Obituaries

Manuelita Moreno Tobar, “Mama Tobar,” gained her wings at the age of 92, on November 27, 2018 in San Angelo, Texas.

Manuelita was born on January 24, 1926 in San Angelo Texas.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, November 30, 2018, at Templo Siloe Assembly of God Church.

Lee Jay Graves, the youngest child of long-time Ozona residents Lee and Joycelyn Graves, died in Austin on November 24, 2018. He was born in Fort Stockton, Texas, October 29, 1959. Lee Jay lived in Austin, Texas, where he was a prominent figure in cave research and exploration in Texas and Mexico. He travelled widely in pursuit of his interests.

He is survived by his siblings, Jackie Graves and George Crone of Southhaven, Mississippi, Buddy Graves of Austin, Texas, Laura Graves and David Etheredge of Levelland, Texas, and Joyce Graves and Jeff Purkeypile of Lubbock, Texas, and many nieces and nephews.

A family memorial will be held at the ranch in December where Lee Jay will remain as part of the land he so loved and cherished.

Victor was born on December 11, 1939 and passed away on Wednesday, November 21, 2018.

Victor was a resident of Texas at the time of passing.

Visitation was Monday, November 26, 2018 at Heritage Funeral Home in Fort Stockton, Texas with Rosary. Funeral Services was Tuesday November 27, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fort Stockton, burial to follow at Fort Stockton Catholic Cemetery.

Victor is survived by his sons, Victor C. Galindo and wife, Maria, and Don Graves and wife, Linda, both of Fort Stockton; daughters, Selvia Leyva and husband, Julian, of Fort Stockton and Becky C. Cardona, of Midland; his five grandchildren and his two great-grandchildren.

Victor is preceded in death by his wife, Emilia (Millie) Galindo, and his parents, Guadalupe Galindo and Dominga Baeza.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Home Hospice of Fort Stockton.

Ernestina “Tina” Rodriguez-Mendoza Moran (Maw) earned her angel wings on earth serving for her Lord, family, and friends her entire life. She was able to put them on in the early morning hours of November 13, 2018.

Maw was born to Marcial and Eloisa Rodriguez on November 11, 1948 in Sheffield, Texas. At three years old, she went to live with her aunt and uncle, John and Lucy Mendoza, who she called Mom and Dad.

They raised her as their own. Maw was a very proud graduate of Iraan High School. She insisted on attending her class reunions, even when her health was not so great.

She married the love of her life, Joe Moran, on September 23, 1971. They spent 47 years at each other’s side.

Maw worked many years as a dental assistant for Dr. Joe B. and Mary Logan. The Logans pretty much adopted the entire Moran family, and they still remain close and loved today.

Johnie G. Griffin, 82, passed away on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 in Andrews Texas.

Family and friends celebrated his life Saturday, November 17, 2018 at the First Baptist Church in Andrews, Texas, with Pastor Brant O’Connor officiating. Please celebrate his life by visiting http://www.mcnettfuneralhome.com.

Johnie was born on November 2, 1936 in Caldwell County, Texas to Johnie Charles Griffin and Bertha Pearl Gifford Griffin. He was raised in Coleman, Texas where he graduated from Coleman High School in 1954. He married Bobbie Fields, the love of his life, on August 2, 1956. After graduating from the University of Texas with a Petroleum Engineering degree in 1960 they moved shortly thereafter to Andrews, Texas. He worked for Amoco Production company from 1968 – 1996 and retired as a District Forman. He enjoyed being a long time member of the Amoco Annuitant Club.

Johnie G. Griffin, 82, passed away on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 in Andrews Texas.

Ernestina “Tina” Rodriguez-Mendoza Moran (Maw) earned her angel wings on earth serving for her Lord, family, and friends her entire life. She was able to put them on in the early morning hours of November 13, 2018.

Maw was born to Marcial and Eloisa Rodriguez on November 11, 1948 in Sheffield, Texas. At three years old, she went to live with her aunt and uncle, John and Lucy Mendoza, who she called Mom and Dad. They raised her as their own. Maw was a very proud graduate of Iraan High School. She insisted on attending her class reunions, even when her health was not so great.

She married the love of her life, Joe Moran, on September 23, 1971. They spent 47 years at each other’s side.

Royce Hightower, 87 of Abilene, passed away at his home on October 22, 2018. A service was held Monday, October 29, 2018, at Potosi Baptist Church with Abilene Fire Department Chaplain Chris Hale and Brother Keith Clifton officiating. Royce was born in Millsap, Texas on December 27, 1930 to Edna P. Langford and Augustus Samuel Hightower. He graduated from Millsap High School in 1948. After high school he attended Weatherford Junior College and Texas A & M University. In January of 1951 he joined the Air Force and served until December of 1954. He was a Radio Communication Officer in Scotland responsible for intercepting and decoding enemy messages. In 1955, Royce joined the Texas Department of Public Safety as a State Trooper. He was stationed in Abilene, where he met and married his true love, Donna Mae Yaw. They were married in 1960 and moved to Ozona, Texas in 1962 where they lived and raised their son, Sam Hightower for the next 36 years.