Obituaries

Don Phillip Beck died peacefully on December 13, 2024, at the age of 89 in Austin, Texas.

Don was born in Gruver, Texas, on August 16, 1935, to Ben and Bess Beck as the youngest of four siblings: Dick Beck, Beverly Torbert, and Barbara Tuggle. Don thought the world of his parents, who in turn were his biggest Friday Night Lights fans following him to watch over 20 years of coaching football games.

Don attended high school in Canyon. He attended West Texas State University from 1954-1958 where he played for the Buffaloes lettering in football, basketball, track and diving. The football team was mighty in his day when they got to play in the Tangerine Bowl in Orlando, Florida cementing a lifelong bond with his teammates.

His greatest achievement arrived after two years of attending West Texas State, when he spotted a lovely, talented young woman from Panhandle, Texas playing in a high school basketball game at Canyon High. He sought out Zelda Mae Weatherly who attended WT in the following fall and they were married February 17, 1956. They were rarely apart for the next 67 years. Zelda sat in the stadium bleachers as a successful coach’s wife for over 20 years in the Panhandle weather of Texas. Upon Don’s retirement, she followed him to the wilds of New Mexico, Montana, and British Columbia. Don had his faithful companion and support through it all, as she was willing to follow him wherever he went.

After graduating college in 1958, Don embarked on a successful high school football coaching career throughout the Texas Panhandle, Oklahoma, and Eastern New Mexico. Don would build a team every few years then be recruited to another town to coach and build their program. Don and Zelda moved more than 40 times through their lives together, many of them for Don’s coaching career. Don received many accolades throughout the coaching years such as South Plains Class AA Coach of the Year, Panhandle Hall of Fame Coach of the Year, and speaker at many coaching schools. Articles were published in the Texas football magazines with motivating and winning tactics he designed. Don led his teams to the playoffs seven times and had 11 district championships in track. He coached and taught history at Clarendon High School in the late 1980s.

As the sports editor, Garret Von Netzer, of Amarillo Globe-News in 1978 stated, “Beck held the distinction of having been a winner at every stop on his excursion through coaching which spanned 20 years, including the last 16 as a head coach.

Don always credited hard working athletes and devoted coaching staff the key to the success equation.

The pinnacle of Don’s coaching career came with his selection as head coach of the North Texas All Star Team played in the Houston Astrodome in 1978. Brad, his son, an All- American High School superstar at the time was selected to play as a top high school senior in the state. Father and son proved to be an unbeatable duo. It was only the second time in history of Texas High School Coaching Association a father and son took the position of coach and player.

Don’s favorite movies were Westerns – Lonesome Dove and Paint Your Wagon – so it was fitting that he retired at 55 and hankered for the open sky. Don and Zelda pursued dreams of ranching in Texas, Montana, New Mexico and British Columbia. Don was a rancher and pioneer at heart. Their ranching years ushered in great memories with children and grandchildren who loved to listen to their stories. They learned the art of “weinee roasts and s’mores” on open pit fires and jeep rides. His final ranch purchase was in the backcountry of British Columbia. He found his heaven on earth with the coastal, snowy mountain range, beautiful valley and home to the wild horses and grizzlies that roam the country.

Don was never one to back down from challenges in either the playing field coaching, or the challenges of remote ranching. He was bigger than life and funny as well. He loved and respected nature and was crazy about dogs. Those around him said when they left this earth they wanted to come back as one of Beck’s dogs.

Don was a winner as a son, a man, a dad, a coach, a friend and most of all a husband. He took care of Zelda the best he could as long as he could as the two of them battled her Alzheimer’s when she passed October 2022.

Don had a contagious smile, a big heart, and was a “John Wayne” with his southern manners, Panhandle charm, and cowboy hat.

Don is survived by his daughter, Cindy Mott and her husband, Chris of Austin, their children Ryan and Rebecka of Austin, his deceased son Brad’s daughters, Rachelle Mullins of Canyon, Texas, Heather Flores of Roswell, New Mexico and Brittney Seaton of Cashion, Oklahoma, 13 great grandchildren and his sister Barbara Tuggle and husband Delmer of Amarillo, Texas.

A celebration service will be held February 8 at 1:30 p.m. at the J.A. Hill Chapel of West Texas A&M University, 210 26th St, Canyon, .
Donations may be made to a local animal shelter or rescue.

In loving memory of Betty Speed Bonacci who passed on January 12, 2025. She passed at home and was surrounded by family when she left us to be with our Lord and Savior.

Anyone who knew Mom, Nana, Grandma ‘Nacci, or Betty knew her family was very important to her. One of her favorite things was to cook and host big family dinners. She was our family glue. She was loved and we were blessed to have her on this earth for 90 years.

Betty was the daughter of Ed & Bertie Speed. Betty is survived by her son, Don White and wife Liz, her daughter Carol Bonacci Sandusky and husband Norman and her grandchildren Chooch & Megan White, Norman & Brandy Sandusky, Brandi & Mark Lamzik, Jennifer Sandusky, James White, Travis White, Leidy & Remberto Jaramillo, Maryury Abonia, and her great grandchildren Xander White, Sydney White, Dylan Sandusky, Miguel Jaramillo, Will Sandusky, Juan Jaramillo, Victoria Jaramillo and Renata Abonia.

A graveside service will be held in Clarendon at Citizen’s Cemetery on Friday, January 24, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.

A celebration of her life will be held at Moore’s Southlawn Chapel, 9350 E 51st St. Tulsa, Oklahoma on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.

A virtual service for friends/family can watch live or see the recording later on Mom’s obituary page at www.moorefuneral.com. The service should go live just before 5:00 p.m., Wednesday 22, 2025. Following the service, the service video will be uploaded to the website.

Betty was an amazing lady, she had a heart of gold and she will be missed so very much.

James (Jim) Talbert Bates was born in Childress County on November 7, 1944, and passed away on December 12, 2024, in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was born to farmers Lucy Earnestine Hunt Bates and Charles Talbert Bates. The family later moved to Clarendon, where James graduated from Clarendon High School in 1963. He later graduated from Texas Tech University and then joined the United States Air Force followed by a long career as a Certified Public Accountant. While stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, Jim met his sweetheart, Rita Pate on a blind date set up by a friend. Jim was taken by Rita’s charm, and they married a year later and started their 47-year journey together at their residence on Finley Drive in Shreveport.

Jim was a very giving person. He set up a charitable trust through the family farm to benefit organizations in Clarendon that ministered to his father and mother when they were alive. He and Rita were very active members of the Bossier Civitan Club and travelled to many national conventions together. Jim, along with Rita, was also a volunteer with Special Olympics. He was an avid bird hunter and enjoyed the sport with his brother-in-law Robby Pate. He traveled to many different places before his health prevented him from this loved past time.

If anyone truly knew the “joy of accounting”, it was Jim. He was affectionately known around the office as “Mr. Bates”—not due to formality, but due to the great respect that he earned through his more than 50 years in public accounting. After serving his country in the United States Air Force, processing payroll for the troops at Barksdale AFB, he went to work for Mr. Cook who had a public accounting firm in Bossier City. With great diligence, Mr. Bates sought and achieved the CPA designation in 1977. With the support of Rita, he set out on his own at his office on Barksdale Boulevard operating as a sole proprietor. In 2001 he met Marcy Murray who turned out to be a CPA kindred spirit in “the joy of accounting”. Together they formed a partnership, Bates, Murray & Company CPAs, and with the help of many co-workers through the years—especially Heather Breen—their client base grew serving clients in a personal and caring environment in his same office of over forty years. Mr. Bates touched many lives in his practice. He took great pride in his CPA designation and his ability to help people, especially in their most vulnerable times in their lives. Even at the age of eighty, most days you could find him working at his desk. Mr. Bates served generations of families right up to the day of his passing.

Jim was preceded in death by “Miss Rita.” Also by his mother and father, Earnestine and CT Bates as well as his brother, Charles Bates and his sister, Opal Williams and brother-in-law Robby Pate.

Surviving Jim is one nephew and four nieces as well as Marcy Murray and his work family.

While surrounded by family, Tommye Duncan was welcomed home to be with her Lord and Savior, on December 28, 2024, at BSA in Amarillo, Texas.

Funeral services were held on Friday, January 3, 2025, at the Clarendon Methodist Church in Clarendon with Rev. Jay Gage, officiating. Burial followed in Fairview Cemetery in Memphis.

Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Tommye was born on February 14, 1938, in Memphis to her parents Damon and Beulah McKay Travis. She grew up in Parnell before moving to Estelline. Tommye married Jimmy Duncan on December 23, 1955. Tommye and Jimmy had one daughter, Tashia. They were married 69 years until her death. She loved spending time with her family. She liked to travel, as well as serving her community. She served on many boards and participated in a variety of clubs. Tommye supported the children through various athletic programs.

She was preceded in death by her father, Damon in 1954, her mother Beulah in 1990 and a sister, Genice Polasek in 2008.

She is survived by her husband, Jimmy Duncan; her daughter, Tashia Duncan of Amarillo; her grandchildren, Brooke Duncan and Kami Duncan, and a great grandchild, Esme Zeller all of Amarillo; her sister, Bea Potts of Parnell; and a brother, Buddy Travis of Tyler.

The family ask that memorials be made to your favorite charity.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

Stephen Bailey Estes, 70, of Clarendon, Texas, died Tuesday, December 17, 2024, in Amarillo.

Graveside services were held on Saturday, December 21, 2024, in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Stephen was born January 7, 1954, in Memphis to Silas Bailey and Willie Louvetta Cowan Estes. He was a lifetime resident of Clarendon and had worked as a welder. Stephen was an avid collector and loved collecting stuff. He also loved to go fishing and dearly loved his parents.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his daughters, Lafonda Estes and Stephanie Estes both of Fritch, Texas; his sisters, Melissa Butts of San Antonio and Toza Jones of Lubbock; three grandchildren, Cassius Miller, Angeline Chavez, and Evan Estes; and one great grandchild, Evelyn Chavez.

Sarah Ann Moss, 85, of Clarendon formerly of Memphis died Monday, December 9, 2024, in Amarillo.

Services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 13, 2024, in the Calvary Baptist Church in Clarendon with Rev. Seth Shipman and Rev. Daniel Downey, officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery in Memphis, Texas.

Viewing will be held Thursday at the funeral home with family receiving friends for visitation from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Sarah was born March 18, 1939, in Memphis to Glen and Marie Gilreath Stargel. She married James Moss on May 19, 1954, in Paducah. She had been a resident of Memphis most of her life before moving to Clarendon a few years ago. She worked at Hedley ISD as a custodian for many years. While working at the Hedley school, she deeply loved all the kids, teachers, and staff. Sarah was always the first to be a caregiver for anyone that needed help, enjoyed taking care of people, which both brought her the greatest joy. She enjoyed ceramics, but she also loved farming and ranching with her parents as well as her husband throughout the years. Sarah deeply loved her dogs, her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. Sarah was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Memphis and was attending Calvary Baptist Church in Clarendon.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 2019; a brother, Roddy Stargel; and a great granddaughter, Ellie Grace Jeffers.

She is survived by her daughters, Debra Walton and husband Jack of Dumas and Jamie Jeffers and husband Larry of Clarendon; 6 grandchildren, Drew, Aaron, Jeremy, Lauren, Chance, and Evans; and 12 great grandchildren.

The family request memorials be sent to Mother Against Drunk Driving or the Calvary Baptist Church in Clarendon.

David Jack Hall, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and mentor, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2024, surrounded by his cherished family.

Memorial Graveside services will be Saturday, December 14, at 10:00 a.m. at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon with Tommy Shields, officiating. Cremation Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors.

Jack was born on August 13, 1938, in Alanreed, Texas, to Marvin and Rose Hall. He graduated from McLean High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from West Texas State University. He built a remarkable life centered on family, faith, and service. A member of the Church of Christ at The Colonies in Amarillo, Jack lived a life guided by his unwavering principles and love for others.

Jack married the love of his life, Audrey Hall, and together, over 49 years, they built a family rooted in love, faith, and togetherness. He is survived by his devoted wife, Audrey; his children, Brett Hall and wife Sonya of Miami, Texas; Stephanie Graham of Amarillo; Stacy Dalton and husband John of Austin; David Hall and wife Heather of Pampa; and Caitlan Thornberry and husband Chase of Amarillo. Jack is also survived by three loving sisters: Jeannie Adams of Alanreed, Beth Sharp of Clarendon, and Kay Hallum of Amarillo, and many nieces and nephews whom he loved.

Jack loved his family more than anything and found immense joy in the lives of his grandchildren: Dylan and Chase Hall, Shealee Carlisle and husband Heath, Emily Gray and husband Dalton, Graham Dalton, Cambree Dyer, Jack and Grady Hall, and Charlie, Luke, and Hattie Thornberry. His love extended to his great-grandchildren: Tripp, Kannon, and Brayson Carlisle, who brought him endless pride and delight.

Jack began his career in 1961 as a teacher and coach in Clarendon, where he taught history, coached junior high athletics, and taught driver’s education. Known affectionately as “Coach Hall,” he became a mentor to countless students, shaping lives with his wisdom and encouragement. Even years after his retirement in 1997, former students continued to greet him with admiration and respect.

After retiring from teaching, Jack embarked on a new chapter of service as Donley County Judge. Appointed in 1997 and later elected to the position, he served with dedication, integrity, and a deep commitment to his community until 2014. As Judge, Jack worked tirelessly to ensure that Donley County remained a strong, vibrant place to live and work. One of his proudest accomplishments was leading the restoration project for the Donley County Courthouse, a historic landmark that stands as a testament to his dedication to preserving the county’s heritage. Known for his fairness and compassion, Jack was a trusted leader who always put the needs of the county’s citizens first.

In retirement, Jack and Audrey moved to Amarillo, where he cherished time with his growing family, reflecting on a life well-lived. Jack was a man of faith, humility, and unwavering love for those closest to him. His presence brought warmth, wisdom, and humor to every gathering, and his legacy will forever live on in the hearts of his loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: Donley County Historical Committee, c/o Donley County Treasurer, PO Box 825, Clarendon TX, 79226

William Rhode Chamberlain, 80, of Clarendon, died Monday, December 2, 2024 in Amarillo.

Services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 6, 2024, in the Clarendon Methodist Church in Clarendon with Rev. Chris Downer, officiating. Burial with Masonic Rites will follow in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

Viewing will be Thursday at the funeral home.

Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Will was born February 1, 1944, in Clarendon, to William Park and Norma Rhode Chamberlain. He married the love of his life, Brenda Lane on November 28, 1963 in Turkey, Texas. Will had been a lifetime resident of Clarendon where he served as a Donley County Commissioner for over 20 years. He also worked as an insurance adjuster for TAC. Will was a fearless cowboy, and ranching was a livelihood always tending to his cows and horses with pride. When he worked for the Lewis Ranch, he posed for infamous artist Kenneth Wyatt, where Kenneth used him in several of his artworks.

Will was a 50-year mason and a member of Clarendon Masonic Lodge #700, AF & AM, where he was a Scottish Rite mason. His hobbies included hunting and telling stories. He was a member of the First Methodist Church in Clarendon.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Betsy Ellerbrook; and two granddaughters, Kyla and Kayla Cooper.

Survivors include his wife, Brenda Chamberlain of Clarendon; his daughters, Shalane Wesley and her spouse, Jim Barlow of Jasper, and Sheri Cooper and husband Roy of Lubbock; his son, Lowell Ellerbrook and wife Kristen of Wichita Falls; a sister, Evelyn Shaw and husband Jim of Alanreed; 5 grandchildren, Brooks Wesley, Haley Wesley, Logan Cooper, David Ellerbrook, and Silas Ellerbrook; and several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

The family request memorials be sent to the Shriners Children’s Hospital or the Clarendon Methodist Church in Clarendon.

Ernestine “Tena” Mooring, 96, of Tyler, Texas died Saturday, November 30, 2024, in Tyler, Texas.

Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 6, 2024, in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon with Rev. Chris Ford, officiating.

Viewing will be held Friday at the funeral home with family receiving friends for visitation from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. prior to the service.

Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Mrs. Mooring was born June 7, 1928, in Bellevue, Texas to Joseph Earnest and Kate Marie Johnson White. She married Bonnie Joe Mooring on January 8, 1948, in Lelia Lake. She was a school teacher for 37 years where she taught in Amarillo and Clarendon prior to her retirement. She had been a resident of Clarendon for 30 years, then a longtime resident of Amarillo, before moving to Tyler 13 years ago.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1982; a son, Larry Joe Mooring; her brothers, Wilcey White, Billy White, and Boyd White; two sisters, Margaret Hansard and Louella Myers.

She is survived by son, Gary Mooring and wife Kathy of Williamsburg, Virginia; her daughter, Pam Garrett and husband Jerry of Bullard, Texas; her sisters, Betty Franklin of Colorado and Winnie Bivins of Olney; 9 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

The family request memorials be sent to Citizens Cemetery Association or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.