Potter Co. TX - Obits from Amarillo Online Newspapers 23 May 2000 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; Tuesday, May 23, 2000, 5:51 AM Amarillo Stephen Edward Hatfield Stephen Edward "Steve" Hatfield, 52, of Amarillo, died Saturday, May 20, 2000. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Citizens Cemetery at Clarendon with the Rev. Sherman Eastland, chaplain at Northwest Texas Hospital, officiating. Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors Inc. of Clarendon. Mr. Hatfield married Vivian "Marie" Corder in 1976 at Amarillo. They lived in Rapid City, S.D., until moving to Amarillo in 1983. Survivors include his wife; and a brother, Rick James Hatfield of Austin, Minn. Amarillo Daily News, May 23, 2000 Jonni Ruth Blower Jonni Ruth Blower, 70, of Amarillo, formerly of Dumas, died Sunday, May 21, 2000. Graveside services will be at 4 p.m. today in Dumas Cemetery at Dumas with the Rev. Jay McGaughy, pastor of Temple Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are by Morrison Funeral Directors. Mrs. Blower was born in San Saba. She was a past longtime resident of Dumas and moved to Amarillo in 1968. She was a certified nurse aide and retired in 1988. She married Lee Blower in 1966 at Dumas. He died in 1972. Survivors include two daughters, Denise Blakemore of Amarillo and Pam Vetter of New Braunfels; a son, Tony Hugg of Dumas; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. The family will be at 406 Hickory in Dumas. Amarillo Daily News, May 23, 2000 James D. Smith Lt. Col. James D. Smith, 80, of Amarillo, died Sunday, May 21, 2000. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Roger Hubbard officiating. Memorial services will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday in Lake Tanglewood Community Church. Arrangements are by Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia St. Lt. Col. Smith was born in Randlett, Okla. He was retired from the Air Force, where he served during World War II and the Korean and Berlin Air Lift. He was one of the founders of the Osage Volunteer Fire Department and had served on the board of directors for Meal on Wheels. He was a member of Lake Tanglewood Community Church. He married Flora "Sis" Madsen in 1940 at Amarillo. Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Debi Fussell of Amarillo; a son, Dr. Richard M. Smith of Amarillo; a sister, Lanelle Wilson of Randlett; two brothers, Irvin L. Smith of Burkburnett and O.E. Wilson of Shreveport, La.; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to Meals on Wheels, 1416 W. Eighth, No. 106, Amarillo, TX 79101. Amarillo Daily News, May 23, 2000 Charlene Helms Charlene Helms, 58, of Amarillo, died Sunday, May 21, 2000. Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Pleasant Valley Baptist Church with Dr. Dana Moore, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements are Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2820 Virginia Circle. Mrs. Helms was born in Spearman and had been a lifetime resident of Amarillo. She was a homemaker and a Baptist. She married Jim Helms in 1984 at Dothan, Ala. Survivors include her husband; two sons, Wade Sillivent and Clifton Sillivent, both of Amarillo; three sons, Robert Helms of Amarillo, Jeffery Helms of Dallas and David Helms of Arkansas; two brothers, Wayne Sillivent and Robert Sillivent both of Amarillo; four sisters, Faye Hassey of Waco, Linda Hassey, Cathy Darling and Debbie Krobot, all of Amarillo; and 10 grandchildren. The family will be at 426 Mesquite. Amarillo Daily News, May 23, 2000 Delbert J. White Delbert J. "Dale" White, 72, of Amarillo, died Sunday, May 21, 2000. Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Southwest Church of Christ with Brent Adams, minister, officiating. Burial will be in Llano East Cemetery with military rites rendered by Disabled American Veterans Chapter No. 26. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2820 Virginia Circle. Mr. White was born in Gladstone, N.M. He had lived in Amarillo for three years. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II and in the Air Force at Korea. He was involved in the building and design of some hospitals in Europe and retired after 50 years as an X-ray engineer. He was a member of the Southwest Church of Christ. He married Viola Ham in 1948 at Cheyenne, Wyo. Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Sue Cherry and Sidney Hamer, both of Hereford and Mary Ann Fruits of Albuquerque, N.M.; a son, Johnny White of Denver; three sisters, Alice McDade of Dumas, Betty Richardson of Missouri and Patsy Ohlen of Lincoln, Neb.; 10 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Amarillo Daily News, May 23, 2000 J. Bob Cox J. Bob Cox, 78, of Amarillo, died Sunday, May 21, 2000. Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, Ivy Chapel, 2820 Virginia Circle, with the Rev. Jeff Raines, associate minister of First Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Dreamland Cemetery at Canyon. Mr. Cox was born in Happy. He was a graduate of Hatch High School and Bowman's at Lancaster, Pa. In 1949 he moved to Dumas, where he owned and operated J. Bob Cox Jewelers for 27 years. He served on the City Commission and was a deacon at First Baptist Church. Mr. Cox had been brotherhood president and president of the Dumas Rotary Club. He had been a member of Canyon Masonic Lodge and president of the Parent Teacher's Association of Lubbock State School. He lived in Amarillo the past eight years and was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, the Harrington Cancer Center and Hospice. Mr. Cox married Edna George in 1943 at Baltimore, Md. Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Roberta Cooper of Amarillo; a son, Douglas Cox of Longview; a brother, Edwin Cox of Quemado, N.M.; and two grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to Lubbock State School Chaplain's Fund, Box 5396, Lubbock, TX; or a favorite charity. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Amarillo Daily News, May 23, 2000 George Armstrong Sr. George Armstrong Sr., 60, of Amarillo, died Sunday, May 21, 2000. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Blackburn-Shaw Funeral Directors Martin Road Chapel, 15th Avenue and Martin Road, with Bruce Hunt officiating. Cremation by Memory Gardens Cemetery. Mr. Armstrong lived in Amarillo 30 years, moving from Hereford. He was a retired auto mechanic and at one time owned his own shop. He also contracted repairs for auto dealers. He married Helen Prater in 1959 at Muleshoe. Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Rita Armstrong of Amarillo; four sons, George Armstrong Jr., Joe Armstrong, Steve Armstrong, all of Amarillo and Jack Armstrong of Wichita Falls; a brother, Lewis Armstrong of Arlington; a sister, Beryl Hunt of Fort Sumner, N.M.; 14 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. The body will not be available for viewing. Amarillo Daily News, May 23, 2000 Canyon Louise Ellen Simms Louise Ellen Simms, 92, of Canyon, died Sunday, May 21, 2000. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Brooks Funeral Directors Chapel with Dr. Charles Price, pastor of First Baptist Church, officiating. Private burial in Dreamland Cemetery. Mrs. Simms was born in Lead Hill, Ark. She married Paul Carson. He died in 1964. She married Cecil Simms in 1966. He died in 1988. She was a member of First Baptist Church. Survivors include two sisters, Ann Jennings of Bristow, Okla., and Vaye Goodman of Paramount, Calif.; a stepdaughter, Alice Dietz of Edmond, Okla.; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. The family suggests memorials be to First Baptist Church, 1717 Fourth Avenue, Canyon, TX 79015. Amarillo Daily News, May 23, 2000 Area Jimmy Edward Victor PAMPA - Jimmy Edward Victor, 49, died Saturday, May 20, 2000. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors Colonial Chapel with the Rev. Doug Yates, pastor of First Church of the Nazarene, officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery. Mr. Victor was born in Portales, N.M. He graduated from Hereford High School in 1969 and moved to Pampa in 1970. He worked for Richardson Well Service and Curtis Well Service. He was a mechanic and part owner of Doan Truck Repairs. Survivors include a daughter, Amanda Taylor of Center, Colo.; his mother, Janie Blake of Canyon; a sister, Sue Beasley of Hereford; two brothers, Gary Victor of Atlanta and Gene Victor of Amarillo; and two grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to the American Heart Association. Amarillo Daily News, May 23, 2000 Beatrice C. Wilbanks DUMAS - Beatrice C. Wilbanks, 86, died Sunday, May 21, 2000. Services will be at 11 a.m. today in the Church of Christ at Ninth and Bliss with Steve Walker, minister, officiating. Burial will be in the Dumas Cemetery by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors. Mrs. Wilbanks was born in Montoga, N.M., and had lived in Moore County since 1939. She was a homemaker and a member of the Church of Christ at Ninth and Bliss. She married Henry Allen Wilbanks in 1935 at Perryton. He died in 1964. Survivors include two sons, Henry Allen Wilbanks Jr. of Canyon and Floyd Creed Wilbanks of Grandview; a daughter, Nina Jane Traylor of Dumas; 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. The family suggests memorials be to Meals On Wheels, 810 Dumas Ave., Dumas, TX 79029; or to Memorial Hospice, 225 W. First, Dumas, TX 79029. The family will be at 1112 N.E. Second. Amarillo Daily News, May 23, 2000 Louise H. Richardson PAMPA - Louise H. Richardson, 70, died Sunday, May 21, 2000, in Amarillo. Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in First Baptist Church with the Rev. John Glover, associate pastor, and the Rev. Randy White, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery by Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors. Mrs. Richardson was born in Dallas and had lived in Pampa since 1952. She taught music for Pampa schools 25 years. She was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, 20th Century Club, Pampa Community Concert, Bible Study Fellowship and Mu Phi Epsilon Music Sorority. She also was a member of First Baptist Church, where she was in the choir and taught Sunday school. She sang with the Amarillo Symphony Chorus and performed for many civic groups. She married Lonnie Richardson in 1949 at Harlingen. Survivors include her husband; three daughters, Cheryl Kirk of Petersburg and Lynn Schisler and Susan Richardson, both of Amarillo; a son, Steve Richardson of Dallas; two sisters, Berneice Dorsett of Austin and Aline Hicks of Oceanside, Calif.; nine grandchildren; and a greatgranddaughter. The family suggests memorials be to First Baptist Church Annie Armstrong mission offering; or First Baptist Church music ministry. Amarillo Daily News, May 23, 2000 Felix M. Frausto TULIA - Felix M. Frausto, 62, died Sunday, May 21, 2000. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. today in Wallace Funeral Home Chapel. Services will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday in Church of the Holy Spirit with the Rev. John Salazar-Jimenez officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery. Mr. Frausto was born and raised in Yancey. He moved to Tulia in 1955 and worked for Excel 30 years. He was a member of the Sagrado Corazon Society. He was a Cursillista and a member of the Church of the Holy Spirit. Mr. Frausto married Lorene Gonzales in 1955 at Plainview. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Cynthia Frausto, in 1987. Survivors include his wife; four daughters, Norma Castaneda, Debra Garza, Neida Garza and Janice Frausto, all of Tulia; three sons, Daniel Frausto and David Frausto, both of Tulia and Ronnie Frausto of San Juan; four brothers, Santiago Frausto of Dumas, Joe Frausto and Tony Frausto, both of Kress and Pete Frausto of Center Point; a sister, Juanita Guerro of Portales, N.M.; and a half-sister, Estella De Leon of Yancey; and 18 grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to the Church of the Holy Spirit building fund. Amarillo Daily News, May 23, 2000 Phillip Wayne Owens FLOYDADA - Phillip Wayne "Gunk" Owens, 57, died Sunday, May 21, 2000. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Floydada Cemetery with the Rev. Wendell Horn, pastor of First United Methodist Church, officiating. Arrangements are by Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home. Mr. Owens was born in Dallas County and attended schools in Floydada. He was a veteran of the Army. He was a lifelong resident of Floyd County and an electrician. Survivors include a sister, Jerry Ann Pearson of Floydada; three nieces; one nephew; four great-nieces; and a greatnephew. Amarillo Daily News, May 23, 2000 Juana S. Vasaldua HEREFORD - Juana S. Vasaldua, 89, died Sunday, May 21, 2000. Prayer services will be at 7:30 p.m. today in La Iglesia De Cristo. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the church. Burial will be in West Park Cemetery by Gililland-Watson Funeral Home. Mrs. Vasaldua was born in Meyersville and moved to Deaf Smith County from Port Lavaca in 1945. She was a homemaker and member of La Iglesia De Cristo. She married Pablo Vasaldua in Clovis, N.M. He died in 1967. She also was preceded in death by a daughter, Angela Gonzales, in 1998. Survivors include two sons, Luis Marez of Florida and Willie Rodriguez of Hereford; a daughter, Carolyn Ellis of Bozeman, Mont.; many grandchildren, including Jerry Camarillo of Montana; many great-grandchildren; and many great-great-grandchildren. The family will be at 213 Lake St. Amarillo Daily News, May 23, 2000