Obituaries

June 18, 1931April 5, 2024 Betty Sue Imler (La-Motte) (Hargus), of San Diego, California, 92, passed away Friday, April 5. She was born June 18, 1931, in Marathon at the beginning of the Great Depression.

Long-time Alpine resident, businessman, and civic leader, Travis Tucker, passed away at his home among family on April 4. Born to parents John and Vera Tucker (Sprott) in Bandera, where he attended high school and would meet and later marry Joslyn Joyce, “JJ”, Wright in 1956.

Barba Evelyn Dunn Clanton went home to her Lord and Savior in peace on Friday, March 22. She was met there by her loving husband of 66 years, Robert Cloman Clanton, her parents, CJ and Evelyn Dunn, and her siblings Betty Glass, Bobby Dunn, and Beverly Howard. Barba was born in Sterling City on September 15, 1939. She attended Sterling City schools through the ninth grade. As an active and adventurous child, she had many fond memories of ranch living, her childhood, and her classmates. Her family moved to Alpine when Barba was in 10th grade, and not long after she met Robert Clanton. They were married in Alpine on March 16, 1957. Throughout her married life, she had many titles including teller, Nursery Director, and administrative assistant, but none were more important to her than the title of “mom” to her five kids, as she called them: Peggy, Terry, Henry, Elaine, and Robbie and later “Nana” to nine grandkids and six great-grands. As an accomplished seamstress, she would often make dresses, costumes, and window treatments when called upon. Her fried chicken was seasoned to perfection for the family of seven. When she did have free time, which wasn’t often with a house full of kids and their friends, Barba enjoyed Doris Day movies, thrifting and gifting, coffee at the cafe, and Norman Rockwell art. She was a fan of professional tennis, even amassing a collection of 60+ Jack Kramer Signature tennis rackets, the same racket she played with as a youth. Together with Robert, they were active members of First Baptist Fort Davis and Balmorhea. Their firm foundation of faith and their union is everlasting and a model to all who knew them. Barba is survived by her kids: Peggy Clanton DeSpain (Ray), Terry Clanton, Henry Clanton (Allison), Barba Elaine Clanton Nelson (Brad), Roberta Clanton Cromeens. Grandkids: Brian DeSpain, Brittany DeSpain Roten (Charlie), Breanna DeSpain Ball (Daniel), Robert Clanton, Reid Clanton, Rachel Clanton, Reagan Nelson, Landry Nelson, and Sterling Cromeens. Great Grandkids: Beau DeSpain; DeLainey, Jackson, and Annalee Roten; Madalynn and Maevery Ball. Sisters-in-law: Ann Sawyer and Raye Dunn, and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to special care providers from A Page in Life and Amedisys Hospice. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Paisano Baptist Encampment, the church of your choice, or your local food bank. Details of a joint memorial in far West Texas will be shared at a later date.

Oliver “Olie” Lee O’Bryant passed away on April 6 in Alpine, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be cherished by those who knew him. Born on September 20, 1949, in Del Rio, he graduated from Del Rio High School in 1967. After high school, he attended Uvalde Junior College, then was employed constructing the development of the Amistad Dam. He later was employed with Southern Pacific Railroad in 1971 in Del Rio. He then retired as an Amtrak Conductor in 2009. Oliver led a remarkable life dedicated to his work as an Amtrak Conductor out of El Paso and San Antonio.

July 8, 1932 - March 27, 2024 Ismael Robledo passed away peacefully with his family by his side in San Jose at 91 years of age. He was born in Alpine and was a veteran of the Air Force.

Vicente Vega Urquidez, loving husband, father, grandfather, and greatgrandfather, left this world on March 31 in his hometown of Alpine. Born in the same town on December 16, 1947, Vicente’s legacy will forever be remembered by those whose lives he touched.

John Howard Finley of Alpine passed away Monday, March 25 in El Paso at 87 years old. John was born on December 12, 1936, in Marfa to Mae Howard and Merrit Finley. He will be forever remembered as a great husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Recalling his childhood, he described it as wild and free. He was full of stories of mischief. He often told his grandsons of days filled with

Carol J. Majorowski, 77 years old, born on October 3, 1946, was called home to be with our Heavenly Father. She joined her belated husband James L. Majorowski and parents Harold and Jean Clark on March 13. She will be dearly missed.

Ildefonso S. Celaya, also known as Poncho, age 89, of Alpine, was called to his eternal home on Sunday, March 10, at Big Bend Regional Medical Center. Poncho was born August 1, 1934, to Maria Santiago Celaya and Federico Celaya in San Vicente. On December

Thomas R. “Tommy” Lackey, 84 of Lakehills, Texas died on March 8.