Potter Co. TX - Obits: February 05, 2006 ============================================================= Thanks to Amarillo Globe News: 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, February 5, 2006 Amarillo D.W. "Slim" Coffman D.W. "Slim" Coffman, 85, of Amarillo died Friday, Feb. 3, 2006. Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday in Memorial Park Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, 6969 E. Interstate 40, with Joe Zillmer of Great Plains Western Church of Claude officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Mr. Coffman was born Nov. 13, 1920, in Arkansas, to Oscar and Pearl Coffman. "Slim" Coffman married Lois King on Sept. 11, 1940, in Antlers, Okla. They had lived in Antlers, but have resided in Amarillo for the past 60 years. He was retired from Freezer Services. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Jerry Warren Coffman in 1968; and a brother, Jasper Milton Coffman in 1928. Survivors include his wife; a son, Gerry R. Coffman of Waco; two sisters, Wilma House and Lavene Jones, both of Oklahoma; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to BSA Hospice, 600 N. Tyler St., Amarillo, TX 79106 or Great Plains Western Church, 520 U.S. Highway 287, Claude, TX 79019. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. today at the funeral home. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Mrgudich Richard Mrgudich, 81, of Amarillo died Sunday, Jan. 29, 2006. Memorial services will be at 3 p.m. today in Schooler-Gordon Funeral Directors Bell Avenue Chapel, 5400 S. Bell St., with Jim Tillery, Mr. Mrgudich's stepson, officiating. Mr. Mrgudich was born to parents, Nicolas and Emily Mrgudich on Nov. 10, 1924, in Globe, Ariz. Richard served in the Navy during World War II. After discharge, he attended Arizona State and received his teaching degree. Most of his teaching career was in San Jose, Calif., teaching seventh and eighth grades, along with shop. It was in this area he met a young lady by the name of Barbara who had four very small children. He fell in love with her and her children. That sports car he had his eye on turned out to be a station wagon. Richard also had a son by a previous marriage, and then, one of their own. Their house was full, but they always had room for one or two more, who just turned out to be another member of the family. In order to make ends meet, Richard took a night job. He loved teaching, but his family was large and the paycheck small. He was a good father, friend and husband and was always ready to help whoever he could. He loved to give, and give he did. Upon retirement from teaching, they moved to Dorris, Calif., where his friend had a farm/ranch. It was just the spot for his favorite sport, fishing. Word soon got out a teacher was in town, and he was soon doing "a little" substituting that turned into a full time job, but with the added job of coaching his youngest son in football. Soon after his son graduated, Barbara passed away. Richard returned to Globe for a high school reunion and re-met an old girlfriend, Mildred Tillery. They married two years later and spent most of their time going from Amarillo, where Mildred lived, to Dorris and back until the last two years when they settled in Amarillo, where Richard battled numerous health problems. Survivors include his wife, Mildred; four sons, Jon Mrgudich and wife, Linda, Greg Mrgudich and wife, Tanya, Gary Blickenstaff and wife, Cynthia, and Robert Blickenstaff and wife, Lisa; two daughters, Karen Ringo and husband, Anthony, and Janet Martinez and husband, Gavino; three stepsons, Ray Tillery and wife, Kandys, Hi Tillery and, wife, Nancy, and Jim Tillery and wife, Anh; a stepdaughter, Betty Carter and husband, Bruce; a brother, John Mrgudich and wife, Jackie; a sister, Katherine Stewart; and 40 grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Also special to him, Mike Baziuk and family and Stacy Kress and family; and neighbors, Holly Gutierrez and family and Julie Gilbreath and family. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- J.R. Braboy J.R. Braboy, 90, of Amarillo died Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2006, in Jeffersonville, Ind. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Monday in Llano Cemetery with the Rev. Carey Skinner of Trinity Baptist Church officiating. Arrangements are by Brooks Funeral Directors of Canyon. Mr. Braboy was born Jan. 30, 1908, in Fannin County to William Stanley Braboy and Lillie M. Gardner Braboy, the fourth of six children. J.R. met Mary Ethel Taber while students at Arlington State College in Arlington. They married in 1932. He earned his bachelor's degree there and later graduated from the University of North Texas in Denton, earning his master's degree. J.R. and Ethel taught at various locations in Montague County and later in Palo Pinto County, where he served as a superintendent of public schools. Their only son, John Jr., born in 1947 in Wichita Falls, now resides in Sellersburg, Ind. He is president and chief administrative officer of Mid-America College of Funeral Service in Jeffersonville. Following retirement from teaching, J.R. and his family moved to Amarillo in the early 1950s, where he and his family were longtime members of Trinity Baptist Church. J.R. and his brother, Neil, owned and operated Stanley's Drive-In. He was active in real estate and commercial development ventures with his business partner, R.F. Dryden, until his retirement in 1983. During his retirement, he was actively engaged in his love for family genealogy, photography and electronics. Poor health necessitated his relocation to Southern Indiana in 2001, where he lived for several years with his son and daughter-in-law, Rebecca. At the time of his death, he was a resident of Providence Retirement Community in New Albany, Ind. He was preceded in death by his wife; three sisters, Allie M. Wheat, Vernice Hazlewood and Weltha Devenport; and two brothers, William H. Braboy and Neil S. Braboy. Survivors include a son, John Braboy Jr. and wife, Rebecca, of Sellersburg; four grandchildren, Ashley Leigh Byers of Amarillo, Mary Kaitlyn Braboy of Sellersburg, and Tahnia Trevino and John R. Braboy III, both of New Albany; two nephews, Dean Devenport of Sun City West, Ariz., and Dale Hazlewood of Amarillo; a niece, Nathalie Manning of Houston; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. The family suggests memorials be to the J.R. Braboy Memorial Scholarship Fund. This scholarship has been established by the Board of Trustees of Pierce Mortuary Colleges Inc. to assist worthy students as they pursue their formal education in preparation for a career in funeral service. Contributions can be mailed to Mid-America College of Funeral Service, 3111 Hamburg Pike, Jeffersonville, IN 47130. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. today at the funeral home in Canyon. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nancy Lee Want Nancy Lee Want, 54, of Amarillo died Thursday, Feb. 2, 2006. Private family services were Friday. Burial was in Palo Duro Cemetery in Wildorado by N.S. Griggs & Sons Funeral Directors, 2615 Paramount Blvd. Ms. Want was born Jan. 7, 1952, in David City, Neb. She moved to Amarillo in 1956. Survivors include a brother, Bobby Want of Amarillo; several uncles, aunts and cousins; and many close friends. The family suggests memorials be to Odyssey HealthCare, 1000 S. Jefferson St., Amarillo, TX 79106. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- K.J. Johnson Jr. K.J. Johnson Jr., 81, of Amarillo died Friday, Feb. 3, 2006. Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday in Schooler Funeral Home Brentwood Chapel, 4100 S. Georgia St., with the Rev. Mike Nuthman of Paramount Terrace Christian Church officiating. Burial will be in Llano Cemetery. Mr. Johnson entered into the gates of Heaven on Feb 3, 2006, from the injuries sustained in car accident on Jan. 11, 2006. Mr. Johnson was born in Maysville, Okla., to Killian J. and Lucindia Caldwell on Aug. 7, 1924. He entered into the Army and served during World War II. Mr. Johnson married Wilma Hastie in Amarillo on Aug. 22, 1949. He worked at the smelter and then for ASARCO until his retirement after 25 years of service. He enjoyed bowling and bowled with several mixed leagues. Mr. Johnson was also a Mason. He entertained the family with his many card tricks. He was known for carving miniature baskets out of peach, plum and cherry seeds. Once an article ran in the newspaper about his craft, and he worked endlessly to fill all of the orders he received. Mr. Johnson never met a stranger and treasured time spent with his family, especially his precious grandchildren and great- grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. He went to join his wife, Wilma. He was preceded in death by four sisters; two brothers; and his wife, Wilma, who died after injuries sustained in the same accident. Survivors include two daughters, Trisha Johnson and Edie Martin and husband, Ed, all of Amarillo; two grandchildren, DeAngella Davidson and David Murphey; and five great-grandchildren, Jessica, Aaron, Ashley, Wade and Matthew. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Robert Wesley Porth Robert Wesley Porth, 79, of Amarillo, died Monday, Jan. 16, 2006. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount Blvd., with the Rev. Robert Kuhlmann officiating. Mr. Porth was born in Winfield, Kan., on Oct. 25, 1926. Mr. Porth was employed by Brechtel International Corporation as a millwright constructing and maintaining a nuclear power plant until his retirement. Survivors include two daughters, Sharon J. Vaughters of Wichita, Kan., and Robin Mason of Illinois; a son, Stephen L. Porth of Wichita; a brother, Melvin Porth of Westcliffe, Colo.; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arville Watkins Arville Watkins, 92, of Amarillo died Saturday, Feb. 4, 2006. Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday in N.S. Griggs & Sons Funeral Directors Pioneer Chapel, 2615 Paramount Blvd. Burial will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday in Hugoton Cemetery in Hugoton, Kan. Mr. Watkins was born June 30, 1913, in Hamilton and raised in the Wichita Falls area. He married Effie Faye James on March 27, 1932. She preceded him in death in 1980. He married Zonita Pemberton on Dec. 11, 1982. She preceded him death in 2003. In his early years, he worked in the oil field, then later he worked as a heavy equipment operator and retired from Northern Natural Gas Co. in Hugoton in 1975. After retirement, he worked for several gas companies as a welder inspector. Mr. Watkins loved to travel and play cards and dominos. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Graham. He was also preceded in death by three sons, James Arville, Jackie Wayne and Bobby Gayle. Survivors include two sons, Billy Bud Watkins of Garbor, Okla., and Douglas Wesley Watkins and wife, Diana, of Ozark, Mo.; a daughter, Arvella Anderson and husband, Edward, of Amarillo; a daughter-in-law, Carol Watkins of Amarillo; 17 grandchildren, Billy Gayle, Stephanie, Dana, Launie, Tim, Jeff, Damon, Billy Doug, Willy, Jimmy, Shellie, David, Derek, Davy, Donnie, Dedra and Ray; 33 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to a favorite charity. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Craig Wright Craig Wright, 45, of Amarillo died Friday, Feb. 3, 2006. Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday in Trinity Fellowship Church with John Love and Garvin McCarrell officiating. Burial will be in Llano Cemetery by Cox Funeral Home, 4180 Canyon Drive. Mr. Wright was born and raised in Amarillo and lived here all of his life. He was a 1979 graduate of Amarillo High School and graduate from West Texas A&M University with a M.Ed. LPC in 1995. He married Suzie Clark in 1987 in Amarillo. He worked as a conductor for Santa Fe Railway from 1980 to 1990. He opened his professional counseling practice in 1995 and operated it until the time of his death. Craig loved the outdoors. He loved to fish, snow ski and run. He loved helping others. He was a member of Trinity Fellowship Church. He was preceded in death by his father, Bob Wright in 2002. Survivors include his wife; his mother and stepfather, Jeanette Hebert and Jerry Chain of Livingston; a stepsister, Rhonda King of Vernon; and his stepmother, Sue Wright of Wichita Falls. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Buck Lawson Buck Lawson, 81, of Amarillo died Friday, Feb. 3, 2006. Services will be at 1 p.m. Monday in Paramount Terrace Christian Church with the Rev. Roy Wheeler and the Rev. Bob Schroeder officiating. Burial will be at 4 p.m. Monday in Friona Cemetery in Friona by Blackburn-Shaw Funeral Directors Memorial Chapel, Fifth Avenue and Pierce Street. Mr. Lawson was born Robert Lee Lawson on Jan. 30, 1925, in Alex, Okla., to Marvin Lee Lawson and Mary Elizabeth Chitwood Lawson. He served in the Navy from June 1943 through February 1946. When discharged, he was Signalman, Third Class. He served on an admiral's staff on battleships. When the admiral changed his flag to other ships, Buck changed with him. He served on the Battleships USS Mississippi, USS New Mexico, USS Pennsylvania and then the USS Idaho. He served during the invasion and bombardment of many of the Asiatic islands, such as the Gilberts, the Marshall Islands, Palau Islands, Levte Philippines, Okinawa and others. He was aboard the USS Mississippi during the historic "Battle of Surgiao Strait," often referred to as the Last Battle of the Battleships. He was aboard the USS Idaho anchored in Tokyo Bay during the signing of the peace treaty in 1945. He was awarded the Victory Medal World War II, America Area Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Area Ribbon (Seven Stars), Navy Commendation Ribbon and the Philippine-Liberation Campaign Ribbon (Two Stars). After the war, Buck attended West Texas State Teachers College in Canyon for one year, then transferred to the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Okla. While attending OU, he met Lola Ben Dunnam in 1948, and they married in 1950. He received his Bachelor of Science in pharmacy from OU. Buck and Lola moved to Amarillo in 1954. Buck owned and operated several pharmacies, the most recent being Buck Lawson N.W. Drug. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Babe Lawson; and a daughter, Debbie Lawson. Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Terry Jo Glenn of Canyon; two sons, Andrew Lawson of Spring and Rob Lawson of Austin; a sister, Betty Jo Roden of Levelland; and four grandchildren. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jack H. Avent Jack H. Avent, 96, of Amarillo died Friday, Feb. 3, 2006. Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday in Schooler-Gordon Funeral Directors Bell Avenue Chapel, 5400 S. Bell St., with Jerry Klein officiating. Burial will be in Dreamland Cemetery in Canyon. Mr. Avent was born Aug. 28, 1909, in Hamilton County to Julius and Eula Avent. Some of his earlier moves in life were to Abilene and Merkel. He finally moved to Tulia when he was 12, in a covered wagon. Jack began his schooling in Buffalo Gap in a one-room schoolhouse and later finished school at Valley View. He was married to Alpha Odneal, who preceded him in death. Mr. Avent had owned ranches in South Dakota, Colorado and Texas, where he was active in the cattle business. Ranching was his favorite hobby. He has been a resident at Craig Methodist, where he will be greatly missed. Survivors include a brother, Bill Avent of Amarillo; a sister, Madeline Reck of Austin; and numerous nieces and nephews. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- William F. "Bill" Tucker William F. "Bill" Tucker, 56, of Amarillo died Friday, Feb. 3, 2006. Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday in St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church with Monsignor Joseph Tash officiating. Burial will be in Llano East Cemetery by Cox Funeral Home, 4180 Canyon Drive. Mr. Tucker was born in San Antonio and moved to Amarillo in 1964. He was a 1968 graduate of Caprock High School. He married Sandy Bonney in 1969 in Amarillo. He became a trooper for the Department of Public Safety in 1970. He served as a trooper for 13 years and worked in narcotics for 20 years. He retired from the DPS in 2002 and was rehired in 2003. He was a Mason and a member of the Khiva Shrine and the Coors Cowboy Club. Survivors include his wife; two sons, Lane Tucker and wife, Judith, and Jeff Tucker and wife, Amy, all of Amarillo; a brother, Dale Tucker of Amarillo; two sisters, Betty Comerfield and Donna Garcia, both of Amarillo; and four grandchildren, Hunter, Dylan, Jeb and Ashley. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. today at the funeral home. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dwaine Carl "D.C." Warner Dwaine Carl "D.C." Warner, 77, of Amarillo died Friday, Feb. 3, 2006. Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday in Amarillo South Church with the Rev. Bill Wade officiating. Entombment will be in Llano Cemetery Garden Mausoleum by Cox Funeral Home, 4180 Canyon Drive. Mr. Warner was born Oct. 25, 1928, in Calexico, Calif., to Ollie and Iva Mae Warner. He married Ina Dee Stapleton in Wellington on Dec. 13, 1947. They moved to Lubbock in early 1950, then to Amarillo in 1952, where he was a building contractor and land owner. He operated the Osage Landfill in Amarillo and the Southwest Landfill near Canyon. After he retired, they traveled over many state throughout the U.S. and Canada. After the death of his wife in 1993, he traveled extensively with friends from the Harley Owners Group of Amarillo. He was also preceded in death by an infant daughter, Patricia Ann; three sisters; and a brother. Survivors include three daughters, Carol Willey, Patty Avery and Sandy Ross, all of Amarillo; four granddaughters; five grandsons; 11 great-grandchildren; and five brothers. The family suggests memorials be to Hospice of the Southwest. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Monteen Word Monteen Word, 90, of Amarillo died Friday, Feb. 3, 2006. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Monday in Llano Cemetery. Arrangements are by Memorial Park Funeral Home, 6969 E. Interstate 40. Mrs. Word was born Oct. 6, 1915, in Round Rock to R.C. and Dythulia Montgomery. She owned and operated Monteen's Beauty Shop and worked at Carousel Beauty Salon. Survivors include a son, Charles Coursey of Amarillo; a daughter, Patricia Klintworth of Enid, Okla.; two sisters, Audra Nelson of Houston and Genevia Billingsly of Klamath Falls, Ore.; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- James "Flash" Davis James "Flash" Davis, 53, of Amarillo died Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2006 Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Monday in Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements are by Memorial Park Funeral Home, 6969 E. Interstate 40. Mr. Davis was born Nov. 27, 1952, in Amarillo to Duwayne and Mabel Wright Davis. He was a talented woodworker. Survivors include a brother, Jeff Davis and special friends, Malissa and Juan Martinez. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Area Ettie Ola "Boots" Bezner DALHART - Ettie Ola "Boots" Bezner, 88, died Friday, Feb. 3, 2006, in Amarillo. Prayer vigil will be at 5:30 p.m. today in St. Anthony's Catholic Church with Ron Hein, deacon, officiating. Mass will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday in the church with the Rev. Scott Raef, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery by Horizon Funeral Home. Mrs. Bezner was born Dec. 8, 1917, in Conduff to Hal and Hattie Reed Rogers. "Boots" was raised in Seymour and graduated from high school in Megargel. She was Miss Seymour in 1937. On June 29, 1940, she married Alban J. "Doc" Bezner. They moved to Dalhart from Deaf Smith County in 1969. Boots was lovingly referred to as a professional volunteer. She was a 4-H leader since 1950, and in June 1979, she was Distinguished Volunteer 4-H Leader. On April 20, 1985, she received the 7 WHO CARE award and in 1990, was Citizen of the Year, as well as Coon Memorial Hospital Auxiliary's most logged hours of all volunteers. She was an active member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Coon Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and Keep Dalhart Beautiful Association, etc. If she could help she would! She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; and four sisters. Survivors include her husband; two sons, Jody Bezner and wife, Kay, of Dalhart and Tommy Bezner and wife, Sue, of Amarillo; four daughters, Sharon Dunnam and husband, Jerry, of Midland, Joyce Brown and husband, Archie, of Ben Wheeler, Beth Moore of Dalhart and Charlotte Bilbrey and husband, Terry, of Irving; two sisters, Lora Kimmons of Corpus Christi and Ginger Malone of Newaygo, Mich.; two brothers, Willard Rogers of Bowie and Clifton Rogers of Wichita Falls; eight grandchildren, Michael, Mitchel, Stephen and Jason Bezner, Shailete Dunnam Abbott, Shara Dunnam Faircloth, Bryan Brown and Travis Bilbrey; 12 great-grandchildren, Madeline, Hattie-Carole, Georgia Kay, Katherine, Benjamin, Kirsten, Beau and Barrett Bezner, Rachel, Jones and Jaxson Abbott and Tucker Faircloth. The family suggests memorials be to Coon Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, 1411 Denver Ave., Dalhart, TX 79022; St. Anthony's School or the S. A. I. N. T. S. Trust, 1203 Elm Ave., Dalhart, TX 79022; Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 2014, Dalhart, TX 79022; Dalhart Senior Citizens, 610 Denrock, Dalhart, TX 79022; or Dallam County 4-H Scholarship Fund, 410 Denrock, Dalhart, TX 79022. Sign the online guest register at www.horizonfuneral.com. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Adriana Amada Olivas TULIA - Adriana Amada Olivas, infant daughter of Shantiel and Stanley Olivas, died Thursday, Feb. 2, 2006, in Plainview. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Monday in Rose Hill Cemetery with the Rev. Tony Neusch, pastor of Church of the Holy Spirit, officiating. Arrangements are by Kornerstone Funeral Directors. Adriana was born Thursday, Feb. 2. Survivors include her parents; a sister, Roni Ann Olivas of Tulia; a brother, Orlando Olivas of Tulia; and her grandparents, Mercy and Sisto Gonzales and Tomas Roybal, all of Greeley, Colo., and Francis Alaniz of Tulia. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Johnny H. Baldridge PAMPA - Johnny H. Baldridge, 59, died Saturday, Feb. 4, 2006. Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday in White Deer Church of Christ in White Deer with Don Stone, minister, officiating. Burial will be in White Deer Cemetery by Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors. Mr. Baldridge was born Nov. 2, 1946, in Brookland, Ark. He married Debbie Baker on May 17, 1993, in White Deer. Survivors include his wife; a stepdaughter, Chrissye LaGrange of Amarillo; two stepsons, Jeremy Baker of Pampa and Brandon Benson of Amarillo; two brothers, Bill Baldridge of Pampa and Randy Baldridge of White Deer; a sister, Debbie Shaffer of Katy; and two stepgrandsons. The family suggests memorials be to the High Plains Children's Home, 11461 S. Western St., Amarillo, TX 79118. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Floyd Crownover CLAUDE - Floyd Crownover, 82, died Saturday, Feb. 4, 2006. Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday in United Methodist Church with the Rev. Janet Edwards officiating. Burial will be in Claude Cemetery by Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia St., Amarillo. Mr. Crownover was born in Armstrong County to Mart and Minnie Crownover on April 28, 1923. He was a graduate of Claude High School. He married Jimmie Earlene Roe in the parsonage of the Methodist church in Claude on Feb. 27, 1945. He farmed the family homestead in Armstrong County, where he was born, from 1941 to 1977. After retiring from the farm, he began working as the maintenance supervisor for the Claude Independent School District until he once again retired in 1997. He prided himself on a beautiful lawn and garden and was known for his beautiful irises. He was also a master with a saw and capable of doing anything he put his mind to. One of his favorite pastimes was that of a weather observer for the National Weather Service, for which he was employed for more than 15 years. When he entered the arms of his loving Savior, he was surrounded by three generations of loving family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother Frank Crownover. Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Phyllis Westbrook and husband, Holland, of Claude and Patricia Turnbow and husband, Bob, of Carrollton; a son, Jim Crownover and wife, Wanda, of Lubbock; three sisters, Jenola Maple of Bedford and Roberta Ford and Martha Champeau, both of Amarillo; a twin brother, Lloyd Crownover of Stratford; six grandchildren; and five great- grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to St. Ann's Nursing Home, P.O. Box 1179, Panhandle, TX 79068. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Charley A. Rodgers PLAINVIEW - Charley A. Rodgers, 74, died Friday, Feb. 3, 2006, in Dallas. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in Garland Street Church of Christ with Ben Mereness of Georgetown Church of Christ officiating and Russell Harris of Garland Street Church of Christ assisting. Burial will be in Parklawn Memorial Gardens by Bartley Funeral Home. Mr. Rodgers was born Dec. 8, 1931, in Ryan, Okla., to Jesse Leon Rodgers and Clara Caroline Rodgers. He married Ruby N. Long on Aug. 25, 1958, in Wichita, Kan. A beloved husband, father and grandfather was called to his heavenly home Feb. 3, in Dallas. He worked for the USDA for 40 years and served on the State Conservation Board for 10 years. He was a loving and providing father of two, Dr. Mark A. Rodgers and Marsha R. Mickler, and a loving grandfather of six. Charley was a tenderhearted soul, who had a passion for his friends and family. He enjoyed all Tech athletics, as well as bridge with his wife and friends. He never lacked a smile or a kind word. Charley's life was an inspiration to all who knew him, and his presence will be greatly missed. Survivors include his wife; a son, Dr. Mark A. Rodgers and wife, Stacey, of Grapevine; a daughter, Marsha R. Mickler and husband, Jamie, of Keller; a brother, John Rodgers of Chickasha, Okla.; two sisters, Helen Voss of Chickasha and Edna McCumber of Wichita; six grandchildren, Adam, Andrew and Alex Rodgers and Meredith, Jayma and Lawson Mickler; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hoyt M. Root STINNETT - Hoyt M. Root, 73, died Friday, Feb. 3, 2006. Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday in Trinity Lutheran Church in Borger with the Rev. Don Poole, pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church in Dumas, officiating. Burial will be in Stinnett Cemetery by Brown Funeral Directors of Borger. Mr. Root was born Dec. 28, 1932, in Okemah, Okla. He married Nancy Middleton in 1957 in Dumas. Survivors include his wife; two sons, Jeffrey Root of Amarillo and Randal Root of Colorado Springs, Colo.; two daughters, Ladonna Holderbee of Tahlequah, Okla., and Rebecca Sharp of Dallas; two sisters, Othel Guinn of Bakersfield, Calif., and Josephine Gibbens of Tulsa, Okla.; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to Trinity Lutheran Church or Odyssey HealthCare. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Julia B. Sneed FRITCH - Julia B. Sneed, 86, died Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2006. Services were at 2 p.m. Saturday in First Southern Baptist Church with Calvin Winters, pastor, officiating. Burial was in Westlawn Memorial Park, 6 miles west of Borger by Minton/Chatwell Funeral Directors. Mrs. Sneed was born April 21, 1919, to George and Nora Minta Folley in Donley County, south of McLean. That's where she and four sisters and four brothers were raised on a farm. On Oct. 8, 1938, she married Austin F. Sneed in Donley County. They then made their home in Amarillo and raised two daughters. Austin and Julia "Duke" Sneed then moved to Pampa, where they lived until he retired from Cabot Corp. They then settled in the countryside of Fritch. Austin preceded her in death on May 20, 2005. Survivors include two daughters, Jody Sneed of Fritch and Jeanne King and husband, Buddy, of Newcastle, Okla.; two granddaughters, Kari King of Amarillo and Lori Gonzalez and husband, Carlos, of Oklahoma City; a brother, Guy Folley of Canadian; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family suggests memorials be to the Panhandle Chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association or the American Heart Association. Pallbearers were Buddy King, Carlos Gonzalez, Joe Childress, Mike Geisler, Carl Veukei and Michael Adams. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Melquiades "Mel" Gonzales HART - Melquiades "Mel" Gonzales, 82, died Thursday, Feb. 2, 2006. Prayer services will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today in El Sendero De La Cruz Pentecostal Church. Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday in the church with the Rev. Roger Velasquez, pastor, officiating and the Rev. Emilio Perez and the Rev. Ramiro Bustos, both of Plainview, assisting. Burial will be in Hart Cemetery by Bartley Funeral Home. Mr. Gonzales was born Dec. 10, 1923, in Evansville to Genaro and Juana Gonzales. He was a traveling evangelist. Survivors include his wife, Dominga; eight sons, Oscar Gonzales of Fort Worth, Hector Gonzales of Waco, Richard Gonzales of Alabama, Ramiro Garcia, Richard Garcia and Robert Garcia, all of Hart, and Rudy Garcia and Roger Garcia, both of Plainview; six daughters, Irene Gonzales of Houston, Mary Lou Garcia, Alicia Menchaca, Lydia Garcia and Amelia Velasquez, all of Hart, and Melissa Garcia of Plainview; two brothers, Juan Gonzales of Jewett and Luis Gonzales of Laredo; 34 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Randall Leslie "Randy" Hanna BORGER - Randall Leslie "Randy" Hanna, 55, died Thursday, Feb. 2, 2006. Services will be at 1 p.m. Monday in First Baptist Church with the Rev. Ken Sheppard officiating. Burial will be in Westlawn Memorial Park by Minton/Chatwell Funeral Directors of Borger. Mr. Hanna was born Dec. 2, 1950, in Raton, N.M. to Tex and Marjorie Hanna. He was a certified financial planner and insurance agent for Allstate Insurance Agency in Borger, Pampa and Hereford. Survivors include his wife, Becky; three sons, Brandon Hanna of Lubbock, Dane Hanna of Irving and Wes Wilkinson of Scottsdale, Ariz.; a daughter, Jessica Cardenas of Amarillo; his mother, Marjorie Hanna of Amarillo; two brothers, Bryan Hanna of Waco and George Hanna of Borger; and a grandson. The family suggests memorials be to a favorite charity. The family will be at the Crutch Ranch or 303 Loma Linda. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vivian Witt PERRYTON - Vivian Witt, 82, died Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2006, in Odessa. Services were at 2 p.m. Saturday in Trinity Presbyterian Church with Russ Pollack officiating. Burial was in Ochiltree Cemetery by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home. Mrs. Witt was born May 27, 1923, in Spearman. She married Harold Witt on July 28, 1949, in Perryton. Survivors include three sons, Russell Witt of Odessa, Mikael Witt of Palestine and Alan Witt of Houston; a sister, Lora Elizabeth Vincent of Odessa; a brother, Gray S. Burges of Odessa; 11 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. The family suggests memorials be to a favorite charity. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vona Laura Scott Williams CLARENDON - Vona Laura Scott Williams, 90, died Thursday, Feb. 2, 2006, in Ganado. Graveside services will be at 9:30 a.m. Monday in Citizens Cemetery with the Rev. Truman Ledbetter, Baptist minister from Claude, officiating. Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors. Mrs. Williams was born Oct. 22, 1915, in Lakeview, Hall County, to W.R. and Prudie Crowder Scott. She married Harry Williams in September 1933 in Hollis, Okla. She owned and operated a beauty shop in Dumas for several years and then later taught at the Amarillo Beauty School prior to her retirement. She was a resident of Enid, Okla., for approximately 10 years before moving to Ganado in October 2000. She was a member of First Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband on July 19, 1981; a son, Billy James Williams on Oct. 1, 2000; and a grandson, James L. Williams on June 25, 1989. Survivors include a daughter, Helen Andel of Ganado; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Sign the online guest register at www.RobertsonFuneral.com. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Canyon Lillie M. Mercer Lillie M. Mercer, 94, of Canyon died Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2006. Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday in First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Clark Williams and the Rev. Earl Blair officiating. Graveside services will be at 2:30 p.m. Monday in Silverton Cemetery in Silverton. Arrangements are by Brooks Funeral Directors. Mrs. Mercer was born July 23, 1911, in Childress County to Jim and Lula Steele. She was the youngest girl in the family of seven children. The Steeles moved to Briscoe County, where they farmed. She married Joe B. Mercer in Tulia at 16 years of age. They farmed a few years, then moved to Silverton and operated the local drug store and movie theater. At the beginning of World War II, Lillie and Joe began farming again until retirement. They had two children, Thelma Gean and Jim Ed. Lillie was a member of First United Methodist Church of Silverton, where she served as chairman of the kitchen for a time. Lillie and Joe were active in Silverton all their lives. They served as directors at Silverton State Bank and were active supporters for the Republican Party. They enjoyed several years at the races at Ruidoso, N.M. Lillie was a strong supporter of her children and grandchildren. She loved to play bridge, to garden and to quilt. She drove to Plainview every week or two to visit her sister, Fannie Francis. They were very close. Her younger brother, J. R., was very special to Lillie also. Lillie moved to Canyon to Palo Duro Retirement Village where she lived until her illness. She loved living there and made many friends. She loved to play bridge there and taught newcomers how to play. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1994; a son, Dr. Jim E. Mercer of New Braunfels in 1997; and a sister, Fannie Francis, in 2005. Survivors include a brother, J.R. Steele and wife, Verba Lee, of Plainview; a daughter, Thelma Fulton and husband, H.R., of Canyon; five grandchildren, Richard Fulton and wife, Sandy, of Tallahassee, Fla., Lauran Corson and husband, Bill, of Basking Ridge, N.J., Jeanna McIntyre and husband, Patrick, of Dallas, Dr. Kent Mercer and wife, Nancy, of Houston and Dr. Jett Mercer and wife, Carolyn, of England; and seven great-grandchildren, Alex and Julie Corson of New Jersey, Mason, Max and Meredith Mercer of Houston, Christy Mercer of England and Wren Lee Green III of Tallahassee. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elsewhere Esther Eliza Stearman Reid GILLETTE, Wyo. - Esther Eliza Stearman Reid, 99, formerly of Oklahoma City, died Thursday, Feb. 2, 2006. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Monday in Jamison Cemetery, east of Harrah, Okla. Arrangements are by Vondel L. Smith & Son Mortuaries of Oklahoma City. Mrs. Reid worked faithfully in her church, serving in Sunday school, Training Union and the Women's Missionary Union. Survivors include two sons, Alvin "Al" Stearman and Bill Stearman, and a daughter, Joyce Stokes. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- John Doyle Dean Sr. LITTLEFIELD - John Doyle Dean Sr., 84, died Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2006, in Youngsville, La. Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday in Hammons Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Benny Goss, pastor of Sunset Avenue Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Littlefield Memorial Park. Mr. Dean was born June 15, 1921, in Gideon, Okla., to P.S. and Beulah Dean. He married Sybil Byers on Nov. 13, 1943, in Clovis, N.M. Survivors include a son, Doyle Dean Jr. of Youngsville; a daughter, Peggy Schroyer of Abilene; six grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday, February 5, 2006 Services Services Pending Pearl E. Busby, 76, of Amarillo died Thursday, Feb. 2, 2006. Blackburn-Shaw Funeral Directors Martin Road Chapel, 15th Avenue and Martin Road. Albert R. Gregory, 85, of Amarillo died Friday, Feb. 3, 2006. Blackburn-Shaw Funeral Directors Memorial Chapel, Fifth Avenue and Pierce Street. Services Scheduled Fay Gardiner, 93, of Canadian, formerly of Beaver, Okla., died Friday, Feb. 3, 2006. Services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday in First United Methodist Church in Beaver. Burial will be in Pioneer Cemetery in Beaver. Hughs Funeral Home of Canadian. Services Today Ettie Ola "Boots" Bezner, 88, of Dalhart. Prayer vigil will be at 5:30 p.m. in St. Anthony's Catholic Church. Mass will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday in the church. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Horizon Funeral Home. Melquiades "Mel" Gonzales, 82, of Hart. Prayer services will be from 5 to 8 p.m. in El Sendero De La Cruz Pentecostal Church. Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday in the church. Burial will be in Hart Cemetery. Bartley Funeral Home. Richard Mrgudich, 81, of Amarillo. Memorial services will be at 3 p.m. in Schooler-Gordon Funeral Directors Bell Avenue Chapel, 5400 S. Bell St. ---