Potter Co. TX - Obits: Amarillo Globe-News - September 21, 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 Tuesday, September 21, 2004 Amarillo Amy Bichsel Amy Bichsel, 72, of Amarillo died Sunday, Sept. 19, 2004. Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday in Southeast Baptist Church with Dallas Stringer, pastor, officiating. Arrangements are by Schooler-Gordon Funeral Directors, 5400 S. Bell St. Mrs. Bichsel was a member of the Moose Lodge on Fillmore and VFW Post 1475. She worked at Amarillo Farmers Market and was also a volunteer at Make A Wish Foundation of the Texas Panhandle. She was preceded in death by a son, Eugene Gollihugh and her husband, John Lawrence Bichsel. Survivors include a son, Melvin Sanders and wife, Debra; two grandchildren, Candy Sanders and Tricia Sanders; two sisters, Hazel Link and husband, Ray, and Jane Lopez and husband, Johnny; and a brother, Louis Jones and wife, Melvis. Amarillo Globe-News, Sept. 21, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Janet Chitty Janet Chitty, 62, of Amarillo died Monday, Sept. 20, 2004. Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Schooler-Gordon Funeral Directors, 5400 S. Bell St., with Kuty Oheim, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at Memory Gardens Cemetery. Mrs. Chitty was born July 1, 1942, in LaCompt, Rapids Parrish, La. She earned her master's degree in education from West Texas State University and an educational diagnostician from West Texas State University. Prior to that she traveled to all AISD schools as assigned. She taught at Bowie Junior High School in the early 1960s and at Bonham Junior High School in the early 1980s. Janet volunteered for the Special Olympics, Northwest Texas Hospital Wound Care Center and Promise to America at Carver Early Childhood Academy. Her special interests include aviation. She earned a license to fly small aircraft. She enjoyed traveling and visited most major cities in the United States. She also traveled often in Europe. She was an avid reader with eclectic taste. Her favorite activity was spending time with family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Joyce Ellen Wedge. Survivors include her husband, Steve; a son, Matthew Ellis and wife, Fran; a daughter, Kristin Cruz and husband, Robert; a stepdaughter, Shauna Webster and husband, Buck; a sister, Lissa Finney and husband, Cary; two sisters-in-law, Polly Nance of Arlington and Hazel Grabbe of Silverton; five grandchildren, Shanelle Webster, Max Webster, Draven Cruz, Avery Cruz and Ethan Ellis; a niece, Megan Finney; a nephew, Daryn Finney; and special fiends, Donald and Janet Thronton of Sherman. Amarillo Globe-News, Sept. 21, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fannie Lee Bird Fannie Lee Bird, 72, of Amarillo died Saturday, Sept. 18, 2004. Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Schooler Funeral Home Brentwood Chapel, 4100 S. Georgia St., with the Rev. David L. Lowrie Jr. of First Baptist Church of Canyon officiating. Burial will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery. Mrs. Bird was born in Amarillo to Lewis and Fannie Kunz. She was a graduate of the 1949 class of Amarillo High School and attended Draughon's Business School. Mrs. Bird found interest in aviation and served as an honorary board member and a retired secretary and treasurer for Texas Aviation Historical Society. She was also a member of Beta Sigma Phi. She had previously worked for the Ford dealership for 37 years. For the past 10 years, Mrs. Bird was employed in accounts receivable by Signal Fuel. She treasured her family and loved being surrounded by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Alison Hare of Alberta, Canada. Survivors include a daughter, Jackie Ledbetter and husband, Mike, of Amarillo; a son, Gary Bird and wife, Beverley of Canyon; a sister, Fern Patrick of Amarillo; three grandchildren, Casey Bird and wife, Bonnie, of Amarillo, Tiffany Hare and husband, Craig, of High River, Alberta, Canada, and Jeffery Ledbetter of Conroe; and four great-grandchildren, Cammie and Abbigale Bird of Amarillo and Austin and Michaela Hare of High River. The family suggests memorials be to Cal Farley's Boys Ranch, 600 W. 11th Ave., Amarillo, TX 79101; or Texas Avaition Historical Society, 2014 English Road, Amarillo, TX 79108. Amarillo Globe-News, Sept. 21, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- James Vincent Kelly James Vincent Kelly, 69, of Amarillo died Friday, Sept. 17, 2004. His family in California will have a memorial service at a later date. Local arrangements are by Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia St. Mr. Kelly was born in Minneapolis to Harry and Lucille Kelly in 1935. James proudly served in the Navy during the Korean conflict. He was a successful entrepreneur. He owned a gas station, a restaruant and an automotive business. He also was the inventor and patent owner of the collapsible crutch and cane. He enjoyed spending time fishing and watching football. He also had a great love of classic cars. James had a deep spirituality and always had a positive outlook throughout his life. He was greatly loved and admired by his family and friends. Survivors include two sisters, Ann Kelly of Alta Loma, Calif., and Peggy O'Brien of Ventura, Calif.; four nieces; and two nephews. Amarillo Globe-News, Sept. 21, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Patricia Parson Martinez Patricia Parson Martinez, 36, of Amarillo died Sunday, Sept. 19, 2004. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Memory Gardens Cemetery with Coy Wylie, pastor, Aaron Reed and Gary Morgan officiating. Arrangements are by Blackburn-Shaw Funeral Directors Memorial Chapel, Fifth Avenue and Pierce Street. Mrs. Martinez moved to Amarillo in 1999 from Bovina. She was a homemaker. Survivors include a daughter, Katie Martinez of Amarillo; a son, Josh Parson of Amarillo; her parents, Jimmy and Lola Parson of Bovina; a sister, Carolyn Emerson of Amarillo; and two brothers, Danny and Aubrey Parson, both of Amarillo. The body will not be available for viewing. Sign our online guest book at www.blackburnshaw.com. Amarillo Globe-News, Sept. 21, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Michele Gamboa Swan Michele Gamboa Swan, 41, of Amarillo died Monday, Sept. 20, 2004. Mass will be at 11 a.m. Thursday in St. Laurence Cathedral. Arrangements are by Cox Funeral Home, 4180 Canyon Drive. Mrs. Swan was born and raised in Calexico, Calif., and was a 1981 graduate of Calexico High School. She married Ron Swan in San Jose, Calif., on Dec. 22, 1984. She served in the Air Force from 1981 to 1985. She moved from San Diego to Amarillo in 1995. She was active in Highland Park Booster Club and PTA. Michele was a loving and devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister and sister-in- law. She attended St. Laurence Cathedral. Survivors include her husband; a son, Chris Swan; three daughters, Stefanie Swan, Danielle Swan and Nicole Swan, all of Amarillo; her parents, Miguel and Dora Gamboa of Calexico; a brother, Mike Gamboa of Whittier, Calif.; four sisters, Patricia Flores of Fullerton, Calif., Toni Gamboa of El Centro, Calif., and Marianna Koehmstedt and Teri Oakley, both of San Diego. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Amarillo Globe-News, Sept. 21, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elodia Escobedo Elodia Escobedo, 77, of Amarillo died Saturday, Sept. 18, 2004, in Matamoros, Mexico. Graveside services will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday in Llano Cemetery with the Rev. Stephen Swint of Calvary Pentecostal Church, officiating. Arrangements are by Rector Funeral Home, 2800 S. Osage St. Ms. Escobedo was born in Matamoros. She moved to Amarillo from Mexico in 1976. She was a homemaker and a member of La Roca Pentecostal Church. Survivors include her husband, Gilberto of Brownsville; five daughters, Blanca Zamarripa, Rosa Escobedo and Hilda Brenes, all of Amarillo, Dora Gonzalez of Brownsville and Imelda Escobedo of Fort Worth; three sons, Anibal Escobedo of Amarillo, and Eliud Escobedo and Gilberto Escobedo Jr., both of Brownsville; 32 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, Sept. 21, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Leonard Francis Attyd Leonard Francis Attyd, 79, of Amarillo died Monday, Sept. 20, 2004. Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday in Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount Blvd., with the Rev. Mark Zimmerman officiating. Mr. Attyd was born in Oakland, Calif., on May 3, 1925. He worked for Pantex in the assembly department, then later worked at Grand Bowl and also Western Bowl here in Amarillo. Mr. Attyd played professional baseball for Oakland, Sacramento, Albuquerque, Temple, and finished with the Amarillo Gold Sox in 1958. His nickname was "The Cat." He was a member of Paramount Terrace Christian Church. The family sends a special thanks to BSA Hospice and the staff at Palo Duro Nursing Home in Claude. Survivors include a daughter, Marsha Roberts and husband, Jerry, of Bushland; three grandsons, Lynn Roberts, Todd Roberts, and Jayson Roberts; four great- grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family suggests memorials be to BSA Hospice, P.O. Box 950, Amarillo, TX 79176. Amarillo Globe-News, Sept. 21, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- J.L. Cranmer J.L. Cranmer, 82, of Amarillo died Sunday, Sept. 19, 2004. Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday in Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount Blvd., with Bo Williams, pastor of Trinity Fellowship Church, officiating. Mr. Cranmer was born in Groom and graduated from Groom High School in 1941. He served in the Army as a sergeant in the 158th Army Airway Communication Squadron during World War II in 1946. He served during the Korean War as a reserve in the 950th Engineer Aviation Unit. Mr. Cranmer was a Shriner and Master Mason at Palo Duro Lodge No. 1239. He retired as a lifelong farmer. Mr. Cranmer was a Christian. He was preceded in death by a brother, H.R. Cranmer; and two sisters, Laverne Fee and Bernice Hathaway. Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Sydney Roach and husband, Wayne, of Amarillo; a sister, Narcesia Baker of Monroe, La.; two grandchildren, Kerry and Rebecca Ashford of Amarillo; and a great-grandchild, Elijah Ashford of Amarillo. The body will not be available for viewing. Amarillo Globe-News, Sept. 21, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tommy Ray Gibson Tommy Ray Gibson, 54, of Amarillo died Sunday, Sept. 19, 2004. Memorial services will be at 4 p.m Wednesday in Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount Blvd., with the Rev. J. Alan Ford, pastor of Oasis Southwest Baptist Church, officiating. Mr. Gibson was born Sept. 3, 1950, in Jayton to J.B. and Dorothy Gibson. He had worked as a conductor for BNSF Railroad for more than 31 years. He was a member of the United Transportation Union. He married Deby Taylor on Aug. 17, 1991, in Amarillo. Survivors include his wife; four sons, Heath Gibson of Fritch, Tray Gibson of Gulf Port, Miss., Justin Gibson of San Angelo and Brandon Michie of Amarillo; a daughter, Kimberlee Denton of Austin; a sister, Linda Golden of Clairmont; and seven grandchildren, Sydney, Mackenzie, Tratyn, Sarah, Shelby, Caleb and Kai. Viewing will be from 1 to 8 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. until service time Wednesday. Amarillo Globe-News, Sept. 21, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Delbert Stephens Delbert Stephens, 76, formerly of Amarillo, died Thursday, Sept. 2, 2004, in Homer, Alaska. No services were held. Mr. Stephens was born Aug. 31, 1928, in Clarendon. His early years were spent in Amarillo and Dallas. He graduated from AHS, attended AC and UT Austin, and earned a BS Degree from WTSU. He married Gene Schulze May 30, 1951. He was commissioned in the USAF and served 20 years. A pilot, he served in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. He commanded search and rescue units in Alaska and Thailand. After military retirement, he ranched in Randall County for 10 years. However, Alaska with its beauty and vitality was irresistible. He and his wife returned there to enjoy retirement in a self-built house overlooking Kachemak Bay. They traveled worldwide and appreciated the opportunities to experience other cultures and places. Mr. Stephens was actively grateful for his interesting and active life and the love of his family. He loved his country and was honored to have served it. He was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law; and numerous relatives. Survivors include his wife; a son, Dave and wife, Cheryl; a daughter, Amy and husband, John; his grandchildren, Tracy, Katy and Eric; four great- grandchildren; an aunt; five nephews; three nieces; and several cousins. Amarillo Globe-News, Sept. 21, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Area Lorin Rhine Creitz ADRIAN - Lorin Rhine Creitz, 95, died Monday, Sept. 20, 2004. Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Adrian United Methodist Church with Steve Cox and Don Travis, both pastors, officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery in Vega by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors of Vega. Mr. Creitz was born in Deep River, Iowa, to Henry Garfield Tilden Creitz and Lillie Mae Rhine Creitz. He moved to Oldham County in 1910 at the age of 2. He graduated from Vega High School and married Armenia Elliott on March 22, 1941, in Amarillo. He was a lifelong member of Adrian United Methodist Church and had always been very active in his community. He was a leader in all civic affairs in the area. He was preceded in death by a son, Terry Lynn Creitz in 1992. Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Paula Chamlee of Ottsville, Pa., and Melani Kay Creitz of Austin; three grandchildren, Stacy Silasi of Lubbock, Wendy Chamlee Owens of Atlanta and Lorin Albert Stephens Chamlee of Allentown, Pa.; and three great-grandchildren, Tanner and Tamara Taylor of Lubbock and John Chamlee Owens of Atlanta. Amarillo Globe-News, Sept. 21, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- S.E. Coleman Jr. PLAINVIEW - S.E. Coleman Jr., 86, died Sunday, Sept. 19, 2004. Services will be at 2 p.m. today in Wood-Dunning Funeral Home Colonial Chapel with Colquitt Nash, minister of Ninth and Columbia Street Church of Christ, officiating. Burial will be in Plainview Memorial Park. Mr. Coleman was born April 2, 1918, in Slaton. He was a member of Ninth and Columbia Street Church of Christ. Survivors include three sons, Sam of Plainview, Randy of Weslaco and Harlon of Azle; two daughters, Marilyn McBride of Cross Plains and Ronda Parks of Lubbock; a sister, Ruth Ganus of San Angelo; 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to Hale Country Senior Citizens Center or Plainview VistaCare Hospice. Amarillo Globe-News, Sept. 21, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Owen Eugene "Gene" Willis PAMPA - Owen Eugene "Gene" Willis, 68, died Monday, Sept. 20, 2004. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Briarwood Full Gospel Church with the Rev. Lynn Hancock, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery by Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors. Mr. Willis owned and operated Willis Welding Works from 1994 until the time of his death. He was a veteran of the Army. Survivors include his wife, Eldora; his stepmother, Alta J. Willis of Pampa; two daughters, Cela Vivian Roachelle and Sharon Mae Strickland, both of Pampa; a son, Joe Don Willis of Irving; two brothers, Raymond Rudolph Willis of Turo, Iowa, and Ernest Edward Willis of Pampa; a half-sister, Mary Helen Movis; a half-brother, Clarence Willis of Una, S.C.; a stepsister, Judy Willis of Pampa; three stepbrothers, Donald Hild of Una, David Hild of Weatherford and Fred Hild of Houston; and six grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to BSA Hospice, 800 N. Sumner St., Pampa, TX 79065; or Briarwood Full Gospel Youth Group, 1800 W. Harvester St., Pampa, TX 79065. Amarillo Globe-News, Sept. 21, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Armal A. Finney PAMPA - Armal A. Finney, 80, died Sunday, Sept. 19, 2004. Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in First Assembly of God with the Rev. Leland Lewis, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery by Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors. Mr. Finney retired from Phillips Petroleum in 1984 as a pumper. He was a member and deacon of the First Assembly of God. Survivors include a daughter, Carolyn Needham of Amarillo; a son, Eugene Finney of Pampa; a brother, Olan Finney of Pampa; a sister, Rosetta Hoffman of California; five grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, Sept. 21, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- New Mexico Victoria C. Fairchild CLAYTON, N.M. - Victoria C. Fairchild, 75, died Saturday, Sept. 18, 2004. Mass will be at 10 a.m. today in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church with the Rev. James McGowan, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Highlands Memory Garden Cemetery in Thornton, Colo. Local arrangements are by Hass Funeral Directors. Mrs. Fairchild was born June 19, 1929, in Clayton to Valentin Miera and Lorencita Martinez Miera. She married Dr. Lynn H. Fairchild on April 2, 1969, in Denver. Survivors include her husband; two sons, Bert Fairchild of Albuquerque and Ralph Gutierrez of Denver; a daughter, Rayne Gallegos of Denver; a brother, Valentine Miera of Clayton; four granddaughters; and three great- grandchildren. Please sign our online guest register at www.hassfuneralhome.com. Amarillo Globe-News, Sept. 21, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Olga G. Garcia CLOVIS, N.M. - Olga G. Garcia, 47, died Friday, Sept. 17, 2004. Rosary will be said at 7 p.m. today in Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the church with the Rev. Sotero Sena officiating. Burial will be in Mission Garden of Memories by Muffley Funeral Home. Mrs. Garcia was born Aug. 27, 1957, in Saginaw, Mich. She married Phillip Garcia on May 25, 1974, in Clovis. Survivors include her husband; a son, William Garcia of Albuquerque; a daughter, Jennifer Maestas of Clovis; two brothers, Raymond Castillo of Albuquerque and Armando Castillo of Clovis; two sisters, Janie Castillo and Amalia Encinias, both of Amarillo, Texas; and seven grandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, Sept. 21, 2004 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------