Obituaries

Judy Goodner Newton, 73, of Howardwick died on Monday, December 24, 2018 in Amarillo.

Memorial Services will be held on Friday, December 28, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. in Robertson Funeral Directors Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon.

Cremation & Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Judy was born October 23, 1945, in Tulsa, Okla., to Monte Christo Goodner and Jessie Meryl (Wigington) Goodner. She had been a longtime resident of Howardwick. She was an avid reader, enjoyed golf, playing cards, and crocheting. She made amazing biscuits and cookies.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Julie Papa; one brother; two sisters; a granddaughter, Jennifer; and Forrest Newton.

Survivors include her daughter, Denise Newton and partner Francine Bradley of Ringwood, New Jersey; a step son, Duston Newton and wife Crystal of Dallas; 6 grandchildren; and 6 great grandchildren.
The family suggests memorials be sent to the Clarendon Country Club.

Sign our online guest book at www.RobertsonFuneral.com

Walter Mars Warner of Clarendon died on December 18, 2018.

Walter was born in June of 1930 in Clarendon and was graduated from Clarendon High School, Midwestern State University, and Ohio University. He served his country as a 7th Cavalry medical corpsman during the Korean War.

Walt was a life-long educator, teaching at Wichita Falls High School, North Texas State University, Louisiana Tech University, and West Texas State University. He retired from River Road ISD in 1987.

He was predeceased by his wife, Billie Harris Warner and his parents, Abbye Parker Warner and Haverde Taylor (“H.T.”) Warner of Clarendon.

He is survived by his children Haverde and Kathy Warner of Goldthwaite, Rowena Boyd of Fort Worth, and Marcus Warner of Clarendon and his grandchildren Will Warner of Austin and Tess Warner of Denver.

Walter loved life, his family, small animals, and the outdoors-whether on a field trip or a fishing trip. He most loved teaching young people the science of the natural world.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Walt’s memory to Gracie’s Project of Amarillo or the Saints’ Roost Museum in Clarendon. Visitation is at Robertson Funeral Directors in Clarendon December 19 4 to 6 p.m., private family graveside service to follow, and a Celebration of Life will be held at 320 E. Barcus (Big Pink) in Clarendon at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 22, 2018.

Robert Lefloye Harmon Jr., 71, of Hedley died on Tuesday, December 18, 2018, in Clarendon.

A family directed memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2019 at 502 McDougal St. in Hedley, the time will be announced closer to the date.

Cremation & Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Robert was born on March 14, 1947 in Abilene to Robert Harmon Sr. and Mary Ellen Hankins Harmon. He was a self-employed construction worker for most of his life and attended the Church of Christ in Clarendon. He was a musician, a preacher, and a free spirit. He loved his coffee, fried chicken, and the Dallas Cowboys.

He was preceded in death by his parents

Survivors include his children Karon Ely and husband Larry of Hedley, Kelly Harmon and wife Cheryl of Amarillo, Jini Burnett of Hedley, and Morgan Harmon and wife Delilah of Hedley; one brother Gerald Harmon of Arlington; one sister Myrtle Ann Meza of Arlington; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

The family request memorials be sent to the Clarendon Nursing Home.

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

Dorothy Jane Hudson Stevens, 88, of Happy died on Saturday, December 8, 2018, in Dimmitt.
Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon with Rev. Tom Stribling, officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Dorothy was born on July 17, 1930, in Swisher County to Newell Clayborn Hudson and Kate McCraken Hudson.

She married Coy Stevens on July 15, 1950, in Tucumcari, New Mexico. She was a resident of Clarendon from 1980 to 2005 before moving to the Swisher and Castro County area. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Happy until the time of her death. She loved sewing and making clothes for her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a brother Bobby N. Hudson; two sisters Opal Cook and Leola Sexton; and a daughter-in-law Eddie Holland Cope.

She is survived by her son Jim Cope; two grandchildren Joda Crow and husband Greg and Jeffna Cox and husband Bruce; and four great-grandchildren Logan Crow, Jaycie Cox, Catherine Crow, and Devin Cox.

The family request memorials be sent to the Happy Volunteer Fire Dept. or the Happy Cemetery Association.

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

Richard Neal Vallance, 78, of Amarillo, died November 23, 2018.

Services were held on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel, Stan Cosby will be officiating. Burial will follow at Llano Cemetery. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

Richard was born July 20, 1940, in Memphis, Texas, to Dick and Ardis Vallance. Richard married Kay Green on June 4, 1964 in McLean, Texas. He worked for Albertsons, Furr’s Supermarkets, and retired from Lowe’s Home Improvement in 2012. He was a member of Pleasant Valley Assembly of God. His hobbies were painting, attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, and fishing. He loved his family and was well loved by his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his father- and mother-in-law Rev. Luther and Coraine Green and brother-in-law, Joe Shadle.

Richard is survived by his wife Kay Vallance, of Amarillo; two sons, David Vallance and wife Kristi, of Lavon, and Bryan Vallance and wife Valerie, of Amarillo; three sisters, Cherrye Shadle Howard of Clarendon, Dolfia Hearn and husband Billy of Montgomery, and Linda Tomlinson and husband Mack of Denton; seven grandchildren, Kalvin, Dillon, Aaron, Donovan, Kara, Amber and Stephanie; and three great-grandchildren, Eisley, Copeland, and Logan.

Robert “Bob” Kelly, 82, of Clarendon died on Monday, November 19, 2018, in Clarendon. Memorial Services with US Air Force Honors were held November 27, 2018, in Robertson Funeral Directors Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon with Sal Ceberna officiating.

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

Bob was born August 8, 1936, in Troy, New York, to James A. and Mary Kelly. He married Shirley Jean Keesee on June 8, 1957, in Amarillo. He served in the US Air Force for 20 years, serving in the Korean War as an air policeman and in Vietnam, where he was the supervisor of the K-9 section and was awarded a Commendation Medal and a Bronze Star. He also worked for the Department of Energy prior to his retirement. He had been a resident of Clarendon since 1979 and was a member of the VFW. He loved fishing, golfing, traveling, and his grandkids.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers; and three sisters.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Kelly of Clarendon; a son, Robert Kelly and wife Nicky of Houston; a daughter, Kim Sciacca and husband Andrew of Durham, North Carolina; a brother, Chuck Kelly of Albany, New York; a sister, Joan Greely of New York; five grandchildren, Matt Kelly, Chantelle Ware, Savannah Kelly, Kaylee Sciacca, and Andrew “Buddy” Sciacca, Jr.; and five great grandchildren, McKaden Lax, Annie Dendy, Holland Kelly, Allie Ware, and Lindsey Ware.

The family request memorials be sent to Faith City Missions, PO Box 870, Amarillo, TX 79105.

Mary A. McAnear, 86, of Clarendon died on Thursday, October 25, 2018 in Borger.
Graveside Services were held on Saturday, October 27, 2018 in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon with Chuck Robertson, officiating.

Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Mary was born August 11, 1932, in Memphis to John and Connie Evans. She married Sam McAnear on November 23, 1957, in Memphis. She has been a resident of Clarendon since 1972 and had worked at Clifford’s Grocery, Riggs Farm & Ranch, Sanders Law Firm, Panhandle Community Services, and Donley County Senior Citizens prior to her retirement. She loved quilting, sewing, and being a homemaker. She was a charter member of the Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon.
She was preceded in death by her husband Sam, on September 9, 1995; her parents; and 2 brothers, Frank and Aubrey Evans.

She is survived by her son, Stuart McAnear of Clarendon; her daughter, Connie Sparks and husband Tony of Panhandle; 3 grandchildren, Tiffany Dawn McAnear and fiancé Tommy Vail of Houston, Johnnie Ova and husband Chris and Jamee Emo and husband Danny all of Paola, Kansas; 10 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

The family suggests memorials be sent to Citizens Cemetery Association / PO Box 983 / Clarendon, TX 79226.

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

Phyllis Ann Demerson, 59, of Amarillo, died Sunday October 21, 2018.

Wake services will be held Friday, October 26, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at St. John Baptist Church, 2301 NW 14th Ave in Amarillo. Celebration of life service will be held Saturday, October 27, at 1:00 p.m. at Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ, 323 Oak Drive in Amarillo with Pastor Anthony B. Harris officiating and Superintendent Elijah Demerson eulogizing. Burial will follow at Llano Cemetery by Golden Gate Mortuary, 1416 N. Hughes Street in Amarillo.

Phyllis was born September 24, 1959, in Panola County to Golee and Georgia Calloway. She completed her schooling in Clarendon and resided there for many years. Phyllis was a faithful member of True Church of God in Christ and a pillar in the Clarendon community where she participated in various committees and boards. While residing in Clarendon she owned and operated a very successful restaurant which allowed her to share her love of cooking with many people. She also developed a passion for flowers and if you passed by a beautiful yard full of vibrant flowers you knew that’s where Phyllis lived!

Phyllis met the love of her life, Edmond Demerson “Honey” and they were married on April 19, 2003. Upon moving to Amarillo she united and became an active and faithful member of St. John Baptist Church. She was involved in several ministries under the leadership of the late Pastor Grover Neal and later under the leadership of current Pastor, Anthony B. Harris.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son, 2 grandsons, granddaughter, and 4 brothers.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her husband Edmond Demerson; her daughters Lashonda (Nathan) Lowrie of Clarendon, Tangelia Smith of Lubbock, and Clarissa & Stephanie Smith of Amarillo; her children through marriage Dwan (LaKisha) Moore, Shawn Demerson, Rachel Alexander, Shannon (Chris) Green, Shante (Jermaine) Boldon and Shad Demerson; 22 grandchildren, 2 great grandchild; her siblings Annie (Curtis) Smith, Jewel (Larnce) Gardner, Charles Calloway, Judy (Orsbain) Perkins, Gloria Smith, Ruby Hearn, Vanessa (Ricky) Malone, and Kenneth Calloway; a host of nieces and nephews; her St. John Baptist Church family, her Longenecker and Associates work family, many cousins, and special friends whose lives were greatly impacted by her kind, loving and giving spirit.

Tommy Daniel Bolin, 62, of Giles, Texas died Tuesday, October 9, 2018, in Childress.

Memorial services were held on October 14, 2018, in Robertson Saints’ Roost Chapel, Clarendon, with Michael Johnson officiating.

Dan was born on November 22, 1955, in McLean to Tommy and Sally Cole Bolin. He attended Hedley School, Clarendon College, and Ambassador College in Big Sandy, Texas. Dan loved playing and watching basketball. He was awarded All-State in high school and he also played at Clarendon College and Ambassador College.

In 1983 he married Karen Henson and together they had 2 children, Sarah and Matthew. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and playing dominoes with friends. Dan was as a masonry and worked for B&H Landscaping. He was a member of the Living Church of God where he was involved in spokesman club and played on the church basketball, volleyball, and baseball teams. He loved the Lord, his family, and his friends.

He is survived by a daughter, Sarah Holland of Memphis; son, Matthew Bolin of McLean; 2 brothers, David and Ricky; 2 sisters, Nicki and Kim; 2 step children, Chris Henson and Tamara Finnegan; a Grandson, Kaleb; and the mother of his children, Karen Bolin.

Phillip “Hunk” Hermesmeyer, 88, of Clarendon died Wednesday, October 10, 2018, in Amarillo.

Rosary will be said at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 11, 2018, in Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Groom. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 12, 2018, in the Church with Fr. Arokia Raj Samala, as the celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Groom.

Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Hunk was born July 26, 1930, on a place sheltered by cedars at the edge of the caprock southeast of Jericho. The Hermesmeyer brothers moved there in 1907 and for 99 years, Hermesmeyers lived and worked there.

“They didn’t know much about Catholics in Jericho,” Hunk said of the time his family settled there. “My family either managed to go somewhere to Church or have the priest come to them.” Hunk was a faithful Catholic his whole life.

Hunk spent his working life taking care of farms and ranches and helping neighbors. He spent many years tending to the Johnson Ranch. He had fond memories of neighbors like Charlie McMurtry and John Blocker. Hunk and his brother Johnny were very active in the rodeo association in Clarendon.

Hunk retired in 2005 and moved to Clarendon. He said he could have moved anywhere, but “this is the kind of people I like.” In retirement, Hunk drove the whole Panhandle collecting an enormous amount of cans and scrap aluminum. Hunk collected pocketknives and had much respect for craftsmen of all kinds. Hunk had a bottomless well of jokes and loved to make friends, neighbors, and strangers laugh.

He was preceded in death by his sweet wife Geraldine; parents, Frank and Nell Hermesmeyer; brothers, Frank “Bud” and Johnny Bill; and sisters, Mary Pauline Kline, Nell Britten, and Bernadette.

He is survived by his sister, Joan Gulde of Amarillo; many nieces and nephews, including Cindy Foster and husband Brett of Borger and their sons, Brady and Brody; as well as Bill Hermesmeyer of Panhandle; and two step-daughters, Jeri Lynn McGowan and husband David and Patricia Ann Coffey and husband Bob.

The family requests memorials be sent to St. Mary’s Catholic Church Building Fund in Clarendon.