Potter Co. TX - Obits: Amarillo Globe-News - March 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 Friday, March 5, 2004 Area Brian Blackmon BORGER - Brian Blackmon, 47, died Thursday, March 4, 2004. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in Brown Funeral Directors Chapel of the Fountains with Scott Maze, pastor of First Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Stinnett Cemetery in Stinnett. Mr. Blackmon was a veteran of the Marines. He was a firefighter for the City of Borger and the City of Amarillo. Survivors include a son, Brian Jack "B.J." Blackmon of Amarillo; his mother, Shirley Blackmon of Borger; a brother, Mickey Blackmon of Borger; a sister, Diana Berry of Springfield, Ill.; and a grandson. Amarillo Globe-News, March 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Edna Pearson MULESHOE - Edna Pearson, 86, died Wednesday, March 3, 2004. Services will be at 2 p.m. today in First Baptist Church. Burial will be in Muleshoe Memorial Park Cemetery by Ellis Funeral Home. Mrs. Pearson married James C. Pearson Sr. in Hockley County. She was a homemaker and a member of Calvary Baptist Church of Muleshoe. Survivors include three sons, James E. Pearson of Lubbock, Riley "Lee" Pearson of Levelland and J.C. Pearson Jr. of Muleshoe; three daughters, Ruby E. Henderson and Linda Nowell, both of Muleshoe, and Juantia Hall of Mena, Ark.; 15 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and seven great-great- grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to Kenny Henderson Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of Muleshoe State Bank or Calvary Baptist Church, 1733 W. Avenue C, Muleshoe, TX 79347. Amarillo Globe-News, March 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shirley Barton PAMPA - Shirley Barton, 62, died Tuesday, March 2, 2004. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in Fairview Cemetery with the Rev. Richard Bartel, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are by Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors. Mrs. Barton was a homemaker and a Presbyterian. She had been a resident of Pampa since 1989. Survivors include her husband, Joe; five sons, Gene Barton of Pampa, Joe Barton of Eades, Tenn., Jerry Barton of Bartlett, Tenn., Michael Barton of Millington, Tenn., and Chris Barton; a daughter, Debbie Tomparowski of Bartlett; her mother, Marie Henson of Memphis, Tenn.; a sister, Nancy Henson of Memphis; and 10 grandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, March 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lillian Mae Holt Brown GROOM - Lillian Mae Holt Brown, 67, died Thursday, March 4, 2004. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday in Groom Cemetery with the Rev. David Kelly, pastor of First Baptist Church of Groom, officiating. Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon. Mrs. Brown was born April 9, 1936, in Trenton to Herman and Sally Holt. Lillian was one of nine children. Mrs. Brown married Arthur Royce Brown on Aug. 24, 1953, in Vernon. They raised eight children. Lillian was best known for being the best cook at every cafe she worked for and for her kindness. She also worked as a security guard for Advanced Security, but was mostly a stay-at-home mom. She loved to be called "Granny" as most people in and around Groom knew her as. Lillian loved having all of her family and friends gather to visit, as she always made everyone feel welcome and comfortable. Lillian was most proud of her 14 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. She always looked out for them and wouldn't let anyone or anything harm them. Lillian enjoyed visiting with her nearest great-grandchildren, Kassandra, Erynn, Zac and Victory. Her favorite pastime was going to Pampa to shop at Wal- Mart and the Dollar Store with her daughter, Paula, and then going to eat at Pizza Hut. She was very proud of one of her sons-in-law for recently becoming a U.S. Citizen. She was preceded in death by her parents; and six siblings. Survivors include her husband; her children, Raymond, Paula, Jimbo and Scott, all of Groom, Art Jr. of Graham, Ellen Mason of Childress and Jeanie Wakefield and Neva Cheng, both of El Reno, Okla.; 14 grandchildren; 21 great- grandchildren; a sister, Austinetta Brown of Childress; and a brother, Hughell Gibson Holt of Vernon. The family suggests memorials be to Groom Ambulance Service. The family will be gathered at 405 W. First St. in Groom. Amarillo Globe-News, March 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Amarillo Virginia Lucile Henderson Virginia Lucile Henderson, 81, of Amarillo died Wednesday, March 3, 2004. Services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday in the Church at Quail Creek, San Jacinto Baptist Church, with Dr. Stan Coffey officiating. Burial will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery by Schooler-Gordon Funeral Directors, 5400 S. Bell St. Mrs. Henderson was born in Healdton, Okla., on Jan. 28, 1923, to Elisha Shelby Vitatoe and Ida May Catron. She moved to Amarillo after riveting ships following World War II. She began service to our Lord by teaching piano lessons initially at Amarillo Musical Arts Conservatory. Soon following, Virginia taught many local students the piano at the Helium Plant location during the post-war. She married John Nelson Henderson in 1943 at Vallejo, Calif. Mr. Henderson serviced the Panhandle as a self-employed piano technician for more than 35 years. Their 50th wedding anniversary reflected many years of musical training and piano, all for the glorification of our Lord Christ. Virginia also played the piano for the USO in 1943. Survivors include two sons, Tommy N. Henderson and wife, Jana, of Taiwan and Ronnie Henderson of Manhattan, N.Y.; a sister, Betty Reavis of Salinas, Calif.; and a grandson, John Eric Henderson. The family suggests memorials be to Prayer Warriors at the Church of Quail Creek, in care of San Jacinto Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. today at the funeral home. Amarillo Globe-News, March 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Baily Lewis Davis Baily Lewis Davis, infant son of Sterling and Samantha Davis of Amarillo, died Tuesday, March 2, 2004. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. today in Memorial Park Cemetery with Dr. Chester Beavers officiating. Arrangements are by Memorial Park Funeral Home, 6969 E. Interstate 40. Survivors include his parents; and a sister, Brianna Ruth Davis of Amarillo. Amarillo Globe-News, March 5, 2004 Freda Gruhlkey Edmonds Freda Gruhlkey Edmonds, 77, of Amarillo, formerly of Adrian, died Wednesday, March 3, 2004, in Lamesa. Services will be at 2 p.m. today in Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount Blvd., with the Rev. Marty Hamrick, associate pastor of Polk Street United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Llano Cemetery. Mrs. Edmonds was born in Kennedale to John M. and Jessie Lula McVean Balding. She had co-owned and operated Owl Feed Yard in Hereford. She was a resident of the Adrian area for more than 30 years. She married Carroll Gruhlkey in 1944. He preceded her in death in 1980. She later married Elmo Edmonds. Survivors include her husband; a son, David Gruhlkey of Amarillo; three daughters, Shelda Patino of Claude, and Sonda Williams and Felicia Hancock, both of Amarillo; seven grandchildren, Jeremy, Brad, Heidi, Holly, J. Mike, Whitney and Brittany; and two great-grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to Shriners Crippled Children Fund, in care of Khiva Temple, P.O. Box 328, Amarillo, TX 79105; or Cal Farley's Girlstown, 600 S.W. 11th Ave., Amarillo, TX 79101. Amarillo Globe-News, March 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reba Barkley Huffhines Reba Barkley Huffhines of Amarillo died Wednesday, March 3, 2004, in Oklahoma City. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in Schooler-Gordon Funeral Directors Bell Avenue Chapel, 5400 S. Bell St. Private burial will be in Llano Cemetery. Mrs. Huffhines was born in Hansford. Her parents were Judge and Mrs. A.F. Barkley. When the community was moved to meet the railroad, she moved with her family to Spearman. She graduated from Spearman High School in 1928 and attended Texas Woman's University in Denton. After college she was employed at the bank in Spearman. She then worked for the Whittenburg family in Plemons and relocated to their Amarillo office. In Amarillo, she met and married John S. Huffhines on April 23, 1938. Her years before retirement were spent with H.V. Robertson Co. She and John were charter members of St. Paul Methodist Church. She was active with the Girl Scouts of America and was an avid bridge player. She moved to Oklahoma City in 2000. She was preceded in death by her husband; a sister, Virginia Renfro; and a brother, Freeman Barkley. Survivors include two daughters, Judye Cooper and husband, Don, of Des Moines, Iowa, and Jan Rogers and husband, Tom, of Oklahoma City; a sister, Gertrude B. Archer of Lubbock; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to Hansford County Cemetery Association, 707 E. Second St., Spearman, TX 79081; or St. Paul Methodist Church in Amarillo. Amarillo Globe-News, March 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Minnie Katherine Savage Minnie Katherine Savage, 87, of Amarillo died Wednesday, March 3, 2004. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in Park Place Towers Parlor with the Rev. Jeff Conway, pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, and the Rev. Alan Williamson, chaplain of Park Place Towers, officiating. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd. Mrs. Savage was born Dec. 11, 1916, in Shamrock to B.F. and Mary E. Lyle Holmes, pioneer settlers in Shamrock. Minnie was a 50-year member of PEO and belonged to Westminster Presbyterian Church. She married Ward Kelly Savage Jr. on Aug. 6, 1945, in Shamrock. He was an executive with the Texaco Co. and retired as senior vice president of the marine division. Minnie believed in education and endowed scholarships at Amarillo College, West Texas A&M University, University of Texas Medical School at Galveston, Opportunity Plan, Boys Ranch and Crystal Gomes Foundation. Survivors include two brothers, William F. Holmes of Shamrock and Dr. Roy W. Holmes of Casper, Wyo.; 12 nieces and nephews, Mary Kay Snell and James L. Holmes, both of Amarillo, Dr. Thomas F. Holmes of Fort Worth, Julia Henderson of Shamrock, Gail Burdine of Irving, Dr. Douglas Holmes of Denver, Lee Holmes of Anchorage, Alaska, J. Pat Speck, Dr. Don T. Speck, Dr. Mark Lee Speck and Dr. Norman K. Speck, all of Houston, and Eric J. Speck of Dallas. The family suggests memorials be to Shamrock Public Library, 712 N. Main St., Shamrock, TX 79079; or Amarillo Public Library, P.O. Box 2171, Amarillo, TX 79189. Amarillo Globe-News, March 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Evelyn Claitor Evelyn Claitor, 85, of Austin, formerly of Amarillo, died Saturday, Feb. 28, 2004. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in Llano Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel. Arrangements are by Blackburn-Shaw Funeral Directors Memorial Chapel, Fifth Avenue and Pierce Street. Mrs. Claitor was born in Okmulgee, Okla., on Oct. 14, 1918, although both parents were from East Texas. When she was 7, her mother took her and her sister, Flo Ann, to Los Angeles, and from the mid-1920s until the late 1940s, Evelyn enjoyed L.A.'s golden age. She danced to the music of big bands, watched the movie stars and marathon dancers at the beach and graduated from her beloved Belmont High in 1936. She made lifelong friends there, but was grieved by the loss of her sister, an early aviatrix, who died at 19 in a plane crash. Evelyn was married twice and raised her children in Corpus Christi and Amarillo. From the 1960s onward, she and her mother ran the Betsy Ross Gift Shop in Amarillo. In 1999, she moved to Austin near her daughter; she loved her new home and friends at Western Trails Apartments, but never stopped missing California. She was preceded in death by her mother, Betsy Ross; her sister, Flo Ann Ross; her brother, Harold "Buddy" Ross; and a dear aunt, Bertha Bourque. Survivors include a daughter, Diana Evelyn Claitor and husband, David H. Elliott, of Austin; a son, Charles Scott Eberhart of Amarillo; her beloved former daughter-in-law, Leona Barnett of Houston; six grandchildren, Charlona Ingram and husband, Stuart, Scott Eberhart and wife, Jennifer, James Eberhart, Amy Eberhart, Amber Eberhart and Matthew Eberhart and wife, Jennifer; and her first great-grandchild, Taylor. Amarillo Globe-News, March 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sylvia Hill Sylvia Hill, 73, of Amarillo died Tuesday, March 2, 2004. Services will be at 2 p.m. today in Schooler-Gordon Funeral Directors Bell Avenue Chapel, 5400 S. Bell St., with the Rev. Brian Hesse of Trinity Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery. Mrs. Hill was born Aug. 24, 1930, in Washita County, Okla., to Ted Lenaburg and Ida Becker. She graduated from Cordell High School in Cordell, Okla., in 1948. She married Elmo Hill on March 4, 1954, in Bessie, Okla. She was an avid bowler and enjoyed coaching bowling to kids. Sylvia was a loving, kind wife and sister, who devoted her life to her family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Delores Self in 1989. Survivors include her husband; a brother, Danny Lenaburg and wife, Celia, of Cordell; and two sisters, Cleo Jacobson of Amarillo and Lillie Winingham of Cordell. The family suggests memorials be to High Plains Children's Home, P.O. Box 7448, Amarillo, TX 79114-7448. Amarillo Globe-News, March 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Newton Q. "Bob" O'Daniel Newton Q. "Bob" O'Daniel, 74, of Amarillo died Wednesday, March 3, 2004. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount Blvd., with the Rev. J. Alan Ford, pastor of Oasis Southwest Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Llano Cemetery. Mr. O'Daniel was born Oct. 19, 1929, in Claude to Richard and Blanche Mae Doran O'Daniel. He was one of 10 brothers and sisters. He served in the Army in the South Pacific Campaign during World War II. He retired in California in 1989, where he had worked as an internal auditor for Pacific Coast Producers. He moved to Amarillo in 1992. He married Bobbie J. Fyfe in 1949 in Claude. Survivors include his wife; a son, Charles R. O'Daniel of San Jose, Calif.; a grandson, Jim O'Daniel of Redondo Beach, Calif.; a granddaughter, Christi O'Daniel Martin of Fullerton, Calif.; three sisters, Lucille Wagner Blair of Amarillo, Marie Radcliff of Pampa and Barbara Leidholt of Mile City, Mont.; and two brothers, R.E. O'Daniel of Phoenix and Roy O'Daniel of Amarillo. The family suggests memorials be to Cal Farley's Boys Ranch and Affiliates, 600 S.W. 11th Ave., Amarillo, TX 79101; or a favorite charity. Amarillo Globe-News, March 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Canyon Norma Lucille "Ann" Moore Norma Lucille "Ann" Moore, 86, of Canyon died Wednesday, March 3, 2004, in Amarillo. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in Dreamland Cemetery with the Rev. Gayle Bowen, retired Baptist minister of Canyon, officiating. Arrangements are by Holley Funeral Home. Mrs. Moore, Ann as she was called, was born Feb. 27, 1918, in Wise County to Henry Morris and Mamie Mosley. She was a member of San Jacinto Baptist Church and was a registered nurse. Survivors include a daughter, Genella McCoy of Needles, Calif.; a son, Ronald Gale Grimland of Arizona; a brother, Alvei Morris; and five sisters, Avis Lewis, Ruth Garner, Lila Roader, Veda Essary and Jean Autry; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, March 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Louise Wiley Hoagland Louise Wiley Hoagland, 76, of Canyon died Wednesday, March 3, 2004, in Adrian. Graveside services will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in Dickens Cemetery with the Rev. C.L. Atkinson officiating. Arrangements are by Holley Funeral Home. Mrs. Hoagland was born Oct. 5, 1927, to Benjamin Wiley and Gladys Imel. She was a homemaker and a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church of Amarillo. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Iwana Gene; and her husband, H.L. Survivors include a son, Lonnie Hoagland and wife, Rita, of Canyon; three daughters, Connie Seaney and husband, Jim, of Roy, N.M., Virginia Reeves and husband, Arvie, of Kaufman and Lora Harwood and husband, George, of Amarillo; two sisters, Phyllis Cheatham of Waco and Helen Day and husband, Bill, of Murchinson; a brother, Ben Wiley and wife, Joann, of Cayahoga Falls, Ohio; 12 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, March 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elsewhere Dr. Charles Weldon York AUSTIN - Dr. Charles Weldon York, 79, died Wednesday, March 3, 2004. Private services are planned and burial will be in in Panhandle. Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home of Austin. Dr. Weldon was born July 26, 1924, in Panhandle, the youngest child of Dr. Orphus and Mrs. Bertha Richardson York. He had five brothers and three sisters. He attended Panhandle Public Schools and graduated in May 1941. He then enrolled in the University of Texas at Austin in September 1941. He joined the Navy in November 1943. He served aboard several ships in the Amphibious forces in the Pacific Ocean. He received an Honorable Discharge in April 1946. He re-entered the University of Texas at Austin in September 1946. He majored in Interior Design and graduated with a bachelor of science in May 1949. He was the first male student to get a degree in home economics at University of Texas. He was a member of Rho Chapter of Theta XI social fraternity, member of Omicron Nu Home Economics Honorary Society, and a member of the Longhorn Band. Charles enrolled in New York University in September 1949 and received a master's degree in retailing in June 1950. He returned to Texas and accepted a position with Neiman Marcus in Dallas in the decorative gallery and gift shop. In the fall of 1952, Charles accepted a position as a faculty member in the interior design division in the Department of Home Economics at the University of Texas at Austin. He was the first male to hold a position in that department. Charles was a member of the American Institute of Interior Designers and of National Society of Interior Designers. During his tenure as a faculty member he started working toward a Ph.D. in housing at Cornell University in New York. He ultimately received this degree from Florida State University in June 1967. Charles attended the National Trust School for Historic Preservation at Attingham, England. He resigned as head of the Interior Design Division in May 1984 but continued to teach for an additional two years. Dr. York liked music, museums, theater, opera, dogs, cooking, and gardening. His interest in genealogy allowed him to trace his family back to 15th century England. He also collected Cloisonne, Wedgwood, Georgian Silver, art works, oriental art, and glass paperweights. Survivors include a sister, Bertha Sybil Harrell and husband, Glynn D., of Amarillo; many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews; and his significant companion, Wayne E. Richards of Austin. The family suggests memorials be to Carson County Square House Museum, Panhandle, TX 79068; the Brightman-York Interior Design Scholarship Fund, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78705; Hospice of Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin, TX 78759; or the charity of your choice. Amarillo Globe-News, March 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Doris Virginia Hollcroft Jay ELDORADO - Doris Virginia Hollcroft Jay, 83, died Thursday, March 4, 2004. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in Community Baptist Church with the Rev. Bob Jacobsen and Dr. R. Byron Orand officiating. Burial will be Monday in Panhandle Cemetery in Panhandle. Arrangements are by Kerbow Funeral Home. Mrs. Jay was born Feb. 7, 1921, in Wynona, Okla., to Joseph Donald and Edith Letetia Hollcroft. She attended schools in Kermit and Monahans where she met and married her husband Dexter on Oct. 17, 1938. They were married 65 years. Doris was employed at the Pantex Plant in Amarillo for 27 years, retiring in l983. Despite a disability, she was an avid quilter, making many heirlooms for her children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Donald Hollcroft; her mother, Edith Hollcroft; a brother, Joe Don Hollcroft; and a sister Ruth Purvines. Survivors include her husband; a son, Ronald Dexter Jay and wife, Zellena, of Austin; a daughter, Judy Christian and husband, Joe Charles, of Eldorado; his grandchildren, Michael Edwin Roberts and wife, Theda, of Yukon, Okla., Bradley Jay Roberts and wife, Angela, of Cedar Hill; a brother, Robert Hollcroft and wife, Lois, of Allen; his adopted grandchildren, Joseph Michael Christian and wife, Heather, of Norman, Okla., and Ann Michelle Christian of Boulder, Colo.; eight great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Mike Roberts, Brad Roberts, Rick Stricklan, Taylor King, Bob Bruce and George Spinks. Amarillo Globe-News, March 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Donald George SAN ANTONIO - Donald George, 66, died Friday, Feb. 27, 2004, in San Antonio. Memorial services were Wednesday in San Benito. Private burial will be at a later date at the family ranch. Arrangements are by Thomae Funeral Home. Mr. George was born in San Benito the son of Melvin and Jeanette George. He graduated from San Benito High School in 1957 and was awarded a football scholarship at Texas Christian University. During his college years, he was a quarterback and played with the TCU "Horned Frogs" in the 1959 Cotton Bowl and the first Bluebonnet Bowl in 1960. Donald earned a B.S. degree in geology in 1962. Donald married Rita Reed of Austin in 1960 and they lived in Fort Worth from 1960 until 1972. He was employed by Tuition Plan Inc., a subsidiary of C.I.T. Finance Corporation of Connecticut. While in Fort Worth, they were members of the University Christian Church. He and his family moved to San Benito in 1972, where they resided until 1982. There, the family joined the First Christian Church. Donald was a real estate developer and served two terms on the City Commission. His second term, he served as mayor Pro-Tem. He was also a member of the San Benito Elks Lodge. In 1982, Donald moved his family to Amarillo, where he had acquired the Miller Distributorship. Through his company he helped sponsor many charitable benefits. Donald and his wife were the recipients of Amarillo's Golden Nail Individual Award in 1999 for their contribution to the arts. He was a faithful supporter of TCU and its athletic department. He and his family were members of the First Christian Church. After retiring, the couple moved to San Antonio in 2001 to enjoy the family ranch near Cotulla. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Maynard. Survivors include his wife; three sons, Kirk and wife, Michelle, of Amarillo and Mark and Brian, both of Austin; two grandchildren, Kristen and Kyle of Amarillo; a sister, Betty Jo Carter of La Feria; two nephews, Bruce and Joe Carter; a niece, Jana Carter Gingolph; and numerous other relatives from the Clark and Oatman families. The family suggests memorials be to to Amarillo Opera; Texas Christian University; or the charity of your choice. Amarillo Globe-News, March 5, 2004 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------