Potter Co. TX - Obits: Amarillo Globe-News - August 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, August 5, 2004 Amarillo Justice Marie Sullivan Justice Marie Sullivan, infant daughter of Tisha Word and Charlie Sullivan of Amarillo, died Monday, Aug. 2, 2004. Graveside services will be at 3 p.m. today in Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Jerry Davey officiating. Arrangements are by Memorial Park Funeral Home, 6969 E. Interstate 40. Survivors include her parents; her grandparents, Mike and Monica Word, Tammy Word and Mark Sullivan, all of Amarillo, and Brenda Sullivan of Fort Sumner, N.M.; her great-grandparents, Jerry and Charlene Hughes, Jack and Carolyn Word and Dan and Dalene Cartwright, all of Amarillo, and Judy of Santa Rosa, N.M.; a sister, Jordan Sullivan of Amarillo; two brothers, Jeremy and Joshua Sullivan, both of Amarillo; and several aunts, uncles and a host of other family members. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Buster L. Alexander Buster L. Alexander, 84, of Amarillo died Wednesday, July 28, 2004. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in Johnson Chapel AME Church with the Rev. Phillip Randle, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery by Warford-Walker Mortuary, 509 N. Hughes St. Mr. Alexander was born April 20, 1920, in Longstreet, La., the eldest of two children of Merdis and Earnest Alexander. He married Lula Sloan on June 10, 1947, and they became the loving parents of Betty Francis and Creola Elizabeth. He served in the Army from 1937 to 1940. He served in the Air Force from June 1, 1940 to July 31, 1967, and retired as a sergeant. He worked as a bailiff for the Potter County Sheriff's Office from 1977 to 1989. He married Ruth Golden in June 1986. He was a longtime member of Johnson Chapel AME Church, where he served as a steward. He was a member of Markwell Masonic Lodge No. 415, John W. McKinney Consistory No. 283 and Ozair Shrine Temple No. 146. He was preceded in death by his first wife in 1983; his second wife in 1994; his parents; and a brother, Jessie Jr. Survivors include two daughters, Betty F. Hodges of Miami, Fla., and Creola "Liz" Joseph of Amarillo; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bethenia Pierson Bethenia Pierson, 75, of Amarillo died Friday, July 30, 2004. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Carter Chapel CME Church with the Rev. Michael DeVaughn, pastor, and the Rev. Jesse Cortez of Emmanuel Church of Amarillo officiating. Burial in Llano Cemetery by Golden Gate Mortuary, 1416 N. Hughes St. Mrs. Pierson was born in Center and moved to Amarillo in 1948. She was saved and baptized at a very young age and had attendance at Jenkins Chapel Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her mother and father; 15 brothers and sisters; her husband, Charlie; and two sons, James and Joel. Survivors include four daughters, Charlene Watson, Joyce Henderson and Sarah McCullough, all of Amarillo, and Eula Williams of San Diego; four sons, Larry Pierson, Waymond Pierson and Raymond Pierson, all of Amarillo, and Eugene Pierson of San Diego; three brothers, Lucky Gardner and Tom Gardner, both of Center, and James Gardner of Shelbville; three sisters, Gladys Kee of Tucson, Ariz., Corrine Lacy of Houston and Betty Joyce Sanders of Center; 11 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to American Cancer Society or BSA Hospice. The body will be available for viewing from 1 to 8:30 p.m. today at the funeral home. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- J.C. Yell J.C. Yell, 76, of Amarillo died Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2004. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount Blvd. Burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in Brookside Cemetery in Sweetwater, Okla. Mr. Yell was born to Justin and Macyl Yell on June 19, 1928, in Sweetwater. He lived in the Amarillo and Vega area for 52 years. Mr. Yell served in the Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. He was a retired truck driver and heavy equipment operator. He married Mary Northrup in 1979. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Doyle Yell. Survivors include his wife; a son, Ronnie Jay Yell and wife, Patricia; three daughters, Barbara Gourlay, Sharon Freeland and husband, Lonnie, and Sheila Winburn and husband, Jerry; a stepdaughter, Karla Taylor and husband, Johnny; a stepson, Kevin Ehrhart and wife, Kathy; a brother, Norman Wayne Yell; four sisters, Willie Mae Lechler, Jessie Fae Kinsey, Connie Sue Dorrell and Gaylia June Luman; 11 grandsons; seven granddaughters; and 17 great-grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to Khiva Shriners Travel Fund, P.O. Box 328, Amarillo, TX 79105. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elva Lois Sparks Beasley Elva Lois Sparks Beasley, 64, of Amarillo died Friday, July 30, 2004. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Warford-Walker Mortuary Chapel, 509 N. Hughes St., with the Rev. E.J. Cofer officiating. Mrs. Beasley was born in Dallas on Jan. 14, 1940. She was an Amarillo resident for more than 20 years and was a Baptist. Survivors include a daughter, Tracey Ward; four sons, Maurice Sparks Jr., Keith Sparks, Ricky Sparks and Roderic Brown; 17 grandchildren; and 15 great- grandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Richard James Rogers Jr. Richard James Rogers Jr., 56, of Amarillo died Sunday, Aug. 1, 2004. Memorial services will be at 7 p.m. today in West Amarillo Christian Church with Ray Guy, pastor, officiating. Arrangements are by Rector Funeral Home, 2800 S. Osage St. Mr. Rogers served in the Army during Vietnam. Survivors include his wife, Jamye; three sons; and four daughters. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- New Mexico Charles "Chuck" Auston Sluder TEXICO, N.M. - Charles "Chuck" Auston Sluder, 69, died Monday, August 2, 2004. Services will be at 10 a.m. today in First United Methodist Church in Clovis with Gary Singleterry and the Rev. Steve McElroy officiating. Burial will be in Hollene Cemetery in Hollene by Steed-Todd Funeral Home. Mr. Sluder was born Jan. 29, 1935. He was a member of First United Methodist Church and the Men's Bible Class. Survivors include his wife, Danalee; four children, Brendi Fennimore of Slaton, Texas, Linda Blank of Las Vegas, Nev., and Roxanne Mayfield and Floyd Cherry, both of Texico; a sister, Evelyn Johnson of Johnson City, Tenn.; four brothers, Bill Sluder of Johnson City, Hugh Sluder of Gray, Tenn., and Lewis Sluder and Dwight Sluder, both of Piney Flats, Tenn.; and 10 grandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elsewhere Alfred J. Fritts DALLAS - Alfred J. Fritts, 87, died Tuesday Aug. 3, 2004. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Jeter & Son Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will be in DFW National Cemetery. Mr. Fritts was born Dec. 2, 1916. Survivors include his wife, Ovella Marie; three sons, Alfred Fritts Jr., Jerry Fritts and David Fritts; two daughters, Mollie Tipton and Betty Lou Fritts; two brothers, Alvin Ray Fritts and David Fritts; five sisters, Betty Jean Uzzell, Geraldean Edwards, Juanita Harback, Linda Sue Patterson and Shirley Sharp; 20 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- James Donald Duke BULLARD - James Donald Duke, 76, died Monday, Aug. 2, 2004. Services will be at 10 a.m. today in Colonial Hills Baptist Church with the Rev. Robert Carter officiating. Arrangements are by Boren-Conner Funeral Home. Mr. Duke was born July 25, 1928, in New Boston. He was a member of Colonial Hills Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Charlotte; three sons, Gary Duke and James Duke, both of Tyler, and Kevin Duke of Eustace; two stepsons, Tony Edward Painter of Groom and Johnny Richard Painter of Amarillo; two daughters, Jami Sanders of Woodville and Regina Joyce King of Seneca, S.C.; a stepdaughter, Vinita Jones of Amarillo; two brothers, John Duke of Amarillo and Floyd Duke of Mount Pleasant; a sister, Joy Stephens; 16 grandchildren; and numerous great- grandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Area Sherman Cady PAMPA - Sherman Cady, 81, died Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2004. No services are scheduled. Arrangements are by Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors. Mr. Cady had been a resident of Pampa for 25 years. Survivors include two daughters, Judy King of Pampa and Terry Liotta of Bellevue, Neb.; a son, Willie Wixsom of Oklahoma City; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Herman J. Bontke PLAINVIEW - Herman J. Bontke, 71, died Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2004. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday in St. Paul's Lutheran Church with Gerald Berger of the church officiating. Burial will be in Plainview Cemetery by Wood-Dunning Funeral Home. Mr. Bontke was born Feb. 19, 1933, in Plainview. He served in the Air Force as an aircraft mechanic. Survivors include two daughters, Joyce Thompson of San Antonio and Mary Reese of Rangely, Colo.; a son, Norman Bontke of Amarillo; and a grandson. The family suggests memorials be to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or St. Luke's Children's Hospital. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bill W. Waters PAMPA - Bill W. Waters, 79, died Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2004. Memorial services will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in Mary Ellen and Harvester Church of Christ with Arvia Willingham, elder of the church, and Dr. Dan Powell officiating. Private burial will be in Fairview Cemetery by Carmichael- Whatley Funeral Directors. Mr. Waters entered this life on Nov. 23, 1924, and entered the Lord's rest on Aug. 4, 2004. Billy Wyatt Waters was born to Harvey Wyatt Waters and Edith Perkins Waters in Idalou. He graduated from Pampa High School in May 1943 and was inducted into the Army on June 14, 1943. He studied at New York University as a part of his engineering training in the Army. He was transferred to the 171st Combat Engineer Battalion and served his country in England, France, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg, and Germany in 1944 and 1945. For distinguishing himself by meritorious service in connection with military operations against the enemy in Germany on Feb. 23, 1945, Cpl. Waters was awarded the Bronze Star Medal Citation. During an assault river crossing, Cpl. Waters directed his squad in conveying vitally needed footbridge equipment to the bridge site in connection with the assault crossing of the Roer River. Although under intense enemy mortar and artillery fire, he led his men to the successful completion of their mission. He received the European-African-Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign Medal with three bronze battle stars for the Campaigns of Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He was honorably discharged from active duty with the rank of sergeant on Jan. 13, 1946. He married Elaine Carlson on July 20, 1946, in Pampa. She preceded him in death on June 29, 1979. He later married Sandra Enloe, who survives him, on April 3, 1982. He received a doctor of jurisprudence from the University of Texas at Austin in August 1949. He was elected president of his freshman law class and vice president of his senior class. Mr. Waters had practiced law in Pampa since 1949, retiring just prior to his death. He was elected Gray County Attorney in 1950, serving four years in that office, and was elected District Attorney of the 31st Judicial District in 1954. He served 14 years as District Attorney. In 1965, he was president of the Texas District and County Attorneys Association. Mr. Waters left public office and began the full time practice of his profession in 1969. In 1978, he was elected as district director of the State Bar of Texas, representing licensed attorneys within the 40 Texas Panhandle counties. He was later a member of the nine person State Bar of Texas Professional Ethics Committee appointed by the Supreme Court of Texas. Mr. Waters was a member of the 18 person committee which drafted the Texas Model Rules of Professional Conduct for Attorneys. He was life fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation and a life fellow of the American Bar Foundation. Mr. Waters had been actively engaged in farming and ranching in Gray and Wheeler counties. In 1989, Mr. Waters was named Pampa Citizen of the Year following his service to the community as chairman of the Prison Steering Committee, which successfully procured a state prison facility. In 1992, with Mr. Waters again chairing the Steering Committee, Pampa obtained a prison expansion as an intermediate sanction facility. Though neither a Rotarian nor a Mason, he was named a Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, and was awarded the Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas Community Builder Award. In October 2000, Mr. Waters was inducted into the Pampa Harvester Hall of Fame. This month, he will be inducted posthumously into the Panhandle Veterans Hall of Honor. Mr. Waters had been a trustee of the M.K. Brown Foundation since 1964, and had served as its chairman since 1974. He was also a trustee and secretary of the Gray-Pampa Foundation and served on the boards of Fairview Cemetery Association, Pampa Industrial Foundation, Pampa Youth and Community Center, and Pampa Economic Development Corporation. He also represented Pampa by appointment of the Pampa City Commission as one of the directors of Canadian River Municipal Water Authority. Mr. Waters was a charter member of the Mary Ellen and Harvester Church of Christ where he served as a Bible class teacher and deacon. Mr. Waters was preceded in death by his first wife; his parents; a brother, James Leon Waters; and a sister, Norma Wynell Waters. Survivors include his wife; two sons, Leland Wyatt Waters of Pampa and Steven David Waters of Fort Worth; a stepdaughter, Julianna Enloe Gilbert of Lafayette, La.; five grandsons, Colbert Wyatt Waters of Amarillo, David Daniel Waters of Forgan, Okla., Samuel Jennings Waters and George Armstrong Waters, both of Fort Worth, and Braden Christopher Gilbert of Lafayette; five granddaughters, Kellen Elaine Brown of Lewisville, Emily Diane Waters of Azle, Grace Adele Waters of Fort Worth, and Katharine Alexis Gilbert and Madeline Grace Gilbert, both of Lafayette; and two great-grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to High Plains Children's Home and Family Services Inc., P.O. Box 7448, Amarillo, TX 79114-7448, or a favorite charity. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 5, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jose "Joe" Trivinio Quintana HEREFORD - Jose "Joe" Trivinio Quintana, 71, died Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2004. Rosary will be said at 7 p.m. today and 6 p.m. Friday in Gililland-Watson Funeral Home Rose Chapel. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in St. Anthony's Catholic Church with the Rev. John Valdez officiating. Burial will be in St. Anthony's Cemetery. Mr. Quintana was born April 7, 1933, in Dahlia, N.M. He married Teresa Estrada on Oct. 24, 1951, in Littlefield. Survivors include his wife; three sons, Raymond T. Quintana, Servando Quintana and Gilbert Quintana, all of Amarillo; two daughters, Anna Marie Marquez and Conferina F. Lopez, both of Amarillo; three brothers, Placido Quintana of Dahlia, Luis Quintana of Levelland and Leopoldo Romero Quintana of Clovis, N.M.; four sisters, Estella Ramirez of Albuquerque, N.M., Isabella Montoya of Thornton, Colo., Petra Chaves of Hereford and Maria Gossett of Anton; 12 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Amarillo Globe-News, Aug. 5, 2004 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------