Obituaries

Juan Sotelo Ramirez, a beloved son, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in Alpine on December 5 at the age of 80. Born on July 7, 1944, in the same town that would cradle his life, Juan was a man who found joy in the simple pleasures of everyday moments.

William “Bill” J. Shackelford, a cherished son of Texas, was called to his eternal rest on December 5 in Odessa. Born on June 18, 1940, in the small town of Marathon, he grew up with a heart as expansive as the landscapes that surrounded him.

Chastity Ann-Marie Torres-Vega, a cherished homemaker and loving family member, passed away on December 2 in Odessa at the age of 48. Born on January 1, 1976, in Alpine, she grew up surrounded by the warmth of family and the spirit of her hometown.

Ke Koa Baldwin Kealoha, age 58, of Honolulu, passed away on March 12, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thelma Ululani Baldwin Kealoha and Moses (Moke) Wahinenui Kealoha. He is survived by his sisters, Ke Kai Kealoha and Kehaulani K. Kealoha Scullion (Kevin), and his niece, Kealoha L. Scullion.

Brandon Michael Espy, 23, of Fort Davis, passed away on November 28 in Helotes. He was born on December 23, 2000, in Odessa. He attended Permian High School, where he participated on the flag crew, “The Crew”! After graduating in 2019, he moved to Fort Davis, where he began working on the family ranch while attending Sul Ross University, then moved to Hale Center, where he also attended Texas Tech University Fall Semester 2021 and Spring Semester 2022. He then returned to Fort Davis and graduated from Sul Ross in December of 2023 with his Criminal Justice degree. Brandon moved to Helotes in August 2024 to pursue his dream of becoming a DPS Officer. He met an amazing circle of friends with whom he shared many great times.

Bob R. Spence, born in Clyde on September 13, 1937, passed away on October 31 in Alpine.

Nellie Allen Rice celebrated her heavenly reward on November 10, when she passed away peacefully from this life. Nellie was born to Clyde and Mertie Bell Allen on July 9, 1927, in Comanche. She was preceded in death by her brothers Joe, Bill, George, and John Allen and sisters Eulene Morgan, Grace Sparks, Minnie Allen, Neva Howard, and Edna Buckmaster. Nellie was active in the Hamilton Community, including the Extension Homemakers, for over 40 years and a member of the Providence Piece Makers Quilting Group. She was a member of Providence Baptist Church and Littleville Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school for several years.

“Luceo non uro” Alpine lost a good one in October. Stu Palmer died peacefully on October 10.

Alfredo L. Espinosa, 80, from Odessa, was born February 12, 1944, in Alpine and passed away on July 3 in Odessa. He attended high school in Alpine, and after high school, he joined the Army. Once he completed his service to our country, he returned to Alpine to attend Sul Ross State University, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree. His teaching and coaching career began in Crystal City, and he later moved to Odessa and taught at Ector High School and Ector Junior High as a Spanish teacher and coach for over 30 years. There are not enough words to describe how wonderful of a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, teacher, coach, neighbor, etc. he was. No matter how anyone knew or addressed him by either Alfredo, Firo, “Es,” Maestro, Compa, Mr. Espinosa, and last but not least, as Dad… he was someone special to everyone. Anyone he would visit or run into, he could easily

Earl Henry Elam, age 89, of Hillsboro, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, October 13. A Graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 18, at Holly Hills Memorial Park in Granbury. A visitation will be held from 5–7 p.m. Thursday, October 17, at Marshall and Marshall Funeral Directors Chapel in Hillsboro.