Anthony DeZell

Anthony "Tony" DeZell, beloved brother, husband, father, and papa, departed this world unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, with his beautiful, loving wife of 40 years by his side.

Public viewing will be from 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM on Sunday, February 4, 2024 at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel with a family visitation from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Funeral Services will be 10:00 AM Monday, February 5, 2024 at Northridge Baptist Church with pastor James Jones, officiating. Burial will follow in Fairmount Cemetery under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.

Tony was devoted to his family and friends. He loved with everything he had. He was always the first one to help someone in need. He was also a father figure to many children, making sure they knew they were important and loved; and he continued to support them as they became adults.

Tony was born on August 11, 1965, in Hobbs, New Mexico to Bobby DeZell and Alpha Dennis DeZell. He was the youngest of five children. The family moved to Texas before Tony's first birthday and most of his young life was spent moving around west Texas chasing the oil fields. When he was in junior high, the family finally settled in the San Angelo area. It was around this time, Tony met his future wife. They met at San Angelo Roller Rink and soon became inseparable. They married as soon as they both turned eighteen and took on every adventure thereafter as a team. Some things just go better together; and Melissa and Tony knew that was true for them.

As a young man Tony learned a lot of things, but the two skills he used most in his career life was knowing everything about the oil field and learning how to cook. Tony worked at various companies, depending on the economy. When oil work was growing, Tony was out there doing it all from being a hand to being the boss. When oil work was slow, Tony worked as a chef. From floor hand to company man, Tony was someone with a strong work ethic. He was trusted and promoted often in his career.

Tony loved his family and was overjoyed when his children were born. He was so proud of them. He showed his son, Chris, how to fish and work on cars. He showed his daughter, Corinna, how a man should treat a woman. He actually showed them everything. He was an amazing dad. When his granddaughter was born, Tony took to his new role as Papa like it was the job he had been preparing for his whole life. He adored his grandbaby and great-nephews and never missed a chance to see the little ones in his life. Tony loved a good adventure and took many road trips. He enjoyed meeting up with extended family and friends at the casino or the lake, making memories and catching up. Some of his favorite things to do were play slot machines, go fishing, ride his motorcycle, and follow the weather. He especially loved cooking and cook-off events, where he won various titles. He liked to feed people. Whether he was smoking brisket for a fundraiser, or gathering family around the table, or hosting friends around the grill, he was always happy when he was cooking.

When it was time to eat, it was important to Tony that we pray. Tony was a Christian and was always grateful for his blessings even in the hard times.

Tony was preceded in death by his mother and father, and a brother, Danny Dezell.

He is survived by his loving wife of forty years, Melissa; son, Mark Thomas; son, Chris DeZell and wife Ashley of Stinnett; and daughter, Corinna DeZell, of the home. Also left behind to cherish his memory are his brother, Andy DeZell of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; sister, Treeta Mayfield and husband Robbie of Austin; sister, Nina Paul of Amarillo; granddaughter, Lillian DeZell of Stinnette; great-nephews, Arson and Benson Nash; Goddaughter, Sunny Sparks Brown and husband, Mike; as well as his in-laws, nieces, nephews, and innumerable family and friends.

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." A.A. Milne