Obituaries

Jerald Dalton “Jerry” Askew, 87, of Amarillo, died Thursday, May 9, 2024, in Claude.

Services were held on May 14, 2024, in Robertson Funeral Directors Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon with Curtis Odom, officiating. Burial followed in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

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

Jerry was born November 27, 1936, to William Dalton and Mary Helen Henderson Askew. He married Karen Janelle West on June 1, 1955. He had worked in ranching for many years and was a truck driver prior to his retirement. He had been a resident of Amarillo the past 18 years. He loved square dancing, going to car shows and air shows, and playing with his grandkids and great grandkids. He was a very devoted caregiver to his wife for many years. He was a Baptist.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife on June 25, 2022.

He is survived by his children, Danny Askew and wife Terry, Andi Odom and husband Curtis, Leigh and Cathy Askew; his grandchildren, Dale Askew, Katie Andrews, Dalton Askew, Jarod Hudgens, Alex Tidwell, Barry Askew, and Bayleigh Elder; 13 great grandchildren and his sisters, LaReece Miller and Ronda Brown.

Graveside services for Gail Elaine Eddleman Thomas, 79, of Dripping Springs, Texas, was held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the Claude Cemetery in Claude.

Mrs. Thomas was born May 3, 1944 in Clarendon, Texas, the daughter of the late Otha Imadell (Koontz) and R.G. Eddleman, Jr. She passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2024 surrounded by members of her family.
Mrs. Thomas was a 1962 graduate of Claude High School where she was an All-State basketball Champion. She married her high school sweetheart, Albert Thomas, on August 4, 1962. She welcomed her sons Darren Brit in 1965 and Bradley Kent in 1968. Gail was a dedicated Christian wife and mother.

She loved with her whole heart and was thrilled to be Nanny to Rob and Griffin. One of her passions was the Prodisee Pantry Food Bank in Spanish Fort, Alabama which she and Albert helped found. She made life-long friends in the many places they lived and vigilantly kept in contact with all of them. She was most happy visiting with family and friends whether in person, by phone, or handwritten letters and emails. The photo albums she created document the milestones and life events of the people she loved. Gail’s sharp wit, guidance, and interpersonal skills will be sorely missed by all of those who were graced with her presence.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Albert D. Thomas of Dripping Springs; sons and daughters-in-law, D.B. and Shannon of Mineral Wells, Texas and Brad and SueAnna of Dripping Springs; grandsons, Rob Thomas of Midland, Texas and Griffin Thomas of Mineral Wells; sisters and brothers-in-law, Karen and Bart Templeton and Kathi and Glyndol Holland; brother and sister-in-law Kenny and Danneva Eddleman; and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who are loved like family.

She was preceded in death by her parents and parents-in-law, Al and Billye Thomas.

Honorary pallbearers will be her nephews Craig Sandlin, Craig Thomas, John Thomas, Lynn Holland, Todd Templeton, Eric Eddleman, and family friend Ian Punches.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Prodisee Pantry in Spanish Fort, Alabama at https://www.prodiseepantry.org/.

Thomas Clark Carson, 67, of Hedley, Texas died Thursday, April 18, 2024, in Hedley.

Memorial Services will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 25, 2024, in the Hedley Methodist Church with Dr. Stan Cosby, officiating. Burial will be private in Rowe Cemetery in Hedley.

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

Thomas Clark Carson was born June 4, 1956, in Borger, the only son of Bill and Juanell Carson and the only brother of his older sister Susan.

Even though a cradle-roll Methodist from the beginning, there is no doubt that the Lord quickly saw the need to break the mold on this one; Tom is truly an original and there is not another like him on earth or now, in heaven.

Tom grew up in two places: Borger during the week and Hedley, at the farm, on weekends. He graduated from Borger High School in 1974. Tried college for a year and then entered the working world as a skilled cabinet and flooring professional. And he was good at it, as many will testify, one the best in Borger and the Texas Panhandle.

But it was in his avocations, the things he loved most, where he really excelled. When he was younger he was really good at golf, but ALL his life he was a superb hunter and woodsman.

His dad said, even as a kid, he was the fastest shot on a covey break he ever saw, bringing down more birds than anybody in the hunting party with his single-shot 20 gauge. Later, it was turkey and deer. He was the BUCK MASTER for sure as all my kids learned to call him at an early age.

Tom had many friends and buddies. He had a Texas-sized heart and would give you the shirt of his back. He was a great brother-in-law though he would refuse to call me brother-IN-LAW. We were BROTHERS, he would always say. And even repeated, the other day, the last time we saw him.

He is survived by his two children, Zack Carson and Brooklyn Carson of Amarillo; Step-children, Michelle Harbaugh and Jeramiah Dykes of Arkansas; Sister, Susan Cosby and husband Stan of Hedley; Girlfriend, Lauren Carter of Meade, Oklahoma; Nine grandchildren; a number of nieces and nephews, and many, many friends.

Melinda Jane McAnear, 75, of Clarendon, TX, passed away on April 20, 2024 at her home.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at the Methodist Church in Clarendon with Rev. Terry Tamplen officiating. Burial will follow in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

Melinda Jane Moore McAnear was born in Amarillo, TX, on April 21, 1948 to James Ray and Margaret Jane (Whicker) Moore. She was a graduate of Clarendon High School. Melinda married Ronnie Charles McAnear on January 25, 1968 in Clarendon, and they had three children together, Todd, Jennifer, and Elizabeth.

Melinda was a life long member of the First United Methodist church where she enjoyed serving her time doing various church activities and planning meals. Her favorite place to be was cooking in her kitchen, canning vegetables and making jellies and jams. In her spare time, she enjoyed needlepointing, gardening, shelling black-eyed peas, traveling, playing bunco with friends and cheering on the Texas Longhorns. She also served 20 years on the Donley County Hospital Board and enjoyed participating in the meetings and spending time with the board where she developed special friendships.

She is preceded in death by her parents; step-father, Richard “Rip” Gilkey; and brother, Jim Moore.

Melinda is survived by her husband of 56 years, Ronnie McAnear of Clarendon; son, Todd McAnear of Clarendon; two daughters, Jennifer Lindsey and husband, Tony, of Memphis, and Elizabeth Cowan and husband, Deon, of Lubbock; brother, John Moore and wife, Cathy, of Fort Worth; sister, Tina Putnam and husband, David, of Austin; seven grandchildren, Samantha Hatley and husband, Bryce, Jami Lee Lindsey, Will Overstreet and wife, Amber, Drew Overstreet, Trevor Cowan, Aaron Cowan and wife, Emily, and their son Noah, Stormie Gonzales and husband, Keagan; and her first great-grandson is expected in May, Jay Wesley Hatley.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Clarendon Associated Ambulance Authority, PO Box 1240, Clarendon, TX 79226.

Jani Beth Blackerby Walker passed away on April 15, 2024, in Amarillo, Texas. Beth was born December 18, 1937, in Anson, Texas to Lester and Clytis Blackerby.

A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church in Clarendon on Friday, April 19, at 4:00 p.m. A private burial service will be at Clarendon Citizen’s Cemetery.

Beth attended 13 different schools in 12 years of public school. Despite that, she graduated top of her class from Snyder, Oklahoma, in 1956. Lester had moved the family there to pastor the small rural church at Pleasant Valley. This move brought Jefferson Lonzo Walker, Jr. into Beth’s orbit, and they began a long-distance dating relationship. After high school, Beth attended Jacksonville Baptist College as well as Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Texas Tech University, and West Texas State University. On April 25, 1959, Jeff and Beth were married in Jacksonville, Texas. The couple moved to Clarendon in 1964 where they remained until 2020. They had three children, Sherilyn Jan Walker Robinson, Kristen Leigh Walker Musser, and Douglas Jeff Walker. Later, Dee Ann Cook Wilson became a part of Jeff and Beth’s family.

Beth spent most of her career in the legal field. She worked for Lowe, Courtney, and Shelton, Attorneys at Law for years as a legal secretary and subsequently, as a legal assistant. In her later career, she became deeply involved in the Texas Association of Legal Secretaries and then the National Association of Legal Secretaries serving in various positions and offices. In 1976, she was awarded Texas Legal Secretary of the Year. Beth was frequently sought out as a speaker across the nation and loved the opportunity to train the younger generation of legal professionals.

Beth enjoyed her many years of volunteering in the music ministry at First Baptist Church, Clarendon. She was a children’s choir director, youth choir director and often subbed as the adult choir director when needed. Worship was a strong passion in her life, and even in her declining health, she loved singing to Jesus. Beth also taught Sunday School at First Baptist Church for many years and enjoyed spending time with her class members as they explored God’s word together.

Beth was preceded in death by her brother Jerry Blackerby and her parents.

She is survived by her husband Jeff of Amarillo, daughter Sherilyn and husband Clay of Clarendon, daughter Kristen and husband Jim of Rolla, Missouri, son Doug and wife D’Ann of Amarillo, and daughter Dee Ann of Canyon, Texas. Beth was also blessed with 16 grandchildren, their spouses, and 16 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Jo Ann Selvidge of Amarillo, Jimmy Blackerby of Amarillo and Jackie Ricks and husband Thomas of Mineola, Texas, sister-in-laws Wanda Kellet of Lawton, Oklahoma, Loveta Sue Camp of Arlington, Texas, Arleta Jones of Snyder, Oklahoma and Arlena Thompson and husband Jerry of Rockford, Illinois as well as beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.

Casket bearers are her beloved grandchildren.

The family is grateful to Legacy at Town Square and Enhabit Hospice for their excellent care of Beth. The family suggests memorials to be given to First Baptist Church of Clarendon, Texas.

Ronetta “Ronnie” Gail Young Miller peacefully passed away on Saturday, March 30, at the age of 81 in Amarillo.

Arrangements are under the direction of LaGrone Blackburn-Shaw.

Ronetta was born on June 8, 1942, in Shamrock. She graduated from Quail High School in 1960. The following year, she became a mother. Ronetta was always a hard worker and worked many jobs during her 60-year career, but her greatest joy was being a mother and grandmother.

Ronetta loved cooking, reading, crafting, being involved with her church, and spending time with her family. She loved sharing her recipes and family stories with the younger generations.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 4, at LaGrone Blackburn Shaw, 1505 Martin Rd, Amarillo, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Services will be held at Hillcrest Baptist Church on Friday, April 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at Westlawn Memorial Park in Fritch.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Pansy Young; four brothers, Johnny, Charles, James Glen, and Dale; and, two sisters, Ruthie Childers and Jeanette Jones.

She is survived by her four sons: Robert Papa of Clarendon, Tom Papa and wife Karen of Austin, James Papa and Jackie Bryant of Amarillo, and Kenny Holt and wife Christy of Panhandle; 13 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; her brother Joel Dean and wife Iwana of Amarillo; her dearest friends whom she considered family: Diane Carter, Thelma Miller, and Helen Belcher; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to Interim Hospice or Hillcrest Baptist Church.

Rob Plunkett, 63, of Amarillo, Texas died Sunday, March 24, 2024, in Amarillo.

Graveside services were held on Friday, March 29, 2024, in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon with Chris Ford, officiating.

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

Rob was born November 8, 1960, in Amarillo to John Ray and Iris Anne Matney Plunkett. He celebrated his 1st birthday on a ranch outside of Silverton and moved in 2nd grade to Clarendon where he spent most of his childhood. In 1974, they moved to Canyon where he was a graduate of Canyon High School. He had worked various jobs and was currently working for the City of Amarillo at Rick Husband International Airport. His hobbies included motorcycles and loved riding them, anything working with his hands, and playing cards. He was a very involved member with AA for over 35 years.

He was preceded in death by his father; and his sister, Johnna Cay King in 2020.

He is survived by his mother, Iris Matney of Loveland, Colorado; his sons, Carson Plunkett and Wyatt Plunkett both of Amarillo; his brother, Matt Plunkett of Vidor, Texas; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers the family request that memorials be donated to any AA. Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

 

Michele Denise Harlan, 70, of Clarendon, passed away on Sunday, March 24, 2024, in Amarillo.

Memorial services will be held April 6, at the COEA Community Center – Clarendon Rodeo Grounds, come and go, from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Michele was born on January 22, 1954, in Greenwich, Connecticut, to Edward Bernard and Lillian Dorothy (Stadtmiller) Rivard. She grew up in Connecticut and Florida and later moved to Tucson, Arizona, where she lived for over 10 years. She married James R. Bruce on January 24, 1978, and they were married for 19 years before his passing in 1997. The couple had three children together. In the early 1990’s, the family moved to Clarendon where she has been a resident since. Michele later married H.W. Harlan on November 24, 2003, in Clarendon.

Michele enjoyed watching the Young & the Restless as well as westerns and black and white programs. Above all, Michele loved her grandbabies. Her 13 grandchildren were the light of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Lillian Rivard; son, Michael B. Harlan; husband, James R. Bruce; and brother, Edward Rivard, Jr.

She is survived by her husband, H.W. Harlan of Clarendon; two sons, Christopher Bruce, Sr. and wife, April, of Amarillo, and Michael Roy Bruce and wife, Heather, of Clarendon; two daughters, Andrea Randall and husband, Steven, of Amarillo, and Lesley Lemons and husband, Brandon, of Amarillo; sister, Dale Messick of Tucson, Arizona; and 13 grandchildren, John Anthony Levario, Leslie Coxey, Melanie Brook Lemons, Christopher Bruce, Jr., Holden Coxey, Kaylee Bruce, James Lemons, Aiden Iler, Bayleigh Bruce, Ashden Iler, Brilynn Bruce, Casyn Bruce, and Braxton Bruce.

Sandy Silva, 79, of Clarendon died Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Pampa.

Memorial services are to be held on Saturday, March 30, 2024, in Robertson Funeral Directors Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon with Chris Ford, officiating.

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

Sandy was born December 2, 1944, in Wenatchee, Washington to Herbert Irwin and Helen Whitehall Jewett. She married Louis Peter Silva on January 1, 1975. She was an animal lover, and enjoyed nature, camping, and in her younger years enjoyed the fishing and outdoors. Earlier in life, she worked for Sandia Laboratories and ran several antique businesses. She was a Godly woman and never was embarrassed to witness to others.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband on December 10, 2020.

She is survived by her son, Craig Silva and wife Chanel of Clarendon; and her grandchildren, Anthony and Lillianna.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be sent to the Donley County Senior Citizens.
Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

Madeline Bates, 79, of Howardwick died on Friday, March 15, 2024.

Madeline was born November 18, 1944, in Slaton, Texas to Martin and Dolores Grabber Schuette. Growing up in Amarillo, Madeline had attended schools there and was a proud graduate of St. Mary’s Academy in 1962. She married Kenneth Bates on December 4, 1964, in Amarillo.

Prior to her retirement, Madeline had worked in Bushland as a bus driver, had a bookkeeping business, was the office manager of Crown Travel, as well as spending many years with Atmos as a call center quality control specialist. She loved to read and work crossword puzzles, enjoyed gardening and the outdoors. She and Ken moved from Amarillo in 2012 and she loved being at Greenbelt Lake. Madeline loved her dog, Roxie, however, her greatest joy of all were the friends she loved and her grandkids that she loved dearly. Madeline was a Catholic.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Dolores Schuette; and by a son, Jared Bates in December of 1988.

Survivors include her husband, Kenneth Bates of Howardwick; a son, Eric Bates of Lubbock; a daughter Melanie Hinson and husband Daniel of Groom; a brother Bill Schuette and his wife Carolyn of New Ulm, Texas; three grandchildren, Tucker, Nate, and Landree Hinson; and by her and Ken’s best friends, Dick Sims of Hereford and Don McAvoy of Howardwick.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to the Shriner Children’s Hospital or to the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Building Fund in Clarendon.