Monte Lynn McAnear

Monte Lynn McAnear, 71, of Amarillo, left his earthly family and friends on Friday, November 15, to be with Jesus and his family and friends who have gone before him. While he leaves behind a huge hole in the hearts of those who knew him, we take comfort in knowing he is still very much a part of our lives and is enjoying the biggest reunion in Heaven.

Monte was born May 24, 1953, in Memphis, to James and Juanita McAnear. Growing up in Brice, they eventually moved to Clarendon, where he graduated from Clarendon High School in 1971, leaving quite an impression on his teachers and classmates. He took a few classes at Clarendon College before venturing into farming full-time.

While farming was his love, he went on to work at Pantex in 1983 as a security guard, where he made many friends and happily greeted his co-workers with a “Welcome to Pantex.” He later became a material handler and was able to utilize his negotiation skills often through various roles while at Pantex. He was president of the Metal Trades Council, presiding over the ten labor unions at Pantex prior to his retirement in 2019. He was a member of the Pantex Guards Union and International Union of Operating Engineers. While at Pantex, he also obtained his bachelor’s degree in management at Wayland Baptist University.

In March 2010, he finally convinced Judy, his longtime friend, to marry him and they shared many adventures, trips, laughs and an expanding family. The support of each other helped them through life’s ups and downs.

Monte belonged to Lifeway Fellowship Church, where he loved his church family and often invited others to join him for services. He was honored to pray for others and to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He never met a stranger, which was realized as he always knew someone when he was out and about, and that reach often stretched across the state lines. He would also happily attend any event at which food was present, even more so if it was chicken fried steak.

He is survived by his wife, Judy, and children, Ginger (Lance) Robinson, Kevin (Stormy) McAnear, Audra Ruttman, Caroline McAnear, Ethan (Rhea) McAnear, Darcy (Scott Leonard) Cates, Courtney (Beaux Corley) Warren, and Jaimie (Mike) Davila of Amarillo. He loved being a Pepaw to his 15 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his two older brothers, James McAnear and wife, Pat, and David McAnear and wife, Jaci, as well as five nieces, three nephews and countless other family members.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Juanita McAnear, his sisters, Lawanda Sue and Vicki Ann Wilhite, and his second wife, Connee McAnear.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 22, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Robertson Funeral Home, 212 South Sully Street, Clarendon, Texas. The funeral service will take place at 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 23, at Oasis Southwest Baptist Church, 8201 Canyon Drive, Amarillo, Texas, 79110 with Brother Dallas Stringer officiating. Burial will follow in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be directed to Lifeway Fellowship Church in Amarillo or to Donley or Hall County 4-H.