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Michele Kay Keyser of San Angelo, Texas, passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2026.
Michele was born in Stuttgart, Germany, while her father, Sylvan Richard Cargile, was serving overseas with the United States Army. She grew up in South Texas and graduated from Natalia High School in 1981, where she was a cheerleader.
Her early life was not always easy, but Michele learned how to keep going. She treasured her grandparents on both sides of her family and carried those relationships with her throughout her life. Her maternal grandmother, Doris Richardson, whom Dakota knew as “Big G,” left a particularly visible mark on the way Michele cared for others. Big G was the kind of woman who fed whoever came through the door, never turned someone away, and always found room for one more person. Years later, Michele built much the same kind of home.
Faith was also part of Michele’s life from an early age. Her father was a Baptist preacher, and she grew up attending Baptist church and church camp. Her faith deepened during her years in Albuquerque, when she was baptized there. In later years, she attended Rafter Cross Church near Grape Creek.
Michele married Dale Andrew Keyser in 1989. They shared many years of life and family together and moved to Albuquerque in 1997. Even as life changed over the years, they remained in regular contact, and Michele continued to take pride in the years and history they shared.
She worked a number of jobs throughout her life, including Dairy Queen in Lytle, Albertsons in Albuquerque, and Walmart, among others, and she studied business for a time. But the work for which people will remember her most was rarely the work that appeared on a paycheck. Michele spent much of her life taking care of people.
After returning to West Texas, Michele and her son, Dakota, made their home in Levelland. That home became far more than a place where the two of them lived. It became a gathering place.
Family came through. Children came through. Friends came through. During Dakota’s college years, young musicians filled the house. They rehearsed, stayed over, ate, laughed, and became part of Michele’s extended family. When Michele was home, she cooked for them. People who came from very different families and backgrounds learned quickly that at Michele’s house they would be fed and treated as though they belonged there.
She helped care for Dallas Nicole Carr and remained a steady presence in the lives of Aspen, Madison, Brooklyn, and Lincoln as they grew up around her. She followed their lives with pride and loved watching the children she had known become young adults. She also cared for older relatives when illness or age made them dependent on others, including helping care for her paternal and maternal grandmothers near the end of their lives.
Michele did not draw hard lines around who counted as family. Blood, marriage, stepfamily, friends, and children who simply needed another adult in their corner all seemed to find a place with her. If she loved you, the technical definition of the relationship mattered very little.
She was soft-spoken and generally reserved. She was not someone who needed the attention of a room. Her love was much more practical than that. If someone needed a meal, a child watched, a bill paid, a place to stay, or help getting through a difficult stretch, Michele’s first instinct was usually to figure out what she could do. Sometimes she helped people even when doing so cost her more than was easy or sensible. Taking care of people was simply part of her nature.
Food was one of the ways she did it best. Michele was an exceptional Southern cook. Dakota especially remembers her steak fingers with black-eyed peas and bacon, mashed potatoes, and whatever greens or vegetables she decided belonged beside them that day. Her coconut cake became one of her best-known dishes, something she made for birthdays, celebrations, and people she wanted to make feel special. A full kitchen and people around the table suited her.
She also loved to travel and wished she had been able to do more of it. She enjoyed trips to lakes and Galveston, the Grand Canyon, Fort Worth, Fredericksburg, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and anywhere else that let her see something different. She was curious about other places and cultures and was especially fascinated by the Amish. A trip did not have to be extravagant to make Michele happy. She simply enjoyed going somewhere, seeing something new, and sharing it with people she loved.
There were also the unmistakably Michele things. She loved purple and would choose it for almost anything if given the chance. She collected wind chimes and apple-themed decorations for her kitchen. She enjoyed a strawberry Frappuccino from Starbucks. She loved her dogs and considered them part of the family.
Oscar, her “fur grandbaby,” held an especially important place in her heart. Michele rarely passed up an opportunity to babysit him, and the two became constant companions. During her final days in hospice, Oscar stayed close to her, lying beside her and in her lap as he had so many times before. She also loved Crosby and Noah.
At the center of Michele’s life was motherhood.
Her daughter, Sylvanna Lee Keyser, was born on July 12, 1999, and died seven days later on July 19. It was a loss Michele carried for the rest of her life. July remained a difficult month, and Sylvanna was never forgotten. Michele’s wish was that, after her own death, her ashes be scattered at Sylvanna’s grave.
Her son, Dakota, was her pride and joy. No one who knew Michele had to wonder how she felt about him because she told them. She followed his work and accomplishments, worried about his airplanes, bragged about him freely, and kept friends and family updated on whatever he or Oscar had most recently accomplished. She was enormously proud of the man her son became.
Michele understood adversity, but it never completely hardened her. When life changed, she found a way forward. When someone else needed help, she made room. In that way, she carried forward the spirit of Big G’s home: there was food for another person, room for another chair, and a place for someone who needed somewhere to land.
Later in life, Michele chose San Angelo as her home because she deeply wanted to be near her father. She treasured that time with him and remained closely connected to the family she loved.
Michele is survived by her son, Dakota Richard Keyser of Ralls, Texas, and Sierra Henson; her mother, Michele Peggy Hibdon of Natalia, Texas; her father, Sylvan Richard Cargile of San Angelo, Texas; her husband, Dale Andrew Keyser of Ralls, Texas; her brothers, Greg Cargile of Natalia, Texas, Gary Cargile of Holiday Lakes, Texas, and Toby Cargile of Devine, Texas; her sister by choice, Whitney Madden of Tyler, Texas; and a large extended family of relatives, friends, and young people whom she loved and cared for as her own.
She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Sylvanna Lee Keyser, her grandparents, and other loved ones who remained dear to her throughout her life.
A memorial service celebrating Michele’s life will be held Thursday, September 17, at 11:30 a.m. at Southland Baptist Church, 4300 Meadow Creek Trail in San Angelo, Texas. A luncheon will follow the service.

George Preston Harris, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor, friend, successful retail merchant, entrepreneur, pilot, and true Texas gentleman, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026, at the age of 90. A longtime resident of Lytle, Texas, George was born on August 6, 1936, to George Leslie Harris and Mamie Lou Harris, and was the youngest of their three children.
George is survived by his daughter, Jolinda Harris and her partner, John McEntyre; his son, George Scott Harris and his partner, Jess Sanders; his grandson, Waco Richards and his wife Julie Richards; his granddaughter, Tyler Dougherty and her husband Clayton Dougherty; his grandson, Jace Harris; his granddaughter, Jocelyn Harris; and his great-grandchildren, Kendall Slattery, Rocker Dougherty, Weslynn Dougherty, and Cooper Harris.
George was raised in a family where hard work was not simply taught—it was lived. His father was a saddle maker and a skilled craftsman in the repair of boots and shoes. George learned the trade from his father, although he would jokingly say he learned it “under protest.” Those early years became the foundation for a remarkable life built upon craftsmanship, determination, honesty, and an unwavering work ethic.
Determined to earn his way through college, George worked as a roustabout in the oilfields. He attended Texas A&I University in Kingsville and later Southwest State Teachers College before answering the call to serve his country. He enlisted in the United States Navy during the Korean War and served from 1953 through 1961, including active duty through 1958. His military years gave him the opportunity to travel and experience much of the world, experiences that would remain an important part of his life.
Upon returning home, George expected to continue his education. Instead, circumstances called him back to the family saddle shop, where his father needed his help. At only 24 years of age, following his father’s death, George took over the family business and embarked on a journey that would transform a small saddle shop into a thriving South Texas retail enterprise.
George entered the retail business at a level that many would have been afraid to attempt. With a loan from a local banker who believed in him, he purchased an existing building and began his retail business with just five pairs of boots. He sold those boots and used the proceeds to purchase more. In 1961, he purchased the old Masonic Lodge building next door for storage, allowing the business to expand its inventory and services.
Through years of hard work, determination, honesty, and genuine relationships with his customers, George built a loyal clientele and a growing enterprise. By January 1972, his inventory had grown to approximately 1,000 pairs of boots. He constructed a new building on IH-35 and moved the entire operation into what became Harris Western Center where he sold a full line of western wear.
In the years that followed, George expanded his western wear business to seven locations throughout South Texas, including stores in Pearsall, Uvalde, Floresville, Boerne, and two locations in San Antonio.
George believed that success was not a matter of asking, “How can I afford it?” but rather, “Be resourceful and find a way to get it done.” He believed in giving his word and keeping it. He understood that difficulties were simply roadblocks to be worked around, and he accepted responsibility for his own success. His philosophy was straightforward: work hard, be honest, be trustworthy, persevere, and believe in yourself.
He also believed deeply in his employees and was devoted to their success because they were the “face of the business.”
George wanted every customer to feel welcome and eager to return. When asked about his secret for success he once said, “It’s simple. Find out what your customers want and then find a way to give it to them.”. For George, one of the most fulfilling aspects of his life’s work was simply “pleasing people.”
His entrepreneurial spirit extended beyond his retail stores. George established EZ Pull Trailers, a retail trailer sales business, Rodeo Air, a small aircraft business, and he developed mobile home communities in Lytle and Poteet, continuing his tradition of creating businesses that served the communities around him.
But as successful as George was in business, his family was the true light of his life.
He married Marylou Irvin, and together they built a family of which George was immensely proud. His children were not only his children, but also his partners in life and business. Jolinda and Scott worked alongside their father from their high school years, and George credited their dedication and hard work as essential to the success of the family businesses.
George was blessed with four grandchildren who brought him tremendous joy and four great-grandchildren who were a particular source of pride and happiness.
Outside of his family and business, George devoted countless hours to organizations and causes that mattered deeply to him.
A longtime volunteer with the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, George began volunteering in the 1970s. He enjoyed participating in the Palomino Patrol, riding alongside Jolinda for several years. His service and leadership in this organization grew as he served seven years as Chairman of the Special Days Committee, two years as Vice President, and two years as President in 1987 and 1988. He remained a Director Emeritus until his death.
George was also a major force in the Miss Rodeo Texas organization. Beginning as a volunteer, he eventually served as President for many years and later as Chairman of the Board. His dedication helped strengthen an organization he cared about deeply.
He was a member of the Western English Retailers of America and served as its president for a time. Through his business, civic, and organizational involvement, George formed friendships and relationships that lasted throughout his life.
In his community of Lytle, George also served as a city councilman, giving his time and experience in service to the community he called home. In addition, George served as a Deputy Sheriff for Atascosa County from 1960 to 1965.
And then there was flying! George’s favorite hobby was flying his airplanes. A single-engine and multi-engine, instrument-rated pilot, he found freedom and enjoyment in the skies. Flying reflected something fundamental about George: his curiosity, independence, confidence, and willingness to chart his own course.
Throughout his life, George taught those around him not only through his words, but through the example of the life he lived. He encouraged others to find what they wanted to do and figure out how to do it; work around the roadblocks and pitfalls; persevere; and, most importantly, believe in themselves. He encouraged everyone around him to grow and thrive.
George Preston Harris was a classic Texas gentleman. He was a businessman who started with five pairs of boots and built an enterprise through determination. He was an entrepreneur who saw possibilities where others saw obstacles. He was a pilot who loved the freedom of the skies. He was a community leader, a mentor, a friend, and a man whose word could be trusted. But above all, he was a family man who took enormous pride in the people he loved.
His legacy will live on not only in the businesses he built and the organizations he served, but in the values he passed down: work hard, keep your word, treat people well, find a way, persevere, and believe in yourself.
George’s life was long, full, productive, and generously shared with others. He spent 90 years building, serving, leading, inspiring others, and loving his family.
One of George’s familiar closing lines was “Happy Trails.”
And so, with heavy hearts but profound gratitude for a life so well lived, his family and friends bid him farewell.
Happy trails, George.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 – 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at the Our Lady of Grace Parish Hall, 15825 Bexar St., La Coste, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to: Shriners Hospitals for Children Attn: Processing Center, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394 or online at: https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/honor
Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home, Castroville, Texas. www.tondre-guinn.com

On the night of August 19, 2026, our precious son passed from this world, at the age of 33. Nick showed courage and strength to the very end.
Though his life was short, it was filled with love, laughter, and memories. Nick adored school (NISD).His hobbies were watching DVD’s, music, swimming, pleasure rides, shopping and his momma singing to him.
Nick taught us to treasure the simple moments of life; to love each other without limitations. Nick’s smile could light up the room. His laughs (i.e. belly laughs) were highly contagious and had everyone rolling on the floor laughing along with him.
Nick is survived by his parents Arie M Cochran Jr. and Maria Light Cochran, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Our family had chosen cremation; Nick’s ashes will be placed in a simple urn at home, along with many photos and mementos of him.
We thank the surgical/trauma staff at Hospice of Baylor, Scott & White Hospital in Temple, Texas. Their compassionate care and support will long be remembered.
A memorial honoring Nicholas’ life will be announced at a later date. Friends, neighbors are invited to share stories, memories, and love.

Little Did We Know

Little did we know that night that God would call your name. In life we loved you dearly; in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone. For part of us went with you, the day God called you home. You left us many memories, and your love is still our guide. And though we cannot see you, you are always by our side. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same. But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.