John Stark Cargile

John Stark Cargile was born on June 4, 1925 to Frank and Estelle Cargile and passed away on February 5, 2011. He was educated in San Angelo schools and served as an officer in the US Navy during World War II. In 1948, he graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and returned to San Angelo where he began his ranching career and married Clara Pope Willoughby on May 12, 1951. Along with his father Frank and his sister Carolyn he purchased Producers Livestock Auction in 1954, and it remains in the Cargile family.

He was active in civic affairs and served in various positions for many organizations on the local, state and national levels, including the First Presbyterian Church, the Board of Regents of the Texas State University System, the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association, the National Wool Growers Association, the Texas Animal Health Commission, the National Cattlemen's Association, livestock marketing associations, the United Way, West Texas Boys Ranch, the San Angelo Board of City Development, and bank and insurance company boards.

He was honored as San Angelo’s Citizen of the Year in 1972, with a professorship at Angelo State University in 1987, as Man of the Year in Texas Agriculture in 1990, and with the National Golden Spur Award in 1993. He was recognized for his land conservation efforts and enjoyed working to improve the genetics of his cattle and Suffolk sheep herds.

In 1985, he was quoted as saying, “What little I have been able to do for San Angelo is pretty small compared to what San Angelo has done for me and my family over the years.”

Though his career achievements were many, his legacy is as a family man. He was tender and devoted to all in his family and loved them unconditionally. He and Ta have been extraordinary role models for their children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Ta; Sister Carolyn Cargile; children Ruth Skinner, John Cargile III, Patricia Kob, and Martha Norton and their spouses Ward, Nancy, Randy and Fred; and fifteen grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 8 at the First United Methodist Church in San Angelo. A private family graveside service will be held earlier.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to First Presbyterian Church, 32 N. Irving, San Angelo, TX 76901; Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, 1301 West Seventh St., Suite 201, Fort Worth, TX 76102-2665; Angelo State University, Development Office, 2601 W. Avenue N, San Angelo, TX 76909; Hospice of San Angelo, 36 E. Twohig, San Angelo, TX 76901; or the charity of your choice.

Family and friends may sign an online register book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com.