Potter Co. TX - Obits from Amarillo Online Newspapers 15 Aug 1997 Copyright, http://www.amarillonet.com/ ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Thanks to the Amarillo Newspapers for allowing us to place their online obits in the USGenWeb Archives ==================================================================== Last updated; Friday, August 15, 1997, 6:40 AM Amarillo M.R. Switzer M.R. "Doc'' Switzer, 75, of Amarillo, died Tuesday, Aug. 12, 1997. Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in Temple Baptist Church with Richard Dickerson officiating. Burial will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery by SchoolerGordon Funeral Directors, 5400 Bell St. Military rites will be by Disabled American Veterans. Mr. Switzer was born in Webb and moved to Floydada in 1926. He married Lucille Parrish in 1939 at Ralls. He joined the Army in 1943 and served as a tank commander in the 144th Tank Battalion in Germany. After the war, he helped open the recruiting office. He was discharged in 1946. Mr. Switzer worked as an Amarillo bus driver for about four years. He later became a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. He served for 30 years before retiring in 1979. He became a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch No. 1037 in 1939. He also was a member of Temple Baptist Church. Survivors include a daughter, Marilyn Switzer-Baker of Amarillo; a son, Ray L. Switzer of Seattle; three sisters, Wanda Chambles of Wichita Falls, Thelma Blackwell of Amarillo and Pearl Reddy of Floydada; and seven grandchildren. The family will be at 3700 Monroe St. Eldridge Wilson Benningfield Eldridge Wilson "E.W.'' Benningfield, 82, of Amarillo, died Thursday, Aug. 14, 1997. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in Second Baptist Church with Dr. Charles Jones of the church officiating. Burial will be in Llano Cemetery by Blackburn-Shaw Funeral Directors, Martin Road Chapel, 1505 Martin Road. Mr. Benningfield was born in Glover, Okla. He was a former resident of Clarksville. He moved to Amarillo in 1946 from Dumas. He began working for ATSF Railroad in 1943 at Etter. He worked for the railroad for 35 years before retiring in 1978. He married Mary Etta Rodgers in 1935 at Annona. Mr. Benningfield was a member of First Baptist Church of Dumas. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Hazel Denise Benningfield, in 1978, and a son, Johnny L. Benningfield, in 1994. Survivors include his wife; three sons, E.W. Benningfield II of Lindale, James R. Benningfield of Fritch and David Ross Benningfield of Lewisville; a daughter, Lois Marie Christman of Royce City; a sister, Lena Marie Hudson of Amarillo; 12 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. The family requests memorials be to Baptist St. Anthony's Hospice and Life Enrichment Center, P.O. Box 950, Amarillo, Texas 79176-0001. David F. Tipple Sr. David F. "Dave'' Tipple Sr., 86, of Amarillo, died Wednesday, Aug. 13, 1997. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in St. Andrew's Episcopal Church Children's Chapel with the Rev. William D. Nix Jr., rector, officiating. Committal of the ashes will be at Trinity Episcopal Church in Galveston at a later date. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2820 Virginia Circle. Mr. Tipple was born in Galveston. He served in the Army Transportation Corps during World War II. He was the leader of a unit that directed vehicles and personnel units to the English Channel for the invasion of Europe. He attended the Institute of Business Economics at the University of Southern California in 1955. He retired in 1976 as an official with Santa Fe Railway after 50 years of service. Mr. Tipple had lived in Amarillo for 32 years after assignments in San Antonio, Dallas and Lubbock. He was a communicant of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church and a longtime member of Kiwanis International. He married Maria Cheesborough in 1939 at Galveston. Survivors include his wife; a son, David Tipple Jr. of Charlotte, N.C.; four brothers, John Tipple of Austin, Fred Tipple of Chicago, and Jesse Tipple and Joe Tipple, both of Galveston; and three grandchildren. The family requests memorials be to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 2324 Lakeview Drive, Amarillo, Texas 79109; or the St. Andrew's building fund. Harry J. Neely Harry J. Neely, 90, of 2207 Peachtree, died Wednesday, Aug. 13, 1997. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in Blackburn-Shaw Funeral Directors, Memorial Chapel, Fifth Avenue and Pierce Street, with the Rev. Ken Keller of St. Mary's Catholic Church officiating. Graveside services will be at 3:30 p.m. Saturday in Claude Cemetery at Claude. Military honors will be by Disabled American Veterans Chapter No. 26. Mr. Neely was born in Stephenville. He moved to Amarillo 63 years ago from Claude. He was a plumber and steam fitter. He also owned a paint and body shop. He retired from Texas State Technical Institute in 1970. He married Thelma I. Smith in 1929 at Claude. She died in 1987. Mr. Neely served with the Coast Guard during World War II. He was a past commander of Disabled American Veterans Chapter No. 26. Survivors include a daughter, Ella Jean Fick of Amarillo; two grandchildren, Jay Fick of Amarillo and Sandra O'Neil of Arlington; two great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. The family will be at 2207 Peachtree. They request memorials be to the lodge at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center or a favorite charity. Cecil Shelton Cecil Shelton, 37, of Amarillo, died Tuesday, Aug. 12, 1997. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. James M. Mims, pastor, and Bishop Joel Wren of Free Church of God True Holiness in Kaufman officiating. Burial will be in Llano Cemetery East by Golden Gate Mortuary, 1416 N. Hughes St. Mr. Shelton was born in Kaufman. He moved to Frederick, Okla., and attended public schools there. He moved to Amarillo in 1984. He was a Baptist. Survivors include his mother, Louise Shelton of Amarillo; seven sisters, Francis Shelton, Cynthia Shelton and Eleanor Shelton, all of Frederick, Genice Marie Shelton and Ivory Pearl Wren, both of Kaufman, Judy Ann Johnson of Tulsa, Okla., and Bernice Lax of Amarillo; and three brothers, Vernon Dean Shelton of Frederick, Elijah Shelton Jr. of Phoenix and Miller Joe Shelton of Amarillo. The body will be available for viewing today from 1 to 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home. The family will be at 2027 Jasmine St. Doyle W. Fewell Doyle W. Fewell, 82, of 11203 Fewell Trail, died Thursday, Aug. 14, 1997. Services will be at 4 p.m. Saturday in North Amarillo Church of Christ with Glen Walton officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery by Blackburn-Shaw Funeral Directors, Memorial Chapel, Fifth Avenue and Pierce Street. Mr. Fewell was born in Wellington and raised near Tulia. He moved to Amarillo in 1932 and graduated from Amarillo High School in 1934. He attended Draughon's Business School and Amarillo College. He married Georgia Leola Fogg in 1937 at Amarillo. Mr. Fewell began working at Southwestern Public Service Co. in 1943. He worked there until retiring in 1980. He was a charter member of North Amarillo Church of Christ, where he taught Bible classes and also preached occasionally. He was a member of East Amarillo Rotary Club and a 17-year member of the SPS Retirees Club. He delivered Meals on Wheels. Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Kaye Baird of Eau Claire, Wis., Mary McGee of Booker and Joy Ensign of Amarillo; a son, Bill Fewell of Amarillo; and seven grandchildren. The family will be at 11203 Fewell Trail, south of Amarillo. They request memorials be to High Plains Children's Home, P.O. Box 7448, Amarillo, Texas 79114-9990. Area Virginia Lee Johnson PLAINVIEW - Virginia Lee "Ginny'' Johnson, 70, died Tuesday, Aug. 12, 1997. Services will be at 3 p.m. today in Lemons Funeral Home Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Joseph Johnson, minister of Faith Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Parklawn Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Johnson was born and raised in Greybull, Wyo. She graduated from Greybull High School. She married Jessee "Doc'' Johnson in 1945 at Billings, Mont. They moved to Plainview. Mrs. Johnson was a member of Faith Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by a son, Terry Ray Johnson. Survivors include her husband; two daughters, Peggy Simpson of Lubbock and Cindy Durett of Levelland; a brother, Robert Bentley of Greybull; seven grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. The Rev. Wayne R. Hegstrom PERRYTON - The Rev. Wayne R. Hegstrom, 57, a former resident of Buffalo, N.Y., died Sunday, Aug. 10, 1997, in Amarillo. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. today in Salem Lutheran Church at Buffalo. Arrangements are by Sieck & Mast Funeral Home Inc. of West Seneca, N.Y. Rev. Hegstrom was a Lutheran minister. Survivors include his wife, Elaine; three children, Kathleen Herman, Wayne Robert Hegstrom II and Christopher Hegstrom, all of Perryton; his father, Alvin W. Hegstrom of Perryton; and three grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to the church. Hanna Oleta Sargent BORGER - Hanna Oleta Sargent, 83, died Wednesday, Aug. 13, 1997. Services will be at 1 p.m. today in First Assembly of God with the Rev. Calvin Newton, pastor, and the Rev. Mark Stripling, pastor of New Life Assembly of Pampa, officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Cemetery by Minton / Chatwell Funeral Directors. Mrs. Sargent was born in Quanah and had been a Borger resident for 60 years. She was a homemaker and had been a member of First Assembly of God in Borger since 1939. She was a Sunday school teacher and WM president. She was preceded in death by her husband, J.B. Sargent, in 1985. Survivors include three sons, Jimmie C. Sargent of Stinnett, Derrell Sargent of Skellytown and Wayne Sargent of Amarillo; a brother, Paul "Jake'' McNutt of Fritch; a sister, Sally DuVall of Quanah; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. Charles Afton Edwards BORGER - Charles Afton Edwards, 75, died Wednesday, Aug. 13, 1997. Services will be at 4 p.m. today in First United Methodist Church with Dr. David Jones, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Garden of Love at Westlawn Memorial Park by Minton / Chatwell Funeral Directors. Mr. Edwards was born in Headrick, Okla., and had been a Borger resident since 1935. He graduated from Borger High School in 1939 and received a bachelor's degree from Drake University. He served in the Marines during World War II. Mr. Edwards retired from Edwards Petroleum Sales. He was a member of First United Methodist Church and the advisory boards of the Salvation Army and Norwest Bank. He married Harriett Hauser in 1947 at Des Moines, Iowa. Survivors include his wife; three sons, Craig Edwards of Silver City, N.M., Blaine Edwards of Houston and Bruce Edwards of Borger; a brother, Don Edwards of Gatesville; three sisters, Jonnie Johnson of Mansfield, Beverly Gillman of Amarillo and Mary Augustine of Davenport, Iowa; and five grandchildren. Lloyd L. Stamps PANHANDLE - Lloyd L. Stamps, 80, died Wednesday, Aug. 13, 1997. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. today in Groom Cemetery at Groom with Gaylon Stamps officiating. Arrangements are by Minton / Chatwell Funeral Directors. Mr. Stamps was born in Sparta, Tenn. He had been a resident of Panhandle for four years, moving from Mobeetie. He was a retired farmer. He was preceded in death by his wife, Juanita Virginia Stamps; and a son, "Scooter'' Ronald Stamps, in 1979. Survivors include a son, Dwane Stamps of Fritch; a daughter, Anita Herring of Amarillo; a brother, Gene Stamps of Panhandle; two sisters, Hazel Cummings of Panhandle and Lahoma Hardwick of Mangum, Okla.; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Velma D. Starr PLAINVIEW - Velma D. Campbell Starr, 65, died Sunday, Aug. 10, 1997. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in United Baptist Church with the Rev. Ray McCoy, pastor, the Rev. Elliott Campbell, pastor of The Rod of God Community Church in Dallas, and the Rev. Jimmy Parson of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Dallas officiating. Burial will be in Plainview Memorial Park by WoodDunning Funeral Home. Mrs. Starr was born in Jacksonville. She moved to Hereford in 1952. She moved from Amarillo to Plainview in 1957. She attended Texas College in Tyler and Wayland Baptist University. She was a restaurant and club owner. She was a member of United Baptist Church, the American Legion Auxiliary and Woman's Social Club. She married Willard Vernon Starr in 1965. He died in 1987. She also was preceded in death by a son. Survivors include five sons, John Crear of Oklahoma City, Michael Crear of Jacksonville, Fla., Darrell Crear of Plainview, Roger C. Starr of Hinton, Okla., and Vernon Starr of Beaumont; three daughters, Patricia A. Campbell of Dallas, Emma C. Franklin of Oklahoma City and Deborah Haywood of Dallas; her mother, Janie Campbell of Jacksonville; four brothers, Wilbert Campbell and Malcolm Campbell, both of Jacksonville, and Elliott Campbell and Harold Campbell, both of Dallas; four sisters, Bernice Erwin and Berdie Parson, both of Dallas, Laura Flemons of Phoenix and Betty Robinson of Houston; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Jim B. Kemp OLTON - Jim B. Kemp, 81, died Wednesday, Aug. 13, 1997. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in First Baptist Church with the Rev. Kyle Streun, pastor, and Rick Harper, minister of Main Street Church of Christ, officiating. Burial will be in Olton Cemetery by Foskey-Lilley-McGill Funeral Home. Mr. Kemp was born in Greenwood. He lived in Decatur before moving to Olton in 1934. He married Adeline Carson in 1937 at Madera, Calif. He was a farmer for more than 45 years. He was a past member of the board of directors of the Olton Co-op Gin. Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Linda Young of Olton and Judith Ann King of Amarillo; two brothers, Bill Kemp of Olton and Gibson Kemp of Lubbock; five grandchildren; and five greatgrandchildren. The family requests memorials be to the Olton Ambulance Association, P.O. Drawer X, Olton, Texas 79064; or Runningwater Draw Care Center, P.O. Box 409, Olton, Texas 79064. J.D. Duncan MULESHOE - J.D. Duncan, 68, died Wednesday, Aug. 13, 1997. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in Ellis Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Muleshoe Cemetery. Mr. Duncan was born in County Line. He had lived in Muleshoe since 1937, moving from Tell. He had worked for Ellis Funeral Home since 1975. Survivors include a son, Bruce Duncan of Spearman; a daughter, Darla Kay Duncan of Spearman; a sister, Ruby Clark of Muleshoe; a brother, James Duncan of Muleshoe; and a grandson. Kami Michelle Minick CANADIAN - Kami Michelle Minick, 17, died Wednesday, Aug. 13, 1997, in Pampa. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Church of Christ with Rex Boyles, minister, Shawn Davis and Mike Heatwole of Canadian officiating. Burial will be in Edith Ford Memorial Cemetery by Stickley-Hill Funeral Directors. Miss Minick was born in Shattuck, Okla., and had lived in Canadian for most of her life. She was active in the Canadian High School Band, serving as an officer and first-chair flute player. She had been selected for the All-Region Band. She was a cheerleader in junior high and had been selected to be a cheerleader for the 1997-98 school year. She participated in basketball, track and cross country in her freshman, sophomore and junior years. She also was active in drama presentations and the one-act play. Miss Minick was a member of the Church of Christ. Survivors include her parents, Brad and Karen Minick of Canadian; a brother, B.J. Minick of the home; grandparents, Jim and Pat Minick of Canadian, Richard and Brenda Farquer of Glazier, and Douglas Wayne of San Angelo; and greatgrandparents, Allie and Dollie Mitchell of Canadian, Jewel Lawson of Miami, Texas, Florence Farquer of Waynoka, Okla., and Billie and Cecil Knox of San Angelo. The family requests memorials be to Hemphill County Hospice or a favorite charity. Oklahoma Orville Scoggins TYRONE, Okla. - Orville Scoggins died Sunday, Aug. 10, 1997, in Amarillo. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in First Baptist Church with the Rev. Carl E. Hein, pastor, and the Rev. Tom R. Lee of First Baptist Church of Hooker officiating. Burial will be in Tyrone Cemetery by Roberts Brothers Funeral Home of Hooker. Mr. Scoggins was born west of Hooker. He attended school at Phoenix School near Hooker. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He married Margaret Collins in 1947 at St. Louis. They made their home in Oklahoma in 1949. Mrs. Scoggins died in 1996. Mr. Scoggins owned a welding shop in Tyrone. He retired from Santa Fe Minerals. He became a member of Tyrone Baptist Church in 1955. Survivors include a son, Dennis Scoggins of Lincoln, Neb.; two daughters, Pat Calkins of Olympia, Wash., and Jan Gibson of Pampa, Texas; a brother, Jesse Scoggins of Hooker; a sister, Bernice Dickson of Mesa, Ariz.; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandsons. The family requests memorials be to Baptist St. Anthony's Hospice and Life Enrichment Center or the American Diabetes Association. Memorials may be left in care of Roberts Brothers Funeral Home, Box 745, Hooker, Okla. 73945. New Mexico Mack Lafayette Alexander CLOVIS, N.M. - Mack Lafayette Alexander, 94, died Wednesday, Aug. 13, 1997. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in 16th and Pile Church of Christ with Jerry Kendall and James Love officiating. Burial will be in Mission Garden of Memories by Steed-Todd Funeral Home. Mr. Alexander was born in Marsden, Okla. He married Leona Burns in 1924 at Marietta, Okla. They moved to Clovis in 1929. He retired from the wholesale fruit and vegetable business in 1983. He was a member of 16th and Pile Church of Christ. Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Cleta Shipley of Clovis and Marquita Cornelius of Belen; a brother, Marion Alexander of Clovis; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four greatgreat-grandchildren. The family suggests memorials in lieu of flowers be to the New Mexico Christian Children's Home, 1356 New Mexico 236, Portales, N.M. 88130-9411. Willie A. Gibson PORTALES, N.M. - Willie A. Gibson, 76, of Roswell, a former Portales resident, died Wednesday, Aug. 13, 1997. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in Wheeler Mortuary of Portales Chapel with Ernest Jaramillo officiating. Burial will be in Portales Cemetery. Mr. Gibson was born in LaPalma and grew up near Clines Corners. He worked for Santa Fe Railway from 1954 to 1987. He married Evelyn Aguilar in 1943 at Rivera. They moved to Portales soon after their marriage. She died in 1974. He married Rose Ann Ruther in 1976 at Clovis. He also was preceded in death by a stepson, Don Ruther. Mr. Gibson was living in Roswell at the time of his death. Survivors include his wife; seven children, Joe Gibson of Clovis, Josie Wells and Janifer Long, both of Guymon, Okla., William Gibson of Bloomfield, Richard Gibson and Charlie Gibson, both of Portales, and Frank Gibson of Roswell; six stepchildren, David Ruther of Bethune, Colo., Stanley Ruther of Aspen, Colo., Steve Ruther of Enid, Okla., Dan Ruther of Lincoln, Neb., Kenneth Ruther of Roswell and Patty Hume of Clovis; a brother, Victor Gibson of Colorado Springs, Colo.; a sister, Sadie Sanchez of Moriarty; 36 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Mike Newman TUCUMCARI, N.M. - Mike Newman, 41, died Tuesday, Aug. 12, 1997. Graveside services will be at 2:30 p.m. today in Tucumcari Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Bob Miller, minister of First Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are by Dunn Funeral Home. Mr. Newman was born in Durango, Colo. He had been a longtime resident of Tucumcari. Survivors include a brother, Charles "Boots'' Newman of Tucumcari. There will be no viewing or visitation. Elsewhere Marsha Jean Jones DALLAS - Marsha Jean Collins Jones, 49, a former Amarillo resident, died Tuesday, Aug. 12, 1997. Services will be at 1 p.m. today in Church of the Living God with Bishop C.C. Berry Jr. officiating. Burial will be in Laurel Memorial Park. Amarillo arrangements were by Golden Gate Mortuary, 1416 N. Hughes St., in Amarillo. Mrs. Jones was born in Lexington, Ky., and raised in Amarillo. She graduated from Carver High School in 1965. She received her licensed vocational nursing degree from Northwest Texas School of Nursing in Amarillo. Mrs. Jones was a member of Church of the Living God. Her husband, Clemon "Jug'' Jones Jr., died in 1996. Survivors include two daughters, Jacqueling Mallory and Natasha Swindle, both of Dallas; a son, Shelton Clark of Dallas; her parents, Jerry and Claudzell Collins of Amarillo; two brothers, Frank Collins and Mike Collins, both of Amarillo; two sisters, Ann Shaw and Ruby Smith, both of Amarillo; and three grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Amarillo. John E. Fincher BEND, Ore. - John E. Fincher, 53, died Wednesday, Aug. 13, 1997. Private inurnment will be in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas. Arrangements are by Redmond Memorial Chapel in Redmond. Mr. Fincher was born in Cheyenne. He grew up in Amarillo and was a 1962 graduate of Amarillo High School. He enlisted in the Army and served from 1962 to 1964. He attended West Texas State University in Canyon, Texas, and received a degree in biochemistry. He moved to Mesa, Ariz., in 1986 and to Boise, Idaho, in 1995. He moved to Bend in March. Mr. Fincher was a woodworker and built custom furniture for many years. Survivors include his mother, Betty H. Fincher of Bend; and two sisters, Betty H. Fincher of Bend and Diana Waterman of Pickerington, Ohio. The family requests memorials be to Hospice of Bend, P.O. Box 1146, Bend, Ore. 97701. Canyon Jeff Lawson Jeff Lawson, 31, of Canyon, died Thursday, Aug. 14, 1997. Memorial services will be at 5:30 p.m. Saturday in J.A. Hill Memorial Chapel on the West Texas A&M University campus. Cremation and arrangements are by Brooks Funeral Directors of Canyon. Mr. Lawson graduated from Seagraves High School. He received his bachelor of arts degree in management and finance from West Texas State University. He had been a resident of Canyon for 12 years. He was involved with investments and building. He managed Dos Caballeros in Canyon for seven years. Mr. Lawson married Beth Sawvell on Aug. 4 in Santa Fe, N.M. Survivors include his wife; two brothers, John Lawson of Louisiana and Tony Lawson of Seminole; and a sister, Chris Pliatti of Alaska. The family requests memorials be to a favorite charity.