Harper Funeral Home and Crematory

04/05/2026

He is risen! Today, we celebration Jesus Christ’s resurrection and his victory over sin and death. Happy Easter!

04/03/2026

Easter is a beautiful time and a celebration of hope and new life. If you're grieving the death of a loved one, taking time to reflect at your loved one's grave is a good way to incorporate them into your Easter celebration. Read this article to learn 4 reasons why you should visit your loved one's grave this Easter!

Visiting a loved one's grave at Easter can help you when you're grieving. Here are 4 ways you can benefit from a visit to the cemetery!

04/03/2026

Good Friday reminds us that even on the darkest days, God has a plan to help us, and we can trust that it is good. Blessings to you and yours!

04/03/2026

Good Friday reminds us of the ultimate act of a loving Father who would send His only Son to die that we might live.

04/02/2026

Nora LaDee Childers

LaDee Childers peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 in San Angelo, Texas. LaDee was born in Odessa, Texas on July 4, 1939 to Nora “Billie” and L.D. Bedford and grew up in Odessa.

LaDee was preceded in death by her husband Charles “Tim” Childers, parents Nora “Billie” and L.D. Bedford, and sister Evelyn Anthony. She is survived by her sister Lou McGee; her daughters Kelley Tobin and Connie Eddy, her son-in-law David Tobin, her grandson Joshua Tobin and his fiancé Kelsey Beck, along with many friends and members of her extended family.

LaDee will be laid to rest at Johnson Cemetery in Moran, Texas in a private family graveside service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a gift donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Meals for the Elderly of San Angelo, or a charity of choice.

04/02/2026

Tommy David Hatfield

Tommy David Hatfield, beloved husband, devoted father, adored Papaw, and faithful servant of the Lord, entered into the presence of his Savior on March 29, 2026, at the age of 80, surrounded by his loving family. Tommy was born on March 23, 1946, in Columbus, OH. He graduated from Reynoldsburg High School and then Ohio State University with a double major in Natural Resource Management and Journalism. At the age of 22, he was drafted into the US Army and served during the Vietnam War. It was there that he met and married his beloved wife, Tho Thi “Lan” Nguyen, on October 4, 1971. They built their life together in the beautiful mountains of High Rolls, NM. Tommy retired as a federal firefighter from Holloman AFB. He was also employed as a firefighter at White Sands Missile Range (main post and the High Energy Laser Systems Facility, HELSTF), Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, and the US Forest Service. The highlight of his career was working at the Smokey Bear Ranger District, where he served as Suppression Crew Foreman. This crew morphed into what is now known as the “Smokey Bear Hotshots,” a crew sent to fight the hottest parts of a fire. His work history also included: Fire Prevention Officer and Land Management Team Writer/Editor for the US Forest Service, Public Affairs Officer for the Bureau of Land Management, Instructor of General Forestry at Boise State University, Soil Conservation Technician for the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Sales Manager for KEY Radio and oil field derrick man. Tommy was a pillar of his community. For many years, he served as a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher at Trinity Baptist Church. He was a member of the High Rolls Mountain Park Lions Club and was a long-time volunteer firefighter for the High Rolls Volunteer Fire Department until just recently when his illness no longer allowed him to serve. He was a friend to many and known for his willingness to always lend a helping hand. He enjoyed outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing and loved to play and watch basketball. March Madness was one of his favorite times of the year. His love of the outdoors led to the creation of his own tree trimming and firewood business, “Arbor Encantada Tree Service.” Tommy treasured his family and made every effort to attend his grandchildren’s many special activities. He leaves his family with abundant memories of time spent together. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Tho Thi “Lan” Hatfield; his five children, Carol (John) Wearden of San Angelo, TX, Kim Hatfield of Williamsburg, VA, Christy (Daniel) Gifford of San Angelo, TX, Kendal Hatfield of Calvert City, KY, and Carly (Blake) Moseler of San Angelo, TX; his sixteen cherished grandchildren: Catherine, Addison, and Megan Wearden; Logan and Kaylan; Alison, Jonathan, Aidan, and Darin Penn and Aedan Gifford; Koryn and Ashlen Hatfield and Macie Maul; and Kianna Hatfield and Berkeley and Collins Moseler; his great-granddaughter, Emma Hatfield-Joyce; his stepchildren, Ngoc and Thao and their children; his siblings, Susan (Gary) Meadows, Reverend James Howard Hatfield III, and Christine (Jim) D’Innocenzo; his Uncle Joseph Fisher and many cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Howard Hatfield Jr and Ollie Nathalene Fisher Hatfield. A celebration of life service will be held on May 2, 2026, at 11:00 am at Trinity Baptist Church, High Rolls, NM officiated by Pastor Steve Fambrough and Pastor Billy Tucker. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Trinity Baptist Church or the High Rolls Volunteer Fire Department.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” - 2 Timothy 4:7

"If a man die, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I wait, Till my change come." - Job 14:14

Family and friends may share condolences and sign the online register book at www.harper-funeralhome.com

View Tommy David Hatfield's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/02/2026

Brenda June Owen

Brenda June Darnell Owen passed away on March 30, 2026, in San Angelo, TX. She was born on December 14, 1952, to Clarence and Gladys Brown. Brenda was best known as “MawMaw” to her family. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Northridge Baptist Church in San Angelo, Texas.

To know Brenda was to love her. Always a ray of sunshine, full of positive, contagious energy and a zest for life that was unmatched. She laughed often, cracked jokes, told stories and “spilled the beans.” If you had a secret, you had better wait to tell MawMaw because she was going to tell everyone she talked to. Not out of malice, rather out of pure joy and desire to share the good news with everyone she knew.

Brenda was a giver. If she saw a need, she met it without hesitation, no questions asked. She lived a simple and humble life but, in retrospect, her life was filled with more riches than any bar of gold could provide. If you ever saw her with her grandbabies then you know exactly how rich she was. Brenda loved her family hard. She once joked by saying, “I sent my kids away as one and they came back with a litter.” Given the chance, she wouldn’t have given anyone back if she had to. She loved us all and nothing made her happier than her family. Brenda cooked and baked us back to good health when we were under the weather. She loved sharing a meal with family, baking up the best coca-cola cakes and the biscuits and gravy tasted like pure love. You see, Brenda had a true servant’s heart. There was nothing pretentious about her. She was genuinely kind and caring. As things with her illness took a turn, she worried. She worried about not being able to fix this or make it easier for her boys. “I’m their momma,” she said. “They aren’t supposed to be taking care of me, I’m supposed to take care of them.” It’s who she was, a nurturer by nature. The beautiful thing is, she taught us how to nurture and care for each other too.

Brenda carried the mail for the post office for approximately 58 years. Fifty-eight years! What a testament to her hard work and dedication. The mail route will remain in the family and be taken over by her daughter in law, Kristi. It was something she took pride in but nothing made her happier (other than her family, of course) than fishing and gardening. Both served as respite on hard days, time to reminisce about loved ones, and a way to feed her family and her soul. A lot of fun times were had on the water with MawMaw and a lot of good hot sauce and squash were enjoyed with our meals.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Gladys Brown, her husband Clyde Owen, daughter Cindy Darnell Baxter, brothers Joe Brown and Galen Brown, sisters in law Betty Brown and Martha Brown. Also preceding her in death were her nephews, Denny Brown and Lancey Brown.

She is survived by her sons, Jody and Victoria Darnell, Monty and Kristi Darnell, and her brother Bill Brown. Also surviving Brenda are her grandchildren Chad and Emily Walter, Guyman and Brittany Richards, Rance and Hayley Richards, Bree Darnell-Moore and Laramie Moore, Davin and Taylor Darnell, and Hunter and Mikayla Darnell. Also surviving Brenda are her great-grandchildren, McKayla Walter, Cooper Walter, Charlee Mae Richards, Cutter Richards, Rowen Richards, Sutton Daugherty, Nova Darnell, Cora Darnell, Emileigh Warren, Nyleigh Warren, and Brayden Donaghey. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews whom she also adored. Brenda also leaves behind some dear friends and a sweet yorkie named Baxi who has taken his rightful place in the Jody Darnell household.

The family wishes to thank Concho Hearts Hospice, namely Sadie and Jolissa and her caretaker, Tina Luna for taking such great care of MawMaw in this short time. Thank you for treating her with dignity and respect.

View Brenda June Owen's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/01/2026

James W. "Jimmy" Matthews II

James W "Jimmy" Matthews II went home to be with his heavenly father on Tuesday, March 31st, 2026, at the age of 65.

Jimmy was born on June 15th, 1960, in Big Lake, TX. He was the youngest of four brothers. He married his sweetheart, the love of his life, Linda Allen on June 27th, 1981, in Big Lake. They were married for 44 years.

Jimmy graduated from Reagan County High School in 1978 and he began his career in the oilfield. HF Ritchie gave him his first job working for J&L Steel. Throughout his career he worked for Continental Emsco, IP Petroleum and Union Oil of California. In the last 28 years he worked for and retired with Chevron. He prided himself in his work. During the last four years of service he worked in Pecos and he just knew that "the summers were hotter and the winters were colder" there. Throughout his career he made lifelong friendships that he cherished until the end. In June of 1981 Jimmy and Linda moved to the farm and ranch in Stiles. There they raised their three children Michael, Jill, and Julie. He spent many years working in the oil field however his greatest love was for the country. His love for the animals and all things outdoors never left his heart and mind. He made friends everywhere he went and never met a stranger. He loved his family fiercely. His wife, children and the outlaws they brought home were the light of his life. His precious grandchildren made his life complete. In April of 2024 he began his lung transplant journey and received a single lung transplant at University Hospital on September 28th, 2024. In the time following his transplant he spent many days at the hospital and clinic. From the walls and hallways of the hospital to the clinic he made some precious friends. The love and care they poured into him was nothing less than amazing. He was just as special to them as they were to him - just like everyone else he encountered. He shared his love for Jesus with each one who came into his hospital room and never forgot to remind them of the miracles The Lord performed on his behalf. Jimmy always made sure to remind us the dash, between the dates on a headstone was how you lived your life. His dash was long and well lived. Until he took his last breath his faith never wavered and he claimed his healing. He loved The Lord fiercely.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, James W Matthews and Francis Louise (Morris) Matthews; two brothers, Steven Michael Matthews and Randall Ray Matthews; his father and mother-in-law Jess L Allen Jr and Vena Belle (Ables) Allen; son-in-law Joshua Shane Mitchell; and brother-in-law John Sanders.

He is survived by the love of his life Linda; his children Michael Scott Matthews and wife Natalie of Mertzon, Texas; Jill Diann Fortenberry and husband Michael of Big Lake, Texas; Julie Michelle Sosa and husband Claudio also of Big Lake, Texas; eight grandchildren Ally & Macy Matthews, Jentry Fortenberry, Alex, Allison, Joshua, Brazos & Avery Sosa; a great grandson Maverick Robertson; his brother Barry Matthews; sister in law's Kim Sanders and Elaine Matthews; brother in law's Johnny Allen, Lonnie Allen and wife Carole; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers include Mike Schwertner, Eddie Joe Morton, Rodney Ho**er, Roger Neil, Casey Davidson, Terry Jones, Rusty Owens.

Honorary Pallbearers include Sergio Gomez, Teodoro Vasquez, Nathan Chance, Israel Espudo, Gary Smith, Tony Alvarado, Oral Turner, Don Thompson, Keith Tarvin, Eugene Vinson, Robert Michalewicz, Aaron Michalewicz, Jim Moore, Charlie Beal, Glenn Neil, Chad Elkins, Mike Elkins, Jody Garber, Larry Heintzelman, Gary Eggleston.

The family wishes to thank our friends and family for their love and prayers throughout this journey. Memorials may be sent to the West Texas Boys Ranch, Sonrisas of San Angelo and University Health Foundation.

A visitation will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at First Baptist Church, 510 E. 7th St, Big Lake, TX 76932. Funeral services will be held the following day on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the church as well, with interment to follow at Stiles Cemetery.

View James W. "Jimmy" Matthews II's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/31/2026

Hubert Joseph Wilde

Hubert Wilde, a veteran of World War II and longtime resident of Wall, Texas, passed away on March 31st surrounded by family. Hubert was born November 6, 1925 in Westphalia, Texas, to Louis and Anna (Hoelscher) Wilde.

He began his education in Westphalia at the Church of the Visitation Catholic School until the family moved to Olfen when he was 12. The family then moved to Wall in early December, 1941, where they had the honor of attending the dedication of St. Ambrose Catholic Church on December 7, the same day as the Pearl Harbor bombing. He graduated from Eola High School before being drafted into basic training. After basic training, he joined the U.S. Army 70th division. As a private, first class for the Army, Hubert saw action in Europe, and he had many amazing stories of his time during the war.

The U.S. Army recognized Hubert for his honorable service with a Purple Heart in 1945. After graduating from Texas Tech, the Army Reserve commissioned him 2nd Lieutenant. Hubert proudly participated in parades with other veterans and was very active in the Purple Heart Chapter.

After the war, Hubert returned home and attended San Angelo College and graduated from Texas Tech University. He married Lorene Michalewicz on November 8, 1950, and enjoyed 68 years of marriage with her. Together, they farmed in Wall, Muleshoe, Dimmitt, and finally back to Wall.

Hubert was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church and The Knights of Columbus. He also served on the Wall ISD School Board. His favorite activity in recent years was playing dominoes with his friends.

He is survived by his son David (Pam) Wilde of Brenham, Texas, and daughters Kathy (Les) Gabrysch of Blacksburg, Virginia, and Jeanie (Greg Burdett) Grogan of San Antonio, Texas, as well as eight grandchildren: Adrienne (Steven) Siemsglusz, Deanna (Jason) Schultz, John (Lacey) Gabrysch, Katie (Mike) Link, Emily (Henry) Hilgendorf, Michael (Svetlana) Grogan, Matthew (Samantha) Grogan, and Jessica (Rowdy) Stewart and fifteen great grandchildren: Addison Siemsglusz, Bryce Siemsglusz, Collin Siemsglusz, Dalton Dunfield, Colton Schultz, Tegan Schultz, Brandon Schultz, Joseph Gabrysch, James Link, Nash Link, Oliver Hilgendorf, Leonid Grogan, Stetson Stewart, and Sterling Stewart.

He is also survived by his siblings: Ludwina Buxkemper, Andrew Wilde, Gerald (Linda) Wilde, and Lee Ray (Jean) Wilde; sisters-in-law Shirley Wilde, Evelyn Michalewicz, Annie Halfmann, and Betty Simon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Hubert was preceded in death by his wife, Lorene; his son, Daniel; his son-in-law, Joseph Grogan; and his parents and siblings: Lawrence Wilde, Monsignor Alvin Wilde, Bernadine Knipp, Lucy Wilde, Louise Michalewicz; sisters-in-law Charlene Wilde, Rose Schulz; brothers-in-law Lee Roy Buxkemper, Bill Knipp, Ernest Michalewicz, Durwood Schulz, James Michalewicz, David Halfmann, and Bob Simon; nieces Lori Simon, Kathy Rose Schulz, Vicki Halfmann; nephew Michael Buxkemper.

The Rosary will be held at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Wall, Texas, on Monday, April 6th, at 10:30 AM to be followed by the funeral mass at 11:00 AM. The burial will follow at St. Ambrose Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers for the service will be his grandsons John Gabrysch, Michael Grogan, Matthew Grogan, and great grandsons Dalton Dunfield, Colton Schultz, Brandon Schultz, Bryce Siemsglusz, and Collin Siemsglusz.

The family requests donations be made to Catholic Outreach.

Family and friends may share their condolences and sign the online register book at www.harper-funeralhome.com

View Hubert Joseph Wilde's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/30/2026

Cephas McMillan Wozencraft II

CM was born in Big Spring, TX to Estelle and Cephas Wozencraft. He was raised and attended schools in Big Spring, graduating with the BSHS class of 1971. His best memories were of being in the band and all the friends he made there. He continued his musical talents for two years at Texas Tech University. CM continued playing music with many bands and as a hired gun with professional bands in the Austin area. He was also a research scientist at Carbomedics in Austin, where he left his name on several patents. He married Betty Pitts Cunha, the love of his life, on February 6, 2018. After his Parkinson's diagnosis, they move to Odessa, TX.

He is survived by his daughter, Cathryn Wozencraft, Tamir Simon, and grandchildren Gwen Simon, Silas and Barrett MacDonald; stepchildren Dave Cunha and Natalie Horany. He leaves behind his sisters, Halena Nichols and Danny; and Elizabeth (Betsy_ Brassard and Wayne.

CM passed away in San Angelo, TX, on March 26, 2026. A Celebration of his Life will be held at a later date.

View Cephas MacMillan Wozencraft II's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/30/2026

03/28/2026

Francis Story

Francis Story passed into the arms of her savior Jesus Christ on Monday March 23rd after a brief hospitalization.

Benis Francis Muncey was born on August 15, 1936, at home in Neibert, Logan County West Virginia. The oldest of 17 children was born to Thelma Hill and William Muncey. She was actually a coal miner’s daughter.

In 1953 she met J.E. “Dooley” Highsmith a handsome sailor from Texas who swept her off her feet. They were married July 17, 1954 in Logan County West Virgina moved to Hondo, Texas where Francis embraced being a ranch wife. They welcomed their first son Bobby in 1955 and then Bryan in 1956. The family moved to Robert Lee and then on to San Angelo where their 3rd son Harley was born. Francis worked as a cashier and secretary, finally going to work for Ethicon where she was promoted to supervisor and retired after 26 years.

Francis was a strong Christian woman who served her church faithfully. She sang in the choir and whatever else was needed.

Dooley passed in 1975. Later Francis married Lee Story in 1977. They enjoyed 25 years of marriage until Lee’s passing in 2002.0

Francis was so much to so many. She was mom to her 3 sons who she loved dearly, Five granddaughters many great and great, great children. Not to mention others who came under her care. Francis also had many friends who were like family. Francis was a gracious hostess and loved decorating her home where she enjoyed planning birthday parties and family gatherings for all holidays. She especially loved her “last Tuesday of the month” domino group.

Francis was proceeded by her parents and most of her siblings, both husbands and her son Harley.

She is survived by her sons Bobby (Cathy) Highsmith, Bryan Highsmith, Daughter in Law Jamie. Granddaughters Amber, Angela, Lisa. Melanie and Shelie and many great, great grandchildren

Visitation will be held Thursday, April 2, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Harper Funeral Home. The funeral service will take place Friday, April 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Providence Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers the family asks for you to make donations to the Pregnancy Help Center.

Pallbearers will be Don Branch, Cooper Branch, Ronny Ho**er, Ted Butts, Paul McClure, Fred Preston, Don Felty.

View Francis Story's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.