David Guy-Gainer, DADT repeal advocate, dies at 64
DignityMemorial.com, February 4, 2012

Ret. USAF Chief MSGT. David Lee Gainer of Forest Hill, Texas, passed away on February 2, 2012. Born on June 12, 1948 in Clarksburg, West Virginia to Robert and Madge Gainer, David received his Bachelor's degree from Texas Lutheran University and his Masters from University of Southern California.

While in the Air Force, David received a Bronze Star for his service. David was a longtime community activist for gay and human rights, board member of Service Members Legal Defense Network and an active member of Cathedral of Hope.

Preceded in death by his parents and sister Melanie Gainer, David is survived by his life partner, David Guy; daughter, Brie Gainer; granddaughter, Ilona Sunshine Hawkins; brothers, Robert Gainer of Kentucky and Rodney Gainer of Florida; former wife Lilia Gainer of San Antonio; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at the Cathedral of Hope. Interment was at Dallas/Fort Worth National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Forum on the Military Chaplaincy in care of Cathedral of Hope, 5910 Cedar Springs, Dallas, Texas 75235.

David Guy-Gainer (at left in photo) was also a member of the Wes Giles Memorial Color Guard.

Statement from Servicemembers Legal Defense Network
David Guy-Gainer’s death is a crushing and heartbreaking loss for his husband David, his family, for so many loved ones, and for our LGBT community. Dave was a big and wonderful guy with a huge heart. He gave much more than just his time and money; he gave of himself, putting all his energies into the people and causes he cared about. The SLDN board, Military Advisory Council, and staff are all deeply saddened by Dave’s death, but we will always cherish his invaluable contributions – including the many times he came to Washington to lobby for DADT repeal and the pride he took in speaking up against discrimination of LGBT people. Dave was simply determined and dedicated to make things better for the next generation, and he did. I am grateful Dave got to see the end of DADT and was able to cheer on proud, young service men and women serving openly without fear of being fired by their country because of who they are. -- Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis

DADT repeal crusader Dave Guy-Gainer dies
Dallas Voice, February 3, 2012
Guy-Gainer, a retired Air Force chief master sergeant who came out after leaving the service, was a member of the board of Equality Texas and a founding board member of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network. He worked tirelessly for the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell.” He also ran unsuccessfully in 2010 for the City Council in Forest Hill, a small town in Tarrant County south of Fort Worth. In 2010, he was invited to the White House for the DADT repeal legislation signing ceremony.

Yvonne Jonas with her husband Leroy at an HRC event in 2007. (Photo:QSanAntonio)

Leroy Jonas, husband of Yvonne Jonas, has died
QSanAntonio.com, February 27, 2011

Leroy Jonas, husband of former San Antonio PFLAG president Yvonne Jonas, has died. An email distributed by the family says that Jonas, who had been suffering from leukemia, died at 7 a.m. on Sunday, February 27.

Jonas' family, including wife Yvonne, his daughter Jennifer and her partner Deb Wyrick, and his son Roger and his partner Tracey Rinehart were with him at the time of his passing.

According to the email, Jonas had become ill and taken to the hospital on Friday, February 18. He returned home on Friday, February 25 and put on hospice care after doctors advised that further treatment could not help his condition.

"We were called together at 3:45 am to his bedside in our home and he said he was ready. He was at peace and wanting to go," said Yvonne. "We all talked with him and he gave each of us words of encouragement."

Obituary: Leroy Jonas
San Antonio Express-News, March 1, 2011
Leroy Jonas entered Eternal Rest on February 27, 2011 at home at the age of 87. He is survived by his lovely wife, Yvonne of 58 years of marriage; daughter, Jennifer and her daughter, Reily. He is also survived by his son Roger and life partner, Tracey Rinehart of Dallas.

Dr. Bruce Jarstfer (left) with his partner Don Taylor at a Black Tie Dinner in 1994.

Dr. Bruce Jarstfer, prominent S.A. gay activist, has died
QSanAntonio.com, December 21, 2010

San Antonio gay activist Bruce Jarstfer, MD died on December 20, 2010.  He had been hospitalized with pneumonia and was 73 years of age. 

Since 2003 Jarstfer had lived with his partner Don Taylor in Denton County, Texas. He was a surgeon by profession and the father of three children from a previous marriage.

While in San Antonio, Dr. Jarstfer was involved with the Human Rights Campaign Federal Club, the San Antonio Black Tie Dinner and the San Antonio Equal Rights Political Caucus.

Dr. Jarstfer and his partner were very involved with Dignity San Antonio. He was the first National Director of Dignity USA and established the annual Solidarity Sunday observance in San Antonio.

"Bruce was a great friend to many, an amazing organizer and a true gentleman who cared deeply for his family and extended 'family'. He will be missed," said Lynne W. Perry a member of the San Antonio chapter of HRC.

"Those of us who knew Bruce remember him as an articulate, creative and passionate advocate for social justice, not only for LGBT people, but for all marginalized people in society." said Dan Graney, President of the Texas Stonewall Democratic Caucus. "He was a deeply spiritual person who lived his faith in service to others. He was a devoted father, grandfather and life partner to Don. May he rest in peace. Que descanses en paz, Bruce!"

Bruce Jarstfer: Pioneer leaves legacy
By Brooke Nottingham, Denton Record-Chronicle, December 25, 2010
Bruce Jarstfer was welcoming and intimidating at the same time. He selected his words carefully. He asked me about school, and studied me closely as I sputtered to find answers that matched his calm, sturdy demeanor. I hadn’t realized that Jarstfer was a man fascinated with people.

S.A. Arts community remembers Chuck Ramirez
Photos by Antonia Padilla, November 12, 2010
Over 1000 people attended a memorial for San Antonio Chuck Ramirez who died last week in a bicycle accident. Among those who spoke at the event, held at the Blue Star Arts Complex, was Mayor Julian Castro (photo left, second row).

Ramirez recalled at appropriately over-the-top memorial
San Antonio Express-News, November 12, 2010
During the memorial, Mayor Julián Castro read a proclamation of respect and condolences to the family, and a Catholic deacon blessed Ramirez's ashes in an urn made by ceramist Diana Kersey. Henry Estrada, the artist's companion, talked about Ramirez's courage in dealing with his health issues. Ramirez, who was open about his HIV-positive status, had heart surgery two years ago to correct an enlarged aorta.

Chuck Ramirez -- Rocket man
San Antonio Current, November 10, 2010
Chuck Ramirez was a deeply ingenious and groundbreaking contemporary artist, a finely-tuned designer so original that to call his taste impeccable makes his sensibility seem too staid.

James Dodson, former Esperanza board member, dead at 81
QSanAntonio.com, September 7, 2010

Maj. Ronald James Dodson, USAF, Ret., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 22 while in hospice following hip surgery and a struggle with Alzheimers.

Dodson was the first chair of the Esperanza Peace & Justice Center’s board of directors, the first organzier of the La Voz mailout and one of the hardest working volunteers the organization ever had, especially during its first five years.

Dodson was also a docent at the Institute of Texas Cultures. He is survived by his son Dale Dodson and his daughter Ginger Church.

A memorial service was held on Thursday October 7 at the First Unitarian Church.

Dodson was a familiar figure at the Texas Folklife festival
San Antonio Express-News, September 7, 2010
A generous soul who was an ordained minister and volunteered for several organizations, Ronald James Dodson died Sept. 22 of complications from a fall. He was 81.

Roberto J. Flores with Dan Graney, his partner of 36 years. (Photo by Antonia Padilla)

Roberto J. Flores, GLBT activist, dead at 75
QSanAntonio.com, September 2, 2010

Roberto J. Flores, Co-Chair of the Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio and a fervent activist for GLBT rights, died on September 2, 2010 at the age of 75 after a brave battle with lung cancer.

Flores was a native of Corpus Christi, Texas and was ordained a Roman Catholic priest of the Franciscan order in 1965. He served in various parishes and administrative posts and was a founder of PADRES, an organization of Chicano priests. He met his partner, Daniel Graney, in the lower Rio Grande Valley in 1974 and the couple has been together 36 years.

Flores obtained his masters degree in psychology at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri and then he and Graney moved to San Francisco where they lived and worked from 1975 to 1977. They then moved to Houston where they lived for 15 years until moving to San Antonio in 1992.

Flores worked as an adjunct faculty and counselor in the Disability Services Center at San Antonio College before retiring in 2006. He was a founder of Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio and has served as co-chair of SDSA the past two terms.

Flores was a Democratic Party precinct chair in Bexar County from 1999 to December of 2009, when he was elected the first openly gay County Chair of the Bexar County Democratic Party on an interim basis and served in that capacity until May of this year. He has been a delegate to every Texas Democratic Convention since 2000. He also has many years experience as an election judge.

Flores was a member of the Board of Directors of Equality Texas, a singing member of the Alamo City Men’s Chorale and member of the Alamo Business Council and the Rainbow Garden Club. For the past three years, he has been a faculty member of the GLBT sensitivity training for cadets in the San Antonio Police Academy. On October 15, 2009, Flores and Graney celebrated their 35th anniversary by getting married in a civil ceremony in Vermont.

VISITATION & ROSARY/VIGIL SERVICE: Thursday, September 9, 2010. Visitation at 6 pm, Rosary at 7:00 pm at Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 North Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, TX 78232.

MASS OF RESURRECTION: Friday, September 10, 2010 at 10:00 am at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, 1602 Thousand Oaks, San Antonio, TX 78232.

At a date to be determined, as per Roberto's wishes, there will be a memorial service at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Corpus Christi (his home church and where he was ordained) after which his ashes will be scattered from a boat in the Gulf of Mexico. A full obituary will be printed in the Corpus Christi Caller-Times prior to the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Equality Texas or the Equality Texas Foundation at www.equalitytexas.org or to Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio at www.stonewallsanantonio.org.

Obituary -- Felix V. Arreguin
Legacy.com, August 1, 2010
Felix V. Arreguin, age 49, went home to be with the Lord on July 30, 2010. He is survived by mother, Angelina; sisters, Mary Lopez, Margie Jimenez and Teresa Ozuna; brothers, Antonio, Juan, Arturo and Vincent. Visitation will start at 6PM on Monday at Mision Espada Catholic Church with a Mass being held at 7PM.

Felix Arreguin, a.k.a. Krystal Kelly on stage at the San Pedro Playhouse in the production of "Super Heroes."

Felix Arreguin, a.k.a. Krystal Kelly -- Comedian and entertainer
By Greg Hinojosa, QSanAntonio.com, August 2, 2010

Felix Arreguin (a.k.a. Krystal Kelly) and I had been friends for close to twenty years. He was a funny man and great "lady". His alter ego, Krystal Kelly worked with many organizations throughout the gay community.

He appeared in countless benefit shows giving his time and support to the community. He also hosted many shows at all the local clubs and was known for his "live singing-comic antics".

More recently I had the priveldge to direct him in some plays in the local theatre community. He played a hysterical "Dolly Parton" in "The Revealing Shocking Secrets of How Elvis Lit My Light" at the Josephine Theatre. He played a sharp tounged "Tia" in "El Grande de Coca-Cola" and was a featured "Super Hero" in the San Antonio Playwrtitng festival this past January, both at the San Pedro Playhouse Cellar Theatre.

Felix was a great comedian and entertainer. I will miss him dearly.

Tribute to Krystal Kelly
By Crazie Traci, YouTube.com, August 1, 2010
I made this video in tribute to my drag mother. She was the first person to introduce me to the drag world, make-up, performing on stage. She helped through the years, building my confidence -- getting after me, scolding me, and helping me in my personal life. I love you mom, Miss Krystal Kelly. 

Memorial service scheduled for Warren Kelley
By Ron Clarke, QSanAntonio.com, January 16, 2010

Warren S. Kelley, a long-time friend to many in the San Antonio GLBT community, passed away unexpectedly on December 23, 2009 from complications of a cardiac arrest. He was an accountant by profession.

Kelley provided financial services, advice, and accounting support to many businesses including GLBT non-profit organizations. He also was a long-time advertiser of QSanAntonio.com

Although a very private person, Kelley was popular among his "car club buddies" and very involved with car clubs throughout Texas and attended many shows. One of his favorite pastimes was the local GLBT car club - the Classic Chassis Car Club of San Antonio.

At one time Kelley owned as many as four classic cars and was very proud of his 1970 fire engine red Cadillac convertible. He was the life of many a social function and his laughter and attitude will be missed by many.

A memorial service to celebrate Kelley’s life will be held Saturday January 23, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. at the River City Living Church 202 Holland, San Antonio, TX 78212.

Local GLBT activist Jim Isaman dies
QSanAntonio.com, May 25, 2009

James Wesley "Jim" Isaman was born in Melbourn, Florida on Mar. 30, 1962. He died on May 21, 2009 in San Antonio, Texas.

Isaman graduated from John Marshall High School in San Antonio in 1980. After high school he attended the University of Texas at San Antonio where he studied architecture, with a special interest in preservation and civic design.

In 1987, Isaman helped found the Lambda Students at UTSA and the San Antonio Lambda Students Alliance. His philosophy toward activism was embodied when he said, "The most important thing we can share with our next generation is our belief each of us has something immeasurable value to contribute to the world, and that this belief sustains all our hopes for the future."

During the decade that followed, Isaman was involved in over a dozen community groups including the board of the building committee for the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center. In 1999 he was awarded the Black Tie Dinner Community Service Award by the Human Rights Campaign.

In 2000, Isaman organized the 11th Annual Student Soiree and launched a fundraising campaign called the San Antonio Youth Delegation to send students to the Millennium March on Washington that year.

Most recently, Isaman was the founder and organizer of the annual Love’s Day Banquet. The event included a Valentine’s Day commitment ceremony on the steps of the county courthouse and a dinner dance.

A memorial service was held Wednesday, May 27 at the Metropolitan Community Church.