Obituaries

James Ray “Jim” Philley, 78, of Clarendon died Saturday, November 25, 2017, in Amarillo.

Memorial services were held Wednesday, November 29, 2017, in the First Baptist Church in Clarendon with Rev. Lance Wood, officiating.

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

Jim was born July 15, 1939, in Phoenix, Arizona to Stephen Oran and Madelion Davis Philley. He married Joyce Marie Hall on December 30, 1986, in San Jon, New Mexico. Jim grew up at Clarendon and was a longtime resident. He was a truck driver prior to his retirement. He volunteered at Donley County Senior Citizens and the Bread of Life ministry. He helped anyone in need. He was a man after God’s own heart and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Clarendon where he taught Sunday School.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, John Philley; and a sister in law, Dee Philley.

Survivors include his wife Joyce Philley of Clarendon; 4 sons, Lane Philley and wife Sandra of Canyon, Kent Philley and wife Janie of Amarillo, Slade Philley and wife Dayna of San Jon, New Mexico and, Ricky Mills and wife Paula of Allen; 2 daughters, Janis Walker and Karen Maddox and husband Herman all of Vernon; a brother, Bob Philley of Amarillo; 2 sisters, Glenda Castillo of Birmingham, Alabama and Kay Dye of Howardwick; his aunt, Ethel Luker of Amarillo; and 23 grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The family request memorials be sent to the Donley County Senior Citizens, PO Drawer B, Clarendon, TX 79226.

Sign our online guest book at www.RobertsonFuneral.com

Eunice Carolyn Johnson Halbert was called home to be with Jesus in heaven on November 17, 2017, in Wichita Falls. Celebration services were held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 22, 2017, at the Crowell United Methodist Church with Rev. Pat Rodriguez, Pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Crowell Eunice officiating. Burial will follow at the Crowell Cemetery.

Carolyn Halbert was born on January 31, 1913, in Clarendon to Carrie and David Johnson. She attended public schools there and attended Clarendon Junior College. She graduated valedictorian from Clarendon Grade School, Clarendon High School and Clarendon Junior College. Then she spent two summers at Simmons University and one full year at the University of Texas in Austin where she graduated with honors in 1936.

At age 19 she joined forces with Bob Dillard, principal, and Agatha Taylor, teaching two years at the intermediate grades, at Windy Valley, some four miles south of Lelia Lake. Then, for one year, she taught at Chamberlain School, which was a three-teacher school but by attending college in the summers she emerged from UT with three years of college and three years of teaching. Following her final college year, she accepted the position of English teacher at Ozona.

On February 20, 1937, she married Grady Halbert of Foard County, Texas. When his father, EV Halbert, died in 1939, the couple moved to Foard City where Grady became manager of his mother’s farms. They lived there and later a Crowell until 2000 when they moved to Wichita Falls, living at rolling meadows, a retirement center. Eunice was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Sybil and two brothers, Hooker who died at nine months and Gilbert who died as a teenager and finally her husband William Grady Halbert who died in 2004.

Eunice excelled in her grades, enjoyed high school and college plays, studied expression from the fourth grade until her Senior speech recital in 1932. She was a member of the Little Theater of Clarendon. She then shared her talent by giving private lessons for nine years in speaking and book reviews. She became an award winning speaker. She was an active member in the Columbian study club from 1938 and various civic clubs until moving to Wichita Falls. She taught Sunday School at the Crowell United Methodist Church.

She and Grady spent many happy summers on and in the mountains around South Fork County making lifelong friends and memories. They also traveled the world with health and vigor.

She authored three novellas, two concerning Cynthia Ann Parker, wife of Comanche Chief Quanah Parker: Two Feathers and Comanche Love and, finally, the third, her biography, The Tin Cup relating to her remarkable memories from the age of three until she left the nest to teach in Ozona.

She is survived by son Bill Halbert from Denver, Coloradp and daughter Hollis Harper from Granbury, Texas and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Crowell, Friends of the Library in Crowell or a charity of your choice.

Cloe Ann Noles Newhouse, 80 died Thursday, November 16, 2017, in Murphy, Texas.

Services were held on Monday, November 20, 2017, in the Clarendon Church of Christ with Don Stone, officiating and Bright Newhouse, III, assisting.

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

Cloe Ann was born February 26, 1937, in Fisher County to Cleo Austin Noles and Bessie Louise Noles. She married Bright Newhouse, Jr. on October 1, 1955, in Fisher County, Texas. Cloe Ann has been a resident of Clarendon since 1962. For over ten years, she taught Special Needs Children through the Clarendon School District. For the next 30 years, she worked at the same location under the bank names of: Farmers State Bank, First Bank and Trust, Herring National Bank and retired as one of the Vice Presidents of the Herring Bank.

Following retirement, Cloe Ann assisted for years at the Donley County Senior Citizens Center by volunteering her time with the Meals on Wheels program or where ever she was needed. Cloe Ann was a member and served alongside her husband Bright, as he was the minister of the Hedley Church of Christ where he preached for over 50 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Bright Newhouse, Jr; her parents, Cleo and Bessie Louise Noles; a brother, Ralph Noles; a granddaughter, Amy Newhouse; and a grandson in law, Dustin Monroe.

She is survived by 2 sons, Mike Newhouse and wife Rhonda and Bright “Bubba” Newhouse, III and wife Theresa all of Clarendon; a daughter, Kim Maxfield and husband Ken of Murphy; 10 grandchildren; and 26 great grandchildren.

The family request memorials be sent to either the Donley County Senior Citizens, PO Drawer B, Clarendon, TX 79226 or the Christian Relief Fund, PO Box 19670, Amarillo, TX 79114-1670.
Sign our online guest book at www.RobertsonFuneral.com

Earline Stavenhagen Strand, 81, passed away November 12, 2017.

Services were held on Saturday, November 18, at Calvary Church of Weatherford, Texas.

Interment followed in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon following a memorial service on Sunday, November 19.

Earline was born on July 25, 1936, in Cotton Center. She attended school in Lelia Lake, where she graduated in 1955. She was active in sports and was on the girls’ basketball team.

Earline married Billy Gene Strand and they moved to Clovis, New Mexico. They had three children together and raised their family there. Earline and her identical twin Pearline had the same profession in cosmetology. She had her own beauty shop for a while in Clovis. Earline moved to Texas and resided there until her death.

Earline was preceded in death by her parents, John and Ira Elizabeth Stavenhagen; two brothers, Ed Stavenhagen and James Stavenhagen; twin-sister, Pearline Jobe McCuiston; and two grandsons, Nicholas “Nick” Miner and Christopher Rogers.

She is survived by one daughter, Kathy Perry; two sons, Billy Dwayne Strand and Bryan Derek Strand; three grandchildren, Kirstyn, Brandon and Braydon Strand; one great-grandson, Aaron Rogers; and three brothers, Mac Stavenhagen and wife Jean, Billy Wayne Stavenhagen and wife, Annis; and W.G. “Wimp” Stavenhagen and wife Liz and sister-in-law Virginia Stavenhagen.

Earl Wayne Cole, 75, died Wednesday, November 1, 2017, in Memphis.

Services were held Saturday, November 4, 2017, in the Fellowship Community Church in Clarendon with Rev. Larry Capranica officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Wayne was born September 28, 1942 in Hereford to Raeman and Kathleen Cole. He was a funeral director in Olton for several years where he was a member of Lions Club, Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance service, as well as the director of civil defense. He married Mary Braddock on October 13, 1988, in Clarendon.

He had been a resident of Clarendon for more than 35 years where he worked at Clarendon College as well as operated his own Heating and Air Conditioning business. He was a member of the Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon. He loved woodworking, coin collecting, reading, his family, and helping people.

He was preceded by his parents; his first wife and mother of his children, Julia Ann “Jan” in July 1982.
He is survived by his wife Mary Cole of Clarendon; two sons Anthony Cole of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Brad Braddock of Amarillo; two daughters Taralena David and husband Shane of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Tonya Braddock of Clarendon; two brothers Carol Cole and wife Barbara of Salado and Jessy Cole and wife Jody of Weatherford; three sisters Loretta Bills and husband Clifford of Earth, Frances Watkins of Salado, and Regina Meeks and husband Jim of Amarillo; three grandchildren Brianna Braddock, Brock Braddock, and Cason David; and numerous nieces and nephews

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society
Sign our online guest book at www.RobertsonFuneral.com

After living every day to the fullest, Bill Dale Hill passed away in his sleep on November 3, 2017.

Bill entered this world in Clarendon., on August 30, 1937. His parents must have given this new baby one look and knew what joy he would bring to others so they gave him the name that just makes you smile — “Bill Hill”. Bill lived his life as a warm, friendly and positive force that made everyone in the room better for knowing him. Bill was a true man of faith and had the gift of making every person he met feel heard and accepted.

After graduating from Clarendon High School, Bill earned both a Bachelors and Masters in Education from West Texas State University. Next, Bill began his career with the Amarillo Independent School District where he opened Puckett Elementary School as the principal. Principal Hill met every Puckett student at the front door to provide love and support for their school day. A hero at school and outside, his large extended family and friends can attest that Bill came to the aid of anyone who needed encouragement during a challenging time. Bill also received the highest national honor from the American Red Cross for saving a man from drowning by lassoing him from a river.

A devoted husband, Bill met the love of his life, Mary Ann Garner, in Clarendon and they were married for 62 years. The two were a dynamic couple both working in education and spending many of their summers as co-directors of a Christian camp in New Mexico. Bill and Mary also worked together at church, charity and fun – cruising and exercising. After retiring from the Amarillo ISD, Bill and Mary moved to central Texas. Bill continued to mentor others and share his expertise as an adjunct professor at Texas State University supervising student teachers.

A man of deep faith, Bill lived a way that all could see the light inside of him. At family gatherings a collective sigh of relief came when Bill was called to say the prayer knowing that his prayer would be a genuine and easy to understand conversation with God that would be sprinkled with humor and never boring. When someone in the family passed away and did not have a “go to” pastor, Bill was the “go to” family member called upon to lead the service. Grieving loved ones knew that Bill would make all that attended feel better. Bill served as a Deacon at Trinity Baptist Church of Amarillo, and later as a deacon and Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church of Canyon Lake.

Bill is predeceased by his father Dale Roy Hill, mother Marie Hill and sister Phyllis June Damm. He is survived by his wife Mary, daughter Phyllis Clary and husband Charles, and son Trent Hill and wife Carole. He is also survived by grandchildren, Reed Redus and wife Amy, Rily Redus and wife Rebekah, John Wayne Hill and wife Megan, Naudia Vasquez, Nikolaus Roark, and Alex Clary and great grandchildren, Noah and Emmarie Redus, Sierra, Ella,and Caleb Redus , Ryan and Jace Hill, Lauren Clary. Bill will be forever remembered by his large family and numerous dear friends.

Visitation and services were held at First Baptist Church of Canyon Lake, Texas, on Tuesday, November 7. Graveside service was at Fischer Cemetery at 2:30.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be sent to the Bill and Mary Hill Fund at the Amarillo Area Foundation. This fund supports numerous charities including Clarendon ones and the Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch. Amarillo Area Foundation, 801 South Fillmore, Suite 700, Amarillo, TX 79101, 806.376.4521.

Billy J. Hodges, 86, of Clarendon passed away on Wednesday, November 1, 2017.

Services were held on Saturday, November 4, 2017, in the Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon, with Rev. Anthony Knowles officiating. Burial follwed in Llano Cemetery in Amarillo. Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Bill was born at home in Aubrey on February 3, 1931. His parents were Samuel and Martha Weddle Hodges. After graduating from Pilot Point High School, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a member of the VFW and the American Legion. He married Judy Malone Hodges on February 3, 1968, at Pleasant Valley Christian Church in Amarillo. Bill was selling rose bushes for the Pleasant Valley Lions Club the day they married. After his retirement from the City of Amarillo, Bill and Judy moved to Clarendon to grow a garden. They found the people very friendly as they are many times in a small town. He was a member of the Donley County Senior Citizens and a charter member of the Community Fellowship Church. Bill enjoyed reading books, serving others by volunteering, and watching God’s beautiful sunset. Peace is seeing a sunset and knowing who to thank. He was a humble and gentle man with a great sense of humor. Bill had that special deep down kind of love.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Charles Hodges and Sam Hodges; one sister, Kathryn Griffin; and one great-grandson, Dylon Miller.

Survivors include his wife Judy; two daughters, Reba Zollars and Teresa Hodges; one sister, Evalynn Lefler; four grandchildren, Mike Sells, Travis Stroope, Bobbie Jo Muffley, and Candance Smith; and 11 great-grandchildren

Thank you and many blessings to all of the individuals who cared for him. The family requests that memorials be sent to a favorite charity of your choosing.

Sign our online guest book at www.RobertsonFuneral.com

Wayne “Sambo” Kotara was born in Pampa on March 4, 1943, to Sam and Irene Kotara alongside his twin sister Elayne.

Wayne was a resident of Groom for all of his 74 years, attending school in Groom and living in the family home until he married wife Adela in 1964. He then moved into a house just across the road, living on the same five acres for his entire life. He farmed and raised cattle, and started Kotara Cattle Company with his brother Ronald. Wayne was an active member of the Groom community. He served as a member of the Carson County ASCS committee and Groom Lions Club (often instigating the wet napkin fights at the member luncheons). On Groom Day weekends he was head barbecue chef and donkey race organizer.

More recently, he attended the daily meeting of the Coffee Shop Drinkers. Sambo considered himself a lifelong “real Groom Tiger.” He had near-perfect attendance to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, attending 30+ times with a collection of NFR baseball caps to prove it. He was an expert at grilling burgers, fixing tractors, and making everyone laugh.
He was preceded in death by his father Sam, his mother Irene, his brothers Ronald and Denny, and his twin sister Elayne.

Wayne is survived by his wife Adela, daughter Kim Guinn and husband Lynn of Wichita, Kansas, daughter Lindy Craft and husband Jack of Clarendon, daughter Staci Kotara of Groom, daughter Halee Kotara of Dallas, sister Cecilia Pounds of Albuquerque, sister Sandie McWherter of McKinney, and four granddaughters: Carson and Darby Guinn, and Charlotte and Elizabeth Craft.

In lieu of flowers, please put a $20 bill in the $5 Wheel of Fortune slot machine at the end of the second row in the high slots area of the Golden Nugget Casino in Las Vegas. (Or alternately make a donation to the Groom Helping Hands Food Pantry, P.O. Box 616, Groom, TX 79039 or the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 130, Groom, TX 79039.)

Jimmy Doyle Formway, 72, died Monday, October 30, 2017, in Clarendon.

Memorial sevices will be held Thursday, November 2, 2017, at 3:00 p.m. in the First Assembly of God Church in Clarendon with Bro. Matthew Stidham officiating.

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

Jimmy was born on May 11, 1945, to Albert Lester “Lec” Formway and Martie Maurice Payne Formway in Tulia. He married Jeannie Welch. He worked as a master mechanic for Chamberlain Motor Company for many years before working for Culberson Stowers. He enjoyed visiting with at the VFW with the men of the Head Table and he was a member of the Christian Brotherhood.

He owned Pop’s Lawn Care and enjoyed seeing the people he took care of. He enjoyed people and visiting with them and he loved his family. He loved horseback riding and was a leader on the 72-mile trail ride. He and his wife were youth ministers to college students for many years.

He was preceded in death he was preceded by his parents; a brother Albert Formway; and a sister Ava Hughes
He is survived by his wife Jeannie Formway of Clarendon; his daughter Kim Formway Davis of Clarendon; two sisters Nadene Naylor and husband Joe Tom of Dyersburg, TN and Lavetta Peters and husband John of Amarillo; and two grandsons Chesson Sims and Cedar Davis.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made to the VFW Post in Clarendon.
Sign our online guest book at www.RobertsonFuneral.com

Toni Ethelyn McBrayer Rattan, age 90, died Sunday, October 22, 2017.

A celebration of life was held Friday, October 27, at 2:00 p.m. in the First Baptist Church Chapel in Clarendon with Rev. Dick Gravely officiating.

Rattan was born on Sunday, July 3, 1927, in Hall County to Will and Neta McBrayer of Estelline. She inherited a life of contrast having survived the era of the Great Depression as a child, World War II as a soldier’s bride and the turbulence of the mid last century. She was totally convicted to her Christian beliefs, not morals, but her faith in Jesus Christ as her ever steadfast life companion and eternal Savior. Family was her most common earthly interest as she loved and respected her ancestry as well as present family members. She believed in the sanctity of life and felt it should be preserved and allowed to develop into God’s purpose.

Her love for Christ was seen in her conversion as a child at 9 years old, in her life-long church membership, as a Sunday school teacher, choir member, and bible student and scholar. The word resided in her heart and translated into her actions.

She was wife to Dennis M. Rattan from World War II and beyond and faithful mother to her two only sons, Ron and Kent. She believed in education and saw to it that her sons followed the path of enlightenment and growth by obtaining college degrees and professional status in the field of architecture.

From the humble origin in the sands of West Texas to the heights that came to a plateau in political activism and the professions exemplified her life of contrasts. Her staunch belief in traditional American values led her to support those causes through time and monetary investment.

She was intelligent and extremely independent in her method of living but was also strongly and deeply dependent upon her family. She needed them and they needed her. And although her earthly family was important her sights were always set on her eternal destination, dwelling in the house of the Lord, forever.

Her life became full of trials and more than her share misery toward the end with failing health and other issues. But her life was not without fun and joy. She became interested in square dancing with her husband Dennis, as they waltzed across Texas during the 60s and 70s.

Together they owned several successful businesses and were quite content with their social standing within the Clarendon community during those middle years. They experienced the world in trips such as those to Mexico City and Acapulco together and with friends. They were happy.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father and all of her brothers and sisters.

She is survived by two sons and their wives Ron and Pam Rattan of Austin and Kent Rattan and Nikki Miller of Buena Vista, Va.; and her grandchildren Brandon Rattan of San Francisco, Calif., and Jessica and Donny Fetzer and great-grandson Dillon Craig of Houston, Claire Rattan of Staunton, Va., and Elizabeth Rattan of Philadelphia, Penn.