Obituaries

Mary Lou Phelps, 82, of De Leon, Texas and formerly of Hobbs, New Mexico, went home to her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, February 27, 2018, with her loving family by her side.

She was born February 10, 1936, in Silverton, Texas to Fladger Alfred Fitzgerald and Ruby Elena Strange Fitzgerald.

To capture the fullness of Mary Lou’s (“Mom”, “Meme” and “George”) life in a few sentences is difficult, but we will give it our best. She was a daughter of a policeman, a 1953 graduate of Clarendon High School, a cheerleader, wore cat-eyed glasses and danced the Jitterbug. She began her career as a telephone operator then moved on to become one of the real Madmen-era secretaries that helped lay the path for women in business. Through Mary Lou’s hard work and determination, she retired as an office manager and even continued to work until her passing.

Mary Lou loved sports – especially University of Texas football and basketball. As a lifelong Longhorn fan and in her later years, many Saturdays were spent cheering on the Burnt Orange and White in her favorite chair with her dog “Pickles” nearby. Hook ‘em Horns! Mary Lou enjoyed antiquing and the thrill of the garage sale hunt. She was especially passionate about Goofus decorative glass and at one time had one of the largest collections around. Mary Lou was a member of Pyatt Baptist Church. She located to the De Leon area in 2010 to live near one of her sons and daughter-n-law. The most important thing to Mary Lou was her family and she loved and cared for them as nothing less than a matriarch. She was a funny, spirited and loving mother, daughter, sister and friend and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Mary Lou leaves behind a large, loving legacy in her family. She is survived by her children; Dan Whitsell and wife, Amy, Tony Whitsell and wife, Christi, Dennis Whitsell and wife, Beth, and Denise Court-DeVore and husband, Adrian; grandchildren, Lauren Whitsell, John Whitsell, Eric Lester, Jeston Whitsell and wife, Angel, Tyler Garrett Whitsell and wife, Courtney, Caitlan Chagnon and husband, Noah, A. Josiah Whitsell and wife, Cristina, Annelise Baker and husband, Chase, Luke Whitsell, Madison Whitsell, Adanna Court and Adam Court; nine great- grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Fladger and Ruby Fitzgerald; brother, Gary Fitzgerald; and husband of twenty years, Daniel Whitsell.

A Celebration of Mary Lou’s life was held Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Nowlin Anders Funeral Home, De Leon, with Tony Whitsell officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Stroke Foundation. Condolences may be offered online at www.nowlinandersfh.com.

Kenneth Neal Koen, 78, died Saturday, February 10,2018, in Wichita Falls, Texas. A private burial in Citizen’s Cemetery.

Mr. Koen was born August 5, 1939, in Clarendon to D. B. and Orvetta Koen. He attended Clarendon Independent School District and graduated from Memphis High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force. Mr. Koen was employed by DFW Airport. He retired to Bowie, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents D. B. and Orvetta Koen of Clarendon, stepmother Cellie Koen of Memphis, his brother Lynn Koen of Florida, stepbrother George Stanley of Lawton, Oklahoma, and one grandson and granddaughter.

He is survived by his wife Sharon Koen of Wichita Falls, brother Truitt Koen of Houston, his sons Paul Koen and his wife Mercy of Bowie and Brian of Granbury, stepdaughter Tracy Otis and her husband Robert of Jacksonville, Florida, stepson Todd Clemens of Wichita Falls, stepsister JoAnn Dickens of Clarendon, six grandchildren, and 4 greatgrandchildren.

In lieu of flower, please send donations to Senior Citizens of Clarendon.

Leslie James Burleson, Jr., 75, of Clarendon died Wednesday, February 21, 2018 in Clarendon.

Family Directed Memorial Services will be 3:00 PM Saturday, February 24, 2018 in the Clarendon Church of Christ with Don Stone and Chris Moore, officiating.

Cremation & Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

James was born September 30, 1942 in Gatesville to Frankie Eva and Leslie James Burleson, Sr. He married Beatrice Beard on June 6, 1964 in Clarendon. He had been a resident of Clarendon since 1960 where he worked at Clifford’s Grocery Store prior to his retirement. He did help with Boy Scouts and was a giver and a mentor to many. He also loved watching John Wayne. He was a member of the Clarendon Church of Christ.

James was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; a brother, Lee Burleson; and a sister, Leta Anders.
Survivors include 2 sons, Ronald Burleson and wife Andrea and Doug Burleson all of Clarendon; 3 sisters in law, Roberta Sewell of Borger, Melinda Messier of Chico, and Karen Burleson of Woodway; 2 grandchildren, Autumn and Samantha; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Sign our online guest book at www.RobertsonFuneral.com

Gary Dean “Butch” Cady, 69, of Clarendon died Friday, February 23, 2018, in Clarendon.

Private Memorial Services will be Family Only.

Cremation & Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Butch was born October 11, 1948, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois to Millis Lee and Mary Eileen Shields Cady. He had been a resident of Clarendon the past 25 years. He was very good about helping anybody and fixing people’s cars. He was a Mechanic prior to his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, Jerry and Eugene Cady; and by 2 sisters, Roberta Harris and Donna Landis.

He is survived by a son, Scott Cady and wife Mandy of Houston; a daughter, Mary Lowers and fiancé Jason Holter of Houston; 2 sisters, Jaci Mincey of Clarendon and Sally Wright of Phoenix, Arizona; 4 grandchildren, Cade Thomas, Hayes Scott, Ainslie Katherine, and Sadie Grace; a special niece, Brittany Davis of Clarendon and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sign our online guest book at www.RobertsonFuneral.com

Lynn D. Spier passed from this life on Friday, February 23, 2018.

Mr. Spier was born on April 11, 1942, in Dumas, Texas to J. H. “Junior” and Wilma Spier. He was a 1960 graduate of Clarendon High School and received his Bachelors of Business Administration from North Texas University in 1965. In 1965 he was drafted into the United States Army. He was a Sgt. in the Military Intelligence and received National Defense Service Medal, Sharp Shooter Badge and Marksmans Badge. After his military service, he was employed by the Peace Corps for many years and later resided in the Washington D.C. area prior to moving to Howardwick, Texas in 2011.

Lynn was a man of great heart who loved art, music and most of all making friends. He is very fondly remembered by family and friends from across the United States for his kindness and generosity. He was a world traveler who embraced new cultures and friends where ever he went.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Maureen Delaney of Fairfax, VA and two brothers, Bill Spier and wife Darlene, and Mike Spier and wife Neva, all of Clarendon, Texas. Four nieces: Gina Reeves, Brigett Kash, Nicole Rivera, and NeAnne Clinton and two nephews; Darren Spier and Hunter Spier.

Mr. Spier will be cremated and in lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be sent to Clarendon Senior Citizens, Clarendon TX, the ASPCA or any charity of your choice.

Kenneth Neal Koen, 78, died Saturday, February 10,2018, in Wichita Falls, Texas. A private burial in Citizen’s Cemetery.

Mr. Koen was born August 5, 1939, in Clarendon to D. B. and Orvetta Koen. He attended Clarendon Independent School District and graduated from Memphis High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force. Mr. Koen was employed by DFW Airport. He retired to Bowie, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents D. B. and Orvetta Koen of Clarendon, stepmother Cellie Koen of Memphis, his brother Lynn Koen of Florida, stepbrother George Stanley of Lawton, Oklahoma, and one grandson and granddaughter.

He is survived by his white Sharon Koen of Wichita Falls, brother Truitt Koen of Houston, his sons Paul Koen and his wife Mercy of Bowie and Brian of Granbury, stepdaughter Tracy Otis and her husband Robert of Jacksonville, Florida, stepson Todd Clemens of Wichita Falls, stepsister JoAnn Dickens of Clarendon, six grandchildren, and 4 greatgrandchildren.

In lieu of flower, please and donations to Senior Citizens of Clarendon.

Clayton Scott Martin was born on September 24, 1955. He passed away on February 14, 2018, at home.

Graveside services were held on February 18, 2018, in Flomot Memorial Park Cemetery in Flomot, Texas with Chuck Robertson, officiating. Masonic Rites will be by Clarendon Masonic Lodge #700, AF & AM.

Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

His mother Joy Lee Martin and Father Jerrel Martin lived on the Mill Iron ranch where they raised Scott until he was 3 years old when they made the move to Clarendon to work at the Bitter Creek Ranch. Scott would grow up on the ranch with his brother Mitchell and sister Jayne and would attend school at Clarendon.

Scott was involved in many activities in school including 4-H and FFA and high school football where he was proud to have been a part of the 1972 State Finalist football team. Scott graduated from Clarendon High School and would enter the Ranch and Feedlot Operations program at Clarendon Junior College. Scott graduated from the RFO program and would take a job at the Waggoner Ranch in 1975 where he would spend many years as a cowboy.

Scott married Shonda Kaye Lyons on July 10, 1976, at Matador First Baptist Church. Scott and Shonda welcomed their only child Shanon Scott Martin on December 27, 1982.

They would live and work on the Waggoner Ranch until March of 1993 when Scott would join his father Jerrel and brother Mitchell to work on the Bitter Creek Ranch at Clarendon. Scott would work for the ranch until 1996 when he joined the Texas Department of Transportation where he would work until he retired in 2015. He would then join Donley County Road maintenance in 2015 where he worked until the time of his death.

Scott was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Vernon where he would be the Master of the Lodge in 1991-1992. After moving to Clarendon, he joined the Khiva Shrine of Amarillo and the Khiva Muleskinners.

Scott enjoyed cooking with the Muleskinners at different events including the Clarendon 4th of July Celebration, getting together with family, and hunting with his good friends and son Shanon. He enjoyed travelling to College Station where his son Shanon lives and attending sporting events at Texas A&M. Scott was a beloved husband and father who will be missed by many.

He is preceded in death by his father Jerrel Martin and his mother Joy Lee Martin.

He is survived by his wife Shonda Martin and son Shanon Martin, brother Mitchell Martin and sister in law Mary

Martin, sister Jayne McElroy and brother in law Kick McElroy. He is also survived by nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Scott.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Khiva Shrine of Amarillo. Khiva Shrine P.O. Box 328 Amarillo, TX 79105.
Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

Louvetta Cowan Estes of Clarendon was born in Estelline on November 8, 1925, to Randy and Myrtle Wallace Cowan. She passed into the arms of her Heavenly Father on February 8, 2018, at the age of 92.

Celebration of Life Services were held on Sunday, February 11, 2018 in Robertson Funeral Directors Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon with Rev. Lance Wood, officiating. Burial will follow in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.
Arrangements were under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Louvetta graduated from Clarendon High School in 1943. Louvetta married Bailey Estes on May 8, 1952, in Clarendon and they had two children, Stephen Bailey Estes and Melissa Estes Butts. They lived in Clarendon until 2007 when they moved to Lubbock but never considered any place ‘home’ except Clarendon.

After Bailey passed away in 2010, Louvetta moved to San Antonio. Louvetta worked as a Telephone Operator until 1952 when she and Bailey married at which time she stayed home to become a housewife and mother. She was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Clarendon.

She loved children and served as den mother for cub scouts in the 1950’s. She enjoyed playing dominoes with Bailey and her family. She was an avid reader and enjoyed watching game shows. When she was unable to attend church, she watched live broadcasts on Sunday morning. She enjoyed entertaining and amazing family and friends with her ability to recite many poems, stories, and songs from memory.

Louvetta was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years; her parents; two brothers, J.R. Cowan and H.R. Cowan; three sisters, Bessie Thompson, Marzelle Russell and Nelta Mann.

Survivors include a son, Stephen Bailey Estes of Clarendon; daughters, Melissa Butts and husband John of San Antonio and Toza Jones and husband Cecil of Lubbock; grandchildren, Bryant Jones and wife Jamie, Lafonda Miller and husband Jeremy, Stephanie Estes-Davidson and husband Josh, Eric Butts and Kyle Butts; step grandson, Jerod Moore and wife Terri; seven great grandchildren, Bradley Jones, Tabatha Jones, Chase Jones, Baylee Jones, Cassius Miller, Angeline Chavez, Evan Bailey Estes; and a host of extended relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Mulkey Theatre Project, c/o Clarendon EDC, PO Box 826, Clarendon, TX 79226, or a church of choice.

Sign our online guest book at www.RobertsonFuneral.com

Harold Manley Pinion, 89, of Howardwick died peacefully and went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, February 5, 2018, in Memphis.

Services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 9, 2018, in the Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon with Rev. Anthony Knowles and Rev. Larry Capranica, officiating. Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. in Llano Cemetery in Amarillo with Rev. Darrell Burton, officiating.

Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon. The family will receive friends for visitation from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Harold was born May 31, 1928, in Mason, Olfuskee County, Oklahoma to Clarence and Dora Pinion. He lived in Amarillo most of his adult life before moving to Howardwick in 1988. He married Jean Coin on May 26, 1949, in Clovis, New Mexico. He was a very hard worker in construction for Gilvin and Terrell. He was a loving husband for 65 years, a loving father, papa, and great papa. He loved God and his family dearly. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, gardening “the best tomatoes and apricots ever”, dancing, playing cards, and singing in the Church choir. He loved spending time with his sisters and his girls.

He had a strong heart and hands. He will be missed greatly by his family and friends. He was a member of the Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon. The Pinion family would like to extend our gratitude to all the staff at Memphis Convalescent Center and to Kindred Hospice for their attentiveness and loving care.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Pinion, his daddy and mother, Clarence and Dora Pinion; 4 sisters, Nita Belle Pope, Rita Nichols, Babe Allen, and Lola B. Irwin; 2 special nephews, C.A. Nichols and Jerry Irwin.

Survivors include his five daughters, LaVerne Pinion of Howardwick, Phyllis Chastain and Patti Pinion of Amarillo, Brenda Hill and husband Tommy and Debra Hill and husband Danny of Clarendon; 6 grandchildren, Michael and Cristy Mullinix of Greentown, Indiana, Dave and Denise Chastain of Austin, Chris and Courtney D’Costa of Amarillo, Timaree Chastain of Amarillo, Lauren and Frank Graves of Clarendon, Jarad Lax of Stillwater, Oklahoma; 10 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

The family suggest memorials be to their favorite charity.

Sign our online guest book at www.RobertsonFuneral.com

Sergeant Hershel Leroy Smith was born on July 17th, 1939, in McLean, TX to Riley and Effie Smith and passed into glory on February 5th, 2018 from his home in Lelia Lake. Hershel served in the Army reserves from 1956-1958 and in the US Navy from 1958-1962. He married Frances Cawlfield on Feb 4, 1966, in McLean and later that year he began a career with the Texas Dept. of Public Safety. He was first stationed in Houston and in 1969 he was transferred to the Lubbock office. He was moved to Amarillo in 1976 where was remained until he retired.

While in Lubbock he accepted Christ as his savior. In 1974 he surrendered to music ministry. He was later ordained and served as a deacon at Memorial Baptist church in Lubbock and Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Amarillo. He was licensed to the gospel ministry in 1976 and later ordained as a minister in 1983. At the time of his death he was the pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Amarillo.

Hershel was an avid Christian and golfer and used his love of golf to share the gospel with whoever he could. He had a desire to share Jesus Christ and the gift of God’s grace with everyone he met and loved.

Hershel is survived by his wife of 52 years, Frances Smith, his daughters, Ginger McMullin and Heather Branham and husband Alan of the Amarillo and Canyon area. Also by his adopted son and daughter, Rodney and Kerri Cross of Amarillo. He leaves behind six grandchildren, Asher McMullin and wife Beth, Zeke Smith and wife Randi, Lydia Handon and husband Ben, Tori Staley and husband Jesse, Josiah McMullin and wife Kristen and Rachel McMullin and by six great grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers Arvin and Warren Smith and sister Sadie Green as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews that he loved. He is preceded in death by his parents, his son, Heath Smith, his brothers Freddie, Larry, Harold (Casper) and James Smith and his sister, Helen Anderson.

Services will be Thursday, February 8th at 2:00 pm at Oasis (Southwest Baptist Church) in Amarillo, Texas officiated by Pastor Anthony Pennington and Internment at Memory Gardens.