Obituaries

Coy ‘K.C.’ Gene Cooper age 60 of Howardwick passed away on June 7, 2024, after a hard fought battle with cancer. He was at home surrounded by his family and friends.

Family Directed Memorial Services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 13, 2024, in Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon.  Viewing will be held Wednesday at the funeral home with family receiving friends for visitation from 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Cremation & Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Coy was born in Sayre, Okla., on May 5, 1964 to Patricia Ann Cook. As a young child, Coy loved that small town life and what it provided him and his imagination. Such as “running away” to catch the train as it rolled through town, along with the local sheriff knowing his momma’s first name as he called out to him “Coy, get down from that water tower before I have to call your momma, boy!”, and so much more that the family can recall. Soon he found himself living in the big city with his momma and younger sibling, and then he lost his mom to a life ending medical condition. Coy became an independent young man at the age of 14 taking care of himself. Even with this large life hurdle he graduated high school from Garden City High in May of 1982.

He attended college at Garden City Community College where he earned his Associate’s to be a Veterinary Medicine Assistant in 1984. During his time at Garden City Community College his was on the baseball team, as well as the rodeo team. Rodeo became his first love. Coy joined the PRCA and unofficially claimed the Bull Rider Rookie of the Year title his first-year in. He continued this career for 18 years until 1992. During this time, he was proud to know that he had rodeo-ed with some of the best in the world which included Cody Custer, Andy Taylor, Lane Frost, Leggs Stephenson, Charlie Sampson, Bobby DelVecchio, and many other greats.

When he left the rodeo industry behind it was for his newfound love of his life, Kimberly (Stehr) Cooper. Coy and Kim married on January 31, 1994, in Abilene, Texas. Coy and Kim shared four amazing children Dustin, Cortney, Dakota Spur, and Shyanne and nine grandchildren, who were his world. Coy was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, which was the highlight of his life. He loved the cowboy life and loved sharing stories and knowledge with all of those around him. Coy was a man of many talents, most of them coming from his stubborn ways and never taking the statement of “you don’t know how to do that” without always finding a way. He always had a cowboy’s attitude, “if you’re gonna be dumb you gotta be tough” and if you don’t know how to do it then figure it out. Coy was always a man of many words and if you couldn’t hear what he was saying you could always see it on his face.

Coy and Kim made Howardwick their home in 2018. This community is one that he had grown to love and care for. In the last 18 months of his life, he had grown very close with his son-in-law, Chris. They shared numerous stories, a wealth of knowledge, and a true friendship from this journey. Coy’s most quoted words he would leave us all with today would be “If you’re not living on the edge, you are taking up too much space.”

Coy is preceded in death by son Dakota Spur, mother Patrica Cook, Uncles Jim Cook and Gene Cook, and grandparents.

Coy is survived by wife Kimberly Cooper; son Dusitn and wife Elizabeth of Willow, Okla.; daughter Cortney and husband Chris of Clarendon; daughter Shyanne and husband Matt of Clarendon; grandchildren Cadence, Lily, Dakotah, Brance, Adalyn, Dalis, Crosby, Greeley, and soon to be born Baby Steele in August; adopted parents Steve and Heidi Phelps; and a host of cousins and extended family.

In lieu of flowers the family is accepting contributions to Coy’s funeral arrangements which can be made at Donley County State Bank, venmo @Cortney-Reuter-1, or cash app $WindyMoney05.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

Henry E. Michels was born June 30, 1945, in Madison Wisconsin, the son of Henry Joseph Michels and Irene Goldie (Rockwell) Michels. Henry was a father to a daughter Tonita (Toni)and longtime companion of Susan Kennedy. Henry was proud to be a truck driver for over 50 years, of which he owned his own trucking company, Fuzzy’s Transport, for 24 years.

He and his semi-truck also participated in tractor pulls yearly at the county fair in upstate new york.in his retirement, he loved transporting members of the Windsor Amish community and has done that for the past several years, making many friends in the Windsor area.

He enjoyed trips back to his home state of Wisconsin with his daughter and oh yeah, Wine tasting! He never met a stranger and everyone he ever crossed paths with is a happier person because of him.

In addition to his daughter Toni Cox (Jerod Cox) of Collinsville Oklahoma and his longtime companion Susan Kennedy of Windsor Missouri. Two Grandchildren: Michael Stefanatos and Kalleigh Cox, Brother Joe Michels (Mary) of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. A sister Irene Brimmer Wisconsin dells and Aunt Florence Abbs of Reedsburg Wisconsin and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by, Toni’s mother Barbara Michels, a son Henry Michels Jr, Brother Lawrence Michels, Sister Carolyn Harris and her husband Sonny and brother-in-law Norman Brimmer.

A celebration of life will be at Jaycee Athletic Park, 305 Hemlock St., in Sauk City on June 30 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Everett Williams, 79, of Memphis passed away at home June 3, 2024.

Services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 8, 2024, in the Memphis Church of Christ with Tom Anderson and Mark Lance, officiating.  Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery in Memphis.

Viewing will be held Friday, with the family receiving friends for visitation from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

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

He was born November 21, 1944, to Alexander and Virgie Hayes Williams.  He graduated from Broseley High in 1962.  On July 9, 1965, Everett married Gladys Curry at Depoyster Church of Christ.  They completed their family by adopting Michael, January 31, 1976, and Suzy, July 14, 1977.  His grandchildren were his delight.  Everett loved God and was a constant supporter of the Church.  He was a farmer all of his life, even when in college at Abilene Christian University, (1967).  He believed in farmers being organized and served on several boards.

He is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, David Williams.

He is survived by his wife, Gladys; one son, Michael Williams; one daughter, Suzy Banks; nine grandchildren, Trevor, Seth, and Zach Williams, Lauren Jordan, Yardli Beddingfield, Zoe and Thadius Lane, Kandal and Michala Banks; two great granddaughters, Leliana Williams and Kennedy Jordan; four brothers, Wes, Marvin, Ted, and Bill Williams; six sisters, Janice Eubanks, Janie McNeal, Janet Scott, Judy Williams, Joyce Sanders, Juanita Francis, Joanna Gauldin; a special cousin, Donald Willie and a multitude of cousins, in laws, and friends.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com.

Glenn Franklin Wallace, age 87, of Brady, Texas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at his residence in Brady.

Glenn was born November 23, 1936, in Clarendon to L. L. Wallace and Mary Elizabeth (Naylor) Wallace. He grew up in Clarendon and graduated from Clarendon High School. Upon graduation, Glenn attended Texas Tech University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. While in Lubbock, Glenn married his high school sweetheart Patricia Knox on August 31, 1957. After earning his bachelors, Glenn began working for Wallace Monument, a company started by his father, in Clarendon. Glenn and Pat had two sons, Matt and Tony. After Pat’s passing, Glenn married Sandra Keel on July 8, 1966. Together they welcomed their daughter, Jill. They lived in Clarendon for 15 years before moving to Brady, Texas, where he purchased Brady Monument Company in 1983. After Sandi’s passing in 2002, Glenn married Sharron Harris on September 4, 2013, in San Antonio. He retired from the monument business in 2011.

Glenn was civically oriented and actively involved in both the Clarendon and Brady communities. In both towns, he served on the City Council, was an active member of the Lions club and was affiliated with the Men’s Golf Association. In Clarendon, he was actively involved in the Jaycees. In Brady, he served as the Mayor Pro Tem, for one year, was a founding member of the Economic Development Corporation and served as a volunteer for various organizations. As the owner of Brady Monument, Glenn expanded the business to serve many surrounding counties and towns as far as San Antonio. He took pride in his work and was fulfilled by his career. This is exemplified by a quote hanging in his office that reads, “I tip my hat to the maker of monuments for his is the only work that lasts forever” (Holmes).

As a Christian, Glenn was an active member of the Methodist Church. His unwavering faith guided him all the years of his life. Glenn was a professor at Clarendon Junior College where he taught algebra. He obtained his pilot’s license in Clarendon and loved flying any chance he could. His passions included Texas history, traveling, and visiting casinos. Most weekends, he could be found on the golf course where he earned the nickname “Tombstone” by his golf buddies. His travels took him to the beach, antebellum homes, and historical places in Texas. If you knew Glenn, you know his favorite colors were red and black in honor of his beloved Red Raiders. Glenn loved laughter, telling jokes and always chose a positive outlook. He loved his friends and family fiercely and his pearls of wisdom will live on in their memories forever.

He is survived by his wife Sharron Wallace of Brady, Texas; son Tony Wallace and wife Ronda of Lubbock, Texas; daughter Jill Mays of Brownwood, Texas; step-son Cory Webb of San Angelo, Texas; sister Doris White of Clarendon, Texas; grandchildren Maggie Broll, Will Mays, Jessica Jordan, Danielle Wallace, Bryan Clayton, Ashley Ashman; five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Francis Johnson, wives Patricia Wallace and Sandi Wallace.

Funeral services were held on May 28, 2024, at the Methodist Church in Brady, Texas. Final funeral services were held in Clarendon on May 29, 2024, at the First Methodist Church in Clarendon with Rev. Chris Ford, officiating. Interment followed at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

Pallbearers in Brady and/or Clarendon include Will Mays, Wesley Broll, Logan Webb, David Hill, Ed Keith, Jeff Jordan, Cory Webb, Bryan Clayton, Mark White, Ty White, Trent White and Greg Leeper.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Glenn Wallace may be made to Hope from the Heart, P. O. Box 1207, Brady, Texas 76825.

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.