Cleo Maurice Trantham

Cleo Maurice Trantham 92, died February 11, 2014 at The Springs, San Angelo. Maurice was born August 16, 1922 to Lee Bolden and Addie May Eply Trantham in Mills County. Maurice was married three times. His first wife Mozzelle Trantham preceded him in death. Out of this marriage came four sons. Cleo Maurice Trantham Jr. (deceased), Carl Trantham of Austin, Thomas Trantham and wife Nelwyn of Webberville and Richard Trantham and wife Debra of Stanton. There are seven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. Maurice's second wife Nell Trantham who preceded him in death came with a daughter that was later adopted, Jeri Duncan and husband Skipper of San Angelo. There are two grandsons and three great grandchildren from this marriage. Maurice's third wife was Billye Lou (BJ) Trantham. This marriage came with a stepson Rick Powell of Rockport. There are five step grandchildren and twelve step great grandchildren. Maurice had four brothers and four sisters that preceded him in death. Maurice is also survived by one brother Carl Trantham and wife Willie of San Angelo and numerous nieces and nephews. Maurice served in the US Navy during World War II. He had his first career as a control tower operator with the FAA in Fort Worth and Austin. After retiring from the FAA, he pursued a profession of selling automobiles in San Angelo. He later moved back to Austin to begin his career of ranching. He ranched for a few years in the Austin and Johnson City area before moving back to West Texas. He ranched at Big Lake, San Angelo, Arden and Kerrville before finally retiring to a life of travel with BJ. They made their headquarters in San Angelo and attended church at the Water Valley Baptist Church. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the folks of The Springs in San Angelo and GENTIVA Hospice. Their help and assistance with Maurice was second to none. There will be a graveside service for Maurice at the Mertzon Cemetery February 14, 2014 at 3:00 PM. Services will be performed by Rick D. Green of the Water Valley Baptist Church. Rick Green visited the Trantham's every week after they were no longer able to attend services. Viewing can be done at the Robert Massie Funeral Home in San Angelo. In lieu of flowers the family asked that you send a donation to the Water Valley Baptist Church, GENTIVA Hospice or your favorite charity.