Obituaries

James Edward Potts, 68, of Hedley, passed away on Saturday, April 29, 2023, in Amarillo.

He was born in Groom and has been a lifetime resident of Hedley. James, also known as James Edward, was a wonderful father and son who loved his community and was always helping someone in need.

James had a passion for farming and enjoyed taking care of livestock. He loved raising and selling show pigs with his Uncle Tracy and son James Lee Potts. James also loved playing his guitar and singing with his family and friends.

James attended Hedley School for his primary and high school education. He later earned an Associate degree from Clarendon College. James was a member of the Hedley Methodist Church.

He is survived by his son, James Lee Potts and wife Anastacia, and one precious grandchild, Evangeline Jade Potts.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Perry Joe Potts; father, Milfred James Potts; and mother, Ella Oretha Potts.

Graveside services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 4, 2023, in Rowe Cemetery in Hedley with Rev. Anthony Knowles officiating.
The viewing was held at Robertson Funeral Directors in Clarendon on Wednesday, May 3, from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Methodist Church of Hedley.
Rest in peace, James Edward Potts. You will be greatly missed by everyone who knew you.

Robert Lee Mills, age 85, passed away Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Vernon.

Funeral services were held on Friday, April 28, 2023, at the First Baptist Church of Childress with Kerry Wood officiating. Burial followed in Childress Cemetery.

Robert was born in Childress, on September 5, 1937, to Guy Lee Mills and Nina Faye (McMinn) Mills. Robert was an amazing golfer who was instrumental in the development of Stoney Ridge Golf Course in Childress. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Childress, as well as the Masonic Lodge #695. He retired from the Texas Department of Transportation after 40 years of service.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Pauline Sutton; step-son, Mark Moates and numerous extended family.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Mills of Childress; son, Ricky Dean Mills and wife, Julie of Clarendon; daughter, Janis Walker; step-son, Donnie Moates and wife, Nelda of Celeste, Texas; step-daughter, Cindy Rufenacht and husband, Dale of Amarillo; step-daughter, Susan Spring and husband, Robert; brother, Donald Mills of Texas City, Texas; brother, Stephen Mills and wife, Charlene of Gladewater, Texas; sister, Marie Lowe of Austin, Texas; brother, Danny Joe Mills and wife Carol of Leavenworth, Kansas and numerous Cousins, Nephews and Nieces.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Childress Masonic Lodge #695, 344 North Main Street, Childress, Texas, 79201.

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Jordon Diego Chavira, 26, of Howardwick who left us on April 23, 2023.

Jordan was the most gentle soul, the kindest young man with a signature laugh and an affectionate hug that told you how deeply he loved you. Impetuous both at his barber chair, behind the wheel of his Mustang, and in private life, Jordan made friends and helped people wherever life took him. He was an amazing man who led an extraordinary life. A talented artist and a fun, caring force, he seems to have found the secret to unending optimism and generously spread laughter, joy and rays of sunshine in the lives of everyone who knew him.

Jordan was the only son of Eddie and Shelly Chavira of Howardwick, who are grateful they had the opportunity to be his parents; sister Mariah Capps of Amarillo; Grandson to Lucinda Chavira of Howardwick, Kristen Butler of Visalia, Calif., and Leroy Reed of Amarillo; great nephew to Don and Tracy Cornutt of Durango, Colo., nephew to Pete Chavira of Fresno, Calif., Corky and Cindy Butler of Claude, Lori Hudgens and Ian and Brandi Fleming of Fresno, Calif., Michael Holliman and Brandi Reed, Michael and Amanda Cates and Chris and Shannon Ellis of Amarillo; best friend Jonathon Yanes of Fresno, Calif., pets Caliber, Katy and Willie; and several cousins and countless friends that he supported, entertained and cherished through the years.

Jordan was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Pete Chavira and Eugene Butler, and his grandmother, Mildred Reed. It gives us comfort knowing they have him in their arms now.

Family and friends are welcome to join us for Jordon’s celebration of life. It will be held at the Howardwick City Hall, 245 Rick Husband Blvd. Howardwick, TX 79226 on April 28, 2023, at 11:30 am. Lunch will be served. Floral arrangements can also be sent to this location.

Jordan will forever be missed. His family wishes to thank their community of Howardwick and everyone who has shown them love, compassion, and support during this time.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

On Saturday, April 22, 2023, Henry “Peanut” Haire, loving husband, father, and Pawpaw passed away at the age of 85.

Services will be 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, 2023, in Robertson Funeral Directors Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon with Joe Neal Shadle, officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery in Memphis.

Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon, Texas.

Henry was born August 29, 1937, in Clarksville, Texas, to Elbert and Mildred Haire. He grew up in Memphis. He married Judy Ashcraft on May 5, 1975. Henry had many jobs – Mechanic, custom farming, meat processer, worked GM truck driver before finally retiring from Donley County services. He loved his family and spending time watching them having fun and visiting. He loved watching wrestling on TV.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and a son.

He is survived by his wife, Judy of the home; eight children; many grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; and even a few great great grandchildren.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

Cecil Lee Hook, 88, of Clarendon passed away on Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Amarillo.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at the Church of Christ in Hedley with Tom Anderson officiating.

Cremation and Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Cecil Lee Hook was born in Dickens on April 12, 1935, to Andrew George and Mary Jane (Williams) Hook. On December 27, 1954, he married Lillie Baker in Snyder. He had been a resident of Clarendon for 43 years where he worked as a welder for most of his life. Cecil was a member of the Hedley Church of Christ. He enjoyed playing dominoes, fishing, hunting, loved dancing, and was an expert at just about everything he did.

Cecil is preceded in death by his mother and father; his wife of 48 years, Lillie; his brother, Elbert Hook; and his sisters Hazel, Delores, and Lorene.

He is survived by his sons Cecil Hook, Jr., and wife Barbara of Amarillo; Rick Hook and wife Vickie of Amarillo; Michael Hook and wife Tina of Claude; one daughter, Deanna Gasser of Clarendon; brother Denzil “Hass” Hook; sister, Betty Joe Bittle; ten grandchildren; and twenty-two great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hedley Church of Christ, PO Box 166, Hedley, TX 79237.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

Norma Virginia Bruce, 97, of Clarendon, died Tuesday, April 18, 2023, in McLean.

Cremation and arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Norma was born November 8, 1925, in Amarillo to Roy Everett and Kensey (Gold) McDowell. She was a long-time resident of Clarendon, prior to moving here, she lived in Phoenix, Ariz., and worked for Motorola. Norma enjoyed sewing and cooking and loved her family. She was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Clarendon.

She was preceded in death by her parents; eight siblings; and a son, James Bruce.

Survivors include daughters, Sharyn Morrow and Sonyia Hill both of Clarendon; daughter-in-law, Michelle Bruce of Clarendon; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Donald Eugene Stone passed from this earthly life to be with Jesus our Lord on Monday, April 17, 2023.

Memorial services will be at 2:00 PM Saturday, April 22, 2023, at the Clarendon Church of Christ with Brad Thompson and Justin Cardwell officiating.

Family will receive friends for visitation at the funeral home on Friday, April 21st from 5:00 – 7:00 PM.

Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Don was born December 2, 1930 in Prescott, Arizona to Alta Clark Stone and Henry Melton Stone. He married Virginia (Ginger) Crocker January 21, 1955 in Pampa, Texas. He had been a resident of Clarendon since 1972. Don was the local Church of Christ preacher in Clarendon for seven years. Don preached full time in Fritch, Austin, Stinnett, Bovina, Fritch again, and Hobbs, NM. He later did interim preaching at White Deer and Hedley. He also taught Bible classes at the Colonies Church of Christ. He taught a community Bible class for several years here in Clarendon as well as in Bovina and Fritch. He was Bible Chair Director at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces where he taught Bible for college credit and also at Clarendon College.

He has performed numerous weddings, funerals and baptisms. He has preached in 69 churches in gospel meetings, VBS, lectureships, and special classes.

Don operated a sign shop business for many years. He did business all over the Panhandle area. He also had an art studio. He had a talent for drawing and painting.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and his two brothers, Kenneth Stone and Norman Stone.

Survivors include his wife, Ginger; daughter, Laurie and husband, Steve Holcomb, of Sweetwater; grandchildren, Whitney and husband, Andrew Lamming, of Lubbock, Ashley and husband, Justin Cardwell, of Wichita Falls, and Brady Holcomb and wife, Leslie Ann, of Abilene; and two great-grandchildren, Brooklyn Grace Cardwell and Cole Eugene Lamming.

Memorials may be sent to the Donley County Senior Citizens, Drawer B, Clarendon, TX 79226.

Marvin Leon Elam, 68, of Amarillo died Monday, April 3, 2023.

Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Saint Stephen Church of Amarillo.

Marvin was born November 21, 1954, in Groom to Isaac and Ruby (Taylor) Elam. He graduated from Pampa High School, furthering his education by earning a Bachelor at West Texas State University, and a Master of Education from West Texas A&M University. He was a member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity while at SW Texas State University

He married Sharon Joy Underwood on December 20, 1989.

Marvin was a member of Saint Stephen Church of Amarillo, formerly known as Saint Stephen United Methodist Church.

He was a Texas public school administrator, and coach. He was Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame Coach of the Year 1994. Marvin served in many education related organizations including past president of Panhandle School Leaders Assn., Board of Directors of Texas Middle School Assn., and member of Texas Assn of Secondary School Principals. Other civic roles include life member and past president of Optimist International, past president Clarendon Lions Club, former alderman and mayor, City of Howardwick, and was 2006 Man of the Year, Clarendon/Donley County Chamber of Commerce. He also served on the Howardwick Volunteer Fire Department.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Isaac Newton Elam and Ruby Faye Elam; brother, Jerry Thomas Elam; Brother-in-law, Jerry Len Evans; father-in-law, William Benton Underwood; mother-in-law, Glyndel June Underwood; and nephew, Stefan Anthony Miller.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon Elam, of Amarillo; brother, W.N. “Digger” Elam and wife Reba, of Amarillo; sisters, Irene Oatman and husband Harvey, of Clarendon, and Karen Evans, of Amarillo; sister-in-law, Shelley White and husband Joel of Amarillo; brother-in-law, Dennis Kevin Underwood and wife Tik of Phoenix, Arizona, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Helen Jo Land, 96, of Clarendon died Friday, April 14, 2023, in Claude.

Services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 20, 2023, at the First Baptist Church in Clarendon with Rev. Lance Wood and Steve Ellis officiating. Burial will follow in Citizens Cemetery.

Viewing will be held on Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Robertson Funeral Directors with family receiving friends for visitation from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Helen was born on April 2, 1927 in Clarendon to George and Lela Cannon Bulman. She married Billy Jack Land on October 17, 1945, in the home of preacher Hal Upchurch, while Billy was home on leave from the Air Force during World War II.

Helen was a graduate of Clarendon High School, Clarendon College and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from West Texas State University. She began her career as a teller for Farmers State Bank in Clarendon. Later, she went on to teach in Goodnight School, Martin School, and Clarendon Public School where she retired in 1991. Helen loved teaching and never took a day off from her teaching duties.
After retirement, she served as an election judge for the county, volunteered for meals on wheels, and they traveled a lot with her brother, Gene and wife Shirley. Helen also loved to sew, quilt, and work in her garden, but in her lifetime, she never learned to swim and was deathly afraid of water and flying.

Helen dearly loved her sons, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and daughters-in-law.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, George Bulman, Jr, and Gene Bulman; sister-in-law, Shirley Bulman; sister, Billie Ruth Barbee and brother- in- law Tick; daughter -in-law, Deborah Land and great grandson Jack Land.

Survivors include her husband, Billy Jack of Clarendon; sons, Steve Land of Panhandle and Monte Land and wife Carolyn of Possum Kingdom Lake; grandchildren, Amanda Land of Stephenville, Texas, Mark Land and wife Callie of Panhandle, Texas, Kirk Land and wife Josie and Wesley Land and wife Sarah all of Amarillo, Texas; Great grandchildren; Mackie, Leah, Carly, Joyce and Sawyer due in July.

Family request memorials be made to Donley County Senior Citizens, PO Drawer B, Clarendon, Texas 79226 or First Baptist Church, PO Box 944, Clarendon, Texas 79226.