JAMES LEON ROSE

James Leon Rose, 80 of Mertzon went to be with his Heavenly Father on February 1, 2010. James was born on March 18, 1929 in Elida, New Mexico to George N. and Nora Alice Rose. James served in the US Army, worked for Marathon Oil Co. and retired from Adobe Oil Co. in 1993 to travel and enjoy life with his family. When you think of daddy you will be reminded of his warm and friendly smile which always made you feel very special. He never met a stranger because he treated you like a longtime friend. His children'™s friends became like his own children to him. He married Bessie Francis Fleck on April 7, 1945. She passed away on April 18, 1995 after celebrating 50 years of marriage. They have 5 children: Clayvorn James Rose and wife Sharon of Mertzon, Thomas Gene Rose of Knickerbocker, Connie Rose Calley & husband Ken of Big Lake, Darlene Rose Jones of San Angelo, Ronnie Rose & wife Beverly of Mertzon and his adopted daughter Patsy Lee McIntire of San Angelo. They have 13 grandchildren, Jim & Veronica Rose, DeeDee & Bennie Bohannon, Karl & Crystal Rose, Nat & Mara Rose, Thomas Jr. & Rosemary Rose, Tammy & Homer Galindo, Michelle Walls, Michael & Denise Counts, Kendra & Dustin Smith, Bridget & Tony Carr, Sonja & Blaine Brunson, Holly Rose & Molly Rose. 31 great-grandchildren & 8 great-great-grandchildren. He had numerous special nieces and nephews. He married Phyllis Merrifield on August 16, 1996 adding 3 step-children, 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and wife of 50 years, 2 brothers and 1 sister. Pallbearers will be: Jim Rose, Karl Rose, Nat Rose, Thomas Rose Jr., Blaine Brunson, Tony Carr, Dustin Smith & Steven Wilha. Honorary pallbearers: Michael Counts, Bennie Bohannon & Homer Galindo In Lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Hospice of San Angelo or Mertzon Cemetery Organization or your favorite organization. Family visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at Robert Massie Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be at 10:00a.m. Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel with Rev. Celia Ellery of Episcopal Church of Good Shepherd officiating. Burial will follow at Mertzon Cemetery. A special Thank You to Hospice of San Angelo, Shannon Home Health, Dr. John Harvey, Yoli Gonzales & Margie Arnold for the love and excellent care you gave daddy.