Frank Gallegos Nuanes
2015
One of Bandera's oldest dancing cowboys has seen his last Texas sunset. At 92 years and two months, Frank Gallegos "Doc" Nuanes passed away peacefully Wednesday, Sept. 16, in New Braunfels.
Although born in Salida, Colorado, he made Bandera his "Home Sweet Home" since 1987. Doc, as he was known, was the middle child of Charles Nuanes and Lucilla Gallegos Nuanes. After his parents passed, Doc was raised by his paternal Grandmother Donnacita Gallegos in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Doc's lineage came from family members who arrived from Spain in the 1700s and changed their name to Nuanes in the new world. As a member of the Nuanes family, Doc was also related to the Zuni Indian tribe in New Mexico.
On his mother's side, Doc had ties to the Gallegos family, who where among the first ranchers in New Mexico.
A veteran serving his country from 1942 through 1973, Doc joined and became a part of the Army Air Corps from Dec. 12, 1942 to Sept. 8, 1945. During World War II, he was stationed in in Morocco, Tunisia and Italy.
On Nov. 23 1945, Doc joined the US Marine Corps and served in China as one of America's last China Marines until Nov. 22, 1949.
After his stint in the Marines, Doc joined the US Air Force, retiring out of Lackland Air Force Base on Oct. 5, 1966. He also retired from the Air Force Reserves on March 14, 1973. During his military career, Doc held several jobs, but his favorite was serving as a small arms instructor.
While in the service, he married
Elva Jara and raised children. After his retirement, he became a carpenter.
Doc's love of dancing eventually brought him to Bandera, where he adopted the Silver Dollar as his favorite place.
Doc's passing leaves an empty space in the hearts of his children, Jim Nuanes and his partner, Marian; Jim McLain; Diane Nuanes Smith and her husband, Ed; and Charles Nuanes; and grandchildren, Aaron and his wife, Shantelle; Christina and her husband, Jon; Anthony; Jennifer and her husband, Calvin; Alex; Caroline and her husband, Noah; Kiersten; and Katie. Doc was also a proud great-grandfather to Chelsea, Eden and Jayden and great-godfather to Anaya Manuela.
In addition to his immediate family, Doc is survived by adopted family members, Komi and Christelle Zafoe from Togo, Africa. Through Children's International, he also sponsored two sisters from the Dominican Republic, Diana Carolina Nunez Diaz and Carolina Nunez Diaz.
Although Doc regretfully left behind his two dogs, Scooter and Baby IV, they were adopted by a family member and are in good care.
In Heaven, Doc has been reunited with his Grandmother Donnacita; his parents; brothers, Charles and Anthony; and daughter Lucilla Donna Meloccaro McLain. Doc was also greeted at the gate by all the animals and pets he cared for throughout his life.
Those who wish to say goodbye to this "Dancing Cowboy," are invited to a memorial to be held from 1 pm to 4 pm, Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Bandera American Legion Hall, 205 12th Street, in Bandera. Services will begin at 3 pm, with Chaplain Rhonda Robins presiding.
Donations may be made in Doc Nuanes' memory to the Bandera Dog Fund, 2252 Bumpgate Road, Pipe Creek 78063. Telephone is 830-510-6559.
Deepest thanks are extended to the staff of Cima Hospice. For the short time he was in their care, they made a tremendous difference to Doc and his family. The family also thanks the staff at Eden Hill Communities and Bandera Rehabilitation Center for their care of Doc.
Neil Snavley
1931-2015
Neil Snavley, 83, of Pipe Creek, passed away at his home Saturday, Sept. 26.
He was born in Warren, Pennsylvania on Nov. 8, 1931 to Martin and Nellie Snavley.
Neil spent his boyhood days on a small farm at the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains of Northwestern Pennsylvania in Grand Valley. He attended a one-room school through the eighth grade.
In high school, he was bused into the small town of Titusville and during his freshman year, he met his high school sweetheart - and future wife - Clara Wisniewski. Neil and Clara married
in Titusville on Nov. 24, 1951.
He worked as a field service engineer for Honeywell for 38 years. This position required extensive travel in the United States and, at times, distant world locations. Very adept at mechanics and engineering, Neil developed turbine engines.
A veteran of the Korean War, he served in the United States Air Force.
Neil considered his relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ to be the most important in his life.
He is survived by his spouse, Clara; children, Ronald Snavley, Deidra and Patrick Mitchell, Rodger Snavley and Lavonne Snavley; and grandchildren, Ryan and Angela Mitchell, Shane Mitchell, Neil Anthony Mitchell and Allen French.
Neil was predeceased by his parents, and brother Vernon Snavley.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Hill Country Chapel with Mr. Rusty Fox officiating. Burial followed at the Pipe Creek cemetery.
Pallbearers were sons, Ronald Snavley and Rodger Snavley, and grandsons, Ryan Mitchell, Shane Mitchell, Neil Anthony Mitchell and Allen French.
Memorials may be given to Hill Country Chapel. The Snavley family extends their sincere thanks to Alamo Hospice for the excellent care given Neil.
Paul Keith Campbell
1931-2015
Paul Keith Campbell, 83, passed away at his home in Bandera, Sunday, Sept. 27.
He was born in La Porte, Indiana on Nov. 9, 1931.
Paul worked as a licensed contractor building commercial and residential properties in Victorville, California. After retiring in 1990, he and his wife, Diana, moved to Punta Gorda, Florida, where Paul built several homes and a commercial building. In 2004, the couple moved first to Kerrville and later to Bandera.
In his spare time, Paul enjoyed fishing and serving as a member and volunteer of the Moose Lodge. He had been selected Moose of the Year in 1989-1990 in Victorville.
Paul enjoyed helping others and was a well-respected member of the community.
Paul is survived by his loving wife, Diana Campbell; daughter Stephanie Allison; son Keith Campbell; and grandsons, Jeffrey Allison, Eric Campbell, Brandon Campbell and Derek Campbell. He will also be remembered by Diana's children, Catherine Allford and her husband, Charles; Ronald Allard and his wife, Kyla; and Robert Allard and his wife, Christine, and their children.
Paul was predeceased by his parents, eight siblings and his eldest son, Carl Lee Campbell.
A Celebration of life was held Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Grimes Chapel in Bandera.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org.
Janis Sells
2015
Janis Sells, 89, daughter of Marion and Erma Moffett, of Medina, passed away Saturday, Oct. 3.
After receiving her degree from Sul Ross University, she worked for several organizations in San Antonio, most notably Southwest Research Institute and Church's Fried Chicken. Janis retired from Church's as a corporate secretary.
After she and her husband retired to Bandera, she worked part-time for what is now Wells Fargo Bank where she was in charge of their "First Ladies" program. While working at the bank, Janis met and enjoyed the company of many of Bandera's finest.
Although she had a strong work ethic, the only thing of real importance to her was her family. Janis always appreciated the opportunity of living near them and getting to observe firsthand their many activities and accomplishments.
She is survived by her son, Stephen, and his wife, Carolyn; grandchildren, Stephanie Jones and her husband, Kirby, and Colton, Carter and Shevawn; great-grandchildren, Maverick and McKenna Jones; and her sister, Lola Barton.
Janis was predeceased by Marcus, her husband of almost 62 years.
Her membership in Grace Lutheran Church was always a source of comfort and pleasure, and in lieu of flowers, Janis would request that memorials be made to Grace Lutheran Church, PO Box 1226, Bandera 78003; Noah's Ark Day Care at the same address; or, of course, to a charity of choice.
The family expresses their gratitude to the staff at River City Hospice for their outstanding care and support.
A funeral service will be held at 11 am, Friday, Oct. 9, at Grimes Funeral Chapel of Bandera with interment following at Oak Rest cemetery in Medina. Rev. Russ Lambert will officiate.
