Obituaries

Joseph Raymond Zeyen, Jr., 68, died Tuesday, August 1, 2017, in Amarillo.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Burial will be at Louisiana National Cemetery in Zachary, Louisiana.

Robertson Funeral Directors in Clarendon & Charlet Funral Home in Zachary, Louisiana

Joe was born to Joseph and Dorothy Morris on February 12, 1949, in San Diego, CA. He was later adopted by his step father, Joseph Zeyen.

Joe served as a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne in Vietnam where he was wounded six times and was awarded the Purple Heart.

On June 4, 1993, Joe married the love of his life, Theresa Kosack, in Reno, Nevada.

Joe was a resident of Clarendon since 1995. Joe volunteered with the Howardwick Volunteer Fire Department where he served a fire chief for 7 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kristy; 3 brothers, a sister and brother-in-law.

He is survived by his wife Theresa; step mother Dora Morris of Louisiana; children, Michale Wagoner, Renee Zeyen and Kevin Zeyen all of Oregon; brothers, Michael Morris & Troy Morris both of Louisiana; sister’s, Karen Brand of Ohio, Carla Needham and Kelly Crawford of Louisiana; a niece he thought of as a daughter, Sherri Sullivan and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gaylen L. Frederiksen of Howardwick passed away Tuesday, August 1, in Amarillo. Services were held on Sunday afternoon August 6, 2017, at the First Baptist Church in Groom, with Brother Andy Dietz officiating. Graveside services followed the service at the Groom Cemetery. Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors in Clarendon. Viewing will be held Saturday evening from 5pm to 7pm at the funeral home.

Gaylen was born in Groom August 24, 1948, to Leroy and Cynthia Edna (Tucker) Frederiksen. He married the love of his life Margie Lee Fraser Frederiksen June 27, 1964. After Margie’s passing in 2009, he was blessed with another beautiful life love in Judy Kay Rentfro Frederiksen and they married on February 15, 2016. She was mom’s best friend and is a true blessing to the family and Pops told us to take care of the “Sherriff”.

Gaylen and Margie were blessed with three beautiful children and six beautiful grandchildren, Sean Frederiksen and wife Mitsi (Madlynne & Ryne), Terri Mathis and husband Mark (Cody & Joshua), and GaLyn Coffman and Robert (Hunter & Conner) all of Amarillo. A brother, Lanny Frederiksen of Amarillo, an aunt, Mina Lou Tucker of St Louis, MO., Brother in Laws John Fraser III and wife Patsy and Clifford Fraser all of Groom and ten nephews and nieces and many cousins spread far and wide.

Gaylen grew up in a hurry as he had to provide for a family at an early age. He began his formal working career at Western Stockyards Amarillo Livestock Auction in 1968 leaving in 1988 to pursue the life he was made for of running momma cows and doing a little farming along the way. He loved to be around cattle and made it his passion for the next 29 years. He attended many sporting events for his children and grandchildren who will dearly miss their Pawpaw. He loved Old Westerns, RFDTV, Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. He had a loving gentle and giving soul and would do anything for anyone who asked. His infectious smile, laugh, and sharp wit will be dearly missed. He never met a stranger and everywhere he went he would someone he knew. He loved the Lord and accepted him into his life when he was nine and was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Groom. The little ones there will miss his bubble gum. Please make donations to the First Baptist Church of Groom, Groom Cemetery, or Groom EMS. (“Come on Marg, Let’s Go!”)

Don Smith after 82 years, 2 months, and 23 days on Wednesday, July 19, 2017, Don went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in Clarendon.

Services were held on Saturday, July 22, 2017, in the First Baptist Church in Clarendon, with the Reverend Lance Wood, pastor, officiating.

Burial with Military Honors followed in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

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

The third of four children, Don was born on April 26, 1935, to Elbert Finas “Bert” Smith and Martha Tennessee “Tennie” Parrish Smith in Clarendon. He grew up in Clarendon, where he helped his father operate the cotton gin. Following his father’s death in 1951, he owned and operated the Dixie Dog. He attended school in Clarendon, graduating from Clarendon High School in 1953. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1953 to 1959, where he achieved the rank of Corporal, was a Squad Leader in the Line Company, and was Checker Champion in the 3rd Marine Division.

He married Donna Ruth Magee on August 13, 1960, in McLean. They had a son, David in 1962.

Don attended West Texas State College, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics in 1962 and his Master of Science degree in Mathematics in 1970. He worked for the Helium Research Center in Amarillo, where he operated the high-level computer programming language, Fortran. He then went to work for the Internal Revenue Service as an audit investigator. In 1976, he was awarded the Treasury Department’s emblem for 15 years of service for the United States Government. He served on the Board of Directors at the Amarillo Federal Credit Union from 1979 to 1982.

In 1981, Don moved back to Clarendon and served as the Director of Financial Aid at Clarendon College until 1997. Also in 1981, he opened his own tax business, Don Smith & Associates in Clarendon and in 1982, obtained his license to practice before the Internal Revenue Service as an Enrolled Agent. He owned and operated the tax business for 36 years until his death. He was known as Papa to his grandchildren, Taylor, Tyler, Brooke, and Trent, whom he loved very much. He was an avid game player, enjoyed swimming and most of all cherished his annual trip with his family to Fun Valley Colorado.

Don was a 49-year member of the Clarendon Masonic Lodge 700 AF & AM, where he served as a Master Mason for several years and was recently installed as Senior Steward for 2017-2018. He was a member of the Clarendon Lions Club, where he served as Program Chairman for several years. He was also a member of the Adamson-Lane Post 287 of the American Legion in Hedley, a member of the VFW Memorial Post 7782 in Clarendon, and was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Clarendon.

He was preceded in death by his mother, in 1998; his brother, Elbert Preston “Bert Jr.” Smith, in 1973; his sisters, Wanda Marie Smith, in 1927 and Jean Harlene Smith Phillips and her husband, Clifton Phillips, in 1980.

Survivors include his son, David R. Smith, and wife, Buffie, of Clarendon; 4 grandchildren, Taylor Smith, Tyler Smith, Brooke Smith, and Trent Smith, all of Clarendon. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family requests memorials are sent to the First Baptist Church / PO Box 944 / Clarendon, Texas 79226 or Citizens Cemetery Association / PO Box 983 / Clarendon, TX 79226.

Connie Sue Papa went to be with the Lord on July 20, 2017, at the age of 55.  Connie was born on February 3, 1962, in Barberton, Ohio.  She moved to Clarendon in 1997 where she enjoyed working as a waitress.  Once her son was born in 1998, she left the workforce to be a homemaker.  She enjoyed gardening, crafting, cooking and spending time with her family.

A private service will be held by the family at a later date.

She was preceded in death by father Burl McDonald.

Connie is survived by her son Wyatt of Clarendon; daughter Angela and her husband Louie of Fritch and their children Robin and Lucy; daughter Rachel and her husband Tony of Borger and their children Abbie and Lela; brother Lee and his wife Sarah of Clarendon; niece Jessica and her daughter Anikka; niece Hannah; BJ Hunter of Clarendon; Peggy Stoneking of Clarendon; and her step-mother Beverly McDonald of Nevada.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Connie’s name to Interim Healthcare of Pampa.

 

Kenneth Wayne Housden, 75, of Sanger Formerly of Hedley died Thursday, July 20, 2017 in Denton.

Services were held on July 25, 2017, in the First Baptist Church in Hedley with Rev. Bruce Howard, officiating.

Burial followed at Rowe Cemetery in Hedley.

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

Kenneth was born January 30, 1942 in Clarendon to Orville and Mildred Lindsey Housden.  He married Sammie Lee Sanders on May 31, 1963 in Silverton.  He had been a resident of Eastland before moving to Sanger 3 years ago.  Kenneth coached at Lubbock Roosevelt, Lubbock Cooper, Slaton, Corpus Christi, Snyder, Lockney, Ranger College, and Hedley prior to his retirement where he had over 700 wins in Basketball.  He loved hunting and fishing.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Melvin Housden.

He is survived by his wife, Sammie Housden of Sanger; a son, Rick Housden and wife Melanie of Hamilton; 3 daughters, Carie Gafford and husband Russell of Snyder, Angie Burrus and husband Roger of Seguin, and Evette Flores and husband Hector of Sanger; 8 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.

The family request memorials be sent to the Rowe Cemetery Association / PO Box 213 / Hedley, TX 79237.

Marguerite Estelle Turner, 79, died Monday, July 17, 2017, in Amarillo.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, July 29, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. in the Borger Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses with Case Duggan officiating.

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

Marguerite Estelle Turner was born on June 6, 1938, in Lincoln, Illinois to Samuel and Hazel Thomas. She married Edward Turner on February 25, 1961, in Baltimore, Maryland. She served in the United States Army. She pioneered for the Jehovah’s Witnesses for several years. She was also a member of the Clarendon Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

She was preceded in death by her parents; 2 brothers Samuel Thomas and Donald Thomas; and 2 sisters Juanita Loins and Aloma Harms.

She is survived by her husband Edward Turner of Howardwick; and 5 brothers Kenneth Thomas and wife of Peoria, Illinois, Fred Thomas and wife of Louisiana, Bill Thomas of Witt, Illinois, Terry Thomas and wife of East Peoria, Illinois, and Danny Thomas and wife of Canyon City, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be sent to the Clarendon Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Stanley Joe Couch, 62, of Amarillo, former Clarendon resident, died on July 5, 2017.  A private family burial will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are under the personal care of LaGrone Blackburn Shaw Funeral Directors, 8310 S. Coulter Road.

Stanley was born on June 6, 1955, in Liberal, Kansas to Pete and Jo Couch. He married Kay Jordan in 1979.  Stanley worked in the oil fields in the mid 1980’s and later he was a volunteer fireman and paramedic at Howardwick in Clarendon. Stanley received the Medal of Honor in Firefighting. He loved to fish at Greenbelt Lake.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.

Mr. Couch is survived by his sister, Kimberley; three step children, William, Kathy and Sherry; an aunt, Frankie; four cousins, Cindy, Curtis, Doug and Rex; and numerous step grandchildren.

Roxie Mae Price Barbee, 85, died Thursday, June 29, 2017 in Amarillo.

Memorial services were held on Monday, July 3, 2017, at First Baptist Church in Clarendon with Rev. Lance Wood officiating.

Private interment followed at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

Arrangements were under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors in Clarendon.

Born May 5, 1932, in Turkey, to Cecil Price and Merry Velma Hunter Price, Roxie was the third of ten children and eldest daughter. She was baptized at a young age at First Baptist Church Quitaque. She attended Quitaque Schools, where she met the love of her life, Earnest Wayne Barbee. They were married June 29, 1950, and celebrated 65 years of marriage before Earnest passed away in 2015.

Roxie devoted her life to being an exemplary wife and mother. Together, they raised three children. She worked side by side with Earnest in the cotton fields, raised a large garden and canned vegetables every summer and fall, while keeping the books on the family farming business and an immaculate home.  Roxie was active in her church, First Baptist Church Clarendon, where she taught Sunday School, was a leader in WMU, and volunteered with funeral meals and visiting shut-ins and the sick. She was also a charter member of Donley County Young Homemakers.

She was preceded in death by her Husband Earnest Barbee, and brothers Buddy and Larry Don Price.

She is survived by her son E. Wayne Barbee of Clarendon, daughters Jennifer Croslin and husband Randy of Canyon and Jan Schafer and husband Barry of Hamilton, Mississippi; six grandchildren Beth Barbee Hubbert, Tommy Barbee, Jared Schafer, Colby Croslin, Jeff Schafer and Conner Croslin, and 11 great-grandchildren.  Also survived by seven siblings: Bruce Price, Quitaque; AC Price, Amarillo; Margie Trent, Memphis; Hubert Price, Turkey; Bulah Landry, Amarillo; Joe Price, Amarillo; Pinky Mullin, Seminole; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family asks that you support First Baptist Church Clarendon and the Alzheimer’s Association. The family wishes to extend appreciation to Brenda Christi and the staff of Comfort Care Home (Monica, Myrna, Loretta and MJ).

Benjamin Franklin Smith, 60, died Friday, June 23, 2017, in Oklahoma City.

Services will be held on Friday, June 30, 2017, 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Memphis with Rev. Judge Smith Jr. officiating.

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

Benjamin Franklin Smith was born on July 7, 1956, in Memphis to Rev. Judge Elliott Smith and Rosie Minter Smith.

He married Gloria Calloway on August 24, 1974, in Clarendon. He was resident for most of his life where he was a member of the Antioch Baptist Church. He was a veteran of the United States Army. He loved singing, reading, fishing, playing music, and spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers Alonzo Smith and Charles Smith; 4 sisters Helen Knox, Verdia Steptoe, Mannie Smith, and Anna Smith.

He is survived by his wife Gloria Smith of Amarillo; 9 children Judge Smith III of Amarillo, Rodney Smith and wife Alverta of Amarillo, Clemmie Smith and wife Amanda of Amarillo, Eric Smith and wife Christa of Amarillo, Erica Smith of Amarillo, Christopher Smith and wife Casey of Amarillo, Chrystal Smith of Amarillo, Benjamin Smith IV of Amarillo, and Jordan Herndon of Clarendon; 3 brothers Rev. Judge Smith Jr. of Wichita Falls, Rev. Clemmie Smith of Wichita Falls, and Daniel Smith of Memphis; 2 sisters Mae Smith Newsome of Wichita Falls and Elizabeth Walker of Wichita Falls; 35 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; and a host of family and friends

The family suggests that memorials be sent to the American Cancer Society.

Sign our online guest book at www.RobertsonFuneral.com

Beatrice “Bea” Burleson, 70, died Friday, June 9, 2017, Clarendon.

Services were held on June 17, 2017, in the Clarendon Church of Christ.

Burial followed at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

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

Bea was born November 20, 1946, in Wellington to D.C. and Nola Conner Beard.  She married James Burleson on June 6, 1964, in Clarendon. She had been a resident of Clarendon most of her life.  She enjoyed sending cards to people, flowers, and crocheting. Bea was a member of the Clarendon Church of Christ where she was a Sunday School teacher and was involved in VBS.

She was preceded in death by her parents; 3 brothers, Clifford Beard, Billy Barker and Gene Barker.

She is survived by her husband, James of Clarendon; 2 sons, Ronald Burleson and wife Andrea and Doug Burleson all of Clarendon; 2 brothers, Clyde Barker of Stinnett, and Tillman Barker of Amarillo; 3 sisters, Roberta Sewell of Borger, Melinda Messier of Chico, and Sue Dell Stone of Graham; her grandchildren, Samantha Clendaniel, Autumn Beall, Rachel Hawkins, DeAnna Hawkins, Jimmy Hawkins, and David Hawkins; 3 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.