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Obituaries

Darrell Gayle Leffew

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On November 22, 2022, for Darrell Gayle Leffew, 80, the long dark night has ended as the Angels came to escorted him into his Eternal Home.
Darrell Gayle Leffew

There will be a memorial service at Paramount Baptist Church in Amarillo, Tx on Monday, November 28, at the Paramount Baptist Chapel, 3801 South Western St., officiated by Bunk Skelton and Stan Leffew.  He will be laid to rest at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

On December 21, 1941, Darrell was born to Willis Leary Leffew and Claris (Rich) Leffew in Santa Maria, Calif.  His family moved to Clarendon in 1949, and Darrell graduated from Clarendon High School in 1959.  On June 3, 1961, he married his sweetheart, Wilma Elliott in Clarendon.  They made their home in Lubbock, where he worked for Hancock Equipment Co, the original inventors of elevating scrapers.  Darrell loved everything about moving dirt and heavy equipment, especially scrapers.  In 1971, Darrell and Wilma moved their family back to Clarendon where Darrell established Clarendon Manufacturing.  He would go on to design, manufacture and service elevating scrapers for the next 51 years.
He served as a School Board member in Clarendon for nine years.  He was a thirty-year member of the Clarendon Lions Club.  He was a deacon at First Baptist Church in Clarendon, and a charter member and Deacon at Community Fellowship Church.  In his later years, he was a member of the Arena of Life Cowboy Church in Clarendon.  Darrell and Wilma had recently moved to Amarillo where they became members at Paramount Baptist Church.  Darrell was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed snow skiing.
Darrell was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Othel and Veda Elliott (whom he dearly loved); his two brothers, Doyle Leffew and Larry “Corky” Leffew; his sister, Rava Rose McKinney; his two brothers-in-law, Buddy Brunson and Harold Elliott; and his grandson Tyler White.
Those who are left behind to celebrate his life are his wife Wilma of Amarillo, a son Stan and wife Lori Leffew of Clarendon, and a daughter Terri and husband Wade Carroll of Amarillo.  He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren, Nathan Estes and McKayla Carroll of Amarillo, McKenzie Carroll, Alec Estes, and Ashton Estes of Lubbock, Lauryn Sackett of Colorado Springs, Jessica English of Clarendon, Amanda Atamah of Plano, and Matt McCabe of Amarillo; eleven great grandchildren; and two great, great grandchildren along with numerous nephews and nieces.
Suggested memorials can be made to the Alzheimers Foundation, Arena of Life Cowboy Church, or Paramount Baptist Church.

Edward Wayne Ledbetter

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Edward Wayne Ledbetter, 85, of Lubbock formerly of Clarendon died Sunday, November 20, 2022 in Lubbock.

Edward Wayne Ledbetter

Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 28, 2022, in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

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

Edward was born March 22, 1937, in Holdenville, Okla., to Edward Richard and Nora Jewel Hulsey Ledbetter. He had been a longtime resident of Clarendon before moving to Lubbock three years ago. Edward was an old school maker of many things. He loved working on cars and motorcycles, welding, and working with cattle and horses. He enjoyed fishing, watching westerns, Nascar, eating peanut butter and drinking mini Pepsi. He also loved listening to Church on Sundays on the radio. He fiercely protected his children and his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, Larry Curtis Ledbetter.

He is survived by his sons, Arlie Wayne Ledbetter and wife Angie of Otis, Oregon, Terry Waymon Ledbetter and wife Melissa of Brownwood, and John Ledbetter and wife Shannon of Lubbock; his sister, Linda Anderson of San Antonio; and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Memorials can be sent to Donley County Senior Citizens.

John Wesley Thomas, Jr.

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John Wesley Thomas, Jr. went home to be with the Lord on November 19, 2022.

John Wesley Thomas, Jr.

Wesley was a man who was dedicated to the Lord and his family. Services for Wesley will be on Tuesday November 22, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Cox-Rowley funeral home chapel. There will be a viewing on Monday November 21, 2022, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Wesley was born June 10, 1926, in Hunter, Okla., to John Thomas and Clara Moxley.

Wesley was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Betty Sue Thomas; sons Jim Travis and Lightnin McDuff; and a daughter, Debra Reece and her husband Rick Reece.

Wesley was survived by his son, John Wesley Thomas III, and his wife, Beckey Thomas; and daughter-in-law Debby Carey; grandchildren J.W. Thomas, Jessica Thomas, Karlee Thomas, Jacob Thomas, Dylan Reece, Matt Thomas, April Carey, Jamie Chafin, and Josh Arnett; 15 great grandchildren; and eight great-great grandchildren whom he loved dearly.

Wesley was known and loved by so many. He met many people during his years at Pantex as a tool and die maker. Now if you asked his grandkids what he did for a living, they would have told you he made toilet paper. They always wondered why that was such a high demand job. Pantex was the job Wesley pursued mainly during the years when his children were growing up.

Along with working at Pantex, Wesley shoed horses, something he learned and did for a source of income since he was a teenager. In fact, he went on to teach horse shoeing classes at TSTI. It wasn’t unusual to go by his house on Hastings and see several horses lined up waiting to be shoed before he went to work at Pantex. Wesley had shoeing down to an art. He could look at a horse and tell you exactly what needed to be done do to fix their feet.

After retiring from Pantex, Wesley and Betty moved to Clarendon where they purchased a ranch and made a home. Wesley spent most of his retirement years running cattle, training horses, and living out the cowboy dream. After Betty passed in 2012 Wesley move back to Amarillo to be closer to family. Wesley never missed a chance to go to a family reunion, he always cherished his family. He also loved playing music. He never missed a chance to pay in a jamboree. He loved getting together with friends and entertaining others. He knew how to play the guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, or anything with strings. He never turned up an opportunity to use his talent in church as well. He performed for praise and worship as often as he could. Wesley wasn’t only known for his musical talents but his ability to create them. He built many guitars and violins for himself and others.

One of Wesley’s favorite stories to tell was the day he was born. His life here on earth has been a miracle since day one. When Wesley was born, let’s just say the doctor wasn’t completely sober and presumed he was not alive. The doctor sat him off in a window seal to tend to his mother Clara. Wesley’s oldest sister Leon didn’t give up on him so easily. She picked him up, wrapped him in a blanket rubbing him and stimulating him. That is when Wesley whimpered out a cry that forever changed the path of his life.

Wesley loved the holidays. Yes, he loved the significance of them but what touched his heart the most was the family time. Nothing touched him more than for everyone to come together. He would always look at all his family with such a sense of humbled pride. He was grateful for the legacy that he has created.

Our hearts are both filled with sorrow knowing we will not see him again here on earth but joy that he is home with the Lord, his wife, and his children in heaven. If ever there were a person who left a legacy behind to be remembered by, it’s Wesley and the love he had for life which he spoke of frequently with fulfillment and joy, his family that he poured so much love into, and the Lord whom he dedicated his life to. We rejoice in the knowledge that this is not goodbye, but we will see you later when we enter the gates of heaven, and you are there to greet us with your handsome smile and loving arms.

Gwen A. Holladay

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Gwen A. Holladay was born October 4, 1938, to Hubert and Ruby Davis in Floydada.  She married Donnie Holladay January 26, 1956.

Gwen A. Holladay

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Don Earl Davis, and her son Billy Don Holladay.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Donnie Holladay; four children: Rusty Holladay and wife Vicki of Deberry, Texas; Suzanne Braddock and husband Terry of Amarillo; Michelli Holladay of Amarillo; and Dustin Holladay and wife Jana of Frankston, Texas.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Jason Holladay, Jarred Holladay, Jamie Holladay, Amanda Wall, Jennifer Adams, Chelsea Sparks, Tera Braddock, Katelyn Garrity and Haden Garrity, Megan Holladay de Rosales, Zackary Holladay,  Davis Holladay, and Hunter Holladay; 15 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren.

Gwen worked as an LVN for over 20 years at Bivens Memorial Nursing Home, as well as doing home health care.

She was baptized in 1948 at the age of 10 in a horse trough.  She loved her Lord and Savior and followed Him all her life, and she raised her children to love Jesus.  She is now home in the arms of her Savior.

Her favorite verse was John 3:16.

Funeral service for Gwen is scheduled at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 16, at Memorial Park Chapel.

Jimmy Charles Adams

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Jimmy Charles Adams, 85, of Clarendon died Saturday, November 12, 2022, in Memphis.

Jimmy Charles Adams

Graveside services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 17, 2022, in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon with Randy Srader, officiating.

The family will receive friends for visitation from 9:00-10:00 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Jimmy was born February 6, 1937, in Wayside to Robert Emerson and Letha Ann Cunningham Adams.  He married Cheryl Jean Gilmore on November 9, 1963 in Wayside.  He had been a resident of Clarendon since 1974, where he worked as a farmer and custodian at the school prior to his retirement.  He enjoyed going to Colorado, fishing, driving around Clarendon, and chatting with people on Facebook.  Jimmy’s absolute favorite hobby was playing the fiddle.  Jimmy’s passion was music and his whole life centered on music.  He was a member of the Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, on January 3, 2019.

Survivors include his sons, Jimmie Adams and wife Stacy of Clarendon, Dale Adams of Pampa, and Michael Adams and wife Jenny of Wolfforth; his daughter, Judy Garrison and husband Mack of Canyon; his brother, Lesley Adams of Canyon; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

The family request memorials be sent to Donley County Senior Citizens in Clarendon.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com.

John L. Louis

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John L. Louis, 74, of Clarendon died Saturday, November 5, 2022, in Clarendon.

Graveside services will be 1:00 PM Friday, November 18, 2022, in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon with Rev. Herman Moore, officiating.

Viewing will be held Friday morning from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home.

Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Mr. John L. Louis was born June 9, 1948, in Clarendon to Mckinley (Jack) and Bobbie Ruth Louis. John L. graduated high school in Clarendon. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and after serving two years he returned to Clarendon and enrolled in Clarendon College to study auto mechanics.

He married Barbara Ann Alexander, and they were blessed with two sons Kemp and Joel (Peewee). Following this marriage, he married Debbie Rogers, and they were blessed to have a daughter Bobbie Gail Louis. He later married Joyce Lewis and to this union two sons Jerome and Joshua and one daughter Jennifer were born. John L. was a quiet man but enjoyed life. He was a gifted and talented musician.

John L. was preceded in death by his parents, McKinley and Bobbie Ruth Louis, brother Merle Travis Louis, and sister Joyce Diane Louis Clay.

He leaves to cherish his memory four sons Kemp Louis (Charlene), Joel Louis, Jerome Louis, Joshua Louis and two daughters Bobbie Gail Louis and Jennifer Louis, brothers Odell Louis (Rose) of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Charles Mavis Louis (Winnie) of Amarillo, Texas; others he thought of as his children Nikola Louis and Kim Malawey, sixteen grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

Billy Ray Johnston

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Billy Ray Johnston entered his Heavenly Home on November 1, 2022, at the age of 85.

Billy Ray Johnston

Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 4, 2022, in Robertson Funeral Directors Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon with Larry White, officiating. Burial will follow in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Pall bearers will be: Kirk Storseth, Brandon Hemphill, Talyn Kuster, Robert Messenger, Keith Mason, and Tim Williams.

Billy Ray was born in Naylor community near Clarendon on July 3, 1937, on the family farm to Walter and Inez Bridges Johnston. He grew up on the farm and graduated from Lelia Lake High School in 1956. Billy Ray attended Clarendon College while working at the Adair Hospital and Murphy Funeral Home. Billy Ray then attended Common Wealth College of Mortuary Science in Houston. Here he met the love of his life, Janice Marie Pratt. He and Janice married in Clarendon at the First Baptist Church on July 1, 1961. He was drafted into the service in November 1961. Two years later, he, Janice and newborn daughter returned from a stay in Germany. After a stint with the smelter in Amarillo, and two other daughters being born there, they returned to Clarendon.

While on the Board of Directors of Donley County Hospital District, the Board sent Billy Ray to Austin to obtain his nursing home administrator license. He was administrator in Clarendon for ten years, then took a job at Park Place Towers in Amarillo and subsequently was administrator at various facilities in the Texas Panhandle over the next 38 years. Billy Ray was a People Person, loving all he met while spreading God’s love as he was commanded.

Billy Ray and Janice maintained their home in Clarendon since 1967. Billy Ray never left Donley County. He loved the people here and always considered his acquaintances his personal friends and was ready to lend a helping hand. Billy Ray clearly loved his family and extended family. He always loved music including singing at Lelia Lake Baptist Church until graduation from High School. He moved his membership to First Baptist Church of Clarendon, where his membership still exists today.

Billy Ray was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of fifty years, Janice, and two brothers, Earnest Neal and Charles Kenneth.

Billy Ray is survived by his three daughters, Deborah Lynn (and Greg) Hemphill; Dyanne Marie Johnston and Mischelle Raynee (and Gary) Storseth; nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren and many friends.  He is also survived by his siblings Cleta Klepper; Redell Johnston and wife Sherol; Dan Foster and wife Molly; Gary Johnston and wife Paige; Pam Mason and sister-in-law Beth Johnston.   Every acquaintance had a personal place in his heart!

Memorials may be made to Clarendon Citizens Cemetery (PO Box 983; Clarendon, TX 79226) and / or Donley County Senior Citizens (PO Drawer B; Clarendon, TX 79226).

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

Dale Robinson

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Dale Robinson, 76, of Clarendon died Tuesday, October 25, 2022, in Memphis.

Dale Robinson

Services will be 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 29, 2022, in Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon with Rev. Larry Capranica, officiating.  Burial will follow in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

Viewing will be held Friday 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.

Dale was born June 12, 1946, in Clarendon to A.G. “Doc” and Lois Chivers Robinson.  He married Sue Posey on August 16, 1985, in Memphis.  He had been a lifetime resident of Clarendon where he was farmer.  Dale always worked hard and had a great sense of humor.  Friends would enjoy seeing Dale always hanging out for coffee at Taylor Mart and later Garrison’s in Clarendon.  He took great care of his mother while she was alive.  Dale was a great dad and was very supportive.  He was a member of the Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister in law, Maxine Robinson.

Survivors include his wife, Sue Robinson of Clarendon; his son, Morgan Robinson of Amarillo; his step daughters, Kelli Bloxom and husband Rick of Bartlesville, Oklahoma and Kim Koulovatos and husband Jim of Texas City, Texas; his brother, Don Robinson of Clarendon; four grandchildren, Kristen Beuke, Dustin Bloxom, Randi K. Wilson, and Evan Wilson; two great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and several brothers and sisters in law.

The family request memorials be sent to Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

Brenda Gay Lee

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Brenda Gay Lee, 69, of Clarendon died Monday, October 17, 2022, in Amarillo.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 20, 2022, in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

Brenda Lee

Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Brenda was born October 14, 1953, in Groom to Fred and Marjorie Elliott Row. She married Orville Joe “Joey” Lee, Jr. on December 3, 1974, in Clayton, New Mexico. She had been a lifetime resident of Clarendon and was an insurance agent for many years. She helped with scouts several years ago and was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a son, Ernie Lee.

She is survived by her husband, Joey Lee of Clarendon; her sons, Robert Lee and wife Kylyn and Jason Lee all of Lubbock; a brother, Rick Row of Clarendon; her grandchildren, Josiah Cansler and Bergan Lee both of Lubbock; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be sent to Donley County Senior Citizens or Citizens Cemetery Association.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

Jeannie Formway

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Jeannie Formway, 81, of Clarendon died Monday, October 3, 2022, in Memphis.

Jeannie Formway

Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 8, 2022, in the First Assembly of God Church in Clarendon with Jason Houston and Randy Srader, officiating.

Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Jeannie was born February 14, 1941, in El Paso, Texas to Gean and Omalee Hulsey Welch. She was married to Jimmy Formway. She had been a lifetime resident of Clarendon where she was an activity director and a talented seamstress prior to her retirement. She loved singing, always having company, and cooking. She and Jim enjoyed spending time volunteering at the College Ministry. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Memphis Convalescent Center and Kindred Hospice for their loving care.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, on October 30, 2017; her brothers, Lester Welch and Jerry Welch; and a sister, Linda Welch.

She is survived by her daughter, Kim Formway Gossman and husband Mike of Clarendon; her sisters, Rosie Somerfield of Canyon and Shirley Burton of Spearman; her grandsons, Chesson Sims and wife Hannah and Cedar Davis; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be sent to the Memphis Convalescent Center or the Kindred Hospice.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

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