Editorial: Selvidge a mentor for all to follow

Tex Selvidge led a life of community service, and this week his community is in mourning for the man who was one if its best known and best respected citizens.

Rev. Chris Downer said he did not personally know anyone who knew more people or was more influential than Tex Selvidge. If you went to any town in a four or five state area from Clarendon, you would be hard-pressed to find someone who didn’t know someone who had gone to Clarendon College and known or been influenced by Tex.

I remember getting my own acceptance letter to CC and reading Tex’s signature on the bottom of it. I already knew Tex by that time in my life. In addition to seeing him at numerous college alumni reunions that I attended with my father and grandfather, I had known him from the time he ran the clothing store which was next to the West Texas Utilities office where my Dad was the manager. Even as young boy, I knew Tex, and I knew he was a good and well-respected man.

During my two-year stint at old CC, Tex offered me advice and friendship the same as any other student, and I always knew I could go to him if I ever needed anything.

My favorite memories of Tex are from his time as mayor of our little city. When he stepped down from that position in 1996, he told me, “I’ve always felt like if you’re going to live somewhere, you ought to give something to it.”

Tex gave and gave to this community. He told me he thought serving the community was something everyone should do. “It would thrill me if every election we had 10 or 12 people running for every spot on every board in the county,” he said.

For his part, Tex always tried to put the community’s interests first; and he said on the rare occasions he was called on to break a tie, he tried to vote for his convictions. He was proud to have been a part of several accomplishments during his time with the city, including the 2006 street project, numerous grants received to improve the city, updating and codification of the city ordinances, and the development of the city-county library downtown.

“I’m not saying I did a better job than anyone else would have, but I hope I contributed something to the community,” he said. “I’m sure some would disagree, but everyone is entitled to their opinions.”

Agreeing to disagree was another of his hallmarks as mayor. It never seemed to be personal with Tex. Occasionally, he and the newspaper editor would have different views on matters, but we always maintained a friendship and could joke about things.

I was standing next to him at reception one time while he was mayor when he was asked how he was doing. “I’m fine,” he said “if I could just get the editor off my ass.” Then he busted out laughing and threw his arm around my shoulder.

I’ll miss that arm. I’ll miss the smile and the laugh and the words of wisdom.

Tex Selvidge led a life that we should all strive to emulate – a life devoted to community, dedicated to helping young people, and committed to friends and family.

How lucky the Selvidge and Jack families have been to have enjoyed the presence of so great a man! How deep their sense of loss must be now without him here on Earth. Our prayers and sympathies are with them as we give thanks to God for having blessed us with the privilege of knowing Tex Selvidge. Our community is stronger, our college is better, and our lives are richer because of him.

Editor’s note: the family requests that all gifts be directed to the Leonard “Tex” Selvidge Memorial Scholarship, c/o Clarendon College, Attn: Ashlee Estlack, PO Box 968, Clarendon, Texas 79226.