Potter Co. TX - Obits from Amarillo Globe-News - February 5, 2004 =================================================================== 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 =================================================================== Amarillo Globe-News Obituaries Thursday, February 5, 2004 Area Tiburcio "Butch" Olvera NAZARETH - Tiburcio "Butch" Olvera, 80, died Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2004, in Dimmitt. Vigil will be at 7 p.m. Friday in the CCD building. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in Holy Family Catholic Church with the Rev. Ken Keller, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Holy Family Cemetery by Foskey-Lilley-McGill Funeral Home. Mr. Olvera was born Aug. 12, 1923, in Bishop. He married San Juana Cervantez Olvera in 1944 in Raymondville. Survivors include five sons, Pedro Olvera of Tye, David Olvera and Jessie Olvera, both of Nazareth, Ruben Olvera of Dimmitt and John Davila of San Antonio; three daughters, Carolina Bermea of Nazareth, Margaret Gamboa of Plainview and Rachel Presas of Dimmitt; a brother, Damacio Olvera of Raymondville; 34 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and five great-great- grandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Edson L. "Ed" Rawson TULIA - Edson L. "Ed" Rawson, 78, died Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2004. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in First Baptist Church with the Rev. Charles Davenport officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery by Wallace Funeral Home. Mr. Rawson was born June 22, 1925, in Adams, Okla., to Randolph and Bessie Rawson. He married Jessie Mae Mortimer on Jan. 15, 1956, in Liberal, Kan. They became residents of Tulia in January 1956, where they made their home, raised a family and earned a living as a spray pilot. Ed had many friends in Swisher County. Everyone who met him received a smile and a handshake. If they stood there long enough they would get a story too. Ed loved people and was a friend to all he met. He joined the Masonic Lodge in 1956 and was an active member in the Tulia Lodge until his death. He held the office of Master Mason in 1981. He held the 32nd Degree and made Master Mason in 1956. He was awarded the Golden Trowel Award in 1997 for outstanding leadership and community service. He was a member of the Chapter and Council in Plainview. He was a 50-year member of AOPA. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Tulia. The real passion of Ed's life had been flying. He received his private pilot's license in 1945 and his commercial license and instrument rating a few years later. He flew for Taylor & Evans Seed Co. as a corporate pilot for many years, but his real love was spraying. He was a crop duster for more than 50 years. If there was a field that needed dusted, you would not see his shirt tail hit his back until he was done. Anytime the wind was not blowing, you could see him in the air racing through the fields. He was still actively spraying until his illness in the fall of 2003. He ran the Tulia/Swisher County Airport and was a member of the Airport Board until March 2003. Mr. Rawson was truly a family man. His family was his pride and joy. He operated R&R Inc. with his son, Steve, by his side. He was a devoted family man who loved to see his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren coming up the drive. He was preceded in death by a son, Steven R. Rawson in July 2003. Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Elizabeth Thompson and husband, Rick, of Tucumcari; three granddaughters, Megan Thompson and Savannah Thompson, both of Tucumcari, and Tabitha N. Rawson; a daughter-in-law, Sheri Neal Rawson of Tulia; a grandson, Daniel L. Rawson and wife, Rita, of Tulia; two great-grandsons, Daniel Rawson Jr. and David Rawson; a sister, Wanda Giacomini and husband, Lee, of Medford, Ore.; and two brothers, Wayne R. Rawson and wife, Iona, of Bickleton, Wash., and Fred W. Rawson and wife, Winnie, of Claremore, Okla. The family suggests memorials be to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, P.O. Box 199300, Dallas, TX 75219-9300; or Vista Hospice, 4418 Olton Road, Plainview, TX 79072. Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jane Doe PAMPA - Jane Doe was found Friday, Oct. 16, 2003. Graveside services will be at 9 a.m. today in Fairview Cemetery with Lonny Robbins, pastor of Trinity Fellowship Church, officiating. Arrangements are by Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors. There are no known survivors. Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Monrow Finney PAMPA - Monrow Finney, 76, died Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2004. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Trinity Fellowship Church with Lonny Robbins, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery by Carmichael- Whatley Funeral Directors. Mr. Finney was born March 15, 1927, in Shamrock, Okla. He was a veteran of the Navy, serving from 1945 until 1946 during World War II. He later joined the Army, serving from 1948 to 1949. He married Pat Hatcher on Aug. 18, 1970, in Oklahoma City. He was a pumper for Cabot Oil and Gas Division for 36 years. He was a lifetime member of VFW and IOOF Lodge. He was a member of Trinity Fellowship Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alford and Sibble Finney; two sisters, Ila Marker and Anna Belle Upton; and three brothers, Delmus Finney, Woodrow Finney and Laymon Finney. Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Connie Hicks of Rogers and DeAnna Helton of Allison; three sons, Marvin Finney Jr. and Jerry Finney, both of Pampa, and F. Dale Finney of Amarillo; a sister, Rosetta Hoffman of Fremont, Calif.; two brothers, Armal Finney and Olan Finney, both of Pampa; 11 grandchildren, Trae Finney, Jamey Finney, Matthew Finney, Nathan Hicks, Erin Hicks, Mark Thomas Lamar II and wife, Robin, Jennifer Lamar, Justin Wade Helton, Jessica Helton, Jessie Finney and Samantha Finney; and five great-grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to BSA Hospice, 800 N. Sumner St., Pampa, TX 79065. Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Genevieve J. Barrett WHITE DEER - Genevieve J. Barrett, 83, died Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2004, in Wichita, Kan. Rosary will be said at 6 p.m. Friday in Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors Colonial Chapel. Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in White Deer with Monsignor Kevin Hand, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Mrs. Barrett had been a resident of White Deer for several years. She lived in Wichita for the past five years. Survivors include three sons, Edward L. Barrett Jr. of Rowlett, Randy Barrett of White Deer and George Barrett of Aurora, Colo.; three daughters, Yvonne Stearns of Guys Mills, Pa., Shirley Whisman of Wichita and Carolyn Snyder of Panhandle; 14 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a brother, Charles Toelle; and a sister, Sister Mary Clotilda, Sister of Mercy. Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Margaret Kouri Randle BORGER - Margaret Kouri Randle, 82, died Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2004. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Highland Park Cemetery with Andy Dietz, pastor of missions and evangelism at First Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are by Minton/Chatwell Funeral Directors. Mrs. Randle was born May 10, 1921, in Covington, Tenn. She was owner of J&J Western Wear and Shoe Repair in Borger. Survivors include her husband, Jack; a daughter, Cheryl Crain of Amarillo; and two granddaughters. The family suggests memorials be to American Diabetes Association. Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wayne Amstutz HEREFORD - Wayne Amstutz, 84, died Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2004. Services will be at 2 p.m. today in First Baptist Church of Hereford with the Rev. Terry Cosby officiating. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday in Memorial Park Cemetery in Oklahoma City by Parkside Chapel Funeral Home. Mr. Amstutz was born Jan. 15, 1920, in Geary, Okla., the son of Waldo and Edna Amstutz. He attended Geary Schools and Hills Business College. Mr. Amstutz was a veteran, having served in the Army during World War II. In 1942, he served with the 90th Army Division landing at Utah Beach on D-Day plus one. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart with cluster and many other awards. He also served with the 45th Division of the National Guard. Mr. Amstutz married Sue Keith on Sept. 16, 1949, in Oklahoma City. He retired from Armour Beef Company after 40 years of service. Mr. Amstutz was a member of the Hereford Lions Club, V.F.W., American Legion and First Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife; a son, Wally Amstutz and wife, Yow Yi, of Dallas; two grandsons, Nathan Amstutz and Mitchell Amstutz, both of Dallas, TX. The family suggests memorials be to First Baptist Church or Hereford Senior Citizens. Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connie Ruffus Lockhart PAMPA - Connie Ruffus Lockhart, 92, died Monday, Feb. 2, 2004. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Memory Gardens Cemetery with the Rev. Carl Novian, associate pastor of First Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are by Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors. Mr. Lockhart was a member of First Baptist Church. He was a member of IOOF and a former member of Texas National Guard. Survivors include a sister, Sandra Maloney of Albuquerque, N.M.; four grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 621, Pampa, TX 79066-0621. Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Amarillo Paul W. Eaton Jr. Paul W. Eaton Jr., 78, of Amarillo died Monday, Feb. 2, 2004. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in St. Peter's Episcopal Church with the Rev. John Watson officiating. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd. Mr. Eaton was a lawyer for more than 50 years, including more than 20 years in Amarillo. Mr. Eaton was born on March 16, 1925, to Paul and Hazel Storz Eaton in Detroit. He enlisted in the Navy when he turned 18 during World War II and served as a Lt. JG on a Destroyer Escort. Upon his discharge from the Navy in 1946, he obtained a bachelor's of business administration degree from the University of Michigan in 1947 and a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 1950. He married Hope Ingold in 1951 in Detroit. The Eatons took their honeymoon trip through New Orleans to Roswell, N.M., where Mr. Eaton earlier had visited and where they decided to start a career and a family. He later said that the honeymoon almost ended as they reached the plains of West Texas when Mrs. Eaton, who had never been west of Chicago, saw the brown, treeless landscape. After settling in an apartment in Roswell, Mr. Eaton went to work for attorney A.B. Carpenter for no pay for six months until he proved to his boss that he could practice law competently. The Eatons had sons in 1952 and 1954 and a daughter in 1957. Mr. Eaton opened his own law practice in Roswell before being asked to join the Hervey, Dow and Hinkle firm in 1956. Mr. Eaton's name was added to the firm's name in 1970. In 1979, the Eatons moved to Amarillo to open a branch of the Hinkle law firm in order to better serve as general counsel to its principal client, Southwestern Public Service Company, which was headquartered in Amarillo. The Amarillo office grew to more than 15 attorneys. In addition to his specialty in public utility law, Mr. Eaton represented clients that included family farmers and multi- national corporations on complex water law issues and oil and gas matters. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence. He was praised by judges, other attorneys and clients for his civility, honesty and dignity. When asked one time by the general counsel of Pennzoil Oil Company to provide an answer in writing to a complicated legal question, but to keep his answer brief, he wrote a letter back that answered the question with one word: "No." He counseled scores of young lawyers to write clearly, work hard, behave ethically and provide the best possible representation to their clients. By 1995, when Mr. Eaton retired as the firm's most senior partner, the firm had become one of New Mexico's largest and oldest law firms and was known as Hinkle, Cox, Eaton, Coffield & Hensley. It had expanded from one office in Roswell to six offices in two states, with branches in Amarillo, Midland, Austin, Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Even after his retirement, he kept an office at the firm in downtown Amarillo and continued to go the office almost daily, which he used to say was at the insistence of his beloved wife. At the time of his death, Mr. Eaton was counsel to the Amarillo firm of Courtney, Countiss, Brian & Bailey, LLP. In the early 1960s, Mr. Eaton served as chairman of the Chaves County (N.M.) Republican Party. He was elected to the Chaves County Commission in 1966 in his one and only campaign for public office. He was a member of the Michigan, New Mexico and Texas Bar Associations and several other professional organizations. He also was a member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Amarillo, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Roswell and the Amarillo Country Club. He had served as president of the Roswell Country Club and the Amarillo Club. Mr. Eaton could be persuaded to play his drums at parties with friends, and he especially enjoyed teasing and joking with his friends and family. He became a licensed pilot, captained his sailboat on Lake Meredith, played golf and tennis to win and was an avid reader and puzzle solver. When he was in his late 40s, he organized a very competitive annual father-son tackle football game that took place each Christmas at the NMMI football field in Roswell, for which he occasionally recruited young ringers to play with him on the fathers' team. Survivors include his wife; his mother, Hazel Eaton, 103, of Tucson, Ariz.; a sister, Betty Thum of Ashville, N.C.; three children, Scott Eaton, a lawyer in Albuquerque, Bob Eaton, a banker in Albuquerque, and Elizabeth Eaton Doyle, a teacher in Rice Lake, Wis.; and six grandchildren, Albert Eaton, a midshipman at the Naval Academy, Park Eaton, a student at the University of Southern California, and Christopher Eaton, Michael Eaton, William Eaton and Emma Eaton, all of Albuquerque. The family suggests memorials be to Baptist St. Anthony's Hospice, Olivia's Angels, 600 N. Tyler, Amarillo, Texas 79106; or St. Peter's Episcopal Church Altar Guild, 4714 N.W. Fourth Ave., Amarillo 79106. Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ruby Frances Prince Williams Ruby Frances Prince Williams, 64, of Amarillo died Monday, Feb. 2, 2004. Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday in New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. James M. Mims, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery by Golden Gate Mortuary, 1416 N. Hughes St. Mrs. Williams was born March 29, 1939, in Colgate, Okla., to Arvil and Ruby Prince. She had lived in Amarillo for 49 years. She was a homemaker and a mother. She was a volunteer at Catholic Family Service and Salvation Army. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Williams, and a son, Calvin Larabee. Survivors include five sons, Gregory Bybee, Jerry Bybee, Ricky Rojas, Jeffory Rojas and Danny Rojas; two daughters, Terry Rojas and Kimberly Rojas; three brothers, James Prince, Gleen Prince and William Prince; five sisters, Charlotte Ogle, Irene Rodriguez, Barbara Patterson, Carolyn Lowry and Debra McKinney; 19 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cecil Harrel Ray Cecil Harrel Ray, 87, of Amarillo died Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2004. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Memory Gardens Cemetery. Arrangements are by N.S. Griggs and Sons Funeral Directors, 2615 Paramount Blvd. Mr. Ray had been a resident of Amarillo since 1969. He worked for McCarty Hull, Dr Pepper and others as a truck driver. He also worked for Jeff's Grand Burgers for 12 years. He married Majorie Lucille Elliott on Dec. 23, 1937, in Durant, Okla. He served his country in the Army during World War II. Survivors include his wife; a son, Johnnie Ray of Grapevine; three daughters, Sandra Jean Bolton of Amarillo, Judith Marie Hudgens of Lubbock and Cecila Ann Hill of Plano; two brothers, Edward Lee Ray of Chino, Calif., and C.D. Ray of Albuquerque, N.M.; 10 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Billie Jean Tidwell Hill Billie Jean Tidwell Hill, 67, of Amarillo died Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2004. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Friday in Edith Ford Cemetery in Canadian. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in First United Methodist Church in Panhandle with the Rev. Keith Wiseman of Lubbock and the Rev. Renae Haiduk of Panhandle officiating. Arrangements are by Stickley-Hill Funeral Directors of Canadian. Mrs. Hill was born Nov. 2, 1936, in Clarendon and graduated from Borger High School in 1955. She lived in Panhandle for many years, where she raised her three daughters. She was employed by Carson County Feedyard and was an active member of First United Methodist Church. She moved to Amarillo in 1981 and retired from Amarillo Production Credit Association in 1999. Billie married Marion Hill on July 1, 1991, in Las Vegas, a spot they both enjoyed and traveled to frequently. Billie cherished many lifelong friendships, was an accomplished seamstress and eagerly anticipated her morning crossword puzzles. The last few weeks of her courageous battle were filled with tender touches, gentle hugs and whispered "I love yous." The family extends appreciation to the skills and kindness of all her doctors, nurses and the staff at Crown of Texas Hospice. Survivors include her husband; five daughters, Cheryl Davis of Arvada, Colo., Leisa Brinkley of Panhandle, Cathy Gray of Mary Esther, Fla., Cynthia Dragoo of San Antonio and Holli Goering of Universal City; a son, Kelly Hill of Plano; her mother, Edna Sargent of Amarillo; a sister, Marilyn Taylor of Amarillo; three brothers, Jerry Tidwell of Borger, David Sargent of Southlake and Greg Sargent of Sugar Land; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 549, Panhandle, TX 79068. Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pat E. Sasser Pat E. Sasser, 75, of Amarillo died Saturday, Jan. 31, 2004. Memorial services will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday in Paramount Terrace Christian Church with the Rev. Roy Wheeler and the Rev. Bob Schroeder officiating. Arrangements are by Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia St. Mr. Sasser was born April 25, 1928, in Clarendon to Otis and Katherine Sasser. He graduated from Amarillo High School in 1946, where he participated in basketball and pole vaulting. In 1949, he married the one true love of his life, Jeannine Singleterry, and they were married for 31 years. In 1958, he started a geological survey company in Farmington, N.M. Throughout his occupational life he became a professional salesman and owner of the Dale Carnegie Course franchise for many years. In 1971, he was awarded Dale Carnegie's highest honor, "The President's Cup." Although he had a stong affection for "winning friends and influencing people," in 1987, he retired from the Dale Carnegie business and returned to his love for oil exploration. Pat was owner and operator of Deep Reef Industries and Oswego Inc. in Amarillo. He possessed a great admiration for the Panhandle region and its wild plains. He liked the challenge of discovering the land's potential for oil and gas reserves. Pat served on the board of Paramount Terrace Christian Church under Roy Wheeler during the church's early years. He also served locally on the board for Opportunity School. He was passionate about tennis, beginning the game at age 42. In his later years, he enjoyed playing snooker with his buddies at Amarillo Senior Citizens Association. Pat's greatest assets were his enthusiasm, determination, courage in the face of challenge and respect for his fellow man. We love you, Dad. Survivors include his children, Pat K. Sasser and wife, Karen, of Amarillo, Valerie Hall and husband, Rick, Erin Noel and husband, Phil, and Shane Sasser and wife, Rebecca, all of Albuquerque, N.M.; 12 grandchildren; three brothers, Jim Sasser and Don Sasser, both of Phoenix, and Byron Riddle of Lake Mexia; and his ex-wife and the mother of his children, Jeannine Sasser of Albuquerque. The family suggests memorials be to Amarillo Senior Citizens Assocication, P.O. Box 31180, Amarillo, TX 79120. Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Robert "Bob Johnson" Warren Robert "Bob Johnson" Warren, 84, of Amarillo died Saturday, Jan. 31, 2004. Memorial services will be at 7 p.m. today in New Hope Baptist Church with the Rev. David Hill officiating. Arrangements are by Warford-Walker Mortuary, 509 N. Hughes St. Mr. Warren was born in Milford and was a veteran of the Army. He was an Amarillo resident for more than 50 years and was a member of New Hope Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Jacqueline of Oklahoma; and a daughter, Tichila Warren of Oklahoma. Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Doris Pearson Doris Pearson, 78, of Amarillo died Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2004. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Friday in Tucumcari Cemetery in Tucumcari, N.M. Arrangements are by Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia St. Mrs. Pearson was born to John and Willie Cooper in Shamrock. She married Bill Pearson in 1941 in Tucumcari. She was a homemaker and in her later years worked in retail. She lived in Gallup, N.M., before moving to Amarillo. She was preceded in death by her husband; a son, Tommy Pearson; and a brother, Tommy Cooper. Survivors include a son, Billy Pearson; eight grandchildren, Cindy, Rebecca, Kari, Amy, Brannon, Brett, Bradley and Tommy Jr.; numerous great-grandchildren; two nieces, Debbie O'Leary of Glenwood, Colo., and Kim Cooper of Amarillo; a nephew, Kelly Cooper of Amarillo; and two very special friends, Juanita Sutton and Debbie Hansen, both of Amarillo. Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 5, 2004 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------