Obituaries

David Eric Molinar, a beloved son, brother, father, uncle, and cherished member of his Alpine community, passed away on May 11, 2026, just weeks before what would have been his 54th birthday. Born on June 3, 1972, in Alpine, David’s life was a testament to warmth, generosity, and unwavering faith.

Leroy Granado Baeza, 87, of Fort Davis and more recently of Dallas, passed away on May 16, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born on April 10 in Alpine, he was the beloved son of Dolores (“Lolo”) and Faye Baeza.

February 20, 1937, to May 4, 2026 Gary “Silver” Schmidt passed away on May 4, 2026, at Bronte Health & Rehab Center, Bronte, Texas, with family and Mario, his beloved Corgi, at his side. He was 89 years old.

The heart and soul of the Blocker family has passed away, peacefully and surrounded by children and grandchildren. Dolphia Lee Parker was born to Verner and Gladys Parker in Shattuck, Oklahoma, just over the Texas line.

Beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Samuel Fierro, 71, passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. He was welcomed into the world by Manuel and Delia Fierro in Alpine, on January 7, 1955. Samuel was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps. His journey in life led him to meet Annabelle Sotelo, whom he married and was blessed with over 45 years of marriage. Together, they became the proud parents of Omar Samuel Fierro (Paige Ellsworth) and Naomi Ann Sanchez (Rene).

Beverly Irene Whistler Thomas passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 21, 2026, surrounded by love and family. Beverly was born on November 12, 1939, in Del Rio to Clyde and Eve Whistler. She spent most of her life in Pecos raising a combined family of 9 kids with her husband, James Thomas (Coach Thomas), who passed less than a year ago. She is now reunited with those who preceded her in death, including her husband, her brother Jack Whistler, her sons Kenneth Gooding and James H Thomas III, her grandsons Jaxon Weidner and Duece Weidner, and granddaughter Eileen Gooding Orum.

Brian was born September 20, 1945, to Wilma Sylvester and Arlene Lucile (Ernson) Larremore in Llano County, Texas. Brian passed away peacefully at the age of 80 on the morning of Friday, May 8, after a short time of hospice home care under the special care of Nurse Jess Langridge of Alpine. He was also lovingly cared for by his wife of 25 years, Jean Larremore, whom he married on November 15, 2001. He was also surrounded by close friends, Tommy Vick, Jon Brooks, Skeet, and Connie Jo Boyd, who all provided support and help as needed. Connie Jo, who was like an adopted daughter to Brian, made special visits with her husband, Skeet Boyd, who is the Preacher of the Church in The Mountains of Fort Davis. Skeet gathered us all, and we all laid hands on Brian as Skeet made a special prayer over Brian, and we all said our farewells.

Robbie Johnson Ray was born on January 29, 1950, in Fort Worth, to Robert “Bob” and Joyce Johnson. In 1981, she married the love of her life, Dan Ray, and together they built a meaningful life grounded in curiosity, compassion, and adventure. In 1986, they moved to Alpine, a community that became her cherished home.

Johnny Fitzgerald, age 71, of Dayton, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2026, with his loving wife by his side. He was born on July 15, 1955, in El Paso.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, Maria Louisa Martinez, on April 30, 2026, at the age of 88. Born on January 22, 1938, in Alpine, she lived a long and meaningful life filled with love, faith, and devotion to her family.