Potter Co. TX - Obits from the Amarillo newspapers 21 August 2003 Thanks to http://www.amarillonet.com/ for permission to upload their obits to the USGenWeb Archives. Copyright. All rights reserved. Amarillo Globe-News http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ------------------------------------------------------ All Obits - Text Only Publication Date: 08/21/03 Refugio C. Montano HEREFORD - Refugio C. Montano, 70, died Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2003. Prayer vigil will be at 7 p.m. today at Rix Funeral Directors. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday in St. Anthony's Catholic Church with the Rev. Jim McGhee officiating. Burial will be in West Park Cemetery. Mr. Montano was born July 4, 1933, in Edcouch to Juan and Joesefa Montano. He married Martha Arresola on Oct. 19, 1952, in Lambert, Miss. Survivors include his wife; two sons, Refugio Montano Jr. of Hereford and Reynaldo Montano of Amarillo; a brother, Adolfo Montano of Spring; eight sisters, Refugia Barajas of Donna, Guadalupe Castillo of Crystal Lake, Ill., Alida Jaquez of Bowling Green, Fla., Maria Elisa Soria of Plymouth, Ind., Maria Elena Cortez of Coalinga, Calif., Nora Elia Zarate of Houston, Angelina Rodriguez of Mt. Clemons, Mich., and Josephine Sedillo of Houston; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 21, 2003 Jerrylean Harris CHILDRESS - Jerrylean Harris, 84, died Monday, Aug. 18, 2003. Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday in Childress Church of Christ with the Rev. A.C. Crowley officiating. Burial will be in Childress Cemetery by Johnson Funeral Home. Mrs. Harris was born Feb. 15, 1919, in Pflugerville. She was a loving and faithful mother who taught her children how to treat people. Survivors include three daughters, Shirley Harris and Bertha Harris, both of Childress, and Fannie Leanora Crump of Dallas; five sons, Avon Harris and Tony Harris, both of Childress, October Thomas and Van Lee Harris, both of Dallas, and Anthony Harris of San Antonio; a sister, Tommie Nell Robinson of Austin; two brothers, Marshall McDade and Noble McDade, both of Austin; 13 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 21, 2003 Flora Guinn PAMPA - Flora Guinn, 91, died Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2003. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Dudley Funeral Home Chapel in Waurika, Okla., with the Rev. Lynn Plant, Assembly of God minister, officiating. Burial will be in Waurika Cemetery. Local arrangements are by Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors. Mrs. Guinn was a longtime Pampa resident before moving to Waurika. She was a member of the Assembly of God in Waurika. Survivors include three daughters, Maxine Cole of Waurika, Lois Thompson of Pampa and Pauline Phillips of Oklahoma City; nine grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 21, 2003 Edith Higgins HEREFORD - Edith Higgins, 82, died Monday, Aug. 18, 2003, in Amarillo. Services will be at 1 p.m. Friday in Gililland-Watson Funeral Home Rose Chapel with Conway Wood, elder of Albuquerque, N.M., officiating. Burial will be in West Park Cemetery. Mrs. Higgins was born Aug. 12, 1921, in Franklin County. She married Herbert Higgins on Feb. 10, 1940, in Erick, Okla. Survivors include her husband; four daughters, Lillie Bolinger of Siloam Springs, Ark., Wanda Coody and Loretta Stovall, both of Amarillo, and Wilma Sharp of Tomball; her twin brother, Elton VanHorn of Hammond, La.; 12 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 21, 2003 Almeda Crist PANHANDLE - Almeda Crist, 81, died Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2003. Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday in First Baptist Church in Panhandle with Mark Roberts and Crist Roberts officiating. Burial will be in Panhandle Cemetery by Minton/Chatwell Funeral Directors. Mrs. Crist was born Dec. 16, 1921, in Shamrock, Okla. She had been a Panhandle resident since 1936. Survivors include a son, Gene Crist of Cumbie; two daughters, Bertha Mae Owens of San Antonio and Mary Alice Benton of Denton; three sisters, Eva Thorp of Panhandle, Laura Mae Brown of Nicoma, Okla., and Marcela Ninemire of Eunice, La.; eight grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to First Baptist Church in Panhandle. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 21, 2003 Jean D. White BORGER - Jean D. White, 75, died Monday, Aug. 18, 2003. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in Trinity Lutheran Church with the Rev. Steven J. Misch, pastor, officiating. Cremation and arrangements are by Minton/Chatwell Funeral Directors. Mrs. White was born June 28, 1928, in Kingfisher County, Okla. She was a retired dress shop owner in Borger. Survivors include three sisters, Glenda Gerdeman of Las Vegas, N.M., Shirley Willis of Truro, Iowa, and Sandra Thompson of Centerville. The family suggests memorials be to BSA Hospice, 800 N. Sumner, Pampa, TX 79065; or to Trinity Lutheran Church of Borger. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 21, 2003 Amarillo Mary Janalice "Jane" Harty Edquist Mary Janalice "Jane" Harty Edquist, 89, of Amarillo died Sunday, Aug. 17, 2003. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in First Baptist Church with the Rev. Chad C. Hughes, of Cape Bible Chapel in Cape Girardeau, Mo., officiating. Burial will be in Llano Cemetery by N.S. Griggs and Sons Funeral Directors, 2615 Paramount Blvd. Mrs. Edquist was born in Houston and raised in Amarillo. She graduated from Amarillo High School in 1930. She attended Cottey College in Missouri and Trinity University before graduating from the University of Texas at Austin. She married Manuel B. Edquist on June 18, 1938. She was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority, PEO Sisterhood, St. Anthony's Hospital Auxiliary, Jr. Travel Study Club and First Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1988; and a brother, Russell Kimbrough "Kim" Harty in 1978. Survivors include a son, Manuel H. Edquist and wife, Dottie, of Waco; a daughter, Mollie Edquist Tully of Dallas; four grandchildren, Chad C. Hughes of Cape Girardeau, Sarah Edquist Teat of Waxahachie, Brian Kimbrough Tully and Michael Edquist Tully, both of Dallas; two great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Jenny Bennett Harty of Lubbock. The family suggests memorials be to Cottey College, 1000 W. Austin, Nevada, MO 64772. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 21, 2003 Laurie Eileen Johnson Laurie Eileen Johnson, 23, of Amarillo died Monday, Aug. 18, 2003. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in Grace Community Church with the Rev. Brent Childers officiating. Burial will be in Llano Cemetery by Cox Funeral Home, 4180 Canyon Drive. Miss Johnson was born and raised in Post. She had been a resident of Amarillo since 1986. She was a graduate of Highland Park High School in 1999. She was in training to be a certified nurse's aide. She loved people, especially children. She was a volunteer at Travis Middle School and served as a mentor to many young people. Survivors include her parents, Larry and Eileen Johnson of Amarillo; and two sisters, Marcella Deneice Johnson and Kendra Faye Johnson, both of Amarillo. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 21, 2003 A.C. "Muzzy" White A.C. "Muzzy" White, 81, of Amarillo died Thursday, Aug. 7, 2003. Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Friday in Memorial Park Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, 6969 E. Interstate 40, with the Rev. Jerry Coffman officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements are by Schooler-Gordon Funeral Directors, 5400 Bell St. Mr. White served in the Navy and the Merchant Marines and was a veteran of World War II. He was a 55-year union member of Local 798. He belonged to San Jacinto Masonic Lodge No. 1330, El Paso Scottish Rite, Khiva Shrine, American Legion and Moose Lodge. He was an avid golfer and an artist of Southwest and Indian art. He was preceded in death by his wife, Florence Kathleen White. Survivors include two sons, H. Wayne White of Hereford and David M. White of Lakeland, Fla.; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a special friend, Fina Otero. The family suggests memorials be to a favorite charity. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 21, 2003 Howard E. "Gene" McNitt Howard E. "Gene" McNitt, 74, of Amarillo died Monday, Aug. 18, 2003. Memorial services will be at 3 p.m. Friday in Schooler Funeral Home Brentwood Chapel, 4100 S. Georgia St., with the Rev. Robert E. Field officiating. Mr. McNitt was born in Syracuse, Kan. He married Lois Adams in Grand Junction, Colo., on July 20, 1948. They had just celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. Mr. McNitt retired after 23 years from the Marine Corps as a gunnery sergeant. He was active during the later stages of WWII, the Korean conflict and Vietnam. Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Janet Fry and husband, Gil, of Amarillo and Terri Jay and husband, Craig, of Crawfordville, Fla.; a son, Roger McNitt and wife, Patti, of Rogers, Ark.; a sister, Mary Sullins of Syracuse; a brother, Dallas McNitt of Ulysses, Kan.; his mother, Esther McNitt of Syracuse; eight grandchildren, Holly, Chris, Kyle, Katie, Rick, Lori, Matt and Jon; and two great-grandchildren, Mason and Evan. The family suggests memorials be to Olivia's Angels in care of BSA Hospice, P. O. Box 950, Amarillo, TX 79176. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 21, 2003 Vircle Vonnie "Shorty" Meyer Vircle Vonnie "Shorty" Meyer, 77, of Amarillo died Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2003. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday in Arden Road Baptist Church with Dr. Dale Bigham officiating. Entombment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery Mausoleum by Memorial Park Funeral Home. Mrs. Meyer was born Oct. 7, 1925, in Wetumka, Okla. She married Trumon Ray Meyer on Feb. 21, 1947, in Borger. The couple lived in Borger for 40 years before moving to Amarillo in 1986. Shorty was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She was also the director of the Borger Youth Center. Shorty was a loving wife, sister and aunt. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. She was peceded in death by her son, Larry Ray Meyer; her parents; a brother; and a sister. Survivors include her husband; a sister, Susie Doke of Yukon, Okla.; numerous nieces and nephews; several great-nieces and great-nephews; and many great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 21, 2003 Dorothy Cates Dorothy Cates, 77, of Amarillo died Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2003. Rosary will be at 7 p.m. today in Schooler-Gordon Funeral Directors, Bell Avenue Chapel, 5400 S. Bell St. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in St. Laurence Cathedral with the Rev. Ken Keller officiating. Burial will be in Llano Cemetery. Mrs. Cates was born March 12, 1926, in Marlow, Okla., and moved to Amarillo in 1958. She was a member of St. Laurence Cathedral. She was preceded in death by four children, Kenneth in 1949, Stephen in 1980, James in 1989 and Kathy Hover in 1989. Survivors include her husband, Ira; three sons, Tommy of Newport Beach, Calif., David of Dallas and Richard of Oklahoma City; a daughter, Veronica Matejko of Amarillo; a sister, Mary Cochran of Oklahoma City; 10 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 21, 2003 New Mexico Frances Opal Blair CLOVIS, N.M. - Frances Opal Blair, 95, died Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2003. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Friday in Mission Garden of Memories with the Rev. John Rollinson officiating. Arrangements are by Muffley Funeral Home. Mrs. Blair was a lifetime resident of Clovis. She was a bookkeeper for department stores. Survivors include a daughter, Jane Mount of Las Cruces; three grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. The family suggests memorials be to Laurel Ridge Nursing Home, 1201 N. Norris, Clovis, NM 88101. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 21, 2003 Irene Elizabeth Wilson CLOVIS, N.M. - Irene Elizabeth Wilson, 73, died Monday, Aug. 18, 2003. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in First Assembly of God with the Rev. Bob Burris officiating. Burial will be in Lawn Haven Memorial Gardens by Muffley Funeral Home. Mrs. Wilson was a homemaker and loved cooking for her family. She was a member of Texico Assembly of God. Survivors include her husband, Lamon; a daughter, Imagene Rainey of Amarillo; three sons, Lamon "Bill" Wilson Jr. and Hoyt Wilson, both of Dalton, Ga., and Leon Wilson of Clovis; 16 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to Texico Assembly of God Building Fund or the American Cancer Society. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 21, 2003 Elsewhere Novella Amanda Price EARTH - Novella Amanda Price, 86, died Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2003, in Lubbock. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday in Earth United Methodist Church with the Rev. Johnny Timms, pastor of First Baptist Church in Chickasha, Okla., the Rev. Robert Baker, pastor of Bible Missionary in Littlefield and the Rev. Gary Hubbard, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Earth Cemetery by Hammons Funeral Home. Mrs. Price was born Feb. 8, 1917, in Weaver. She worked as a cook at Wolverine Drive-In in Earth, and Claira's Cafe and Longs Cafe, both in Farwell. Survivors include a son, L.J. Rudd of Earth; four daughters, Doris Cox of Littlefield, Vera Callaway and Veta Miller, both of Muleshoe, and Myrna Lingnau of Farwell; 22 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to the Cardiologists Association of Lubbock or Hospice of Lubbock. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 21, 2003 Elsewhere Evelyn E. Taylor TOPEKA, Kan. - Evelyn E. Taylor, 85, died Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003. Services will be at 2:30 p.m. today in Wesley Hall at Aldersgate Village. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in Boise City Cemetery of Boise City, Okla., by Cimarron Mortuary. Arrangements are by Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Mrs. Taylor was born March 13, 1918, in Boise City. She was a member of University United Methodist Church. Survivors include a brother, Robert E. Taylor of Hames City, Fla.; and seven nieces and nephews. The family suggests memorials be to University United Methodist Church, 1621 S.W. College, Topeka, KS 66604. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 21, 2003 Elsewhere Dr. David W. Robertson ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Dr. David W. Robertson, 48, died Saturday Aug. 16, 2003. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Sixth and Meredith Church of Christ in Dumas, Texas, with Dr. David M. Bonner, family friend, and David D. Bonner, minister of Cuthbert Street Church of Christ in Midland, Texas, officiating. Burial will be in Dumas Cemetery. Memorial Services will be held in San Diego, Ann Arbor, Mich., and Indianapolis, Ind., at a later date. Local arrangements are by Morrison Funeral Directors of Dumas. Dr. Robertson was born July 30, 1955, in Dumas. He was Executive Director of Central Nervous System and Cardiovascular Chemistry for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. Dave was a "people person" and a "scientist's scientist". Dave had a positive impact on all who knew him, impressing everyone first with his kindness and humanity, and then with his superior intellect and extensive knowledge. Dave was the architect of many successful programs, yet he was quick to share credit and embrace ideas, regardless of their source. Dave mentored and influenced many successful people, and they are his lasting legacy. Dave was born in Dumas. He earned his bachelor of science degree in Chemistry and Biology with highest honors from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1977, and he completed his master's and doctorate degrees in bio-organic chemistry at the University of Illinois. He joined Eli Lilly and Co. in 1981, where his research efforts quickly led to clinical drug candidates. His career at Lilly advanced rapidly, and he served as head of the Central Nervous System (CNS) Research Division, and chair of the CNS Corporate Strategy Group. David was recruited to Ligand Pharmaceuticals in San Diego where he served as Vice President of Research from 1991 to 1996. David moved to The DuPont Merck Pharmaceutical Co. in 1996 and to Pharmacia & Upjohn (Pharmacia Corp.) in 1999, where he was Vice President, Research. In 2002, Dave became Executive Director of Chemistry at Pfizer's Ann Arbor site. Dr. Robertson served on many professional committees, including the American Chemical Society's (ACS) Membership Committee, Long Range Planning Committee, and various awards committees. He served on the scientific advisory boards of Message Pharmaceuticals and Acumen Pharmaceuticals, and he organized many symposia for national ACS meetings, the European Federation of Medicinal Chemistry and Gordon Research Conferences. Dr. Robertson authored more than 120 publications, made over 145 presentations at scientific conferences, and was an inventor on more than 60 U.S. patents. Dave and his teams placed approximately 45 new drug candidates into clinical development. Dave had a world class, international reputation both as a scientist and person. Many will miss his warm smile, intellect and friendship. Survivors include a daughter, Cassandra Robertson of San Diego; a son, Andrew Robertson of San Diego; his parents, R.L. and Nixie Robertson of Dumas; three sisters, Linda Hamlin of Mount Pulaski, Ill., Glenna Rummel and husband, S.D., of Fritch, Texas, and Suzanne Roberts and husband, Glenn, of Sumter, S.C.; a brother, Timothy Robertson of Dumas; several nieces and nephews; and many aunts and uncles. The family suggests memorials be made in Dave's name to the American Heart Association, 6605 W. Interstate 40, Building A6, Amarillo, TX 79106; the American Stroke Association at the above address; or the David Robertson Chemistry Scholarship Fund. Contributions to the latter can be sent to David Robertson Chemistry Scholarship Fund in care of Stephen F. Austin State University Alumni Association, P.O. Box 6096, Nacogdoches, TX 75962. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 21, 2003 Canyon Royal L. Brantley Royal L. Brantley, 80, of Canyon died Monday, Aug. 18, 2003. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Friday in Dreamland Cemetery. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Friday in First Presbyterian Church of Canyon with the Rev. Dr. Don McDonald, pastor, the Rev. Terry Lowe, pastor of First United Methodist Church of Shamrock, Gerry Lewis, pastor of Eagle Mountain Baptist Church of Fort Worth, and Kathleen Jones, lay minister, officiating. Arrangements are by Brooks Funeral Directors. Mr. Brantley was born Aug. 22, 1922, in Yorktown. He attended several small Texas public schools, graduating from Harlandale High School in San Antonio in 1940. Mr Brantley served as a first lieutenant in the Army Air Corps during World War II, piloting B-24 bombers in the Pacific Theater. After the war, Mr. Brantley completed a bachelor of music education degree in 1947 at Southwest Texas State University, and in 1949, he received the first master of music in vocal performance ever awarded by the University of Texas-Austin. As a graduate assistant, Mr. Brantley taught vocal music at UT for two years and was head of the Vocal Music Department and director of choirs at Tarleton State for four years. Mr. Brantley came to Canyon and West Texas State University in 1953, where he served as associate professor of vocal music and head of the vocal music department until 1984. He continued as a part-time instructor for four years teaching voice and music composition. Mr. Brantley, "Mr. B" to his students, introduced musical theater and opera to the High Plains through his directorship of the WTSU Opera Workshop. From 1953 to 1979, Mr. Brantley directed, composed, conducted, produced, and/or performed in 54 opera and musical theater productions at WT. His original opera "Samuel" was produced in the Branding Iron Theatre in 1978. During his tenure as director of opera workshop, the opera and musical theater productions drew sell-out crowds from all over the Panhandle and were a primary tool for recruiting music and theater students for WTSU. Mr. Brantley was the original music director for the musical drama "TEXAS" (1966-1979), adapting, arranging and adding to the score over the course of 18 years, and he followed original artistic director and fellow founder William A. Moore as the second artistic director of "TEXAS" (1980-1984). Mr. Brantley is also remembered as an accomplished performer for his professional portrayal of the King in the "King and I" (1959), Tony in "The Most Happy Fella" (1968), Tevye in "Fiddler on the Roof" (1972), and Don Quixote in "Man of La Mancha" (1975). Mr. Brantley made his last appearence on the stage of the Branding Iron Theatre with a cameo role as Erronius in "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" in 1990. During his career, Mr. Brantley's many accomplishments were recognized with honors and awards. These include The WTAMU Alumni Association Phoenix Award for Teaching Excellence in 1978, his induction into the WTAMU Branding Iron Theatre Hall of Fame in 1990, Professor Emeritus of Music - West Texas A&M University in 1987, and the nationally recognized Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Orpheus Award in 1999. He was preceded in death by his mother, Vera Abbey in 1997, and a son, Dr. John Stuart Brantley in 1984. Survivors include his wife, Charlotte Rugel; two daughters, Susan Brantley Milligan of Cincinnati and Julie Brantley Petruccione and husband, Nicholas, of Canyon; a daughter-in-law, Sally N. Brantley of Canyon; a son, Royal R. Brantley and wife, Karen, of Amarillo; four sisters, Mrs. June Hughes, Mrs. Lucille Whitmill, Mrs. Glenna Isham and husband, Woodrow, all of Seguin, and Mrs. Kathleen Jones of Austin; a brother, David Brantley and wife, Janet, of San Antonio; three granddaughters, Julie Kathleen Milligan of Austin, Susan Brantley of Dallas and Charlotte Erin Gregg of Canyon; eight grandsons, Dr. Sean Milligan and wife, Katie, of Dallas, John Nester Brantley and wife, Tiffany, of Austin, Bobby Paul Gregg of Canyon, Charles Brantley and wife, Krissy, of Dallas, Anthony Petruccione of Lubbock, and Ryan Brantley, Evan Brantley and Landon Brantley, all of Amarillo; a great-grandson, George Maxwell Milligan; and many nieces and nephews. The family suggests memorials be to Royal L. Brantley Scholarship Fund at West Texas A&M University, P. O. Box 60766, Canyon, TX 79016. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 20, 2003 Click here to return to story: http://www.amarillonet.com/stories/082103/obi_allobits.shtml © The Amarillo Globe-News Online