Category: Obituaries

Celebrating the lives of the loved ones we’ve lost

Dr. John Satterfield Fordtran

Dr. John Satterfield Fordtran, a devoted family man, award winning doctor and researcher, and true Texas cowboy, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his beloved farm on February 23, 2025, at the age of 93.
Born November 15, 1931, in San Antonio, Texas, John was the middle child of William Moore and Josephine Bell Fordtran. Together with his sisters, Josephine “Dodie” Fordtran Bain and Agnes “Aggie” Fordtran Kendrick, John was raised on a dairy farm in Stockdale, Texas, where early in life he developed an appreciation for hard work, a lesson that would shape his future both in medicine and on the land he cherished.
John’s high school years were spent as a boarding student at Texas Military Institute in San Antonio, and summers were spent at Camp Rio Vista in Ingram, Texas. Upon high school graduation, his father gave him three career choices: doctor, lawyer, or engineer. With a heart for helping others, John chose to study biology at The University of Texas at Austin. That is where he met the love of his life, Jewel Ruth Evans. They were married on July 25, 1953, and built a life filled with love and unending devotion. Together, John and Jewel raised four wonderful children and later welcomed five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
After college, John and Jewel moved to New Orleans where John attended medical school at Tulane University. After residency training in internal medicine at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, John joined the US Public Health Service, spending a short period at the National Institutes of Health before being called to the Navajo Indian Hospital in Fort Defiance, Arizona for 16 months. This experience deepened John’s dedication to patient care. He then completed a two-year fellowship in Gastroenterology in Boston before joining the faculty at UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas in 1962. He remained there until 1979, when he moved to Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, eventually serving as Chief of Internal Medicine. This was a role he cherished as it allowed him to continue groundbreaking research while mentoring the next generation of physicians. He also served as President of the Baylor Research Institute. To his great delight, he was even awarded an “honorary registered nurse” certificate, a title he treasured. John remained at Baylor Scott & White in various roles until he retired in 2023 at the age of 91.
John dedicated his career to medical research, helping countless patients and leaving an indelible mark on the field worldwide. Despite his many professional achievements, he never sought recognition. His accolades are too numerous to mention, but many stood out. John was the founding co-editor of the textbook Gastrointestinal Disease, now in its 10th edition. He received the distinguished Achievement Award from the American Gastroenterological Association, served as President of the American Society for Clinical Investigation, earned The King Faisal International Prize in Medicine (Saudi Arabia), was elected to The Fellowship in the Royal College of Physicians (London, England), received an Honorary Degree from the Karl Franzens University (Graz, Austria), received the Dallas Historical Society Award for Excellence in Community Service in Health and Science, and countless more.
Beyond the lab and hospital, John, who was lovingly called Johnny by his family, found his greatest peace on horseback, checking on his cows, and entertaining family and friends at his beloved farm near Tioga, Texas. If he wasn’t in the saddle or at the lab, in earlier years you could find him on the tennis court, proving he was just as much an ace with a racket as he was in the medical field. A man of simple pleasures, he never turned down a cold Dr Pepper or a sleeve of peanut butter crackers or Hershey Kisses. These small indulgences brought him joy throughout his life, along with his Ford pick-up trucks!
One of Johnny’s greatest delights in life was attending the annual Fordtran Family Reunion. Over 100 descendants of his parents, affectionately known as Gonny and Poppy, gathered each summer to share memories and stories. He never missed the highlight of the event, the family talent show performed by the younger generations, which was a tradition that filled his heart with pride and laughter.
John was a devoted husband, a loving father, and an adoring grandfather and great-grandfather. His generosity knew no bounds, whether in the kindness he extended to friends and colleagues or the unwavering support he gave his family. To those who knew him, he was more than a brilliant doctor. He was a mentor, a storyteller, a man of integrity, and a rock of quiet strength and humility. He lived an extraordinary life, one marked not just by professional excellence, but by kindness and an unshakable love for those around him.
John is survived by his wife of more than 71 years, Jewel; four children and their spouses: William “Bill” Fordtran (Micki), Bess Stone (Bryan), Josephine “Joey” Wolf (Mark), and Amy Garrison (Rick); five grandchildren and their spouses: Emily Stone Wheeler (Patrick), Sarah Stone Teten (William), Andrew Stone, Richard “Trey” Garrison (Brooke), and William “Will” Garrison; and six great-grandchildren: Willa, Luke, and Sarita Wheeler, and Catherine “Kiki”, John, and Bessie Teten.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to Terri Honeywell for providing John with great comfort, exceptional care and loving friendship. The family also sincerely thanks Rolando Andeverde for his diligent care of John’s farm and livestock for many years. Both Terri and Rolando’s devoted support enabled John to spend his final years at the farm he so loved.
It’s nearly impossible to sum up such an extraordinary life in a few words, but John’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the knowledge he shared, and the family he cherished above all else. His was a life well lived, full of purpose, hard work, and boundless love. John will be deeply missed, but forever remembered.
A Memorial Service and reception will be held on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Sparkman-Hillcrest Chapel. A Service will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 10:00 A.m. at First Baptist Church of Devine, Texas with interment to follow in Evergreen Cemetery.
Donations can be made by check to Fordtran Internal Medicine Education Fund #53937or online through the BSW Foundation or to the charity of your choice.

Winston A. Hoffman

Winston A. Hoffman, age 90, of Slidell, Louisiana, passed away peacefully in Slidell, on Friday, March 14, 2025, while surrounded by his loving family.
Winston was born February 16, 1935, in Lytle, Texas, and spent his first 18 years on a farm just south of town. He was active in the Lytle FFA and played basketball at Lytle High School, where he graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 1953. Determined and hardworking, he paid his way through college by selling cookware door-to-door. He went on to earn his degree from Southeastern Louisiana University and built a successful career as an insurance agent, serving his community with dedication for over 40 years. Winston was honored as the Alumni Homecoming King by Lytle ISD in 2023.
Winston was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. His deep love for the outdoors brought him joy. Hunting, fishing and gardening were some of his most beloved pastimes.
A loyal sports fan, Winston never missed a chance to cheer on the New Orleans Saints and the Texas Longhorns.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lynn Rito Hoffman; parents, Adolph and Elizabeth Hoffman; sisters, Evelyn Hoffman Wilson (Willard) and Dorothy Hoffman Moore (LD).
He is survived by children, Daniel Hoffman (Diana Mehn Hoffman), Paul Hoffman, Lauren Hoffman Cerny (Rick Cerny), Nicol Hoffman, Samantha Hoffman (Kyle Keating), Carlee Hoffman Kline (Taylor Kline) Steven Hoffman; grandchildren, Justin Hoffman and Jason Hoffman, Stephen Cerny (Katie), Kelley Cerny, Elizabeth Cerny Benavides (Jerry), Cason Hoffman (Shellsea), Connor Hoffman (Lexi), and Camryn Hoffman (Aiden Robinson); great-grandchildren, Luke and Emilia Cerny, Kennedy Hoffman, and Gracelynn Benavides; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.
A Memorial Service will be held at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 360 Robert Blvd., Slidell, LA 70458, on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025, at 10:00am, with a reception to follow at the church.
Burial services will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery (Honaker Funeral Home) 1751 Gause Blvd. West, Slidell, LA 70460, at 1:30pm.

Luis Cruz Barco

Luis Cruz Barco was born August 25, 1932 to Sabastian and Amelia Cruz Barco in Coalmine, Lytle, Texas. Luis passed away March 22, 2025.
Luis was preceded in death by his wife Angelita Baca Barco, father and mother, brother Juan Barco and sister Matilda Martinez.
Luis is survived by three sisters Josie Navarez, Amy Coronado and Rosio Resendez. Also ten children Juan Barco, Valentine Barco, Marcos Barco, Balde Barco, George Barco, Belma Lopez, Maria Zapata, Belen Flores, Berlinda Barco and Blanca Sandoval, 27 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.
Visitation will be March 31, 2025 at San Antonio Mortuary on Palo Alto Road from 2 to 8 pm with the Rosary beginning at 6 pm.
Mass will be April 1, 2025 at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Lytle at 10 am with burial immediately following at Coalmine Cemetery in Lytle. The funeral home will open at 8:30 am on April 1st.

Paula Marie Moore

Paula Marie Moore of Austin, Texas, passed away on Monday, March 17th, at the age of 67. Born on April 11, 1957, in Hibbing, Minnesota, Paula was the youngest of three children. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stout in 1979 and earned a master’s degree in business from the University of Houston in 1986.
A passionate photographer and lover of nature, Paula spent much of her life capturing the beauty of the world through her own unique lens. Whether documenting her travels or pursuing her personal photography projects, she found joy in capturing moments that most others would overlook. Though she often preferred to remain behind the camera, Paula was never shy—she made friends wherever she went and her spirit touched the hearts of many.
Paula was preceded in death by her father, James Morrison.
She is survived by her mother, Olga Morrison; her beloved spouse of 33 years, Larry Moore; her children, Nathan and Nicole Moore; her brothers, Curt (partner Nancy) and Don (wife Verlin) Morrison; as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Hospice Austin and Texas Oncology for their compassionate care in Paula’s final days, as well as to the friends and family who traveled from all corners of the country to be with her.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 12:00 pm at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks. Her memorial page and link to virtual ceremony can be found at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/austin-tx/paula-moore-12289740
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Paula’s honor to 100Cameras, a non-profit organization that empowers youth around the world to use photography as a way to process their experiences and amplify their voices.
Paula often spoke of the great blessing she felt in having so many talented, intelligent, and caring friends in her life. But in truth, she attracted those like her—kind-hearted souls with a passion for life. Paula’s warmth and light will forever be remembered. She loved life deeply, embraced every moment, and shared her adventures and memories with those she held dear, some of whom have shared her smile and journey for over 60 years. She was proud of her children and always eager to share their achievements. Paula was an extraordinary woman whose love and friendship will never be forgotten. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Jo Ann “Jody” L. Danklefs

Jo Ann “Jody” L. Danklefs, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, entered eternal life on March 14, 2025. Jody was raised near Devine, Texas, and graduated from Devine High School. From there, she attended and graduated from Southwest Texas State University. She married Wesley G. Danklefs in 1971 and was an educator for over three decades at South San Antonio High School.
Jody enjoyed nature, the Texas Gulf Coast, various art and craft projects, her three grandchildren and observing the daily adventures of her two cats. Her spirit is carried on by her children, Jon (wife Hilary, children Wesley, Jimmie and Riley); Jake; siblings Clay Lessing, Mark Lessing (Margaret), Beth Pape (Wayne dec.), Janet Mangold (Ronny), Mike Lessing, Carolyn Kempf (Greg), Christi Wells (Duane), Kenny Lessing (Cindy), many in-laws, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends too numerous to list but not forgotten. Jody is reunited with her Mother, Geraldine “Geri” Lessing, Father, Walter Lessing, and the love of her life and husband of 43 years, Wesley G. Danklefs.
Jody put first the happiness and safety of those around her and always carried a smile that would light up a room. Friends and family will meet at St. Joseph’s Parish Church in Devine, TX, on Saturday, March 29th at 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jody’s honor to the ALS Association. Visit www.als.org/donate