Tom Green Co. TX Obits from the San Angelo Standard-Times July 29-31 1997 Thanks to the San Angelo Standard-Times for permission to put their obits and death notices in the USGenWeb Archives. http://www.texaswest.com/ Copyright ©2002 - The San Angelo Standard-Times is a E.W. Scripps newspaper ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net/ *********************************************************************** The San Angelo Standard - Times Online West Texas news and sports/July 29, 1997 ______________________________________________________________ Death Notices A.J. LONG A.J. Long, born April 2, 1918, is once again singing, this time in the heavenly choir. A.J. touched many lives with his singing of the praises to God in heaven. A.J. was always willing to be a part of God's work in any area he was able to. Many church gatherings enjoyed the delicious cooking A.J. prepared all day on a pit he and his son, Dennis, designed and built. A.J. was loved by many people because of his kindness and eagerness for just plain living. The statement that music stirs the soul was very evident in A.J. He always enjoyed music at the church, the RiverStage or the VFW. He was a security guard at the airport, which he retired from. Before that, he operated a barber shop and barber college and worked on many heads in his lifetime. He was a decorated veteran from World War II, bravely serving our country as a part of the SeaBees in the Pacific Theatre and NEVER hesitated to stand in honor of this great and free country we live in. He truly made you feel that the freedoms we have are gifts and it's a dishonor to make light of them. A.J. is survived by his wife, Minnie Lee (Dorothy) of the home; his daughter, Wenonah Greger and husband, Fred, of Houston; son, Michael Joe Long and his daughter-in-law, Elta Long, of San Angelo; his brothers, Manuel Long and wife, Jamie, and Virgil Long and wife, Neoma, all of San Angelo; sisters, Lenora Lankford, Lovenia Rogge and Lavelta Tounget, all of San Angelo, and Bernice Pruitt and husband, Dwain, of Bronte; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. A.J. was preceded in death by his first wife, Wilma Davis, mother of Wenonah; and his second wife of 51 years, Thelma Christine Davis, mother of Dennis and adopted son, Michael Joe. Also, he was preceded by his mother, Dolly Long, and father, J.J. Long; his brothers, Theodore and J.R. Long; and beloved son, Dennis Wayne Long. Our final honor will be given to A.J. at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 29, in Johnson's Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Darryl Williams, pastor of A.J.'s church, Baptist Tabernacle, officiating. Pallbearers will be Paul English, Steve English, Clifford Long, Dwain Pruitt, Morrison Rice and Paul Wayne English. Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Wilha, Rowdy Shackelford and John Piland. PEGGY BELL STEPHENS BRADY - Peggy Bell Stephens, 65, of Brady died Monday, July 28, 1997, in Columbia Medical Center in San Angelo. Service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 30, in the Leatherwood Colonial Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Paul Terry and the Rev. Mark Elliott officiating. Burial will follow in Rest Haven Cemetery. Peggy was born Jan. 8, 1932, in Brady to Enoch W. Shuffield and Flossie Lee (Robinson) Shuffield. She was a 1953 graduate of Southern Methodist University. She married Harold Stephens Oct. 10, 1953. Mrs. Stephens was a Realtor and a longtime resident of McCulloch and Concho counties. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Brady, the Lydia Circle of First Methodist Church, the McCulloch County Literacy Council and Delta Zeta Sorority at Southern Methodist University. She had been past worthy matron of Eden Order of the Eastern Star and a longtime Sunday school teacher at the First United Methodist Church in Eden. Mrs. Stephens was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Roby Shuffield. Survivors include her husband, Harold L. Stephens of Brady; one daughter, Lisa S. Price and husband, Scott, of Eden; two sisters, Patsy Grube and Mary Ella Williamson, both of Brady; a granddaughter, Kylie Bell Price of Eden; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Hillie Hayes, Hilton Hayes, P.D. Hendricks, Jack Walker, Aubry Bierman and Buford Sheffield Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Winston Boeker, Edmund Ellison, John Bucy, Louis Bridges, Doug Harris, Bill Westbrook, Jack Browning, Billy Dan Sorrell and Kenneth Mitchell. BARBARA W. RUSSELL MENARD - Barbara W. Russell, age 81, died Sunday, July 27, 1997, at her home. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 30, in Heritage Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Andy Reichert officiating. Barbara was the youngest of nine children, born to Candace C. Ellis and Albert Alonzo Williamson in Eldorado, Nov. 21, 1915. She attended school at Hext and Menard. On Dec. 5, 1943, Barbara W. Carroll married Joe Hunter Russell in Menard. After Joe Hunter died on July 31, 1964, Barbara received her GED and licensed vocational nurse certification and dedicated herself to nursing in Brady and Menard. Barbara was a 50-year member of Fort McKavett Chapter No. 783 O.E.S. and a member of the First United Methodist Church of Menard. She belonged to the Menard Garden Club, Menard Country Club, El Progresso Club, Menard Manor Auxiliary and had a lifetime membership in the PTA. She is survived by five children, Phillip Dewitt Carroll, Ann C. and R.W. Wilber, Susan Ruth Martin, Walter W. and Madeline Russell and Marjorie May Russell; one brother, A.A. ``Cap'' Williamson; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family requests donations be made to Fort McKavett Chapter No. 783 O.E.S., Box 54, Fort McKavett, TX 76841, or the First United Methodist Church of Menard, Box 117, Menard, TX 76859. ______________________________________________________________ Donovan Kolkman Donovan Eric Kolkman, infant son of Eric and JoAnna Kolkman of Killeen, passed away Saturday, July 26, 1997, in a Killeen hospital. Graveside service will be at 3 p.m. today in the Mertzon Cemetery with the Rev. David Strange of Concho Valley Baptist Church officiating. Arrangements are by Johnson's Funeral Home. Survivors include his parents; maternal grandparents, the Rev. and Mrs. Larry Bennett of San Angelo; paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. James Kolkman of Rapid City, S.D.; maternal great-grandmother, Melva Sellars of San Angelo; and paternal great-grandmother, Lillian Gates of Rapid City. Nell Jackson Nell Jackson, 54, of San Angelo died Monday, July 28, 1997, at her residence. Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Belvedere Memorial Park. Arrangements are by Johnson's Funeral Home. She was born April 27, 1943, in El Paso. She was a hotel manager. Survivors include two sons, Larry W. Jackson II of San Angelo and Jerry Jackson of San Angelo; two daughters, Michelena Williams and Rebecca Riebel, both of San Angelo; her mother, Nellie Farmer of San Angelo; a sister, Amanda Hardy of Tyler; and 10 grandchildren. Ruby Houston Ruby Goode Houston, 87, of San Angelo died Monday, July 28, 1997, in a local hospital. Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Old Runnels Cemetery in Ballinger with the Rev. W.W. Worley and the Rev. M.H. Houston officiating. Arrangements are by Robert Massie Funeral Home. She was born July 14, 1910, in Mills County. She was a homemaker and a Baptist. Survivors include a son, Jack Houston of San Angelo; four grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Harry Economidis Harry John Economidis, 76, of San Angelo died Monday, July 28, 1997, in a local hospital. Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday in Fairmount Cemetery with the Rev. Jim Binnix, pastor of the Lake View Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are by Robert Massie Funeral Home. He was born March 26, 1921, in San Angelo. A veteran of World War II, he was a bookkeeper and a member of the James J. Goodfellow, Junior American Legion Post 32 and the Lake View Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Donna Economidis of San Angelo; two daughters, Diana Green of Dunn and Delisa Ramsey of Abilene; a son, Daniel Bullard of Odessa; two brothers, Gregory Economidis and Nag John Economidis, both of San Angelo; and seven grandchildren. Betty Jo Bartts LAMPASAS - Betty Jo Bartts, 68, died Sunday, July 27, 1997, in a local hospital. No services are planned. Arrangements are by Sheppard Memorial Funeral Home. She was born Feb. 1, 1929, in Enid, Okla. She was a homemaker and a Presbyterian. Survivors include a daughter, Irene Ross of Kerrville; three sons, A.C. Winkles and Floyd Ray Smith, both of Dallas, and James Bartts of Lampasas; a sister, Rosa Lee Sullivan of Peach Tree Valley, Calif.; two brothers, A.C. St. John of Dallas and Johnny St. John of San Diego; 14 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. Will Ella Ball LUBBOCK - Will Ella Ball, 88, died Sunday, July 27, 1997, in a local nursing home. Graveside service will be at 10:30 a.m. today in Resthaven Memorial Park. Arrangements are by Resthaven Funeral Home. She was born in Collingsworth County and had been a resident of San Angelo since 1985, moving to Lubbock in May. She was a restaurant owner and a member of Park Heights Baptist Church in San Angelo. Survivors include a sister, Jackie Sue Lisemby of Lubbock; and a brother, T.M. Brooks of Irving. Milford Blanton SANTA ANNA - Milford Blanton, 57, of Groveport, Ohio, died Thursday, July 24, 1997, in a Columbus, Ohio, hospital. Graveside service will be at 5 p.m. Thursday in Santa Anna Cemetery. Arrangements are by Henderson Funeral Home. He was born May 24, 1940, in Gouldbusk and had been a longtime resident of Santa Anna. He was a chief information officer for the state of Ohio and was a Master Mason and a member of the Santa Anna Mountain Lodge and Heritage Baptist Church in Ohio. Survivors include his wife, Phylis Blanton of Groveport; two daughters, Candace Price and Penny Campbell, both of Plano; a son, Michael Blanton of Groveport; a sister, Wanda Blanton Kinnard of Abilene; two brothers, Jimmy Blanton of Georgetown and Kenneth Armstrong of Early; and eight grandchildren. Leona Lang FREDERICKSBURG - Leona Marie Lang, 60, of Harper died Sunday, July 27, 1997, in a local hospital. Vigil will be at 7 p.m. today in Schaetter Funeral Home Chapel. Service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Harper with burial in St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery. She was born Aug. 8, 1936, in Fredericksburg. She was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church. Survivors include three daughters, Juana Beth Lang of New Mexico, Jo Joyce Lang of Austin and Becky Reid of Leander; a son, Matthew Lang of Pleasanton; three sisters, Betty McClurg of Illinois, Mary Ellen Hooker of San Antonio and Rosie Weinheimer of Kerrville; two brothers, Leroy Wahl of Beaumont and Ruben Wahl of Fredericksburg; and six grandchildren. G.L. Morrow KERRVILLE - G.L. ``Doc'' Morrow, 62, died Sunday, July 27, 1997, in Kerrville. Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. today at Trinity Baptist Church. Arrangements are by Kerrville Funeral Home. He was born Nov. 16, 1934, in Munday and had been a resident of Kerrville since 1978. He was a veterinarian and a real-estate broker, and owned and operated Landmark Realty of Kerrville. Survivors include a daughter, Kristi Armstrong of Tyler; a son, Kash L. Morrow of McAllen; his mother, Mrs. Freddie Long of Knox City; a sister, Patsy Martin of Denver; and three grandchildren. Jack Green DEL RIO - Jack C. Green, 79, died Sunday, July 27, 1997, in Del Rio. Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Elm Grove Cemetery in Alpine. Arrangements are by G.W. Cox Memorial Funeral Home. He was born July 4, 1918, in Brewster County. Survivors include his wife, Harriett Green of Brackettville; a son, Joe S. Green of Uvalde; two stepdaughters, Virginia McWilliams of Del Rio and Betty Yanof of Fairview; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Harry Mercer ELDORADO - Harry Mercer, 78, died Monday, July 28, 1997, in a San Angelo hospital. Service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the First Baptist Church of Eldorado with burial in Eldorado Cemetery. Arrangements are by Kerbow Funeral Home. He was born Dec. 5, 1918, in Kemp. An Army veteran of World War II, he was a retired gang pusher for Atlantic-Richfield Co. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite and was a Baptist. Survivors include his wife, Vida Mercer of Eldorado; two sons, Steve Mercer of Brownwood and Jim Mercer of Bryan; two sisters, Margie Whitley of Ninnekah, Okla., and Erma Pearson of Kernville, Calif.; and two grandchildren. Elisha Snodgrass BIG SPRING - Elisha Newton Snodgrass, 65, died Monday, July 28, 1997, in a local hospital. Graveside service will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday in Mount Olive Memorial Park. Arrangements are by Myers & Smith Funeral Home. He was born July 15, 1932, in Odessa and had been a longtime resident of Odessa. An Army veteran of the Korean War, he was the former owner of the People Feeder in Odessa and was a Baptist. Survivors include three sons, Robert Snodgrass of Marble Falls, Steve Snodgrass of California and Bill Dean of Big Spring; a daughter, Brenda Rodgers of Odessa; two sisters, Flo Dean of Big Spring and Lou Edd Freeman of Fairfield, Calif.; a brother, Bill Snodgrass of Jefferson City, Tenn.; five grandchildren; and a great-grandson. J.W. Thompson COLEMAN - J.W. Thompson, 75, died Monday, July 28, 1997, at his residence. Services are pending at Stevens Funeral Home. Jim Hayes COLEMAN - Jim Hayes, 77, died Monday, July 28, 1997, in a local hospital. Services are pending at Henderson Funeral Home. The San Angelo Standard - Times Online West Texas news and sports/July 30, 1997 ______________________________________________________________ Funerals & Death Notices TODAY SAN ANGELO - Ruby Goode Houston, 87, graveside service at 2 p.m. in Old Runnels Cemetery in Ballinger; arrangements by Robert Massie Funeral Home. SAN ANGELO - Nell Jackson, 54, graveside service at 10 a.m. in Belvedere Memorial Park; arrangements by Johnson's Funeral Home. BIG SPRING - Elisha Newton Snodgrass, 65, graveside service at 4 p.m. in Mount Olive Memorial Park; arrangements by Myers & Smith Funeral Home. BRADY - Peggy Bell Stephens, 65, at 11 a.m. in Leatherwood Colonial Funeral Home Chapel; burial in Rest Haven Cemetery. DEL RIO - Jack C. Green, 79, graveside service at 2 p.m. in Elm Grove Cemetery in Alpine; arrangements by G.W. Cox Memorial Funeral Home. FREDERICKSBURG - Leona Marie Lang, 60, of Harper, at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Harper; burial in St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery; arrangements by Schaetter Funeral Home. MENARD - Barbara W. Russell, 81, at 10 a.m. in Heritage Funeral Home Chapel. SWEETWATER - Jim Powell, 67, at 2 p.m. at Lamar Street Baptist Church; military burial in Sweetwater Cemetery; arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home. THURSDAY SAN ANGELO - Harry John Economidis, 76, graveside service at 10 a.m. in Fairmount Cemetery; arrangements by Robert Massie Funeral Home. ELDORADO - Harry Mercer, 78, at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church; burial in Eldorado Cemetery; arrangements by Kerbow Funeral Home. SANTA ANNA - Milford Blanton, 57, of Groveport, Ohio, graveside service at 5 p.m. in Santa Anna Cemetery; arrangements by Henderson Funeral Home. SATURDAY KERRVILLE - Cecelia Levinton, 71, memorial service at 10 a.m. at St. Peter's Episcopal Church; arrangements by Kerrville Funeral Home. ______________________________________________________________ HARRY HAYNES MERCER ELDORADO - Harry Haynes Mercer was born Dec. 5, 1918, in Kemp, Texas, and went to be with the Lord on July 28, 1997, at the age of 78 years at Columbia Medical Center in San Angelo. Service for Mr. Mercer will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 31, at the First Baptist Church in Eldorado with the Rev. Andy Anderson officiating with Masonic and military burial services in Eldorado Cemetery. Arrangements are by Kerbow Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Hyman Sauer, Domingo Pena, Buff Whitten, Herman Walker, Jim Broome, and Charles Pfluger. Honorary pallbearers will be Les Bassinger, Leon Strickland, Granville Hext, Russell Sallee and Delmer Jackson. Harry is survived by his wife of 51 years, Vida Prestage Mercer; sons, Steven Mercer of Brownwood, Dr. Jim Mercer and wife, Carolyn, of Bryan; two grandchildren, Andrew Mercer, 20, and Rachel Mercer, 17, of Bryan-College Station; two sisters, Margie Whitley of Ninnekah, Okla., and Erma Pearson of Kernville, Calif.; a sister-in-law, Lila Shilling of College Station; and several nieces and nephews, including Dr. and Mrs. H.W. VanCleave of College Station, Betty and Denver Dayton of San Diego, Calif., Linda and Carol Wayne Whaley of California, Dr. and Mrs. Roy Shilling of Georgetown and John and Sue Gibb of Victoria. Harry served his country as an Army medic during World War II, working on transport ships on four Atlantic crossings transferring troops. He served in the Mediterranean, North African and European theatres of operations. He was in New York City Harbor on V.J. Day. Harry married Vida Prestage in 1946 at Marlowe, Okla. He worked for many years for several oil companies, retiring from Atlantic Richfield Oil and Gas in 1982. Harry was an active member of First Baptist Church in Eldorado and Eldorado Masonic Lodge 890 AF&AM and also was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason. Harry will be best remembered as a man of honor and humor and as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. The family wishes to extend its deepest appreciation to Drs. John T. Granaghan, John P. Coughlin and their staffs. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Eldorado, the American Lung Association or a charity of choice. PEGGY BELL STEPHENS BRADY - Peggy Bell Stephens, 65, of Brady died Monday, July 28, 1997, in Columbia Medical Center in San Angelo. Service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 30, in the Leatherwood Colonial Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Paul Terry and the Rev. Mark Elliott officiating. Burial will follow in Rest Haven Cemetery. Peggy was born Jan. 8, 1932, in Brady to Enoch W. Shuffield and Flossie Lee (Robinson) Shuffield. She was a 1953 graduate of Southern Methodist University. She married Harold Stephens Oct. 10, 1953. Mrs. Stephens was a Realtor and a longtime resident of McCulloch and Concho counties. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Brady, the Lydia Circle of First Methodist Church, the McCulloch County Literacy Council and Delta Zeta Sorority at Southern Methodist University. She had been past worthy matron of Eden Order of the Easter Star and a longtime Sunday school teacher at the First United Methodist Church in Eden. Mrs. Stephens was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Roby Shuffield. Survivors include her husband, Harold L. Stephens of Brady; one daughter, Lisa S. Price and husband, Scott, of Eden; two sisters, Patsy Grube and Mary Ella Williamson, both of Brady; a granddaughter, Kylie Bell Price of Eden; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Hillie Hayes, Hilton Hayes, P.D. Hendricks, Jack Walker, Aubry Bierman and Buford Sheffield Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Winston Boeker, Edmund Ellison, John Bucy, Louis Bridges, Doug Harris, Bill Westbrook, Jack Browning, Billy Dan Sorrell and Kenneth Mitchell. NELL ELIZABETH FARMER JACKSON Nell Elizabeth Farmer Jackson went home to be with the Lord Monday, July 28, 1997, at the age of 54. Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. today, July 30, in Belvedere Memorial Park. After services, family and friends will meet at Trinity Church of the Nazarene, 30 W. 24th St. for lunch. Arrangements are by Johnson's Funeral Home. Nell was born April 27, 1943, to Crawford and Nellie Demoville Farmer. Nell has been employed by Edgewater Inn for 14 years and was manager in recent years. She married Larry Jackson Sr. in July 1961, and he died in November 1990. Nell was an angel to those who knew her. She always went out of her way to make everyone feel special whether she knew your for years or a few moments. Nell left a large family who will follow in her footsteps of kindness: her mother, Nellie Farmer; sister, Amanda Hardy of Tyler; children, Larry Jackson and wife, Cheri, Michelena ``Mickey'' Williams and husband, Bill, Jerry Jackson and wife, Joni, and Rebecca Jackson, all of San Angelo. Grandchildren include April, whom she had raised since birth, Amber, Jessica, Brandi, Bethany, Britni, Loryn and Cameron. ``Special'' grandchildren are Amanda and Jason Riebel and K.J. Rogers. Nell's closest friend was Mary Ellen Jackson of Santa Ynez, Calif. Many relatives and friends were close to Nell, each one making a difference in her life. Special thanks to Hospice of San Angelo, George and Amy, friends from work, Jay and all the special ``adopted'' kids. RUBY HOUSTON Ruby Goode Houston, 87, of San Angelo died Monday, July 28, 1997, in a local hospital. Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 30, in the Old Runnels Cemetery in Ballinger with the Rev. W.W. Worley and the Rev. M.H. Houston officiating. Arrangements are by Robert Massie Funeral Home. Mrs. G.T. Houston was born in Mills County, Texas, on July 14, 1910, to Arthur A. and Pearl Goode. She was a Baptist and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Grady Thomas Houston; her brothers, W.E. Goode, Elmer Howard Goode, James Monroe Goode, George Henry Goode and Hubert Melvin Goode; and one sister, Minnie Humphries. She is survived by her son, Jack Houston and his wife, Henrietta, of San Angelo; a granddaughter, Glenna Calvert and her husband, Matt, of San Angelo; a stepgrandson, Clayton Borkholm and wife, Ella, of Tampa, Fla.; a stepgranddaughter, Cindy Borkholm of San Angelo; a great-grandson, Trey Spurger; and numerous nieces and nephews. HARRY ECONOMIDIS Harry John Economidis, 76, of San Angelo died Monday, July 28, 1997, in a local hospital. Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 31, in Fairmount Cemetery with the Rev. Jim Binnix, pastor of Lake View Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are by Robert Massie Funeral Home. Harry was born March 26, 1921, in San Angelo. He was a bookkeeper for Angelo Luggage and Martin Glover Co. for many years. He was later the night manager for Charles Drive Inn and morning manager for C and J Grocery. He was a member of the Lake View Baptist Church, a member and present post commander of the James J. Goodfellow, Jr. American Legion Post No. 32, and a veteran of World War II. Mr. Economidis is survived by his wife, Donna of San Angelo; daughters, Diana Green and husband, Chuck, of Dunn and Delisa Ramsey and husband, Kenneth, of Abilene; a son, Daniel Bullard and wife, Sabrina, of Odessa; two brothers, Gregory Economidis and wife, Eddie Mae, and Nag John Economidis and wife, Johnnie, all of San Angelo; and seven grandchildren. Chris Kouvelis, John Kouvelis, Tim Beys, Frank Coraces, M.G. Moutos and Alex Papoustas will serve as pallbearers. ______________________________________________________________ Refugio Perez Refugio ``Shorty'' Perez, 56, of Big Lake died Tuesday, July 29, 1997, in a local hospital. Prayer service will be at 7 p.m. today in Johnson's Funeral Home Chapel and at 7 p.m. Thursday at Apostolic Church in Big Lake. Service will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Apostolic Church with burial in Glen Rest Cemetery. He was born July 14, 1941, in San Angelo. He worked for the Reagan County Independent School District for many years. Survivors include his wife, Olivia Perez of Big Lake; two sons, Refugio Perez Jr. of Monahans and Billy Joe Perez of Big Lake; three daughters, Juanita Oropeza and Mercy Narvaez, both of Big Lake, and Elsa Garcez of San Angelo; a sister, Dominga Ojeda of San Angelo; a brother, Fortino Perez of San Angelo; 15 grandchildren; a great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. Jackie Atkins KERRVILLE - Jackie Ray Atkins, 92, of Ingram died Friday, July 25, 1997, at her residence. Service will be at 1 p.m. today in Southside Funeral Home Chapel in San Antonio with burial in San Jose Cemetery in San Antonio. Local arrangements are by Grimes Funeral Chapels. She was born Oct. 10, 1904, in Kerr County and had been a resident of Ingram since 1973. Survivors include numerous nieces and nephews. Eva Carmack EARLY - Eva Nell Carmack, 61, of Brownwood died Sunday, July 27, 1997, in a Brownwood hospital. Graveside memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday in Cedar Point Cemetery. Arrangements are by Heartland Funeral Home. She was born Sept. 10, 1935, in Brownwood. She was a homemaker and a Baptist. Survivors include her husband, Henry F. Carmack of Brownwood; two sons, Robert F. Carmack and Rodney J. Carmack, both of Brownwood; a daughter, Katrina M. Herridge of Ballinger; a sister, Betty Redwine of San Angelo; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Joe Biggerstaff KINGSLAND - Joe Bob Biggerstaff, 71, of Kingsland died Monday, July 28, 1997, in Llano. Service will be at 2 p.m. today at First Baptist Church with burial in Lakeland Hills Memorial Park. Arrangements are by Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Home. He was born Feb. 7, 1926, in Silverton and had been a resident of Kingsland for 19 years. He was self-employed at Industrial Casting Co. and was retired and a member of First Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Doris Biggerstaff of Kingsland; two sons, Joey Biggerstaff of Marble Falls and J.J. Jackson of Nice, Calif.; and two grandchildren. J.W. Thompson COLEMAN - J.W. ``Jick'' Thompson, 75, died Monday, July 28, 1997, at his residence. Service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Silver Valley Cemetery. He was born June 11, 1922, in Pauls Valley, Okla. An Army veteran of World War II, he had worked for Morris Ranch in Coleman County and the oil field. He was a Baptist. Survivors include his wife, Helen Thompson of Coleman; a sister, Peggy Graves of Houston; three stepsons, Larry Bryant of Bolivar, Mo., Terry Bryant of Coleman and Jerry Bryant of Springfield, Mo.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Ruth Johnson FORT WORTH - Ruth Wingate Johnson, 75, of Rankin died Monday, July 28, 1997, in a local hospital. Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. today in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements are by Mount Olivet Funeral Home. She was born July 31, 1921, in Denton County. She was a retired bookkeeper and cashier for West Texas Utilities. Survivors include her husband, Bill Johnson of Rankin; two sisters, Leona Huffhines of Trophy Club and Dorothy Stewart of Edgecliff Village; and numerous nieces and nephews. Naomi Stewart LLANO - Naomi Bea Stewart, 80, of Seguin died Sunday, July 27, 1997, in Seguin. Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. today in Sandy Mountain Cemetery in Sunrise Beach. Arrangements are by Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Home. She was born Aug. 3, 1916, in Menard and had been a resident of Eden for 11 years, coming from Sunrise Beach. She was a homemaker and a member of the Church of Christ. Survivors include a daughter, Henrietta Stewart of Seguin; a son, Kenneth Stewart of San Antonio; a brother, Johnny King of Melbourne, Fla.; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Ann Marrs MIDLAND - Ann Marrs, 94, died Monday, July 28, 1997, in a local nursing center. Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. today in Resthaven Memorial Park. Arrangements are by Ellis Funeral Home. She was born Feb. 16, 1903, in Wood County and had been a resident of Midland since 1956. She co-owned and operated a restaurant business in California and was a Protestant. Survivors include two sons, Dale Marrs of Ruston, La., and Coy Dwain Marrs of Midland; two daughters, Gayle Warner of Midland and Betty Marrs Hudson of Naples, Fla.; a sister, Cleavy Kelly of Quitman; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Earl Daly KERRVILLE - Earl M. Daly, 69, of Boerne died Tuesday, July 29, 1997, in a local care center. Services are pending at Ebensberger Funeral Home in Boerne. Local arrangements are by Kerrville Funeral Home. Beula Neve KERRVILLE - Beula Neve, 98, Tuesday, July 29, 1997, in a local care center. Services are pending at Kerrville Funeral Home. The San Angelo Standard - Times Online West Texas news and sports/July 31, 1997 ______________________________________________________________ Funerals & Death Notices TODAY SAN ANGELO - Harry John Economidis, 76, graveside service at 10 a.m. in Fairmount Cemetery; arrangements by Robert Massie Funeral Home. SAN ANGELO - Refugio ``Shorty'' Perez, 56, of Big Lake, prayer service at 7 p.m. at Apostolic Church in Big Lake; service at 1 p.m. Friday at the church; burial in Glen Rest Cemetery in Big Lake; arrangements by Johnson's Funeral Home. COLEMAN - J.W. ``Jick'' Thompson, 75, at 10 a.m. in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel; burial in Silver Valley Cemetery. EARLY - Eva Nell Carmack, 61, of Brownwood, graveside memorial service at 10 a.m. in Cedar Point Cemetery; arrangements by Heartland Funeral Home. ELDORADO - Harry Mercer, 78, at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church; burial in Eldorado Cemetery; arrangements by Kerbow Funeral Home. SANTA ANNA - Milford Blanton, 57, of Groveport, Ohio, graveside service at 5 p.m. in Santa Anna Cemetery; arrangements by Henderson Funeral Home. SATURDAY KERRVILLE - Cecelia Levinton, 71, memorial service at 10 a.m. at St. Peter's Episcopal Church; arrangements by Kerrville Funeral Home. ______________________________________________________________ Anthony Hall Anthony B. Hall, 36, died Saturday, July 26, 1997, in a local hospital. Memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Friday in Starks Funeral Home Chapel. He was born Nov. 30, 1960, in Lincoln, Neb. He is a Marine veteran and a member of the Christian Faith Center. Survivors include his father, J.B. Hall; his mother, Frances Hall; a brother, Carlos Bradford; and several other relatives. Ralph Hayes COLEMAN - Ralph J. ``Jim'' Hayes, 77, died Monday, July 28, 1997, in a local hospital. Service will be at 11 a.m. today at Elm Street Church of Christ with burial in Coleman City Cemetery. Arrangements are by Henderson Funeral Home. He was born Aug. 12, 1919, in Ashland, Ky., and had been a resident of Coleman since 1949. An Army Air Force veteran of World War II, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service, retiring in 1980. He was a member of Elm Street Church of Christ, the Coleman Evening Lions Club, Coleman Meals on Wheels and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. Survivors include his wife, Colleen Hayes of Coleman; three daughters, Cheryl Turney of Burnet, Cebia Martin of Brownwood and Jenny Martin of Valley Mills; two sons, Michael J. Hayes of Brownwood and Phillip B. Hayes of Cedar Hill; a sister, Edith Noe of Annapolis, Md.; 12 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Enrique Caldera Sr. OZONA - Enrique Caldera Sr., 66, of Ozona died Wednesday, July 30, 1997, in a San Angelo hospital. Service will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Templo Bautista Jerusalem Church with burial in Lima Cemetery. Arrangements are by Preddy Funeral Home. He was born July 8, 1931, in San Antonio and was a lifetime resident of Ozona. He was a Baptist. Survivors include a daughter, Linda Caldera of Corpus Christi; four sons, Henry Caldera Jr., Juan Caldera and Mike Caldera, all of Ozona, and Jesse Caldera of Sonora; and six grandchildren. Buela Neve KERRVILLE - Beula Neve, 98, died Tuesday, July 29, 1997, in a local care center. Service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Kerrville Funeral Home with entombment at Sunset Cemetery in San Antonio. She was born Aug. 12, 1898, in Blanco and had been a resident of Kerrville since 1992. She was the co-owner and operator of a laundry and dry cleaning chain in Corpus Christi for more than 40 years. She was a member of First Christian Church of Corpus Christi and was a past worthy matron of the Order of the Eastern Star in Melvin. Survivors include a son, Bill Neve of Ingram; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren. Ruby Ray KERRVILLE - Ruby Ray, 94, died Tuesday, July 29, 1997, at her residence. Services are pending at Kerrville Funeral Home. ______________________________________________________________ CLARENCE `C.K.' VORDICK Clarence ``C.K.'' Vordick, 74, of San Angelo passed away at 4:40 a.m. Wednesday, July 30, 1997, in a local nursing home. Service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 1, in Johnson's Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Francis Strother officiating. Burial will follow in Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Clarence was born April 14, 1923, in Wharton, Texas, to J.D. ``Dee'' and Lillian Vordick. He attended schools in Paint Rock and Eden. Clarence married Evelyn Perry Nov. 22, 1955. He served in the U.S. Navy as a Gunners Mate 2nd Class on U.S.S. Skirmish from March 25, 1944, to April 19, 1946. Clarence joined the Navy reserve and was called back to service during the Korean War from Sept. 5, 1951, to Dec. 6, 1952, serving on the U.S.S. Baltimore. Mr. Vordick retired from the U.S. Post Office on Oct. 1, 1986, after 36 years of service. Survivors include his wife, Evelyn of the home; one son, Mike Vordick and his wife, Debi, of Ozona; two daughters and their husbands, Debbie and Terry Williams of San Angelo and Carol and Ricky Ferguson of Mertzon; six grandchildren, Terry Williams II and wife, Helen, of San Angelo, Jerrie Danz and husband, Darrell, of San Angelo, Jennifer and Michelle Martinets of Mertzon, Travis and Tyson Vordick of Ozona; three great-grandchildren, Kari and Terry Don Williams and John Tyler Danz; one brother, W.C. Vordick and wife, Jerry, of Millersview; one sister, Lorene Tenant and husband, John, of Brady. The family would like to thank Baptist Memorials for their compassionate care, Hospice of San Angelo and a special thanks to Clarence's personal care giver, Annette Jones. Memorials may be made to the Diabetes Association, Hospice of San Angelo or the Christian Renewal Center. The family will receive visitors at 1014 Scott Lane. REFUGIO `SHORTY' PEREZ Refugio ``Shorty'' Perez, 56, of Big Lake passed away Tuesday, July 29, 1997, in a San Angelo hospital. Prayer service will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 31, at Apostolic Church in Big Lake. Service will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, at Apostolic Church with burial in Glen Rest Cemetery. Arrangements are by Johnson's Funeral Home. Mr. Perez was born July 4, 1941, in San Angelo. He worked for the Reagan County Independent School District for many years. He is survived by his wife, Olivia Perez of Big Lake; two sons, Refugio Perez Jr. of Monahans and Billy Joe Perez of Big Lake; three daughters, Juanita Oropeza and Mercy Narvaez, both of Big Lake, and Elsa Garcez of San Angelo; daughters-in-law, Lydie and Amy; sons-in-law, Macario, Benito and Federico; grandsons, Christopher, Macario Jr., J.R., B.J. and Freddy; granddaughters, Melissa, Monica, Crista, Olivia, Aneaca, Maria del Refugio, Karissa, Olga, Roseanne and Anna; a great-grandson, Ethan; one sister, Dominga Ojeda of San Angelo; one brother, Fortino Perez of San Angelo; and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be B.J. Garcez Jr., Jr. Oropeza, Julio Salas, Christopher King, David Stova and Juan Villa. Honorary pallbearers will be Maurio Castillo, Adalbert Martinez and Victor Perez. LUZ H. PEREZ Luz H. Perez, 86, died Tuesday, July 29, 1997, in Shannon Medical Center. Rosary will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 31, in Johnson's Funeral Home Chapel. Mass will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, at Holy Angels Catholic Church. Burial will be in Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. She was born Aug. 18, 1910, in Mexico and moved to Del Rio, Texas, in her early teens. She met and married Bernardo Z. Perez in 1925. They lived in the community of Melvin where they were involved in the grocery business and extensively in farming. In 1954, they moved to San Angelo where they resided since. In 1975, they celebrated their 50th anniversary. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1976. She was a loving, caring and devoted mother and homemaker and a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church. Survivors include three sons, Raymond H. Perez of Corpus Christi, Bernardo Perez Jr. of La Harba, Calif., and Harvey Perez of Whitehall, Mont.; two daughters, Mrs. Eddie Rincon of San Marcos and Thelma Perez and granddaughter, Thelma Marie, of San Angelo, with whom she lived; two sisters, Mrs. Oscar Frausto and Mrs. Pablo Frausto of California; 13 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. BERTIE B. `BEBE' BRIGHT Bertie B. ``BeBe'' Bright, longtime resident of San Angelo died Tuesday evening, July 29, 1997, at her home after a lengthy illness. She was born July 10, 1923, in Iowa Park, Texas. She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, James H. ``Sam'' Bright. There will be a memorial gathering at Gutierrez Funeral Chapels at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 31, for friends and family. Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 1, in Fairmount Cemetery with the Rev. Chester McCown officiating. Survivors include her daughter, Ponda Rodrigue and son, Tom Bright, of San Angelo; her son-in-law, Ricky Rodrigue and daughter-in-law, Lynn Bright; three granddaughters, Carrie Bright, Leigh Hill and Randye Bright of San Angelo; four grandsons, John and Carl Rodrigue of Oklahoma and Jason and Stephen Bright of San Angelo; and one great-grandson, Levi Rodrigue. In addition, she is survived by two sisters, Nell Chance of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Saunda Morgan of Lubbock; two brothers, Bill Glenn of Stamford and Sam Bingham of Lubbock and their families. Honorary pallbearers will be Armando Vasquez, Travis Thetford, Chris Hill, Randy Cave, Ernie Cano, Tony Graf and Jim Grenda. The family requests memorials to be made to the Hospice Association of personal choice. HARRY ECONOMIDIS Harry John Economidis, 76, of San Angelo died Monday, July 28, 1997, in a local hospital. Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 31, in Fairmount Cemetery with the Rev. Jim Binnix, pastor of Lake View Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are by Robert Massie Funeral Home. Harry was born March 26, 1921, in San Angelo. He was a bookkeeper for Angelo Luggage and Martin Glover Co. for many years. He was later the night manager for Charles Drive Inn and morning manager for C and J. Grocery. He was a member of the Lake View Baptist Church, a member and present post commander of the James J. Goodfellow Jr. American Legion Post No. 32, and a veteran of World War II. Mr. Economidis is survived by his wife, Donna of San Angelo; daughters, Diana Green and husband, Chuck, of Dunn and Delisa Ramsey and husband, Kenneth, of Abilene; a son, Daniel Bullard and wife, Sabrina, of Odessa; two brothers, Gregory Economidis and wife, Eddie Mae, and Nag John Economidis and wife, Johnnie, all of San Angelo; and seven grandchildren. Chris Kouvelis, John Kouvelis, Tim Beys, Frank Coraces, M.G. Moutos and Alex Papoustas will serve as pallbearers. RUTH WHITTEMORE COOPER SONORA - Ruth Whittemore Cooper, 71, died Wednesday, July 30, 1997, in Kimble Hospital. She was born on Easter Sunday, April 4, 1926, to James Sterling Whittemore and Carrie Sumner Whittemore in Eureka, Kan. After finishing school, she went to Sonora to stay with an older sister and there she met her future husband. Ruth married Alfred Roy Cooper in 1945 in San Diego, Calif., where he was stationed with the U.S. Marine Corps. Following his discharge from the service, the couple returned to Sonora where she worked as secretary to the high school principal and later as a legal secretary. She taught Sunday school at the First Baptist Church in Sonora. They then moved to Kerrville where both were employed at the Kerrville Dailey Times. In 1965, Ruth and Roy purchased The Junction Eagle where she worked until 1996. Ruth was a member of Daedalian Study Club, Trinity Episcopal Church and Trinity Altar Guild and was a volunteer worker for Meals on Wheels. A talented interior decorator, she helped several of her friends design the interiors of their homes. She also was an accomplished needlepointer; helped do kneelers for the church and designed and made Christmas stockings and stools for countless Kimble County youngsters. She is survived by her husband; a daughter, Debra Wyn Cooper; a grandson, William Forrest Whitehead III of Houston; two sisters, Elizabeth Jane Hurst of Newton, Kan., and Erma Lang Eaton of Eureka; three brothers, William Whittemore of Edmond, Okla., Robert Sterling Whittemore of Seattle and Floyd Eugene Lane of Eureka; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents; a grandson, Braden Cooper Whitehead; two sisters, Shirley Whittemore Spier and Maxine Lang Locklin; and a brother, Edgar Earl Lang of Riverside, Calif. Service will be at 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 1, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Junction with the Rev. Philip Taylor officiating. Private interment will follow in Sonora Cemetery. Arrangements are by Kerbow Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Ed Huggins, Mack McMahon, Lynn Hill Molesworth, Curt Schwiening Jr., Rob Roy Spiller and Ronald Sutton. Honorary pallbearers will be Betty Huggins, Dell Martin, Nan Megee, Beth McNutt, Joanne Molesworth, Mary Gene Murr, C Maye Neal, Betty Nethery, Mariana Schulze, Wilna Schwiening, B'Lee Spiller, Marguerite Stevenson and Larue Newby. Memorials may be made to the Child Welfare Board, P.O. Box 326, Junction, TX 76849 or to a charity of choice.