Potter Co. TX - Obits: Amarillo Globe-News, Oct. 17, 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 Sunday, October 17, 2004 Amarillo Gregory Paul Watson Gregory Paul Watson, 40, of Amarillo died Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2004. Memorial services were at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. Mark Catholic Church in Plano. Mass will be at 11 a.m. Monday in St. Mary's Catholic Church with Bishop Emeritus Leroy T. Matthiesen officiating. Arrangements are by Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia St. Mr. Watson was born Aug. 17, 1964, to Donald C. and Rose Mary Watson in Amarillo. Greg grew up in Amarillo and was a graduate of Amarillo High School and West Texas A&M University. He was vice president of Watson Exploration & Operating Co., and was an oil and gas consultant. A great lover of the outdoors and his nieces' and nephews' greatest fan, "Uncle Greg" was their hero and mentor. Greg had a deep faith in God, an external commitment to his family and was blessed with many, many dear friends. His ever-present smile was a beacon to all who knew him, and his gifts of laughter, love and generosity will be sorely missed. Survivors include his parents; his fiance, Lisa McCutcheon of Plano; two sisters, Gina Banister and husband, John, of Richardson and Eileen Gariepy and husband, Jim, of Houston; a brother, Chuck Watson of Smithville; two uncles, Dick Rogowski and wife, Jo, and Jack Beckerman; three nieces, Mary Catherine Banister of Richardson and Gail Gariepy and Paige Gariepy, both of Houston; three nephews, William Banister and Robert Banister, both of Richardson, and Gregory Gariepy of Houston; four cousins, Ann Paschal, Rick Rogowski, George Rogowski and Judy Millar and their spouses and children; the Lambert cousins, Barbara, Susan, Ken, Michelle, Jim, Rick, Michael, Liz, David and Joe and their spouses and children; and his dog, Tilman. The family suggests memorial be to St. Vincent De Paul in care of Monsignor Harold Waldow, 1200 S. Washington St., Amarillo, TX 79102. The family will be at 5 Brennan Court. Amarillo Globe-News, Oct. 17, 2004. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Juan Serrano Juan Serrano, 52, of Amarillo, died Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2004. Rosary will be said at 7 p.m. today in Blackburn-Shaw Funeral Directors Martin Road Chapel, 1505 Martin Road. Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday in Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Burial will be in Llano Cemetery. Mr. Serrano moved to Amarillo 30 years ago. He worked in maintenance. Survivors include his wife, Manuela; four sons, Marc Anthony Serrano and Jovanni Serrano, both of San Antonio, and Carlos Perez and Renee Carlos Perez, both of Amarillo; five daughters, Delia Avila, Rosie Gamboa, Eva Cueto, Terri Medina and Ermelinda Medina, all of Amarillo; and 27 grandchildren. Please sign the online guest register at www.blackburnshaw.com. Amarillo Globe-News, Oct. 17, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mary Parker Thompson Mary Parker Thompson, 90, of Amarillo died Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2004. Wake services will be at 11 a.m. Monday. Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday in Jenkins Chapel Baptist Church with the Rev. B.D. Fincher, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Llano Cemetery by Warford-Walker Mortuary, 509 N. Hughes St. Mrs. Thompson, the second eldest of six daughters, was born Sept. 23, 1914, to the late Sallie Hill in Bentonia, Miss. She was reared and attended public schools in Flora, Miss. Mrs. Thompson was united in marriage to A.D. Shaffer in 1933 at Flora, and to this union, four sons were born. The Shaffers moved to Amarillo in 1941, and Mr. Shaffer preceded her in death in 1955. Mrs. Thompson married Clarence Parker, and he preceded her in death. She also married Alfred Thompson, and he too preceded her in death. Mrs. Thompson remained a resident of Amarillo until her death. She united with Jenkins Chapel Baptist Church in 1950 and was a faithful member until her health failed. Upon becoming afflicted with ill health, through the years, Mrs. Thompson summoned various deacons and church members to pick up her tithes, and she was a member in good standing with her church at her death. After 37 years of employment with Santa Fe Railway, she retired from Santa Fe in 1967. She was preceded in death by a son, Gene Shaffer; a grandson, William Cornell Shaffer; and two sisters, Willie Mae and Gladys T. Survivors include five sons, William "W.C." Shaffer and wife, Pastor Dr. J.M. Shaffer, of Cleveland, A.D. Shaffer and E.D. Shaffer, both of Amarillo, and Alfred Thompson Jr. and Jimmy Thompson; two daughters, Debra Thompson and Ann Thompson; a daughter-in-law, Barbara Shaffer of Amarillo; three sisters, the Rev. Jennie Benson Vaughn of Nashville, Emma Lewis of Chicago and Martha Jefferson of Buffalo, N.Y.; a favorite nephew, Charles Allen, who loved her, and she loved him dearly; 16 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; 12 great- great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. The family will be at 3108 Orange St. Amarillo Globe-News, Oct. 17, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reuben James Burkhalter Reuben James Burkhalter, 25, of Amarillo, died Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2004. Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday in Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount Blvd., with Greg Kinch, pastor of Southlawn Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Mr. Burkhalter was born June 30, 1979, in Amarillo. He graduated from Amarillo High School. He had worked at United, Wal-Mart and The Donut Stop. Mr. Burkhalter was a member of Southlawn Baptist Church. Survivors include his father and stepmother, Jimmy and Jean Burkhalter of Amarillo; his mother, Dorothy Burkhalter of Amarillo; a brother, Earl Thomas Burkhalter of Norfolk, Va.; his grandmother, Jeanell Hunt of Amarillo; and his grandfather, Earl Morrow of Clarendon. The family suggests memorials be to Special Olympics, 2400 Line Avenue, Amarillo, TX 79106. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Amarillo Globe-News, Oct. 17, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vivian Samora Alvarez Vivian Samora Alvarez, 84, of Amarillo died Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2004. Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday in Trinity Fellowship with Alvino Alvarez Sr., senior pastor of Word of Faith Ministries, and Efran Vasquez, associate pastor of Word of Faith Ministries, officiating. Burial will be in Llano Cemetery by Blackburn-Shaw Funeral Directors Memorial Chapel, Fifth Avenue and Pierce Street. Mrs. Alvarez was preceded in death by her husband, Leonardo Alvarez Sr.; a son, Leonardo Alvarez Jr.; and an infant daughter, Josephine Alvarez. Survivors include six sons, Celestino Alvarez Sr., Alvino Alvarez Sr., Isidor Alvarez Sr., Frank Alvarez Sr., Danny Alvarez and Ricky Alvarez Sr., all of Amarillo; four daughters, Anita Ruiz, Vivian Castellanos and Gloria Rosas, all of Amarillo, and Geneva Gonzalez of Dallas; two brothers, Juan Samora of Austin and Gilbert Samora of Las Vegas; a sister, Diana Cortez of Bakersfield, Calif.; and 197 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great- grandchildren. Please sign the online register book at www.blackburnshaw.com. Amarillo Globe-News, Oct. 17, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Area James Millard Wilson Sr. BORGER - James Millard Wilson Sr., 92, died Friday, Oct. 15, 2004, in Amarillo. Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday in Church of Christ with Richard Kasko, minister of Church of Christ of Fritch, officiating. Burial will be in Westlawn Memorial Park by Minton/Chatwell Funeral Directors. Mr. Wilson was born Nov. 25, 1911, in Bangs and had been a Borger resident since 1945. He married Dixie Everett on Sept. 10, 1934, in Madill, Okla. Survivors include his wife; a son, James Wilson Jr. of Borger; a daughter, Zearlene Smith of Borger; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, Oct. 17, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- James Elbert Auldridge FRITCH - James Elbert Auldridge, 78, died Thursday, Oct. 14, 2004. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. today in Vernon. Local arrangements are by Minton/Chatwell Funeral Directors. Mr. Auldridge was born Sept. 23, 1926 in Electra. He was a laborer. Survivors include a brother, Dale Auldridge of Fritch; two sisters, Bonnie Lindsey of Amarillo and Virgie Hunt of Borger; two daughters, Phyllis Ann of Pampa and Patsy of Kansas City, Mo.; and three grandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, Oct. 17, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Julia R. Aguilar DIMMITT - Julia R. Aguilar, 76, died Friday, Oct. 15, 2004. Rosary will be said at 6 p.m. today in Foskey-Lilley-McGill Funeral Directors Ivey Chapel. Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with the Rev. Franklin E. Pantoja officiating. Burial will be in Castro Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Aguilar was born April 12, 1928, in Kingsville. She married Marcelo Aguilar in 1945 in Roby. Survivors include three daughters, Linora Lopez of Buffalo, Aida Elizondo of Dallas and Albesa Salinas of Dimmitt; two sons, Alonzo Aguilar and Marcelo Aguilar, both of Dimmitt; 19 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; a brother, Santiago Escobar of Dallas; and three sisters, Juanita Hernandez of Dimmitt, Genoveva Leal of Edinburg and Santos Reyna of Chicago. Amarillo Globe-News, Oct. 17, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maxine Cox SUNRAY - Maxine Cox, 87, died Friday, Oct. 15, 2004, in Dumas. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Monday in Lane Memorial Cemetery with the Rev. Wynes Manning, pastor of Amarillo, officiating. Arrangements are by Morrison Funeral Directors. Ms. Cox was a nurses aid and a member of First Assembly of God Church. Survivors include four daughters, Effie Club of Stilwell, Okla., Evelyn Stone and Ella M. Collins, both of Sunray, and Roberta Arnett of San Ardo, Calif.; a brother, Calvin Cox of Portland, Ore.; 17 grandchildren; numerous great- grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to Gideons International, Dumas Campus, P.O. Box 1702, Dumas, TX 79029. Amarillo Globe-News, Oct. 17, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lloyd M. Simpson PAMPA - Lloyd M. Simpson, 86, died Friday, Oct. 15, 2004. Memorial mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday in St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Arrangements are by Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors. Mr. Simpson was born June 27, 1918, in Wellington. He married Rita Mary Hartmann from Fredericksburg on Aug. 7, 1943. Survivors include a son, Jerry Simpson of Lefors; two daughters, Connie Simpson-Largin of Pampa and Paula Simpson of Sherman Oaks, Calif.; two sisters, Ruth Howard of San Angelo and Jeanette Kennedy of Pampa; five brothers, his twin, Floyd Simpson of Wichita Falls, Frank Simpson and W.C. Simpson, both of McLean, Edward Simpson of Purcell, Okla., and Kenneth Simpson of Hobbs, N.M.; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church Endowment Fund, 810 W. 23rd, Pampa, TX 79065 or to the American Heart Association, 6605 I-40 West, Amarillo, TX 79106. Amarillo Globe-News, Oct. 17, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dessie Mae Hanbury DALHART - Dessie Mae Hanbury, 94, died Saturday, Oct. 16, 2004. Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday in First Baptist Church with Rodney Weatherly, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery by Horizon Funeral Home. Mrs. Hanbury was born in Electra to Finley Alonzo Bradley and Mary Ethel Carter Bradley. At the age of 6 months, she moved with her family to the Buffalo Springs Headquarters of the famed XIT Ranch, where her father was foreman. Six years later, they moved to Dalhart, where she attended school. She married Burton L. Hanbury in 1927, and they both worked for J.R. Fox at the Fox Hardware Store. They later purchased it in 1942, and it became Hanbury Equipment Co. Dessie was a member of First Baptist Church since 1920. She taught Sunday school and action Bible school and was the secretary for the preschool department for 20 years. In 1973, she became a member of the Dallam-Hartley Counties Historical Association. She and Burton began the renovation of the building where the XIT Museum is now located. The building opened to the public Aug. 7, 1975. She was chosen Outstanding Senior Citizen by the 55 Plus Club in 1976 and was named Dalhart's Outstanding Citizen by the Chamber of Commerce the same year. She was a member of the Dalhart Contemporary Study Club for 27 years and was named Outstanding Club Woman of the Top of Texas District in 1981. She was instrumental in helping obtain historical markers for the Dallam and Hartley county courthouses. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a sister; and three brothers. Survivors include a son, Doyle Hanbury and wife, Nancy; five grandchildren, Ronnie Hanbury and wife, Russchelle, Becky Younger and husband, Darrell, Mark Hanbury and wife, Lisa, Carrie Weldon and husband, Kenny, and Carren Raney and husband, Mike; eight great-grandchildren, Austen Hanbury, Larissa Hanbury, Micah Hanbury, Seth Hanbury, Kyle Weldon, Kayla Weldon, Cara Raney and Adam Raney; a brother, Finley Bradley of Electra; and a sister-in-law, Charlene Blansit of Harrison, Ark.. The family suggests memorials be to the XIT Museum, P.O. Box 730, Dalhart, TX 79022. Amarillo Globe-News, Oct. 17, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Area Charles E. Howell Sr. FRITCH - Charles E. Howell Sr., 76, died Sunday, Sept. 26, 2004, in Knoxville, Tenn. Services were held Saturday, Oct. 2 in First United Methodist Church. Burial was in Eastside Cemetery in Bridgeport by Hawkins Funeral Home. Mr. Howell was born Dec. 24, 1927, in Brookville, Kan., to Charles B. and Minnie M. Friesen Howell of New Virginia, Iowa. He married Ruth Nadine Reynolds on Nov. 28, 1948, in Warren County, Iowa. He served in the Army 40th Division Signal Corps from 1952 to 1954 and was a veteran of the Korean War. In 1957, Charley received a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from Iowa State University. He became a professional engineer and registered public land surveyor. Charley worked for the Natural Gas Pipeline Co., retiring in April 1993, with 45 years service. After residing in Bridgeport for 20 years, he spent 22 years in Fritch, where he was a member of First United Methodist Church. Charley was a 50-year member of the Billy Dixon Masonic Lodge No. 1369, a 50- year member of Neophyte Masonic Lodge No. 201, a Life Member of Neophyte Chapter No. 206 of the Order of the Eastern Star and obtained the 32nd degree of Scottish Rite of El Paso. He was the 2004 recipient of the Golden Trowel Award from Billy Dixon Masonic Lodge of Fritch. He had also been a member of the Lions Club, numerous other civic, charitable and social organizations, as well as served on various boards and commissions. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and a brother, Kermit A. Howell. Survivors include his children, Crystal A. Howell Bone and Gordon "Matt" Matthews of Arlington, Jeffrey J. and RoseAnna Howell of Bridgeport, Charles E. Howell Jr. and Laura Stankosky of Dallas and Linda J. Howell of Waco; two grandchildren, Russell W. Keith and Lynsey J. Howell; a sister, Mildred Howell Wicks of Austin, Minn.; a brother, Lavon and Clyta Howell of New Virginia; 17 nieces and nephews; 36 great-nieces and nephews; 10 great-great-nieces and nephews; numerous cousins; and a host of friends, as "he never met a stranger." The family suggests memorials be to your local First United Methodist Church or your public library. Amarillo Globe-News, Oct. 17, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elsewhere Kathryn Ann Forrester HOUSTON -- Kathryn Ann Forrester, 39, died Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2004. Memorial services will be at 6 p.m. Monday in Grace Presbyterian Church. Graveside services were at 2 p.m. Saturday in Memorial Oaks Cemetery with the Rev. Michael Fry officiating. Arrangements are by Memorial Oaks Funeral Home. Mrs. Forrester was the daughter of Thomas C. and Dorthy B. "Dot" Johnson. Kathy previously taught at Palmer Elementary, Bear Creek Elementary, Wolfe Elementary and Mayde Creek Junior High. At the time of her passing, she was serving as a teacher at Branch Crossing Junior High. She graduated from Westchester High School in 1983 and Texas A&M University in 1987. Survivors include a son, Curt Hudson Forrester and his father, Miles R. Forrester; her parents; a sister, Karen M. Hardin and husband, Ed,; a niece, Brittany L. Hardin; a nephew, Klent J. Hardin; her fiancé, J. Rick Doak; his children, Matt, Lauren and Travis Doak; and his parents, John R. and Joy Doak, all of The Woodlands. The family suggests memorials be to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice. Amarillo Globe-News, Oct. 17, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Melvin Day Vantine WEATHERFORD - Melvin Day Vantine, 89, died Friday, Oct. 15, 2004. Services will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday in Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Tim Jerrell officiating. Burial will be at 2 p.m. Thursday in Llano Cemetery in Amarillo. Mr. Vantine was born June 14, 1915, in Kane, Pa. He served in the Army in World War II from 1941 to 1945 and received a Purple Heart. Survivors include his wife, Martha; two sons, Kenneth Vantine of Weatherford and Lynn Vantine of Chicago; a brother, Chester Vantine of Mt. Jewett, Pa.; five grandchildren; and two stepgrandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, Oct. 17, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oklahoma Keith S. Stinnett FREDERICK, Okla. - Keith S. Stinnett, 53, formerly of Amarillo, Texas, died Friday, Oct. 15, 2004. Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday in Jackson Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Vernon Floyd officiating. Burial will be in Frederick Memorial Cemetery. Mr. Stinnett was born Oct. 5, 1951, in Ashtabula, Ohio, to Sidney E. and Dorothy Choffel Stinnett. He married Debra L. Entwisle on Oct. 12, 1983, in Vernon, Texas. Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Michelle Wilson of Susterseel, Germany; two sons, Steven Stinnett of Sioux Falls, S.D., and Brian Stinnett of Frederick; a stepdaughter, Jeannie Forsythe of Amarillo; a stepson, Mike Wall of Oklahoma City; two brothers, Dale Stinnett and Alan Stinnett, both of Amarillo; and seven grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Heart or Diabetes Division. Amarillo Globe-News, Oct. 17, 2004 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- New Mexico Robert Bennett Doak RIO RANCHO, N.M. - Robert Bennett Doak, 73, died Friday, Oct. 15, 2004. Services will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday in Vista Verde Mortuary Chapel. Born in Tulsa, Okla., Mr. Doak was the son of Frank William Doak and Clara Octavia Reeves. A CPCU, Robert was a claims manager for 35 years for Cravens, Dargan and Co., later named St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Co. He lived in Amarillo, Texas, and then moved to Bloomington, Minn., before coming to New Mexico in 1994. Robert attended West Texas State University in Canyon, Texas. He served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War and received the Purple Heart. He was a member of Alameda Bible Church. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Charlotte, in 2003. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Wilma Lee Warden Doak; a brother Frank Doak of Sand Springs, Okla.; and several nieces and nephews. The family suggests memorials be to Victory Christian School, 220 El Pueblo Rd. N.W., Albuquerque, NM 87114. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Amarillo Globe-News, Oct. 17, 2004 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------