Obituaries

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.

Deborah Laverne Hanes, 64, of Hedley took her final breath on Friday, November 15, 2024, in Hedley, surrounded by her loved ones.

Services will be held at Hedley Baptist Church, Thursday November 21st at 1:00 p.m. with Braden Montgomery officiating. Burial will follow at Rowe Cemetery in Hedley.

Viewing will be held at Robertson Funeral Home in Clarendon, Wednesday, November 20th with family receiving friends from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Debbie was born May 25, 1960, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Thomas and Jeneda Gay. She had been a resident of Hedley most of her adult life. She was well known throughout the community as a hard worker and for the love she had for her family. She made many friends during the many years she worked at JD’s and Lowes until she retired on June 28, 2024. She enjoyed attending her grandkids’ many events, camping (where she could be seen sipping a beer through a straw), playing cards, board games and darts. She was gifted in her ability to turn a scrap piece of wood into a work of art. Most of all, she loved being with her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Jeneda Gay, son Carl Gay, and brother’s in law, David Evans and Mark Kirk.

Survivors include her sons Michael Gay and wife Cori of Clarendon, Aaron Hanes and wife Alicia of Hedley; her favorite daughter Harley Echols and a daughter-in-law Mandi Gay; Sisters, Diann Evans and Becky Kirk, both of Hedley, Patricia Dipprey and husband Mickey of Quitaque; Grandkids, Madisen Gay, Alex Gay, Avery Sawyer, Shailyn Hanes, Emmarie Holland, Kendon Hanes, Kynleigh Roys, Maddex Gay, and Choice Shadle. Numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Nicholas Alan Burrow, age 43, of Midland passed away Wednesday, November 13, 2024, in Dallas.

Graveside services were held at Citizens Cemetery on November 20, at 1:00 p.m. under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon. Services will be officiated by his uncle, Calvin Burrow of Clarendon.

Nick was born June 2, 1981, in Elk City, Oklahoma, to Lloyd and Karla Burrow. He was raised in Midland where he has many loyal friends. He worked as a mechanic and loved fast cars. He met his wife Kristen in Lubbock while attending Texas Tech. She has tolerated his love of cars for 19 years. They share a beautiful daughter Harper. She shares his love of fast things on wheels. He loved her more with every beat of his heart.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Ben and Nell Burrow and Jim and Nelda Nance.

He is survived by his wife Kristen, daughter Harper, and parents Lloyd and Karla of Midland and his brother Randy of Denton.

A GoFundMe has been set up to benefit Harper in lieu of flowers.

James “Mac” Miller, 81, of Howardwick died Monday, November 11, 2024, in Howardwick.

Memorial services are pending at this time. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Mac was born October 25, 1943, in Tucumcari, New Mexico to Rex Elliot and Irene Elizabeth Miller. He married Trudie Mae Lambert on January 5, 1963, in Tucumcari, New Mexico. He had been a longtime resident of Amarillo before moving to Howardwick 18 years ago. He had worked as an insurance adjuster prior to his retirement. Mac loved all types of motorcycles. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Howardwick where he led the praise team for many years and went with the Church to jails and assisted livings for services.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; and three sisters.

He is survived by his wife, Trudie Miller of Howardwick; his daughters, Cindy Edwards and husband Vaughan of Amarillo and Julie Bejarano and Jamie Garcia of Fort Smith, Arkansas; a sister, Alice Cross of San Antonio; his grandchildren, Marissa Bejarano and Katryna Bejarano; and his great grandchildren, Ava Bejarano and Amara Bejarano.

The family request memorials be sent to Gentiva Hospice.

Kathleen McPherson Blackwell, 80, formerly of Rogersville, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. A private graveside service for the family will be held at Rowe Cemetery, in Hedley, Texas.

Kathleen was born in Clarendon and had been a resident of Rogersville, Missouri since 2000. In 2022, she relocated to Wylie, Texas, to be closer to her children. In 1993, she married Tom Blackwell.

She worked with Shelter Insurance for 20 years and later pursued a successful career as a Mary Kay consultant and director until her retirement in July 2022.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom, in 2019.

She is survived by her three children: Sherri Rogers of Wylie, Texas, Shannon Burns of Austin, Texas, and Shawn Burns of Dallas, Texas; her two sisters: Becky McPherson and Carolyn McPherson Baker, both of Amarillo, Texas; three grandchildren: Sasha Rogers, Chainey Davis, and Ellis Burns; and one great-grandchild, Ezra Rivera.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Rowe Cemetery or by supporting your local Mary Kay consultant.

There will be no public viewing.

Sybil Brown was born July 18, 1926, to Sam and Mae Black. She was the third of eight children. She went home to be with her Lord on October 16, 2024, She was 98 years and 3 months old.

She graduated from Groom High School in May of 1943 and married Bud Brown of Groom the night she graduated. They were married 43 years. They lived in the Groom area all their lives.

She is survived by two children Brenda Lee and husband Bill of Devine, Texas, and Butch Brown and wife Charlene of Ashtola. Two brothers, Herschel Black and wife Ruth and Chubby Black and wife Nita, all of Hereford.

Gramme was also able to love and spoil five grandkids, 11 great grand kids and 18 great-great grand kid of her own as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She also loved and spoiled numerous kids and adults in the community with her banana pudding, chocolate and strawberry cakes, red beans and several other dishes she shared with friends and loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents, Poppa and Big Momma Black, three brothers and two sisters.

She worked at several different businesses in Groom and was a mainstay at the grocery store for nearly 50 years.

Services will be held on Saturday, October 26, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Groom. Visitation will be held Friday, October 25, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 South Georgia, in Amarillo.

Her body will also be available for viewing at First Baptist Church in Groom from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. the day of the service.

The family suggests memorials to be made to the Food Pantry, PO Box 94, Groom, Texas 79039.

Jason Keith Lowrie, 58, of Clarendon went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 17, 2024, in Plano.

Funeral services were held on Monday, October 21, 2024, at the Clarendon Methodist Church. Burial followed in Citizens Cemetery.

Jason was born in Canyon to David D. Lowrie and Judith Kay Gaines on August 7, 1966. He was a graduate of Caprock High School. He later moved to Clarendon, where he has been a lifelong resident, after marrying his wife of 29 years, Sharon Renee Spurlin Lowrie, on November 22, 1991. Together, they had one child together, Jessica, who later gave Jason his best little friend and grandson, Waylon.

Jason was a lifelong farmer and rancher who loved all things outdoors. Hunting, fishing, riding ATVs, and shooting were some of his favorite pastimes. He was also a very talented artist and loved to draw. Jason was a longtime member and past deacon of Clarendon Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon in 2020; and his father, David Lowrie in 2013.

He is survived by his daughter, Jessica Lowrie of Capitan, New Mexico; mother, Judith Chandler and husband, Terry, of Amarillo; stepmother, Paula Lowrie of Clarendon; two brothers, Jeffery Lowrie of Amarillo and Nathan Lowrie and wife, Shonda, of Clarendon; his grandson, Waylon Riggs and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Craig Merritt Snell, 72, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 3, 2024, in Los Suenos, Costa Rica.

He was born on April 30, 1952, in Friona, Texas, he was the son of Gene and Jean Snell. Craig graduated from Pampa High School. He was known for his hard work and dedication to providing for his family.

A man of great passion, generosity, and knowledge, Craig’s brother, Kim, often referred to him as “Google before Google existed”. His journey took him from the farm fields of Pampa, Texas, to becoming a successful business owner in the Texas Panhandle. Craig loved fishing, hunting, exploring new places, enjoying good food, and sharing a good-natured tease.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Brad Snell, and his parents, Gene and Jean Snell.

He is survived by his wife, Kim; two sons, Eric Snell and wife Michelle, and Kyle Snell and wife Cristin; a daughter, Sheridan Frazier; and seven grandchildren: Madison Mason and husband Cole, Merritt Snell, Gavin Snell, Perry Frazier, Carder Snell, Sloan Frazier, and Callen Snell. He is also survived by his brother, Kim Snell and wife Jamie; two sisters, Jen Snell and Becky Harris; along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

An informal celebration of Craig’s life will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the River Falls Venue, 13851 Wild Horse Trail in Amarillo, at 2:00 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite Hawaiian shirt in his honor.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a favorite charity.

Mary Joan Wood was born on January 17, 1938, in Hardeman County, Texas to George and Elizabeth Myers. Shortly after her birth, her family moved to Lockney, and that is where she grew up and graduated high school in 1956.

Mary went to college at West Texas State University in Canyon where she excelled in bowling and led the team to many championships including the first ever women’s bowling traveling trophy. During her time at West Texas State, she was introduced to the love of her life, Bobby Wood, a young farmer from Groom, Texas. It was love at first sight and just four months later that farmer asked Mary for her hand in marriage. They were married on September 29, 1961 in Bushland, Texas.

Mary was no stranger to hard work, as she was Bobby’s right hand woman on the farm and ranch in Groom. There they raised registered Hereford cattle and farmed wheat, corn, and milo. Mary and Bobby traveled the country showing their cattle and gaining many life-long friends along the way. In 1963, the couple welcomed their daughter Kellye into the world, and four years later their son Kevin completed the family of four. Mary held many different clerical positions including working at banks, the Groom hospital, Groom ISD, and eventually retiring from the Pantex plant in Amarillo. Mary was a talented seamstress and enjoyed sewing beautiful garments for her daughter and granddaughters that even included matching dresses for their baby dolls. She enjoyed teaching her grandchildren how to sew for the 4-H fashion shows and was an expert at patching Bobby’s work overalls. Mary was also a very talented painter and her many art pieces are cherished by her family.

Mary also had a very competitive nature and could often be found sitting in the bleachers yelling for the players and at the referees when they missed a call. She was also quite a card shark. She enjoyed playing all types of card games with friends and family, where no one was safe from her competitiveness.

The greatest legacy that Mary leaves is her love for Jesus Christ and her love for others. Mary gave her life to Jesus at an early age and served Him faithfully until her final breath on Earth. She served in countless Sunday school classes, Vacation Bible Schools, preparing meals for people, and never hesitated to open her home to those in need. We may never know the number of lives that were changed due to her servant’s heart. Mary and Bobby also shared a deep love of Southern Gospel music, and they attended numerous concerts and revivals with family and friends.

Mary entered her Heavenly Home on October 10, 2024; surrounded by family and friends at Hospice of East Texas in Tyler, Texas.

Those left to cherish her memories are her husband of 63 years, Bobby Wood; daughter, Kellye Jackson (Alan); son, Kevin Wood (Jennifer); and her sister, Sandra Hill. Endeared as “Nanny” to many more are four grandchildren: Kaci Bailey (Mitchel), Kolton Wood (Rebekah), Kyndal Dixon (Wade), and Kaleb Wood; and seven great-grandchildren: Micah, Karter, Andy, and Jeffrey Bailey; Knox Wood; Hank and Annie Dixon; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, George and Elizabeth Myers, and her
grandparents.

The family wishes to thank Hospice of East Texas, Home Care, and Home Place for the wonderful care they gave so graciously to Mary. There are numerous others we want to express our sincere gratitude to including her care-givers; Wanda Johnson, and dear long-time family friend Mike Watson.

Celebration of Life services were held on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at Landmark Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas. A similar service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church in Clarendon on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.

Robert Adolph Boehm, in accordance with his lifelong dedication to his own personal brand of decorum, muttered his last unintelligible and likely unnecessary curse on October 6, 2024, shortly before tripping backward over “some stupid mother****ing thing” and hitting his head on the floor.

Robert was born in Winters, TX, to the late Walter Boehm and Betty Smith on May 6, 1950, after which God immediately and thankfully broke the mold and attempted to cover up the evidence. Raised Catholic, Robert managed to get his wife Dianne pregnant (three times) fast enough to just barely miss getting drafted into the Vietnam War by fathering Michelle, John, and Charlotte between 1967 and 1972. Much later, with Robert possibly concerned about the brewing conflict in Grenada, Charles was born in 1983.

This lack of military service was probably for the best, as when taking up shooting as a hobby in his later years, he managed to blow not one, but two holes in the dash of his own car on two separate occasions, which unfortunately did not even startle, let alone surprise, his dear wife Dianne, who was much accustomed to such happenings in his presence and may have actually been safer in the jungles of Vietnam the entire time.

While the world was in conflict elsewhere, Robert made due by learning to roof, maintain traffic signs with the City of Amarillo, and eventually becoming a semi-professional truck driver—not to be confused with a professional semi-truck driver.

With peace on the horizon, Robert’s attention somewhat counterintuitively drifted to weapons of war, spanning the historical and geographical spectrum from the atlatl of 19,000 BC France, to the sjambok of 1830s Africa, to the Mosin-Nagant M1891 of WWII-era Soviet Union. So many examples of these mainstream hobbyist items litter his small Clarendon, Texas, apartment that one of them may very well have been the item referenced in his aforementioned eloquent final epitaph.

A man of many interests, Robert was not to be entranced by historical weapons alone, but also had a penchant for fashion, frequently seen about town wearing the latest trend in homemade leather moccasins, a wide collection of unconventional hats, and boldly mismatched shirts and pants.

Robert also kept a wide selection of harmonicas on hand—not to play personally, but to prompt his beloved dogs to howl continuously at odd hours of the night to entertain his many neighbors, and occasionally to give to his many, many, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren to play loudly during long road trips with their parents.

Earlier this year, in February, God finally showed mercy upon Dianne, getting her the hell out of there for some well-earned peace and quiet. Without Dianne to gleefully entertain, Robert shifted his creative focus to the entertainment of you, the fine townspeople of Clarendon, Texas. Over the last eight months, if you have not met Robert or seen his road show yet, you probably would have soon.

We have all done our best to enjoy/weather Robert’s antics up to this point, but he is God’s problem now.

Robert’s farewell tour will be held Monday, October 14th, at 10 a.m. at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 6969 E Interstate 40 Hwy, Amarillo, TX 79118. The family encourages you to dust off whatever outdated or inappropriate combination of clothing you have available to attend. A tip jar will be available in the front; flowers are also acceptable.