Potter Co. TX - Obits: Amarillo Globe-News - March 19, 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 19, 2004 Area Elaine Hunton MULESHOE - Elaine Hunton, 54, died Wednesday, March 17, 2004, in Farwell. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. today in Lazbuddie Cemetery in Lazbuddie with David Hunton and Jim Gammon officiating. Arrangements are by Ellis Funeral Home. Mrs. Hunton was a member of the Church of Christ. She worked at Cannon Air Force Base in DMOR office. Survivors include a son, Jason Todd Hunton of Clovis, N.M.; her grandmother, Irene Thorn of Lazbuddie; her parents, Carroll D. and Wenonah Hunton of Clovis; two brothers, Thomas Carroll Hunton of Bakersfield, Calif., and David Thorn Hunton of Portales, N.M. The family suggests memorials be to American Juvenile Diabetes Association, 8008 Slide Road, Lubbock, TX 79424. Amarillo Globe-News, March 19, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Raul Mireles Jr. HEREFORD - Raul Mireles Jr., 13, died Wednesday, March 17, 2004. Rosary will be said at 7 p.m. today in Parkside Chapel Funeral Home. Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in Iglesia Catolica De San Jose with Monsignor Arturo Meza officiating. Burial will be in St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery. Raul was born March 4, 1991, in Brownsville the son of Raul Sr. and Rosa Mireles. He was a student at Hereford Junior High School and a member of Iglesia Catolica De San Jose. Survivors include his parents, Raul Sr. and Rosa Mireles, both of Hereford; and a grandmother, Elvira Landeros of Hereford. The family suggests memorials be to Iglesia Catolica De San Jose, 709 Brevard St., Hereford, TX 79045. Amarillo Globe-News, March 19, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Charles Hurt QUANAH - Charles Hurt, 77, died Wednesday, March 17, 2004, in Wichita Falls. Services will be at 2 p.m. today in Quanah Church of Christ with Bill Osborne and Larry DeLong officiating. Burial will be in Quanah Memorial Park by Smith Funeral Home. Mr. Hurt was born July 23, 1926, in Eldorado, Okla. He married Robbie Owen on April 9, 1947, in Childress. Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Caren Riley of Quanah and Carol Johnson of Shallowater; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, March 19, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Zella Johnson QUANAH - Zella Johnson, 86, died Wednesday, March 17, 2004. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bud Kidwell officiating. Burial will be in Goodlett Cemetery in Goodlett by Smith Funeral Home. Mrs. Johnson was born Nov. 7, 1917, in Quanah. She married Emery Eugene Johnson in 1939 at Lewisville. Survivors include a daughter, Claudia Stockstill of Dimmitt; a son, Eugene Johnson of Quanah; six grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to First United Methodist Church or Thompson- Sawyer Library. Amarillo Globe-News, March 19, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vernon Winston Sr. FLOMOT - Vernon Winston Sr., 72, of Monroe, Wash., died Sunday, March 14, 2004. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in Flomot Memorial Park Cemetery in Flomot with Cal Winston officiating. Arrangements are by Seigler Funeral Home of Matador. Mr. Winston married Velma Shannon in 1952 in Clovis, N.M. He was an acoustical carpenter for large building projects. Survivors include his wife; three sons, Cal Winston, Steve Winston and Lee Winston, all of Monroe; a daughter, Beth Madden of Placentia, Calif.; 16 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, March 19, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Amarillo Jack C. Thomas Jr. Jack C. Thomas Jr., 78, of Amarillo died Thursday, March 18, 2004. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in Blackburn-Shaw Funeral Directors Memorial Chapel, Fifth Avenue and Pierce Street, with Dr. Jim Smith, senior pastor of St. Stephen United Methodist Church, and Jeff McCurry, a grandson, officiating. Burial will be private. Mr. Thomas was born in Amarillo and had been a lifetime resident. He graduated from Amarillo High School in 1941 and served with the Navy during World War II. Mr. Thomas retired from Jack C. Thomas and Son Paint Contractors in 1982. He was a member of St. Stephen United Methodist Church. He married Doris Eiland on Jan. 4, 1947, and she preceded him in death on Feb. 19, 1986. He married Imogene Carruth on Nov. 29, 1986. Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Diane McCurry and husband, John, of Bloomington, Ind., and Jody Thomas of Annandale, Va.; two sons, Jack Thomas III and wife, Carol, and Danny Thomas and wife, Devonn, all of Amarillo; a stepson, Randy Carruth and wife, DeeAnn, of Amarillo; eight grandchildren, Jeff McCurry, Greg McCurry and wife, Michaelin, Terry Thomas and wife, Trissa, Jack Thomas IV, Casey Carruth, Josh Carruth, Katie Joy and husband, Kyle, and Tori Thomas; and a great-grandson, Keevan Thomas. The family suggests memorials be to BSA Hospice and Life Enrichment Center, P.O. Box 950, Amarillo, TX 79176-0001; or National Kidney Foundation of West Texas Inc., Amarillo District, P.O. Box 51231, Amarillo, TX 79159. Amarillo Globe-News, March 19, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Claudia B. Moore Griffin Claudia B. Moore Griffin, 71, of Amarillo died Saturday, March 13, 2004, in Bryan. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Joe Montgomery officiating. Burial will be in Peaceful Rest Cemetery in Gause. Local arrangements are by Golden Gate Mortuary, 1416 N. Hughes St. Mrs. Griffin was employed as a funeral attendant for Golden Gate Mortuary in Amarillo. She was a member of Pentecostal Church of God in Christ in Amarillo. Survivors include three sons, Aaron Griffin, Anthony Griffin and Patrick Griffin; three daughters, Maragret McCullough, Salina McCullough and Trina Monroe; four brothers, Conway Moore Jr., Billy Moore, John A. Moore and David L. Moore; and five sisters, Ozelia Perkins, Jennie Brooks, Christine Evans, Francis Carter and Clara Barnes. Amarillo Globe-News, March 19, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vaughn "Jum" Price Vaughn "Jum" Price, 79, of Amarillo died Sunday, March 14, 2004. Services will be at 2 p.m. today in San Jacinto Baptist Church with Dr. Stan Coffey and the Rev. Dale Moreland officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery by Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia St. Mr. Price was born in Fayetteville, Ark. He graduated from Mountainburg Arkansas High School in 1943. He helped on the family farm. He served in the 6th Mechanized Cavalry Reconnaissance in the Army during World War II. He served in the South Pacific in New Guinea and the Philippines, where he received a Bronze Star. Their unit had over 200 days of continuous contact with the enemy. He was honorably discharged in 1946 as a sergeant. He then came to Amarillo where his parents had moved. He married Ramona White of Panhandle in 1949 in Clovis, N.M., and they had celebrated 54 years of marriage. He worked as an instrument fitter and pipefitter on construction jobs through Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 196 for 57 years. He was co-owner of Circle Square Diamonds Real Estate. He was baptized in 1954 at San Jacinto Baptist Church, taught 12-year-old boys Sunday school and was assistant Sunday school superintendent. He was a deacon. He was a member of National Watch and Clock Association, Panhandle Good Chimers, and of Chapter 80 of Five State Collectors. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Lucy Price; a sister, Elizabeth McGahey; a brother, Donald "Bud" Price; and a granddaughter, Angela Price. Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Karen L. Price-Novak of Amarillo; two sons, Vaughn Douglas Price and wife, Mary Anne, of Seattle, Wash., and Vernon Daniel Price and wife, Kandy Anne, of Amarillo; two sisters, Jeannie Price of Ware Memorial in Amarillo and Lois Loveday of Mexia; eight grandchildren, James Novak, Jason Novak, Robert Price, Anne Marie Price, Lindsey Price, Emily Price, Robin Price and Scott Price; and five great-grandchildren, Nichole, Candace, Devin, Braxton and Kimberlyn. The family suggests memorials be to San Jacinto Baptist Church Home Bound or Television Ministry, 801 Tascosa Road, Amarillo, TX 79124; or a favorite charity. Amarillo Globe-News, March 19, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oklahoma Myrtle A. Mathis BEAVER, Okla. - Myrtle A. Mathis, 93, died Wednesday, March 17, 2004. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in First Christian Church with the Rev. Rick Main officiating. Burial will be in Pioneer Cemetery by Clark Funeral Service. Mrs. Mathis was born July 24, 1910, in Beaver County. She married Orvil Frank Mathis on April 29, 1933, in Liberal, Kan. Survivors include two sons, Billy Mathis of Beaver and Jim Mathis of Elmwood; a brother, Ostel Layton Hall of Seattle; two sisters, Hazel Adams of Wichita, Kan., and Marie Keaton of Ohio; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter. Amarillo Globe-News, March 19, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- New Mexico Jack Butt CLAYTON, N.M. - Jack Butt, 59, died Wednesday, March 17, 2004. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bob Boyd, pastor, and the Rev. Kenneth Tidmore, pastor of First United Methodist Church of Springer, officiating. Burial will be in Clayton Memorial Cemetery by Hass Funeral Directors. Mr. Butt was born July 25, 1944, in Clayton to Karl K. Butt and Lava (Wetsel) Butt. Jack married Lynda (McCurley) Butt on Oct. 24, 1968, in Clayton. After he graduated from West Texas State University in 1967, he was hired by Union County Feedlot and in 1970 was named manager. Jack had been active in many civic affairs. He was a past president of Clayton-Union County Chamber of Commerce and served as a member of Union County Fair Association Board of Directors from 1982 to 1987. In 1990, he was named New Mexico CowBelle Man of the Year. Jack had served as chairman of New Mexico Livestock Board and served on the board of directors of New Mexico Cattle Growers and Animal Health Committee of the National Cattlemen's Association. Jack served on the New Mexico State University Board of Regents from 1991 until 1997 and served as president for a year. He also served on the board of directors for Texas Cattle Feeders from 1987 to 1989. He was preceded in death by his father on June 13, 1983. Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Aunna Bradley of Las Vegas and Brenda Wren and husband, Rodney, of Texico; his mother of Clayton; five grandchildren, Aaron Bradley, Karlee Bradley, Abbey Bradley, Dalton Wren and Audrey Wren; two brothers, Gary Butt of Clayton and Jimmie Butt of Garden City, Kan. The family suggests memorials be to American Brain Tumor Association, 2720 River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60018-4110. Sign our online guest book at www.hassfuneralhome.com Amarillo Globe-News, March 19, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elsewhere Debra Fay Oates Kirk FORT WORTH - Debra Fay Oates Kirk, 47, died Sunday, May 14, 2004. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in Pentecostal Church of God in Christ in Amarillo with Superintendent Elijah Demerson officiating. Burial will be in Llano Cemetery by Gregory W. Spencer Funeral Directors. Mrs. Kirk was a graduate of Hardin-Simmons University of Abilene and received a master's degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio. She was a State of Texas employee. Survivors include her husband, Thomas of Grand Prairie; a son, Sandron Kirk of Grand Prairie; her mother, Doris Oates; a brother, Earl Oates and wife, Irene; three sisters, Theresa Kelly, Sonja Oates and Marie Oates, all of Amarillo, and Patricia Brown of Mineral Wells; a special friend, Sandra Brackens; and a host of nephews, nieces and other relatives and friends. Amarillo Globe-News, March 19, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gayle Sue Leland Hunter-Reicher DALLAS - Gayle Sue Leland Hunter-Reicher, 66, died Tuesday, March 16, 2004. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors Colonial Chapel in Pampa with the Rev. Ernie Wilkinson and the Rev. Suzie Wilkinson, both deacons at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery in Pampa. Mrs. Hunter-Reicher was an interior designer and owned and operated Reicher Drapery Manufacturer and House of Draperies. She was a member of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Pampa. Survivors include a son, James Hunter of Garland; a daughter, Mia Hunter of Amarillo; and two grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, P.O. Box 190567, Dallas, TX 75219-0567; or a favorite charity. Amarillo Globe-News, March 19, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lt. Col. Herley Daniel "Red" Lair ANADARKO, Okla. - Lt. Col. Herley Daniel "Red" Lair, 83, died Monday, March 15, 2004. A simple service will be held and burial will be at 10 a.m. today in Anadarko Cemetery. Arrangements are by Steverson Funeral Home. Mr. Lair fought with dignity and independence in his declining health years, not wanting to burden anyone. Red was born Oct. 12, 1920, on the Pioneer Lair Homestead in rural Caddo County, Okla. He was the middle son of four children born to Walker Leighton and Sophia (Crabtree) Lair. As a young man, Red was a redheaded, freckled-faced farm boy, a product of rural Oklahoma in the Depression-era dustbowl. He grew to become a brilliant, self-made career Army aviator and artilleryman, excellent husband, father and a wonderful man of character, true to his beliefs and convictions. He graduated from Stecker High School in 1938, where he and his two brothers Walter Jr. and Merle were the core of the track and basketball teams. Red was activated in World War II with the Thunderbird 45th Division of the Oklahoma National Guard. At the time of activation, Red was attending Southwest Normal Teachers College at Weatherford, Okla., now Southwestern Oklahoma State University. On Dec. 27, 1943, while on leave from the Army, Red married Alice Marie "Bennie" Benson from White Bear Lake, Minn. Red met Bennie in Anadarko where she was a laboratory technical nurse at Anadarko Municipal Hospital in Anadarko. Red did well in the military. After graduating from Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, Okla., Second Lieutenant Lair attended flight school for both fixed-wing and helicopters. In Pacific Theater duty during World War II, he flew forward observer and mapping missions for the Navy, attempting to re-take dozens of islands from the Japanese forces. Later, during his assignment to Germany, in 1953, Red flew heroic helicopter rescue missions as part of an international effort to save thousands of people stranded on rooftops in the flooded Netherlands after the Zuider Zee dikes gave way to furious Atlantic storms. Upon promotion to captain, he was assigned stateside in 1954 to Montgomery, Ala., where he piloted at a small Army airfield. Red also served in Korea and attended Advanced Artillery School at Fort Sill. In 1958, Red was assigned to Fort Rucker, Ala., where he commanded and piloted for the Army Aviation School. Red, now a major, was assigned in 1962 to the HQ, Southern command in Panama, where he piloted liaison missions to military contingents located in Central and South America. Upon return from Central America, Red returned to the Avaition school at Fort Rucker, where he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. At 47 years old, after 27 years, Red retired in 1967 from the Army and flying airplanes and helicopters. He and Bennie returned to Anadarko for retirement. During the retirement years, Red supervised the local golf course while Bennie ran the pro shop. Red helped coach local high school golf students and was instrumental in the success of several young golfers, namely son John Benson Lair, who was awarded a college golf scholarship, participated in championship golf teams and became a PGA professional. Red, along with Bennie, enjoyed many years after retirement by traveling and visiting grandchildren, until 1987, when Red lost Bennie to a two-year illness. He will be interred next to his beloved Bennie. Survivors include three sons, John Benson, Walter Leighton and Daniel Herley; two daughters, Mary Catherine and Susan Diane; a sister, Mary; a brother, Merle; five grandsons; and a granddaughter. Amarillo Globe-News, March 19, 2004 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------