro (posted 7/25/04)
Manuel "Cougar" Fierro, Jr., 37, was called to our Lord on Saturday, June 12.
Rosary was recited Friday, June 18, at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, June 19, at the church with Father Rick Ruiz officiating. Burial followed in Holy Angels Cemetery. Funeral services were entrusted to Geeslin Funeral Home.
"Cougar" was born Oct. 20, 1966, in Alpine to Manuel and Delia Fierro, Sr. He was a graduate of Alpine High School and had attended Sul Ross State University. Mr. Fierro was a 4th Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus. He had also been a coach for Big Bend Little League and the Big Bend Amateur Softball Association. "Cougar" was very active with the Boy Scouts as an Assistant Den Leader of Den 6, Troop 141. He was a band booster for the high school, a member of St. Vincent de Paul, part of the hospitality ministry at the Catholic church, and a life-long resident of Alpine. "Cougar" was a very loving, friendly, warm-hearted gentleman who will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his father, Manuel M. Fierro, Sr.
Survivors include his mother, Delia Fierro, of Alpine; his sister, Victoria Fierro of Alpine; his four brothers, Samuel Fierro and his wife, Annabelle, of El Paso, Randy Fierro and his wife, Lillia, of El Paso, Bobby Fierro and his wife, Mercy, of Odessa, and Gary Fierro and his wife, Grace, of Odessa; 11 nieces and nephews; and countless friends.
Submitted by Joey Iniguez
https://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlo/79R/billtext/HR01150F.HTM
------------------------
Judy Word Gibbs (posted 7/25/04)
Class of 1957
On May 2, 2004, Judy Word Gibbs passed away after a long illness. She was a good friend to many of her high school classmates in the Class of '57 and many folks in classes before and after that time. We extend our sympathy and prayers to her husband, John Gibbs and their son. She will be missed greatly by those who knew this quiet, sweet and steady woman. You may contact John Gibbs, 2608 Rebecca St., Big Spring, TX. 79720.
Submitted by Georgia Morgan Wedin
------------------------
Warden John Newell (posted 11/3/03)
Class of 1952
Newell, WARDEN JOHN, 68, of Richardson, passed away 8/21/2003 after a lengthy battle with heart disease. He is survived by his beloved wife,Helen Tweed Newell, with whom he just celebrated his 22nd anniversary. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Tweed Machock; his children, Kate Torrance, Anita Newell, John Newell III, Robert Newell, Mark Newell, Jerry Newell, Guy Davis, Melanie Acosta and Stephanie Schroeder; his daughter-in-laws Kathy Newell and Kristan Davis; his son-in-laws Jad Torrance, Joel Acosta and Jamie Schroeder; his siblings, Laura (Sissy) Pattillo, Joanna Cowell (husband Lee), David Newell (wife Malia), and Tom Van Auken (wife Nancy); his grandchildren, Loretta Newell, Meredith Newell, Emily Acosta, Evelyn Acosta, Lane Acosta, Luke Acosta, Madeleine Davis and Grant Davis; and numerous nieces, nephews and loved ones.
Born in Alice, Texas, in 1934, and raised in Alpine, Texas, John loved his family, his electronic gadgets, his DVD and video collections, and his life-long passion for music. He was Valedictorian of Alpine High School in 1952, before attending Princeton University and graduating from The University of Texas in 1956. Upon graduation, John went to work at Chance Vought Aircraft, where he was involved with the design and development of some of the earliest solid-state electronics. Over the next 4 decades, John worked on the design of guidance and control systems for aircraft and missiles, and also made substantial contributions to the Lance Missile. After 40 years of service, John retired as Director of System Engineering from Lockheed Martin Vought Systems in 1996.
John's passion for music started when he began playing the trumpet at the age of 6 and continued into his retirement years. He played in the Grand Prairie, Irving and Garland Symphony Orchestras. John served as the first President of the Richardson Community Band and was a member for more than 20 years. He and Helen were also passionate supporters of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the Dallas Opera. We will be eternally grateful for our time with John and treasure every memory, a precious remembrance of a truly special, beautiful man. His love, understanding and compassion knew no bounds. He gave of himself freely and with no expectation of reward. John was a beloved husband, father, son-in-law, brother and grandfather. Although he will be greatly missed, we know he lives on in the many hearts he touched.
John is preceded in death by his parents W.J. Newell, Bonnie Boone Newell, and stepmother Virginia Gentry Newell. A rosary will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, August 24, at Restland of Dallas, followed by a Vigil at 7:30 p.m. at All Saints Catholic Church. Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 25, at All Saints Catholic Church, 5231 Meadowcreek in Dallas, followed by graveside services at Restland of Dallas. Pallbearers will include Bill Heald, Ed Tucker, Harold Sanders, Guy Creel, Jim Machock, Jamie Schroeder, Roger Johnson, Lawrence Tai and R.A. Baldwin. Memorials in John's name may be made to the American Heart Association of Dallas. Please consider organ and tissue donation.
Published in the Dallas Morning News from 8/23/2003 - 8/24/2003.
Submitted by Harold Sanders
------------------------
Ronnie McFadin (posted 8/24/03)
Ronnie McFadin, former teacher and coach in Alpine Public Schools, died Sunday, August 10, of injuries suffered in an accident at his ranch near Del Rio. He was 61. Coach McFadin grew up in Iraan, and graduated from Sul Ross in 1965. He then taught at Centennial School and coached Alpine 7th and 8th grade athletic teams. He later moved to Alpine High School. His wife, Karen, taught typing at AHS. The McFadens spent most of their teaching careers in Del Rio, where Ronnie coached and taught vocational ag. Coach retired in 2002.
He leaves his wife, Karen, a daughter amd son-in-law, a son, and two brothers. Services were held August 13 with burial at Westlawn Cemetery in Del Rio.
The family requests that memorials be made to the Ronnie McFadin Memorial Fund ico Val Verde Extension Service in Del Rio.
Submitted by Ray Hendryx
------------------------
Jim Marshall (posted 8/24/03)
Jim Marshall, former superintendent of Alpine Public Schools, died Friday, August 8 at his home in Burneyville, Oklahoma. He was 60. He served as Alpine Superintendent from July, 2000 until July 2002. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in June, 2002. Graveside services were held August 11 at Jimtown Cemetery in Jimtown, Oklahoma. Mr. Marshall spent his early childhood years in Marfa, and graduated from high school in Dallas. He and his family were regulars at Bloys Campmeeting throughout his life.
He leaves his wife, Judy, a brother, two sons and their wives, and one grandchild.
The family requests that memorials be made to The National Audobon Society, Greenpeace, or the Alpine I.S.D Board Scholarship Fund.
Submitted by Ray Hendryx
------------------------
Scott Scown (posted 8/15/03)
Class of 1981
Scott Alan Scown passed away at home after a sudden illness August 6, 2003. He was born in Alpine, TX on December 14, 1962. Scott graduated from Alpine High School in 1981. He received his Professional Chefs Degree from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY in 1983. He was employed at the Dominion Country Club and various hotels and country clubs throughout the San Antonio area as a pastry chef. He returned to Alpine in 2002 and was employed at the Bread and Breakfast Restaurant.
Scott will be remembered for the beautiful cakes he made for an innumerable number of weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and parties throughout the Big Bend area. Scott is remembered as a kind and caring soul who always thought of others. He had an abundance of friends, and everywhere he went he made additional friends. Scott was easy to know and to love. Scott was loved and will be missed.
He is survived by his parents, Ted and Emily Scown of Alpine; sisters, Barbara Scown of Pecos and Paula Morehead; brothers, Steven and Russell Scown of Alpine; nephews, Jeremy Morehead of Carrollton, GA, Seth Scown of Ajo, AZ, Justin Scown of San Angelo, TX; nieces, Emery and Allyson Scown of Alpine, three grandnephews, one grandniece and numerous friends.
A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 P.M., Friday, August 15, 2003, at the Holland Hotel in Alpine, to share and celebrate his life. Donations may be made to Scott's favorite charity, the Alpine Humane Society, P.O. Box 1464, Alpine, TX 79831.
Submitted by Lari Quigg
------------------------
Eraclio Espinoza Jr. (posted 7/19/03)
Class of 1966
Eraclio Espinoza Jr., AHS '66, died at his home in Alpine Sunday, July 7, following a lengthy illness. He was 55. "Grouch" was an outstanding student, and one of the most feared running backs in West Texas in the mid 1960's. Although he received a number of football scholarship offers, including some from division one schools, Eraclio enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as a combat infantryman in Vietnam. Following his Army service, Grouch served 30 years with the U.S. Postal Service. He married Eloisa Guererro in 1973. Many of Eraclio's family members still live in Alpine, including most of his children. Funeral mass will be held Friday, July 11th at 10am at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Military Graveside rites will follow at Holy Angels Cemetary.
Submitted by Ray Hendryx
------------------------
James E. Pate (posted 1/24/03)
Funeral services for James E. Pate, 57, were held at 1 p.m. on January 24, 2003, at Kaster Maxon & Futrell Funeral Home. Burial: Alpine TX at a later date. Survived by son Joshua Pate and sister Toni Brookover. Arrangements by Kaster Maxon & Futrell Funeral Home.
Gene was in the Class of '63. He went to take care of elderly aunt so he graduated from Carthage H.S.
Submitted by Margaret Thibodeaux
------------------------
Tom Connor Jr. (posted 12/30/02)
Class of 1971
Tom Connor Jr., 50, passed away peacefully Friday morning, December 27th, in a hospital in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Tom battled ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) the past two and-a-half years. A native of Alpine, Tom graduated with honors from Alpine High School in 1971. He was an outstanding football player. He served three years in the U.S. Air Force. He later lived in Austin, and then returned to his hometown of Alpine where he was a founding partner in Rainbow Adobe Construction. He moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico in the late 1980's, where he was a founding partner in Gaddis Connor construction. Later became general contractor for the Monastery of Christ in the Desert, and spent much of the past five years living and working at the Monastery. He is survived by his father, Tom Sr., and his brother, Doug. Also his sister in law, Donna Connor; his nephew, Brett Connor; his aunt, Marilyn Dunham, and close family friends Janice Peterson, Rachel Robertson, and Janice Vescott. He was preceded in death by his mother, Phyllis, and his sister, Camille. Graveside services will be held Saturday, January 4th at 1:00pm at Elm Grove Cemetery in Alpine. Reverend Rick Ruiz of our Lady of Peace Catholic Church will officiate.
Memorials may be made to :
The Monastery of Christ in the Desert
Box 270
Abiquiu, NM 87510
The ALS Association
27001 Agoura Road, Suite 150
Calabasas Hills, CA 91301
The Alpine Public Library
203 North 7th Street
Alpine, TX 79830
Submitted by Ray Hendryx
------------------------
Andrea (Andi) Ellington Basile (posted 9/15/02)
Andrea (Andi) Ellington Basile died August 20, 2002 in Corpus Christi. She was 35 years old.
Survivors include her ex-husband, Mike Basile; one son, John Trent; one daughter, Madison; her parents, Sandi and Gary Horowitz of Corpus Christi and Geep and Barbara Ellington of Nathrop, Colorado; six sisters, Serina Tatich of Indiana, Denise Hagler of Abilene, Suzy Mathis of Georgetown, Cristina Wright of Georgetown, Crystal Waldo of Corpus Christi and Jenny Jeter of Corpus Christi; and three brothers, Lance Ellington of Katy; Keith Farris of Mobile, Alabama and Mikey Waldo of Corpus Christi.
Her memory will be cherished by all.
Submitted by Denise Ellington Hagler
------------------------
Jimmy Owens (posted 6/18/02)
Class of 1955
Jimmy Owens, AHS '55, died Saturday, June 1, 2002 at his home in Forney, Texas. He was 65. He was a retired investigator for the Dallas County District Attorney's office. He also formerly served with the Capital Police in Washington, D.C. Jimmy was the son of the late Arthur and Avora Owens. His mother was formerly Brewster County Clerk for many years. Graveside services were held at Elm Grove Cemetary in Alpine June 6. Services were directed by Restland Funeral Home on Greenville Avenue in Dallas. The family requests memorial contributions be made for Child Evangelism c/o The National Christian Foundation, 1100 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 900, Atlanta, GA 30342.
Submitted by Ray Hendryx
------------------------
Estela Valenzuela Cadena (posted 1/24/02)
Class of 1983
Estela Valenzuela Cadena, 36, of Midland, and a native of Alpine, died Friday, January 18, 2002, in Odessa.
Rosary was at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Alpine. Funeral Mass was at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the church with burial in Holy Angels Cemetery, under the direction of Geeslin Funeral Home of Alpine.
She was born November 17, 1965, in Alpine. She graduated from Alpine High School in 1983. After leaving Alpine in 1985, she lived in Pecos, Odessa and Midland, where she had lived for the past 8 years. She was office manager for Drug Screen Compliance and Consortium of the Southwest. She was a member of the Catholic Church.
Survivors include her parents, John Joe and Beatriz Cadena of Alpine; three daughters, Candes Joyce Ramon and Clarinda Alaina Ramon, both of Midland and Cassandra Desireé Ramon of Odessa; a son, Joe Albert Ramon Jr. of Odessa; six sisters, Blanca Martinez of Del Rio, Anabelle Sanchez of Midland, Olga Quiroz of Arlington, Diana Chavez and Gracie Cadena, both of Odessa and Lorena Delgado of Chihuahua; two brothers, Larry Cadena of Alpine and John Joe Cadena of Lubbock; a grandson, Isaiah Ali Leal of Midland; a friend, Fernando Carrillo of Odessa; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Submitted by Robert Halpern
------------------------
Raul Valdez (posted 1/20/02)
Class of 1973
Raul Roberto Valdez, 46, of Charlotte, North Carolina, and formerly of Alpine, died January 8, 2002, in Charlotte.
An Alpine High School class of 1973 graduate, Raul was born October 1, 1955, in Alpine to Raul C. and Celia Jiner Valdez of Alpine. He owned a flooring business, Happy Feet Flooring Inc., in Charlotte, where he had lived the past 12 years. He previously had lived and worked in Austin.
Survivors include a son, Adam Valdez of Charlotte; two daughters, Leslie Gomez of Whidbey Island, Washington, and Victoria Valdez of Austin; a brother, Luis Valdez of Austin; two sisters, Carla Vadez of Alpine and Lisa Hinojosa and her husband, Beto, of Corpus Christi; his wife, Jennifer Valdez of Austin; his first wife, Lynn Weymeyer Valdez Schaffer of McAllen; a grandchild, Maiya Gomez of Whidbey Island; three nieces, Elise and Felicia Hinojosa of Corpus Christi, Ryan Valdez of Alpine; and a nephew, Nicolas Noe Hinojosa of Corpus Christi.
He was preceded in death by his father, Raul C. Valdez. His mother, Celia Jiner Valdez, died Tuesday, January 15, 2002, at Big Bend Regional Medical Center in Alpine.
Pallbearers were Jim Bridges of San Antonio, Anthony Contreras of San Antonio, Robert Halpern of Marfa, Jerry Sotello of Alpine, James Valdez of El Paso and David Watson of Midland.
Visitation was from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Geeslin Funeral Home chapel. The funeral service was 4 p.m. Monday, January 14, at the First Christian Church in Alpine with the Rev. Philip McCraw, pastor of First Baptist Church in Alpine, and Philip Jones, pastor of Friendship Baptist Church, officiating. Vocalist was Leah Carnagey, accompanied on piano by her husband, the Rev. John Carnagey, pastor of the First Christian Church. Burial was in Holy Angels Cemetery.
Geeslin Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Submitted by Robert Halpern
------------------------
Carolyn Nelon (posted 11/03/01)
Longtime Alpine artist and art instructor, Carolyn Nelon, 79, died Monday, October 8, 2001, in an Odessa hospital. A memorial service was held on October 11 at the First Baptist Church in Alpine where she had been a member since 1941.
Carolyn was born April 5, 1922, in Del Rio, Texas, to Leo and Ruby Bishop. She graduated from high school in San Augustine, Texas, where her father was stationed as a Texas Ranger. She then attended and graduated from cosmetology school in San Antonio. She moved to Alpine where she enrolled at Sul Ross to obtain her "Mrs. degree," and married Grady Nelon in Alpine on March 15, 1942. After Grady was released from the Army Air Corps at the end of WWII, they opened the Nelon Locker Plant in Alpine (where the Thriftway warehouse now stands) and Carolyn helped run it for a short time. While her two children were growing up, Carolyn was not only a mother and a housewife, but also a beautician and part-time art student. She was active in the American Legion Auxiliary and was a member of that group for over 50 years. Instead of suffering from the "empty nest syndrome" when the youngest child moved away from home, Carolyn enrolled at Sul Ross full-time and obtained her Bachelor's degree in art in 1969. She later earned two Master's degrees, in art and elementary education. She was an accomplished artist and taught art at Alpine Elementary School and Alpine High School for 17 years. She also taught art at the college level. Carolyn was a master quilter and President of the Busy Bee Quilters at The Sunshine House. She was also an avid bridge player and a member of the "Birthday Girls."
Survivors include her husband, Grady Nelon of Alpine; a daughter and son-in-law, Carol Ann and Bob Grantham of Mansfield; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Barbara and Bill Savell of Sonora, and Bettye Sue and D. J. Robbins of Jasper; three grandchildren, Barbara Ford of Mansfield, Chris Nelon of Odessa, and Tye Nelon of Tennessee; four great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Bailey Ford of Mansfield, and Grady and Bonnie Nelon of Odessa; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a son, Mike Nelon; two brothers, Kenneth Bishop and Gene Bishop; and her parents.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Alpine, The Sunshine House, or the giver's favorite charity.
Submitted by Carol Ann Grantham
------------------------
Omar Lamar Kay (posted 10/28/01)
ROBERT LEE — Omar Lamar Kay, 81, of Alpine, died Saturday evening, April 7, 2001, while visiting in Robert Lee.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, 2001, at United Methodist Church in Robert Lee. The Rev. Tom Garmon, pastor of Alpine First United Methodist Church, and the Rev. Jim Reeves, pastor of the Robert Lee United Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will follow at the Robert Lee Cemetery. Arrangements are made by Shaffer Funeral Home.
Lamar Kay was born Jan. 3, 1920, in Stephenville, Texas. During World War II, he served three years in the 36th Division Infantry of the U.S. Army. He served in North Africa, Italy, Germany and France. Following the war, he attended Sul Ross State College in Alpine, where he met Alta Bell Bilbo. They were married Aug. 24, 1947, in the Robert Lee United Methodist Church.
Lamar received his degree from Sul Ross in 1948 and was employed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Soil Conservation Service. He served in Texas SCS offices at Childress, Lubbock and Van Horn, then moved back to Alpine in 1952. He discovered an unclassified grass that still carries his name, Kayii. He retired in 1976.
Lamar was a life member of the American Legion Post 0079, the Disabled American Veterans of Texas and the Paralyzed Veterans of America. Following vascular surgery in 1987, Lamar was told he would never walk again. But, he proved them wrong and walked until the time of his death.
As a dedicated Mason, he was a member of the Alpine Chapter of the Grand Royal Arch Chapters of Texas, the Alpine Lodge 766 of the Grand Lodge of Texas, the Alpine Council No. 342 of the Grand Council and the Alpine Grand Commandry No. 90 of the Knights Templar of Texas. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Alpine, an avid fisherman, hunter and golfer, and he enjoyed his travels to many different countries.
Lamar was preceded in death by his parents, Omar C. Kay and Gertrude Kay, and one brother, John Sid Kay. He is survived by his wife of 53 and a half years, Alta Bell Kay; one daughter and son-in-law, Jan and Bobby Hungate of Waco; one son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Judy Kay of Andrews; one granddaughter, Kara Edwards of Waco; and two grandsons, Nicholas Kay of Andrews and Kayce Hungate of Waco. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Judy Kay, and daughter, Carolyn, of Fort Worth. Other in-laws are: Bob and Jamie Boren of Robert Lee, Jo Ann and Jarvis Littlefield of Grove, Okla., Janet Rathmell of Mertzon and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Tom Boren of Lubbock, John Boren of Snyder, Jerry and Rick Littlefield of Grove, Okla., Sandy Evans of Arlington, Steve Evans of Mineral Wells and Ben and Randy Bessent of Robert Lee. Honorary pallbearers are Jarvis Littlefield of Grove, Okla., Bob Boren of Robert Lee, C.D. McCollister of Alpine and Dr. Sam Little of Alpine.
Submitted by Jan Hungate
------------------------
Guy C. "Woody" Woodruff (posted 8/11/01)
Guy C. "Woody" Woodruff, 78, passed away on June 29, 2001. He was a long time resident of El Paso and the Trans-Pecos area. He was born in Waco, Texas. After attending Forrest Avenue High School and graduating from Terrell Prep in Dallas, Texas, he attended Austin College in Sherman, Texas, on a football scholarship for a year. During WWII, he served over 3 years in the U.S. Army in the South Pacific, specifically in Guadal Canal, Tiawa and the Philippines. Upon returning from the war, he married Anna Gene Yungfleisch of Dallas, Texas and moved to Alpine, Texas. There, he resumed his college education, receiving both his bachelors and masters degrees from Sul Ross State College. He then began a long and distinguished career in teaching, coaching, and administration. As an educator, Woody¹s impact was felt in Alpine, Van Horn, Ft. Hancock, El Paso and Fabens School Systems. He also enjoyed refereeing all high school sports up and down "Highway 80." He retired in 1983 as the junior high school principal in Fabens, Texas. During retirement, he enjoyed golfing, fishing, going out for coffee, and visiting his many children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his wife and partner of 55 years, Ann Gene; his 6 children, Guy, Ted, Laura, Susan, Peter and Lesley; his 11 grandchildren, Taylor, Travis, Jollen, Jackie, Whitney, Lauren, Jessica, Ryan, Erin, Conner and Susan; and great grandchild Eric. His brother, Stanley, his sons-in-law Tom and Frank, his daughters-in-law Irma and Martha, and his many friends will also remember
him lovingly.
Submitted by Mary Bell Lockhart
------------------------
Freddy Cordova (posted 7/6/01)
Class of 1968
Freddy Cordova, AHS '68, passed away Saturday, June 29, 2001, after a long battle with diabetes. He was 54. Freddy was manager for some of those great Buck football teams of the 1960's. He was a fixture in the cookshed at Paisano Baptist Encampment every summer for close to 30 years. He loved to fish and share football memories. Survivors include his wife, Esther, and son Freddy III, who is now a senior at AHS.
Submitted by Ray Hendryx
------------------------
Please visit the Museum of Magnetic Sound Recording • Hot Air Ballooning