Roger Estlack

Joe Brian McCary, age 56 of Clarendon, passed away on January 3, 2021, while visiting family in De Leon, Texas.

Brian was born in Fort Worth on March 6, 1964, to Clovis McCary and Gerry Hall.

He graduated in 1983 from Richland High School, and he married Lisa Witkowski on May 5, 1989. They had one son, Jacob King McCary, born October 29, 1990.

Brian was employed by Beck Plumbing for more than 20 years while accomplishing his journeyman license in plumbing from the State of Texas. He has been self-employed plumber in Clarendon for the last 20 years.

Brian was known and remembered by family for having a kind heart and a giving soul and having great physical strength. He loved Elvis Presley and his dogs, especially Abigail, Sam, and Buddy. His favorite pastime was watching movies. He was most proud of his son, Jacob King McCary, and his grandson, Austin McCary.

He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Tom Hall; a stepbrother, Mark Hall; parental grandparents, Henry and Lillie Mae McCary; and maternal grandparents, Vree and Naomi King.

He is survived by his son, Jacob King McCary; his grandson, Austin McCary of Clarendon; the mother of his son, Lisa Witkoski McCary of Fort Worth; his father Clovis McCary and wife Emily of Clarendon; his mother, Gerry Hall of De Leon; two sisters, Gwen McCary of Lubbock and April McCary Hampton and husband Jason of Amarillo; several nephews and nieces and great nephews; special friends Randy and Kellie Beck of Decatur and Shirley Osburn of Clarendon; and his fur baby, “Buddy.”

The family will honor his wishes to be cremated. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Clarendon.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Meals on Wheels PO Drawer B, Clarendon TX 79226.

Be good! What a simple phase, but J.D. Skaggs made it a way of life. Born in Wellington on November 1, 1931, he began a journey to being an unassuming giant of goodness. As a young child his parents, John Fenton Skaggs and Hattie Ophelia Plunkett Skaggs, moved the family to Hedley to farm a mountain of caliche. Hard ground and hard times made his brothers, Frank, John Edward, Harvey, Douglas Jr, and Billy Ray, tough enough to take care of their only sister Inez.

After leaving school he followed the lead of his brothers and joined the United States Army in 1952 and left the farm for the first time. He was stationed at Fort Sill and Fort Bliss as a fuel transportation technician when he was deployed to Korea where he served two deployments. In 1954, J.D. received an honorable discharge and returned to Hedley to help his parents on the farm. As fate would have it, he began to drive the bus for Hedley High School and met the love of his life, Nena Marie Hill, and began the next chapter promptly after her graduation. On June 4, 1955, Nena Marie Hill became Mrs. Skaggs and the story of the good man truly began.

You see he was always a family man. He cared for his brothers and sister. He cared for his parents. He cared for his friends and Army comrades. But his real show of love was with the births of his three daughters, Vicky, Kay, and Cheryl. He made a life around raising and nurturing his wife and family and surrounding them with love.

He worked as a mechanic for several years and earned a living by the sweat of his brow and the wiry strength of his hands. Some years later, he got a job as a John Deere tractor mechanic. It has been said that he bled green and yellow and many people began to believe that his name was just initials for John Deere as his name became synonymous with the brand.

He became the prevailing expert in the area and a highly respected diagnostician of ailing machinery. After retiring from John Deere, he began working for Donley County as an equipment operator. You see he had fixed every kind of piece of heavy equipment, but his real fascination was with the operating of the toys he repaired. He truly loved his work and the ability it gave him to provide for his family.

J.D. raised three beautiful daughters, and his face glowed when he talked about them just like he did when he talked about Marie. He was so proud of his ladies and he loved his extended family, which was always expanding. As each of his brothers and sister passed away J.D. would gather in their children and families. He was the consummate patriarch of his family and his arms always seemed long enough to wrap the whole brood in a hug. He loved his nieces and nephews, cousin and adopted children and always had a kind word, a hug and a smile for each and every one of them. When he became a grandfather his capacity to love exceeded all logic and expectation.

There are a million words to describe a man of few words. Words like gentle, kind, gracious, godly, understanding, compassionate, loyal, strong, and resilient don’t even begin to describe the man he was to the members of his family and friends. There was but one word; he was GOOD. In every sense of the word, he was good. He was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and prayed every day. He loved his church family, and his godly nature led him on the journey to genuine goodness.

He taught us all how to be good through his example, and we will always strain to reach the lofty standard he set for us. We will forever be challenged to uphold the legacy he worked so hard to instill in us. He became a hero, a mentor, a shoulder, a confidant, a helping hand, and stronghold of love for many of us throughout life. Therefore, in his memory we challenge each of you to uphold the standard of goodness you have been shown.

On December 28, 2020, at the age of 89, he finally received the reward he had been striving for so long and received his wings in glory.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, six brothers, one sister and the love of his life Nina Marie.

He is survived by his daughters Vicky Knowles and husband Anthony of Memphis, Kay Manuel and husband Gary of Memphis, and Cheryl Skaggs of Broken Arrow, Okla.; three grandsons, Josh Talley and wife Candace of Memphis, Matt Talley and wife Jessie of Hartley, and Dustin Knowles and wife Krista of Keller; seven great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A family lead memorial service was held at the First United Methodist Church in Hedley on January 2, 2021. Graveside services followed in Rowe Cemetery.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

Bobby Stephens, 78, of Lefors passed away, Monday, December 28, 2020, at home.

Services were held on Thursday, December 31, 2020, at First Baptist Church in Lefors with Rev. Mathew Honeycutt, pastor at First Baptist Church of Lefors, and Rev Ken Houston, pastor at Sunray Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in Rowe Cemetery in Hedley under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors.

Mr. Stephens was born September 6, 1942, in Memphis to John and Inez Skaggs Stephens. Bobby graduated from Hedley High School in 1961. He was a fireman with the Amarillo Fire Department for 15 years. Bobby started B&C Plumbing in Amarillo before joining Malcolm Hinkle Plumbing in Pampa to be near his love, Maxine Sanders. They were married on March 17, 1989, in Amarillo. In 1993, he started working in the maintenance department at TDCJ, retiring in 2003. Bobby enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending winters in the Rio Grande Valley. He also loved cooking out and spending time with his family, especially all his grandchildren. Bobby was a member at First Baptist Church of Lefors.

He is preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia Gaye McGuire on January 31, 2017.

He is survived by wife, Maxine of the home; two daughters, Kimberly Powell and husband Jay of Tool and Connie Burnam and husband Rick of Hedley; nine grandchildren, Nathalie, Kristopher, Sarah, Kyle, Bradley, Patricia, Amber, Timber, and Tamra; 15 great-grandchildren and a great great-grandson.

Memorials can be made to BSA Hospice of the Southwest, 5211 SW 9th Ave., Suite 100, Amarillo, Texas 79106, or Panfork Baptist Encampment, 4530 CR 210, Wellington, TX 79095.

Sign the online register at www.carmichael-whatley.com.

Maxine Talley Robinson, 81 of Clarendon, passed peacefully into the hands of the Lord on December 21, 2020.

Maxine was born June 1, 1939, in Ashtola to Wanna Mae and Emery Talley. The eldest of three children, Maxine was ever in the role of caretaker as well as big sister. While most of her growing up years were in Donley County, where she developed a love of the outdoors, cattle, and animals of all kinds, the family briefly moved to Odessa, where she formed a lifelong bond with her best friend, Bonnie Lewis. This bond of childhood friendship lasted more than 70 years until her passing.

Maxine was active in the family’s farming and cattle business with her taking an important role as she and her husband, Don, traveled to Canada, California, Arizona, Missouri, and many other destinations throughout the US marketing, showing, and hauling cattle. Ever a person who loved the outdoors, Maxine often helped with the crops as well.

Maxine’s love for the Lord is evidenced by her willingness to bring others to Christ. She can be credited with sparking the desire for baptism in many in the community and in her family. Maxine leaves behind a great legacy as each and every one of her children and her grandchildren are followers of Christ. As a Bible school teacher or one willing to bring food to the sick or bereaved or readily drive someone to Amarillo for doctor’s visits, Maxine truly had a servant’s heart. Possibly, she will be best known in her family for encouraging her family to study the Bible. As she always said, the Lord wants a portion of your time and studying his word every day is the best way.

Maxine loved her family and is survived by her husband of 64 years, Don; the couple’s three children, Mona Robinson Oney, Clint (Elaina) Robinson and Lori Robinson. Maxine took great delight in her six grandchildren: Michelle (Jimmy) Spradley, Sarah (Dustin) Clark, Heather (Martin) Oliver, Alexa (Jeremy) Leech, Michael (Kylie) Hall, and Samantha Jarpe. A source of pride and joy for Maxine were her 10 great grandchildren: Camden Spradley, Jayci Clark, Nolan Spradley, Dylan Clark, Shaylee Hall, Madilynn Oliver, Daegan Hall, Ryan Leech, Caleb Oliver and Dawson Hall.

Maxine leaves behind many other friends and family members including her sister, Judy Hays and husband Bill; her niece Christina George; Christina’s children Aaron and Cassie Childress; a new great niece Vivia; and brother-in-law, Dale Robinson and wife Sue and son Morgan.

Maxine is proceeded in death by her parents Wanna Mae and Emery Talley, her brother Wendell, her grandmother Beulah Matlock, her mother-in-law Lois Robinson and son-in-law Bruce Oney.

Memorials may be made to the Eastern European Mission, PO Box 55245, Hurst, TX 76054, physical address 777 Lonesome Dove Trail Hurst, TX 76054. Their phone #800.486.1818. Their website info@eem.org. EEM distributes Bibles to Romania, Bulgaria, Greece and the Ukraine.

A celebration of life for Maxine will be held at a later time.

Dick Bode passed from this life after a valiant battle with Covid-19 on Tuesday, December 15, 2020. He was one of a kind, had a quick wit, and was respected, admired, and loved by many.

Born in Bloemendaal, Holland in 1934, Dirk Hendrik Willem Bode van Ysselmonde spent his younger years under the occupation of the Nazis. His task was helping his father deliver messages to the Dutch Underground during World War II, and he suffered two gunshot wounds at the hands of a Nazi soldier. They also hid Jews in their home, for which a tree was planted in their honor at Yad Vashem, in Jerusalem, Israel. After Holland was emancipated by American and Canadian soldiers, the family decided to make the move to America.
He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force as a green card holder, becoming part of the Strategic Air Command and paying it forward to the Americans that helped them to gain their freedom. He was very proud to become an American citizen, and proudly spoke at many Veteran’s Day programs and other meetings, telling his story and proclaiming his love for America.

He met Barbara, his sister Peggy’s best friend, when he was home on leave. She became the love of his life and they married June 13, 1959. After the birth of their three children and moves to Oklahoma and Mississippi, he and Barbara made the move to Alanreed in 1975. He was proud to be a Texan, and took pride in serving the people of the panhandle as an insurance man, providing excellent service to his many clients. At the age of 86, he still worked most days at his office until he became ill in mid-November.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church of McLean, the American Legion, and served many years as the President of the Alanreed School Board and as President of the McClellan Creek Soil & Water Conservation District.

He loved the peace and serenity he found on the ranch, walking daily at sunset to take in all the beauty. He will be laid to rest there in a private graveside ceremony. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Hank Bode, and a baby sister, May Ginger Margriet Bode.

He is survived by his sweetheart of sixty-two years, Barbara Bode, a daughter, Margie Braidfoot and husband Randy of Panhandle, sons Dirk Bode and Don Bode and wife Michele, of Amarillo, grandsons, Ben Braidfoot of Panhandle, Bo Braidfoot and wife Lynda of Georgetown, Texas, Brice Bode and Chance Bode, both of Lewisville, granddaughter Laci Johnson of Grand Prairie and a great granddaughter, Emma Melber of Georgetown. As the eldest child, he will also be missed by his brothers and sisters, Peggy Tous and husband George, Tom Bode and wife Lisa, Don Bode and wife Marcia, and sister-in-law Sherri Bode all of California, Betty Weir and husband Dick of Austin, Texas, Anneke Pinkham and husband Rob of Tyler, Texas, Helen Stamps and husband Dennis of Harpenden, England, sister-in-law DeEllen Baxter of Ashland, Oregon, and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends, who will miss him greatly.
Memorials may be made to United Methodist Church of McLean.

Rev. John David “Dave” Stout, 81, formerly of Clarendon died Thursday, December 17, 2020 in Goldthwaite, Texas.

Graveside services were held on Monday, December 21, 2020, in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon with Rev. Jim Fox, officiating.
Arrangements are under the direction Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Dave was born December 23, 1938 in Margaret, Foard County, Texas to John Henry and Jonnie Dillehay Stout. Dave married Linda Crain on October 9, 1987 in Lubbock. Dave was a minister for many years and had served as the First Baptist Church of Howardwick pastor for several years prior to his retirement. He served on the board of directors of Donley County Senior Citizens Center and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Howardwick.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Charles “Chuck” Stout and James E. Stout.

He is survived by include his wife, Linda Stout of Kingsland; his sons, John Edward Stout of Kileen and Michael David Stout; his daughter, Wendy White of Albuquerque; a grandson, Christopher White; two sisters, V. Nell Jones of Clovis, New Mexico and Linda Babcock of Groom; and several nieces and nephews.

The family request memorials be sent to Donley County Senior Citizens Center, First Baptist Church of Howardwick, or the Alzheimers Association.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

Mina Rich Ivey, 82, of Clarendon died Thursday, December 17, 2020 in Clarendon.

Graveside services were held on Monday, December 21, 2020 in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon with Rev. Allen Posey, officiating.
Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Mina was born April 25, 1938 in Brice to Claudie Cecil and Beulah Gertrude Rich. She had been a resident of Clarendon since 1963. She sold Avon and worked for TDCJ prior to her retirement. She loved collecting cookbooks, shopping, and feeding stray cats. She loved being around her great grandkids. Mina was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Ed Thomas and Travis Ivey; her brothers, Lester Rich, Darr Rich, and Cecil Rich; and 4 sisters, Edith Hinkle, Gladys Tice, Esta Mae Harp, and Jane Barker.

She is survived by her daughter, Christie Carter of Clarendon; her sister, Mary Denton of Amarillo; her grandsons, Jason Curry, Aaron Curry, and Daniel Curry; seven great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family request memorials be sent to Harrington Cancer Center in Amarillo.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com