Obituaries

Carolyn Sue Ward Shults, 72, of Clarendon, passed away on July 28, 2022, in her home surrounded by loved ones.

Services were held at Robertson Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon on Tuesday, August 02, 2022.

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

Carolyn was born on June 19, 1950, to Albert and Celeste Ward in Memphis.

After graduating from Estelline High School in 1968, she dedicated her life to being a fantastic and wonderful mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend.

Carolyn was passionate about family. When she wasn’t filling her home with warmth and kindness, she was cooking her family’s favorite foods, sewing, crocheting, and fishing. We will miss her greatly.

She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Shirley Foster, and her grandson Zachary Chapman.

She is survived by her children, Cindy Shults and husband Lonnie, Jennifer Floyd and husband Tony, Kristi Shults and husband Andy, Michael Shults and wife Marie, Dawna Hearon, and Robin McCullough and husband Jake, her siblings, Marie Davis, Willie Mae Maddox, Henrietta Montgomery, and Albert Ward, Jr., as well as many grand- and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family requests donations be sent to the Shriners Hospital, St. Jude Children Research Hospital, and the National MS Society in lieu of flowers.

Billie M. Bumpus, 97, of Clarendon passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2022, in her home.

Memorial services are scheduled for Thursday, July 21, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Clarendon with Rev. Rob Seale officiating.

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

Billie M. Bumpus was born on April 3, 1925, in Preston Bend, Texas, to Posey Lee and Myrtle (Eason) Bennett. After graduating from Preston Bend schools, Billie married J.E. Bumpus in Dennison, Texas, in 1947. She was a homemaker and lovingly kept her grandchildren and other children in her home. Billie moved to Clarendon in 1978, and deeply enjoyed being a member of Calvary Baptist Church where her love for the Bible grew even more.

Billie enjoyed bowling and was an avid sports fan. She loved cheering on her favorite teams, the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, J.E. Bumpus; daughter, Kathy Small; a half-brother; and three sisters.

She is survived by two sons, Scott Bumpus of Clarendon, Michael Bumpus and wife, Sharon, of Joshua, Texas; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

Billie Floetta Oatman, 92, formerly of Quail, passed away on Sunday, July 10, 2022, in Clarendon.

Graveside services were held on Thursday, July 14, 2022, in Quail Cemetery with Ronnie Lambert officiating.

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

Billie Floetta (Thomas) Oatman was born on June 23, 1930, in Donley County, TX, to Robert Samuel and Nancy Elizabeth (Frost) Thomas. Billie married Ross Hardy Oatman on December 21, 1951, in Hedley. She was a lifelong resident of Quail until she moved to Clarendon 10 years ago. Billie was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Wellington, and previously of Quail Baptist Church and Ring Missionary Baptist Church.

Billie had a lengthy career in the Postal Service where she served the Quail community as the Postmaster for many years. She was also a dedicated farm wife and loving mother to her three children. Billie enjoyed sewing, quilting, and crocheting. She also enjoyed many dear friendships as a member of the Quail Future Homemakers club.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Nancy Thomas and husband, Ross Oatman.

She is survived by two sons, Tommy Ross Oatman of Kingman, Arizona, Harvey Oatman of Clarendon, and a daughter Lenora Barnes of Perryton, Texas. She leaves behind 10 beloved grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Quail Cemetery.

Sign our online guest book at www.robertsonfuneral.com.

Clovis Howard McCary was born December 17, 1938, to Henry Robert Lee and Lillie Mae McCary. He passed from this earthly home to heavenly home on July 10, 2022. He was 83 years young.

Family Directed Memorial Service will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 16, 2022, in the First United Methodist Church in Clarendon with Rev. Bruce Howard and Rev. Stephania Gilkey, officiating.
Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Clovis graduated from May High School in May, Texas in 1957. He worked in the family gas station, dairy, and as a mechanic. Clovis married Geraldine King. They had two children, Gwendolyn and Joe Brian. During these years they lived in Ft Worth, Texas, while working for ARA in Ft Worth.

In 1968, Clovis married Flora Emily Silvers. They attended Clarendon College, both graduating with their associate’s degree. Clovis and Emily then received their bachelor’s degree of science in teachers education from Tarleton University. Clovis worked as a roughneck in the oil field, while living in May, Texas. They had one daughter, April Dawn McCary, in 1970.

Clovis’s first teaching job was in Rising Star, Texas. He was principal and coach at Lakeview ISD in Lakeview, Texas. In 1974, Clovis and Emily brought their Homestead 15 miles northeast of Clarendon, Texas, where they currently still lived at his death. Every year, Clovis would start to build their new home and every year he would find another piece of property to buy making his home go on the back burner…. Until he had acquired approximately 2.75 sections of land and then he built his dream home. During these days he taught/coached at Quail ISD, Hedley ISD, Shamrock ISD and Lefors ISD. Clovis finished his career at Texas Department of Criminal Justice teaching small engines and horticulture. Clovis was well respected and loved by his “kids” that he coached throughout the years, and they continued to communicate until the day he died.

Clovis loved running, basketball, track, people, his ranch and all animals… especially dogs.

Clovis is preceded in death by his parents Henry and Lily Mae; his sister, C.C. Lohman; his brothers, Carl and Edd McCary; and his son Joe Brian McCary.

Clovis is survived by his wife Flora Emily Silvers McCary; his oldest daughter, Gwendolyn McCary of Lubbock, Texas, his youngest daughter, April Dawn McCary Hampton and her husband, Jason Hampton, of Amarillo, Texas. He is survived by grandchildren, John Hurley and wife, Selena, of Tolar, Texas, Tyrel Hurley of Lubbock, Texas, Jesse Nicole Hurley Ragan and husband, Joshua, of Lubbock, Texas, Jacob King McCary of Clarendon, Emily Bryce McCary of Quail, Texas and her fiancé, Justin Dillman, and Bently Hampton of Amarillo, Texas. He also has five great grandchildren and step great grandchildren. Clovis is also survived by special nieces, nephews, all of his “kids” he had coached throughout the years, and many special close friends.

Rynlee Dawn Burrow, infant daughter of Byron and Caitlyn Burrow, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 3, 2022.

Services were held on Saturday, July 9, 2022, in the Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon with Joe Neal Shadle and Josey Shadle, officiating. Burial followed in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

Rynlee was born December 29, 2021, in Amarillo to Byron and Caitlyn Burrow. Rynlee was known for her big smile that could light up and change anyone’s day. She had the biggest blue eyes with the longest eyelashes that everyone always commented on. Even though her momma always said she would never have a girl in bows, Rynlee changed that, and she nearly always had a pretty little bow on her head. She loved being outside, boat rides, riding in the jeep, and going to the lake. She was always a go-getter and loved recently enjoying the 4th of July parade with all her family and the community. She had the three best bubbas in the world and loved her Mommy and Daddy with all her heart.

Rynlee is survived by her Mommy and Daddy, Byron and Caitlyn Burrow of Clarendon; her three bubbas, Jesse Burrow, Nolan Burrow, and Weston Burrow all of Clarendon; her maternal grandparents, Clay and Tammy Christopher of Clarendon; her maternal great grandparents, Larry and Juanice Christopher and James Watts all of Clarendon and Tommy Stegall and wife Debbie of Pampa; her paternal grandparents, Calvin and Beverly Burrow of Clarendon; her aunts and uncles, Sabrina and Tony Willis of Bivins, Texas, Catrina and Neil Leeper of Clarendon, and Elizebeth Christopher of Pampa; and numerous extended family.

Nova Robert “Bob” Hutton, 79, of Centennial, Colorado, peacefully passed away on July 01, 2022, due to complications related to Covid.

Bob was born on December 9, 1942, in Elk City, Oklahoma, to Nova and Ruby (McCoy) Hutton. The death of his father in 1953 forced Bob to take on many adult responsibilities, including caring for his younger siblings, Billy Joe and Gayla Sue. Although Bob did not have an easy life growing up, he always found ways to find (or make) fun in spite of his circumstances. Bob graduated from Clarendon High School in 1961 and maintained close relationships with many of his classmates.

Bob married Linda Winkcompleck in 1962. Their daughters, Robin and Holly, were born in 1964 and 1968, respectively. After attending classes at night for seven years, while working full-time and helping to raise his family, Bob graduated from West Texas State University in 1969. One of his proudest accomplishments was becoming a Certified Public Accountant; he loved to tell people that CPA stood for “cleaning, pressing and alterations”. Although Bob’s career started in accounting, he went on to pursue other areas in the oil and gas industry; ultimately, opening his own consulting firm.

Bob was a strong, kind, loving, and supportive father. Robin and Holly proudly claim the title “Daddy’s Girl” and are grateful for his involvement in their lives. In addition, Bob is adored by his grandchildren Sean, Bryndan, K’leigh, Sarah and his “bonus” grandchildren Sarah B. and Matthew.

After moving to Colorado, Bob met and married Barbara Kramer, and they spent nearly 33 wonderful years together. He loved Barb’s daughters, Beth and Kathy, as his own and was happy to help them in any way he could.

Travel was one of Bob’s favorite activities. He logged millions of airline miles and maintained his Hilton “Diamond” status with his travels to Europe, Hawaii, numerous locations in the Continental US, Mexico City and Kuwait. Bob was an avid cyclist and enjoyed riding the beautiful Colorado trails with his beloved, Barb. Their evening walks around the neighborhood were a daily highpoint for them.

Bob was a fun-loving, gentle and kind man. He was fiercely passionate about treating people with respect and kindness and left his mark wherever he went. Known as a “true southern gentleman”, Bob leaves a legacy and example for all of us to emulate.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Kramer, his parents, Nova and Ruby Hutton, and his siblings, Joe Hutton and Gayla Boshart.

He is survived by Robin Stout, her husband Dennis, and their children Sean his wife, Rebecca, and Sarah Stout; Holly Arredondo, her husband, Gerald, and their children Bryndan, his wife, Destiny, and K’Leigh Arredondo and her girlfriend, Veronica Garcia; brother-in-law, Ray Boshart, “bonus” daughters, Beth Kramer; Kathy Brazier, her husband, Craig, “bonus” grandchildren, Sarah and Matthew Brazier, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be conducted at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, Highlands Ranch, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, https://www.calfarley.org/.

Dorothy Lois Breedlove affectionately known as Nanny by many family and friends died peacefully on May 31, 2022. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who gave selflessly to her family and community.

Dorothy was born April 1, 1919, in Clarendon to Clarence and Edna Phelps. After graduating from high school, she married David Finley McCleskey and worked for the Department of Defense during WWII until the birth of her son Mike.

Dorothy is remembered by her family for her fried chicken and chocolate pie dinners, her welcoming arms and her love of singing. She enjoyed golfing with Flip and playing card games with her friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband David who died in combat in WWII; second husband H.M. “Flip” Breedlove of 54 years; brothers Harold Phelps, Hugh Phelps, Haskell Phelps; sisters Mildred Hayes, Francis Lloyd; her stepson Mack Breedlove and his wife Janette Breedlove.

Dorothy is survived by her son Mike McCleskey and wife Judy Walker of Stephenville, Texas; the mother of her grandchildren Deanna McCleskey of Denton, Texas; her grandchildren Lisa Davis and Brandon McCleskey both of Denton; step-grandchildren Mark Breedlove of Austin, Stacy Vickers of Stephenville, Verne Walker of El Paso, Jim Walker of Walnut Springs and Misty Walter of Stephenville; numerous great-great grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held in the fall at the Clarendon Cemetery.
Donations to a local Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program, Clarendon Cemetery, or a charity of your choice can be made in Dorothy’s name.

Josephine Parrish Burgess, 95, of Clarendon died Sunday, July 3, 2022 in Amarillo.

Services were held on Friday, July 8, 2022, in the Clarendon Church of Christ with Larry Shields and Eddie Hankins, officiating. Burial followed in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

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

Josephine was born March 11, 1927, to Henry Vinkler and Irene Schoonover Parrish. She married Douglas Burgess on October 28, 1945, in Shamrock. She had been a resident of Clarendon since 1973 where she was a bank teller for First Bank & Trust for 20 years prior to her retirement. Josephine’s hobbies included sewing, boating and fishing, plus she was an avid quilter and a fanatical Dallas Cowboys fan. She also enjoyed family vacations and spending time with grandkids. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, Red Hatters Club, 1912 Book Club, Golden Needle Quilt Club, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and Daughters of the American Revolution. She was also a member of the Clarendon Church of Christ and read through the entire Bible every year.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, in 1996; her brother, Victor Parrish; two sisters, Ora Lee Foringer and Jo Ann Brooks; and her great great grandchild, Jacob Helton.

Survivors include her daughters, Ronda Helton and husband Donnie of Dumas, Lacreta Watson and husband Ken of Amarillo, and Karen Boothe and husband Mark of Katy, Texas; a sister, Dovie Miller of Lubbock; six grandchildren, Neil Leeper and wife Catrina, Brad Helton, Lanika Leeper, Jennifer Trujillo, Garrett Boothe and wife Amanda, and Katherine Boothe; her great grandchildren, Zach Helton, Braden Sandoval and wife Madelyn, Jaden Trujillo, Autumn Trujillo, Benjamin Helton, Brendan Helton, Kelsi Been and husband Skyler, Cole Roser, Jason Roser, Toby Leeper, and Mara Boothe; and several nieces and nephews.

The family request memorials be sent to High Plains Children’s Home / PO Box 7448 / Amarillo, TX 79114 or Donley County Senior Citizens / PO Drawer B / Clarendon, TX 79226.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

James C. Graham passed away Tues., June 21, 2022.

James was born May 20, 1941, and was the beloved husband of 57+ years of Rachel M. Graham; dear father and father-in-law of Todd (Ulla) and Jon (Amy) Graham; loving grandfather of Luke and Ella Graham; dear brother of Doyce (Linda) and Mike Graham; our dear brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend.

James enjoyed his 60-year career at Monsanto.

Visitation was held at Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home, 12444 Olive Blvd., Creve Coeur, Tues., June 28. Funeral service was held at the funeral home on Wed., June 29.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Missouri.

Ricky L. White 62 of Wellington passed away Sunday, June 19, 2022.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday June 22, 2022, at the First Christian Church with Steve Adams of Amarillo and Brian Moore, minister officiating. Burial will be in North Fairview Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home.

Ricky was born on September 29, 1959, in Wellington, to Elvis and Betty Nell Patterson White. He graduated from Clarendon High School in 1978 and attended Stephen F. Austin University.

He returned to Wellington in 1980 and began his career as a heavy equipment operator for TxDOT where he garnered the nicknamed “Gar” from his coworkers. He retired in 2012 after 30 years of service. Ricky also painted with his friend and coworker Lanny Ford for about 30 years.
Ricky married Nanette Young Needham on November 12, 1994, in Amarillo. He was a member of the First Christian Church and an avid Dallas Cowboys fan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Dale Elvis White, and a granddaughter Kaylee Needham.

He is survived by his wife Nanette of Wellington; 5 sons Jeff Needham and Joanie of Wellington, Jacob Needham and Julie of Erick, Jonathan Needham and Stephanie of Wellington, Devin White and Amber of Amarillo, and Jordan White of Wellington; his sister Tammy White of Childress, and 10 grandchildren.

The family suggests that memorials be made to the ALS Association.