Obituaries

In loving memory of Celia Villalba Velasquez, who was called to her heavenly home on the 17th of August at the venerable age of 84. Born on the 8th of April 1940, in Fort Stockton, Texas, Celia was a beacon of familial warmth and a devout pillar of her community. Celia, the fifth of twelve children born to Manuel Guadalupe Villalba and Antonina Carrasco Villalba, was reared in a household rich with love and guided by faith. She carried these values throughout her life, touching the hearts of all who knew her. Her professional journey was marked by her tireless work in local businesses, where she was a familiar, welcoming presence. As a dedicated servant of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish St Agnes, Celia’s faith shone brightly. She served with honor as Treasurer of the St Agnes Guadalupanas, imparted wisdom as a Catechism teacher, and was a humble Eucharist Minister. Celia’s kindness extended to the comfort she provided through food, whether it was for those mourning a loss or during the solemnity of Lent. Her culinary skills, particularly her enchiladas, were legendary within the parish. A lover of the written word, Celia’s correspondence overflowed with affection and encouragement. Her keen memory was a living archive of family lore, cherished by all who were regaled with her tales. The annual sojourn to Garner State Park was a testament to Celia’s love for tradition, a practice she maintained faithfully for half a century. Her absence will be deeply felt this autumn, as family and friends gather without her physical presence for the first time.

It is with profound sadness that the family of Harlan Jack Lambert announces his peaceful passing on August 8, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his loved ones. Born on August 25, 1936, in San Angelo, Texas, Harlan was a lifelong Texan, rooted in the values and community spirit of his West Texas heritage.

Rosemary Graves 85, of Fort Stockton Texas passed away August 7. Funeral services for Rosemary Graves will be held on August 17, at 10 a.m. located at the First Presbyterian Church with Doctor Jim Miles officiating with Committal to follow at East Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Heritage Funeral home of the Big Bend.

Bill Vasquez, 56, of Fort Stockton, passed away on Friday, August 9, in Fort Stockton. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m.

Frances Tavarez Agredano Lopez, 78, of Fort Stockton, passed away on Friday, August 9, in Odessa, Texas. Visitation will be held from 12 p.m.

Pauline Brown, 69, of Fort Stockton, Texas went to be with Our Lord on August 3. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m.

Debra L Shuster, 68 of Fort Stockton passed on July 20. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m.

Jerry Leon Gallemore, 81, of Fort Stockton, passed away in his sleep at his home with family nearby on July 14. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 - 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 25 at Eternity Funeral Home, 600 E. Dickinson, Fort Stockton.

Following her recurring battle with cancer, Anna May Scott Mayo Rawls peacefully passed away from this life on Friday, June 28, 2024, in Ft Worth, Texas with family by her side. She had just completed 94 years on earth, born on a farm at Sanger, Texas on May 30, 1930, to Henrietta Wood and Reuben Leroy Scott. Anna was an only child, and her mother died when Anna was 10, so she was raised primarily by her loving grandmother Minnie (Lewter) Wood. Alonzo Oliver Wood was Anna’s grandfather, namesake of his uncle Alonzo P. Gordon, a Granbury merchant, legislator, teacher, and builder of the venerable house off Granbury’s square. Anna graduated from Sanger High School in 1947 and North Texas State College, now the University of North Texas, in 1950. She obtained a Master’s degree in Education from Sul Ross State University.

Dale Kent Sloan, cherished member of the Fort Stockton community passed away on June 27, 2024. Born June 27, 1960, to Austin and Helen Sloan. Dale was a proud cowboy, hunter, team roper and father, beloved by all who crossed paths with his gentle nature, quick sense of humor, largerthan- life attitude and physical build. Although born in Freeport, Texas, Dale soon moved to Fort Stockton at the age of 6 and explored around west Texas having lived in Monahans, Kermit, and then moving back to Woodville, Texas where he graduated from High School. After graduation Dale made his home in Fort Stockton where he started working in the oil field and quickly began a welding career. Dale, from a young age, was an avid hunter and fisherman. Enjoying dove hunting, excelling at quail hunting and was an excellent shot, making him the perfect hunting partner. Dale loved helping young kids learn and guiding them through their first deer hunt. As the west Texas wind blows would have it, Dale gravitated toward the cowboy way of life and quickly became a day working cowboy in the Glass Mountains and found his passion of team roping. This way of life he soon shared with his daughter Brianna teaching her the ropes of being a talented, caring and proficient horsewoman. His shared passion with his daughter led him to join in a partnership of the AQHA Superhorse Play Dual Rey “Raymond”. Under Dale’s guidance and partnership Raymond won the 2011 NRCHA World's Greatest Horseman Co-Reserve Champion; 2010 AQHA Superhorse; 2010 AQHA Senior Reining Reserve World Champion; 2010 Worlds Greatest Horseman High Score Reiner; 2010 Battle in the Saddle Heading Champion; 2010 All American Quarter Horse Congress Team Roping Challenge Champion and the 2010 NRCHA Derby $50,000 Open Bridle Finalist. Dale continued his work as a welder and pipe fitter on multiple pipelines starting in Iraan in 1992 and settled his work in Yates Field in 2003 and knew the field just as well as anyone. He was extremely proud of his work, making many friends and high-quality welds in his 30 plus years in the field. He is preceded in death by his parents Austin and Helen Sloan, brother Keith Sloan and nephew Scott Sloan. Dale is survived by his only daughter Brianna Sloan Anthony, son-in-law Clay Anthony, grandson Sawyer Anthony of Monahans, Texas; fiancé Rosie Holland of Fort Stockton, Texas; great nephew Spur Sloan of Montgomery, Texas; niece Deena Galloway her husband, Jeff Galloway; great nephews, Austin and Cole Galloway of Livingston, Texas; as well as many loving friends and coworkers. Dale's unending kindness, unwavering integrity, and deep love for his family will be remembered and cherished by all. The family will host a celebration of Dale’s life July 13th at 1:00pm at the Fort Stockton Civic Center.