Mulkey close-up
Services held for former CC dean
Hundreds of mourners filled the Harned Sisters Fine Arts Center Sunday afternoon, June 7, to remember the life of Leonard “Tex” Selvidge, – a man who personified Clarendon College for decades.
Selvidge, the college’s former dean of students and the former mayor of Clarendon, died Tuesday, June 2, 2015. Sunday’s services were led by Rev. Chris Downer and Rev. Lance Wood with arrangements under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
“Tex was totally invested in youth,” Rev. Wood said, “and he never lost touch with youth across multiple generations.”
Clarendon College President Robert Riza also memorialized Selvidge and discussed the long-lasting impact of his 50-year relationship with the institution.
Rev. Downer eulogized Selvidge as the man who influenced him as a young man, saw potential in him, and gave him a chance. He also touched on Selvidge’s own challenges as a youth who faced hard times and said those early experiences made Selvidge the great man and the great leader that he was.
“Tex said ‘community’ was what raised him and so he spent his life investing in ‘community,’” Downer said.
That commitment led the Clarendon Chamber of Commerce to bestow its lifetime service award, the Saints’ Roost Award, on Selvidge in February of this year.
Selvidge was born January 7, 1934, in Bismark, Ark., to Elmer D. and Ella Mae Selvidge. He graduated from Stinnett High School in 1953. He attended Southwestern State Oklahoma University where he played football, graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor’s Degree, and completed his Master’s Degree in 1962. He started coaching in Spearman and later coached in Hollis, Okla., before moving to Clarendon in 1965 to start his career at Clarendon College.
He served in a number of positions at CC in the last fifty years, including Counselor, Registrar, Dean of Students, Recruiter, and Financial Aid Director, and was member of the Board of Regents at the time of his death. Through the college he engrained himself as the surrogate father, grandfather, mentor, and friend for thousands of CC students over the years.
Selvidge’s far-reaching influence is evidenced by Clarendon College’s social media posts regarding his passing which were viewed by 44,923 people. The Enterprise’s social media posts reached another 4,913 people.
Selvidge also ran a small business on Kearney Street for a time, served as an adult probation officer, and served in public office. In addition to his recent service on the college board, he served on the Clarendon Board of Aldermen in 1976 and later served two stretches as mayor from 1977 to 1980 and again from 1997 to 2006. He served more time as mayor than any other person in the city’s history.
He was preceded in death by his Pop, Jimmy Worsham, and his Mom, Geneva Worsham; his biological parents, Elmer D. Selvidge and Ella Mae Selvidge; a sister, Merle Damron; a brother, Cecil Selvidge; and an aunt, Evie Scott.
He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann Selvidge, of the home; his son, Chad Selvidge and wife, Carolina, of Dallas; his daughter, Shay Tidmore and husband, Alan, of Lubbock; his son, Scott Newland and wife, Jeanette of Plano; his son, Gary Jack of Clarendon; his daughter, Teresa Dronzek and husband, Dan, of Clarendon; his son, Mark Jack and wife, Beverly, of Springtown; his daughter, Pam Watson and husband, Noble, of Clarendon; his daughter, Shay Ann Selvidge of Austin; 19 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his step-dad, James Griffin of Lubbock, his sister, Sharon Walker and husband, Skip, of Stinnett; and numerous family and close friends.
In lieu of flowers, 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.
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.
Changes in store for July Fourth celebration
A few changes are in store for the 138th annual Saints’ Roost Celebration scheduled for July 2, 3, and 4 this year.
The Clarendon Outdoor Entertainment Association will kick off the activities with a Junior Ranch Rodeo on Thursday night, July 2, at 7:30 at the COEA Arena followed by a dance at 9 p.m. featuring Chris Albracht as the deejay.
Clarendon merchants will have sales on Friday, and the Ten Commandments marker at the Courthouse will be dedicated that morning at 10 a.m. followed by the Depression Lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Downtown Crossties Ministry building. COEA’s Ranch Rodeo will start that night at 7:30 with No Dry County providing live music for the dance at 9:00.
Saturday, July 4, is when celebration goers will see the biggest changes. The Chamber of Commerce has moved the July Fourth Parade, sponsored by Herring Bank, from its traditional 2 p.m. timeslot to 10 a.m., which has compacted much of the morning schedule.
The Arts & Craft Fair on the square will start at 9 a.m. The Craft Fair is sponsored by the Donley County 4H, and booth space is $25. Booth space needs to be reserved by June 27 by calling 874-2141.
The Old Settlers Reunion and the Kids’ Bicycle & Tricycle Parade also begin at 9 a.m. The Kids’ Parade will line up and register at 8:30 at Keith Floyd’s shop at Third and Sully.
Line up for the Herring Bank Parade will also start at 9 a.m. on Sixth Street north of Prospect Park. At 10:00, the parade will then take its usual route – north on Kearney to Third Street, west on Third to Sully, south in front of the Courthouse, and then wind back to the ball parks.
The Herring Bank Parade features $850 in cash prizes with $200 available for the best float, $100 for the best car or truck entry, $100 for the best animal or riding unit, $100 for the best tractor or farm equipment entry, and $100 for the best “other” entry. From those first place winners, judges will select a Grand Prize winner who will receive an additional $250. Parade winners will be announced at 1 p.m.
Entry forms for the Kids’ Parade and the Herring Bank Parade are available in this week’s Enterprise and at the Clarendon Visitor Center at Mulkey Theatre.
Ed Montana will be handling the parade and celebration announcing and will also be performing live music during the festivities on the square.
Following the parade, the Al Morrah Shrine Club will have its annual barbecue lunch at approximately 11 a.m. and will serve until the food is gone. Tickets will be $10 per plate.
The Clarendon Lions Club has retired its cow patty bingo fundraiser and will instead have Bounce Houses and Water Slides at the Lions Hall from about 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A five-dollar wrist band will let kids bounce and slide to their hearts’ content all day.
The annual Henson’s Turtle Race will be held on 3 p.m. on Saturday.
The COEA’s Ranch Rodeo will close out the celebration Saturday night at 7:30 with No Dry Country again headlining the dance at 9:00.
Box seating tickets are still available for all three nights of rodeo for $150. Contact Theresa Shelton for 654-2993 for information.
More celebration details will be printed as they become available. To add your event or activity to this listing, contact the Enterprise at 874-2259.
FSA committee nominations begin June 15
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced that the nomination period for local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees begins on Monday, June 15, 2015.
“Through the county committees, farmers and ranchers have a voice. Their opinions and ideas get to be heard on federal farm programs,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
“It is important for county committees to reflect America’s diversity, so I encourage all eligible farmers and ranchers, including beginning farmers, to get involved in this year’s elections. We’ve seen an increase in the number of nominations for qualified candidates, especially among women and minorities, and I hope that trend continues.”
To be eligible to serve on a FSA county committee, a person must participate or cooperate in an agency administered program, be eligible to vote in a county committee election and reside in the local administrative area where they are nominated.
Farmers and ranchers may nominate themselves or others. Organizations representing minorities and women also may nominate candidates. To become a candidate, an eligible individual must sign an FSA-669A nomination form. The form and other information about FSA county committee elections are available at www.fsa.usda.gov/elections. Nomination forms for the 2015 election must be postmarked or received in the local USDA Service Center by close of business on Aug. 3, 2015.
FSA will mail election ballots to eligible voters beginning Nov. 9, 2015. Ballots will be due back to the local county office either via mail or in person by Dec. 7, 2015. Newly elected committee members and alternates will take office on Jan. 1, 2016.
While FSA county committees do not approve or deny farm ownership or operating loans, they make decisions on disaster and conservation programs, emergency programs, commodity price support loan programs and other agricultural issues.
Members serve three-year terms. Nationwide, there are about 7,800 farmers and ranchers serving on FSA county committees. Committees consist of three to 11 members that are elected by eligible producers.
Katie Adams receives livestock scholarship
Kathrine Nikole Adams a graduating senior from Hedley High School has been awarded a four year $6,000 Youth Livestock Scholarship sponsored by the State Fair of Texas.
The $1,500.00 a year scholarship is renewable by maintaining a 3.0 GPA. Since 1992, the State Fair of Texas Scholarship Program has awarded scholarships to academically talented students who graduate from high schools in the Dallas State Fair Park area.
In 1993, the State Fair of Texas Scholarship Program expanded its youth support by awarding scholarships to academically talented students who participated in the State Fair of Texas Youth Livestock Shows. The 2015 – 2016 Youth Livestock Show will be held this fall during the 129th State Fair of Texas, September 25 to October 18, at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas.
Miss Adams participated in the State Fair of Texas Youth Livestock Show from 2008-10 and from 2012-2014. She was in the Youth Market Barrow Shows and won numerous places including a first place in 2012. In high school she has been an active member of FFA, 4-H Club, National Honor Society, Cross Country, Basketball and held many class offices. She has held numerous offices in those clubs and received many awards and honors during her high school career and has been very active in service to this community.
Miss Adams plans to attend Clarendon College and major in agribusiness. She is the daughter of Lon and Nicki Adams of Hedley.
Jane Ruth Owens
Jane Ruth Owens, 78, died June 3, 2015.
Services were held on Saturday, June 6, 2015, at Fairlane Church of Christ with Max Pratt officiating.
Burial followed at the Rowe Cemetery in Hedley.
Jane was born on July 5, 1936, in Hedley to Toad and Mattie Laura Hill. She was raised in the Hedley area, where she attended schools. She married Donald Byron Owens on October 25, 1952, in Amarillo. They worked together in the trucking business, raising horses and enjoying life. He preceded her in death in 1989. Jane could play cards and visit all night. She loved spending time with her family and taking care of them. She loved people and had many friends. She will be greatly missed.
She is survived by a daughter, Karen Rogers and husband Eddie of Amarillo; son, Larry Owens and wife Alta of Hedley; 4 grandchildren, Erin Almanza and husband Jimmy of Amarillo, Chris Rogers and wife Melissa of Amarillo, Laura Ann Owens of Canyon and Donny Owens and wife Colleen of Hedley and 2 great grandchildren, Riley Rogers and Wyatt Don Almanza, both of Amarillo.
She was preceded in death by her parents; infant brother and husband Donald Owens.
Cleofes “Speedy” Jaramillo
Cleofes “Speedy” Jaramillo, died June 06, 2015.
Rosary was held Tuesday, June 9, 2015, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Clarendon. Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, June 10, 2015, in the Church with Rev. Arokia Raj Samala, as the celebrant.
Burial followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Clarendon.
Arrangements were under the Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Mr. Jaramillo was born September 14, 1945, in Lourdes, New Mexico to Epifanio and Guadalupe Jaramillo. He married Margaret Mejillas on November 28, 1970, in Las Vegas, New Mexico. He had been a resident of Lelia Lake most of his life and was great mechanic and worked well on electronics. You name it he did it. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers; 3 sisters; an aunt, Lucy Guzman; and a son in law, Juan Olivas.
He is survived by his wife Margaret Jaramillo of Lelia Lake; 3 sons, George Jaramillo and wife Angela, Larry Jaramillo and Louie Jaramillo and fiancé Angela Papa all of Lelia Lake; a daughter, Stella Olivas of Howardwick; 4 brothers, Elias Jaramillo and wife Della, Charlie Jaramillo, Robert Jaramillo, and Tony Jaramillo,; 5 sisters, Faye Sanchez, Gloria Jaramillo, Mary Jaramillo, Theresa David, and Angie Lucero,; his extended family,Phil Jaramillo and wife Becky, Patsy Lucero, Edwina Lucero and husband Pete, Alberta Lucero and family, and Isabell Mejillas and family, and Francisco Mejillas and family; 7 grandchildren; and 1 great grandchild and three God-children, Phil Jaramillo, Christina Brady, Jerry Lucero.
The family request memorials be sent to the American Heart Association.
Honor grads
Graduates receive $409k in scholarships
Donley County’s graduating seniors were presented with scholarships totaling at least $409,830 during Clarendon and Hedley commencement exercises last week.
Clarendon High School graduated 29 seniors, and those students were recognized with awards totaling $329,755. Principal Larry Jeffers said that only represents scholarships the school was made aware of and that some students may not take advantage of all their scholarship money.
Hedley High School graduated seven students with awards totaling $80,075.
The awards include money from Clarendon College for every senior in Donley County in the form of a $500 scholarship to attend Clarendon College. The Bulldog Bucks Tuition Assistance Program will help to defray the cost of tuition, fees, books, and housing costs. Bulldog Bucks can be used to cover any unpaid balance up to $250 per semester. In addition, a CHS or HHS graduate will never have to pay for more than 12 credit hours per semester no matter how many hours they take. That represents an $18,000 commitment to the youth of Donley County.
CHS also presented three annual awards to graduating seniors. Charles Mason received the Fighting Heart Award, and Abby Johnson was named the Girl Athlete of the Year as well as the recipient of the Knorpp Cup.
Three HHS graduates wore red honor cords signifying donations of blood. They were Becca Butler, Leslie Leal, and Wyatt Wheatly. Kati Adams and Kevin Munoz were also recognized for competing at the state level in UIL events – Adams for tennis and Munoz for science.
The following are scholarships that were announced or that have been released to the Enterprise:
Taylor Gaines was awarded a PEAK Scholarship for $2000 or $1000 per semester to Clarendon College.
Allyson Grahn has been awarded a Lubbock Christian University athletic scholarship for $10,000, an LCU Academic Scholarship for $6,000, and a LCU Honors Scholarship for $2,000.
Montana Hysinger received of a PEAK Scholarship for $2000, $300 from the Donley County Retired School Personnel Association, and his final scholarship was the Walter B. Knorpp Salutatorian Scholarship with an estimated value of $4,000.
Joseph Jaramillo has received a $2000 PEAK Scholarship.
Abby Johnson was awarded the Jacob Dean Smith Memorial Scholarship for $500. She was also awarded a Clarendon Masonic Lodge Scholarships for $875. Abby received a $2000 PEAK Scholarship, a West Texas County Judges and Commissioners Scholarship for $1000, the Kenady-Lee Scholarship for $2000, a Lions Club Sweetheart Scholarship for $500, and a Panhandle Plains High Education Authority Scholarship for $100. Abby also received two Valedictory scholarships. The first is the Walter B. Knorpp scholarship valued at $4,000 and the last is the State of Texas tuition waiver valued at up to $5000 dependent upon the choice of college.
Charles Mason has received a one-time $1000 scholarship in memory of Phillis June Hill, Class of 1958.
Brittney McAnear received a $2000 PEAK Scholarship and the Bill Talley Memorial Scholarship for $1,000.
Cedrick McCampbell has received a $2000 PEAK Scholarship and a $500 Scholarship from the Panhandle Area Association of School Boards.
Rhonda Olivas received a Masonic Lodge Scholarship for $875.
Zachary Watson has received a $2000 PEAK Scholarship. Zach also received financial assistance from the US Navy for his five year commitment of service. While on active duty he will receive $4,500 per year for tuition assistance. His commitment will earn him the Post 911 GI Bill for 3 years with a value of up to $89,000. He will receive a basic allotment for housing for up to $43,000 and because he resides in Texas, he will receive the Hazelwood Act that will pay for up to 150 hours to any school in Texas with the value of $100,000. He will also receive a $1000 book stipend. The total package of available money that Zach is receiving from the US Navy is $255,700.
Skyler White received a Masonic Lodge Scholarship for $875. She was awarded a $300 Les Beaux Art Scholarship, a Cross Roads Peanut Scholarship for $500, a $500 Herring Bank Scholarship to attend Clarendon College, and a PEAK Scholarship for $2,000. Skyler has also received the Homer Estlack Memorial scholarship for $250. Skyler’s last scholarship is the Thomas Lynch (Jack) Roach, IV Memorial scholarship for $500 per semester for two years or $2000.
Hedley’s Leslie Leal received a cheerleading scholarship to South Plains College.
Becca Butler received a fine arts scholarship from Clarendon College for $1000 per semester for two years.
Wyatt Wheatly received a Cross Road Peanut Scholarship for $500.
Kortney Burton was awarded the Donley County Retired School Personnel Scholarship for $300, a Clarendon Masonic Lodge Scholarship for $875, and the Lila Kate Monroe Memorial Scholarship for $300.
Kati Adams received a Texas FFA Scholarship for between $10,000 and $20,000, a Texas 4H Opportunity Scholarship for $10,000, a Houston Livestock Show Exhibitor Scholarship for $18,000, a State Fair of Texas Scholarship for $6,000, a Clarendon College Livestock Judging Scholarship worth $5,500, a Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District Scholarship for $4,000, the Malouf & Iris Abraham Scholarship for $4,000, a Texas Pork Producers Scholarship for $2,500, a Hale County Farm Bureau award for $1,500, an Opportunity Plan scholarship for $1,000, a Texas Farm Bureau award for $1,000, an Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas award for $600, and a Herring Bank scholarship for $500.
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