Obituaries

Tiny Drake Alderson went home to see Jesus on Monday, January 15th 2024, at the age of 85.

Funeral services were held Saturday January 20, 2024, at First Baptist Church in Clarendon with Rev. Lance Wood, Pastor, and Rev. Eddy Helms, officiating. Interment will follow at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon. Arrangements by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

A devoted Wife, a loving Mother and Granny, and a faithful woman of God, she was loved and respected by many and our sadness is only surpassed by our joy in knowing she is with her Heavenly Father. Tiny was born at home in Midland, Texas, on July 11, 1938. The daughter of Vester Roy and Mae Drake, she attended Midland schools where she was All Sate in volleyball, and continued to play on scholarship at North Texas State.

She completed her education at North Texas State University with a degree in Business. Tiny and Gene Earl Alderson were married June 3, 1961, in Midland. She joined Gene in the management of Alderson Chevrolet and worked in many capacities as bookkeeper, parts manager and anything Gene needed while still raising Karen and Lynn at home. She supported her husband and children in many ways, teaching Sunday School classes, attending sporting events, leading Girl Scouts, 4-H food and sewing groups and was the unofficial team MOM for Lynn and many of his buddies, making spaghetti before every home football game so they could hang out. There was always an extra plate at Tiny’s table, anyone and everyone was always welcome at suppertime.

Tiny and Gene lived in Brownsville for a while and made many friends there through First Baptist Church and quilting clubs, and she still kept in touch with her dear friends throughout the years, mostly exchanging pictures of the grandkids. Tiny accompanied Gene supporting the Gideons and Raceway Ministries, mainly supporting Gene as he combined his love for God and NASCAR. Gene and Tiny supported and loved each other dearly and were the best example for their children and grandchildren to follow. Tiny retired with Gene in 2009 to live the dream of traveling in their motor home across the United States. They somehow managed to often include visits to Dripping Springs, Texas, to check on the grandkids she loved so much. They couldn’t stay away, so Dripping Springs became their home base for a short while.

During the many years Tiny lived in Clarendon, she served the community in many capacities and supported many civic and community organizations. She volunteered at the Senior Center and was present at any activity available at First Baptist Church. She enjoyed gardening and canning vegetables, adding jalapenos to almost everything that went into a jar. She and a group of ladies enjoyed spending time together eating catfish and chicken fried steak, traveling to watch the Sod Poodles and making several trips to Branson. Tiny valued her friends immensely. She had a beautiful soprano voice and although she sang very few solos, she loved to sing at church. Her children can still remember sitting between Gene and Tiny singing hymns every Sunday.

To say that she enjoyed sewing and quilting is an understatement. She made numerous quilts, table runners, and wall hangings for friends and family. Each grandchild received a quilt when they were born and another when they graduated from High School. She (along with the quilting ladies she loved) made a quilt for Karen and gave it to her on her wedding day. Every quilt she made will be cherished and will be a memory of the love that came with every stitch. Even though she was far away, she still found time to follow, support and attend events for Caitlyn, Drake and Amanda in FFA in agricultural mechanics and as they showed their animals at the stock shows. She loved her grandchildren dearly.

At the time of her death, she was a member of First Baptist Church, Clarendon, Texas. Tiny is preceded death by her sister Wilda Scott, and brothers Glen Roy Drake and Norman Drake Tiny is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Karen and Mike Spees of Lubbock, Texas, her son and daughter-in-law, Lynn and Amy Alderson of Dripping Springs, Texas, and the three joys of her later years, her grandchildren, Caitlyn, Drake and Amanda Alderson, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. The family will be at the home of Barbara Helms for visitation on Friday 1/19/24 at 802 South Allen from 4-7pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to First Baptist Church, Box 944, Clarendon, Tx, 79226 or Clarendon Citizens Cemetery Association. Box 983, Clarendon, Texas 79226.

Gerald Ronald Lane, 84, of Clarendon, passed away on Friday, December 29, 2023, in Amarillo.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, January 3, 2023, at First Baptist Church in Clarendon with Rev. Lance Wood officiating. Burial followed in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

Gerald was born on December 14, 1939, to Floyal Dean and Gladys Oleta (McGlockin) Lane. He was born and raised in Turkey, TX. Gerald was one of four children, and the older half of twins. He grew up very closely with his cousins in Turkey.

Gerald obtained his associate’s degree and later worked at the local Phillip’s 66 station, Peery and Dugan in Turkey for several years. After ranching for a period of time, Gerald began a career as a correctional officer for Texas Department of Criminal Justice where he retired after 10 years.

Gerald married Becky Ruth Spivey on August 15, 1971, in Memphis, and they had two children together.

The family moved to Clarendon in 1985 and have been members of the community ever since. Gerald was involved with the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department and was also a member of the First Baptist Church in Clarendon.

Gerald enjoyed fishing, hunting, and reading western novels. He deeply loved his family and was very close to his cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Floyal and Gladys Lane; and two siblings, Jack and Jill Lane.

He is survived by his wife, Becky of Clarendon; son, David Ryan Lane; daughter, Mary Oleta Houghtaling and husband, Tim, of Dexter, New Mexico; twin sister, Gelene Proctor of Turkey, Texas; six grandchildren, Bethany Houghtaling and fiancé, J.E. Bruton, of Artesia, New Mexico, Marissa Corliss and husband, Wilse, of Lubbock, Trevor Houghtaling of Dexter, New Mexico, Thadius Ryan Lane of Houston, Lauren Jordan and Skyler of Hobbs, New Mexico, and Zoe Lane of Corsicana, Texas; five great-grandchildren, Jakob Houghtaling, J.E. Bruton, Jr., Pearl Bruton, Lilly Bruton, and Kennedy Jordon; nieces and nephews, Doyle Dean Proctor, Kirk Proctor, Delane Brown, Danny Spivey, Marci Spivey, Claudette Spivey-Tullis, and Michael Spivey.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ussery-Roan Texas State Veterans Home in Amarillo, Texas, The Parkinson’s Foundation, Clarendon Senior Citizens, or charity of choice.

 

George Winfred Self, 85, passed peacefully to his heavenly home Friday, October 13, 2023, at his sister’s home in Pampa, Texas. His loving daughter and son in law, Kristi and Larry Shade, along with Sheila White, his devoted sister-in-law, were by his side.

George was born the eldest of four children to George W. Self and Pearl Iwilla (Christie) Self on April 16, 1938 in Clarendon, Texas. George grew up on the family cotton farm in Hudgin community, a small community about 12 miles from Clarendon. He spoke frequently and fondly of playing with cousins, and neighboring kids. He was followed by the birth of three sisters. George took his role of big brother very seriously to his sisters Linda, Norma and Maudena. One remembrance he had was of ironing his little sister’s dresses. He dearly loved his little sisters and was a devoted son.

As a young man, George attended Calvary Baptist Church in Clarendon and was, in fact, a founding member. The building had been a laundromat prior to the church acquiring the building. George spoke of the memory of moving out all the washers and dryers in order to create the sanctuary space. He graduated from Clarendon High School in 1956. He played in the band, ran track, and played football for one year. He was a studious student who excelled academically.

He met his wife, Marilee Smith, at a youth event at First Baptist Church of Lelia Lake when she was a senior in high school in Lelia Lake and George was in his first year at Clarendon College. They married on November 23, 1957. George completed a two-year degree at Clarendon College and then attended West Texas State in Canyon. He graduated with a B.S. in Chemistry and minors in Mathematics and Physics, in May 1967. Marilee attended Clarendon College while George started at West Texas State in Canyon in fall 1958. Marilee completed her college at West Texas State in 1961 and began her education career in Canyon as a first-grade teacher.

George and Marilee had three children while he attended college. He held down numerous jobs to support his growing family. While attending Clarendon College he drove an early morning school bus and ran the projector at the drive-in theater at night. After he started college in Canyon, he ran the movie projector in Canyon, and actually lived and slept in the theater for the year that Marilee was attending Clarendon College. He drove back to Clarendon to get his clothes washed and help his father-in-law, Leo Smith, on his cotton farm. In 1963, George started working at Pantex as a Senior Chemical Analyst. He received top government clearance from the 4th Army for this position. Upon George’s graduation, he selected a position with Ray-O-Vac Division, ESB Inc in Madison, Wisconsin. He remained with Ray-O-Vac from June 1967 to December 1973. His next position was in the mining industry as Chief Chemist with Ozark Lead in Salem, Missouri, from January 1974 to September 1976. He then continued in the mining industry with Kennecott Copper at the Ray Mine in Kearney, Arizona, from November 1976 to June 1982. He also worked for Inspiration Copper and ASARCO Copper prior to his retirement in 1996.

George accomplished his dream of obtaining his pilot’s license in 1971. He then purchased an interest in a Stinson as part of a partnership in 1972. Perhaps his most memorable flight was flying the family in his Stinson from Wisconsin to Clarendon in the summer of 1973. He got a big kick buzzing his in-laws’ house and seeing his mother-in-law, Mary Jane, frantically waving her apron from end of the driveway. Leo was so proud to have George fly him over the cotton crops and to sightsee from the air around Donley County.

After the family relocated to Missouri, George bought a Cessna 150. He owned that Cessna 150 for many years. Each time the family relocated; the Cessna came with them. He flew it from Missouri to Arizona and then upon retiring, George flew the Cessna to Clarendon.

In 1986, while living in Arizona, George discovered a 1946 J3 Piper Cub in a barn near his in-laws’ in Lelia Lake. George loaded it on a trailer and hauled it to Arizona, where he rebuilt it over span of several years. The Cub was in numerous pieces and needed a complete engine rebuild and he researched and mastered the art of replacing the fabric covering the wings and fuselage. He flew the Cub for many years in Arizona and then flew it to Clarendon after his retirement. George loved his Cub!

In addition to his love of flying, he enjoyed woodworking and did beautiful lathe work. George created lamps, vases, candle stick holders, bowls, and candy dishes. If you have a piece of George’s woodwork, you are a fortunate individual. He made many wooden toys for his grandchildren which are now cherished and loved by his great grandchildren. Another passion of George’s was rock collecting. He would never miss an opportunity to ride out in the Arizona desert in his Jeep to search for rock specimens. His collection was extensive, and he enjoyed discussing it with anyone who showed an interest.

He and Marilee shared a love for camping and spent much time touring Texas parks. They eventually parked their Airstream in Cimarron, NM, and established a tight friendship with a group of fellow campers over the course of several years.

George spoke many times of wanting a motorcycle and purchased one in his mid-fifties. He then drove it through Arizona mountains on long commutes to work for several years. He gave Marilee some of her gray hairs in those years.

He is survived by his three children, Kristi Shade (Larry), Mitch (Elena Self), and Brad (Yoshi Self), five grandchildren, Courtney Shade-McGinty (Ryan), Laura Shade-Walters (Clint), Mateo Self (Jessica), Nico Self, and Jeffery Self, and eight great-grandchildren: Parker McGinty, Molly McGinty, Lucy McGinty, Micah Walters, Jack Walters, Georgia Walters, Elliot Self and Anthony Self. He is also survived his sisters Norma Hinkle (Darryl), and Maudena Dunn (Joe), and his sister-in-law, Sheila White.

George and Sheila had a special relationship. She was only 18 months old when George and Marilee married. George could always count on Sheila for love and support. Sheila adored George and called him her “rock”. Sheila was George’s rock the last two years of his life. He looked forward to her phone calls to reminisce about the old days. The simpler days. She made frequent trips to visit George in Beaumont, Texas, where he lived with his daughter and son-in-law.

George was preceded in death by his wife, Marilee, and his sister, Linda Lewis.

George cherished his role as Gigi George to his great-grandchildren. His granddaughter, Courtney McGinty, facetimed routinely for George to visit with Parker, Molly and Lucy. He enjoyed hearing Parker telling him all about his latest hockey win. Molly and Lucy would entertain him with their latest dance and gymnastic moves. The McGinty family traveled from Ohio to celebrate Gigi George’s 85th birthday! He got to What a grand time he had! Laura Walters, his youngest granddaughter, Facetimed almost daily. Micah and Jack were always full of squeals and high energy! George delighted in hearing “Hi Gigi George! Watch me do this!”

When Laura announced her pregnancy, George was hoping hard for a little girl. He spoke many times of likely names for the little girl that he just knew Laura would have. They chose not to know the gender till birth. Imagine his delight in learning that indeed it was a girl, and her name was Georgia! He was able to see his little namesake in person when his daughter, Kristi, and son in law, Larry, drove him to Dallas. He wanted Georgia to know how much he loved her even though she would have no memory of him.

George made many friends along life’s way. Everyone who knew George knew him as extremely kind, loving, and generous. He was a gentle and peaceful man with an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor. George understood that the time and effort spent to love and honor someone was always time well spent, and always rewarded. George had a Christian love for all in his life. He was a loving husband and devoted father, worthy of respect and honor. He was the friend you could always count on.

George was laid to rest in Clarendon Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to Tunnels to Towers.

Charline Mozel Mays, 88, of Clarendon went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 in Clarendon, Texas.

Services will be 2:00 PM Friday, December 22, 2023, in the First Baptist Church in Clarendon with Rev. Lance Wood and Rev. Allen Posey, officiating. Burial will follow in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon, Texas.

Viewing will be held Thursday with family receiving friends for visitation from 4:00-6:00 PM at the funeral home.

Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Charline was born August 10, 1935, to Curtis and Vera Oakley Johnson. She married Loyd Alton Mays on January 22, 1953, in Clarendon. She was a lifetime resident of Clarendon. Charline worked hard throughout her life. She worked for Texas Department of Transportation from 1977-2003, 20 plus years at Allsup’s, and the Clarendon College Cafeteria.

While Loyd was deployed for work, Charline was a dedicated wife and mother and took care of the household as well. She was a member of the Red Hatters Club and VFW Auxiliary. Charline dedicated her life to the service of other people and enjoyed the young people at Clarendon College. Charline instilled Christian values in her children at a young age. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Clarendon where she loved serving in the nursery. She loved her family very dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 2006; and a brother, Owen Johnson.

Survivors include her son, Lynn Mays and wife Laura of Howardwick; her daughter, Deena Robison and husband Claud of Howardwick; a brother, Mike Johnson of Clarendon; a sister, Beth Johnston of Clarendon; her grandchildren, Ryan Robison, Jeff Eigenmann, and Erica Eigenmann; her great grandchildren, Chloe Robison, Rose Eigenmann, and Brooke Eigenmann; and several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be sent to First Baptist Church in Clarendon, Alzheimer’s Association or Citizens Cemetery Association.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

Gladys Marie Gorder, 83, of Hooker, Okla., formerly of Clarendon, died Sunday, December 3, 2023, in Spearman, Texas.

Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 5, 2023, in Robertson Funeral Directors Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon with Rev. Jim Fox, officiating.

Cremation and arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Gladys was born March 17, 1940, in Bismarck, North Dakota, to Roy and Stella Williams Greig. She married Jon Gorder on January 15, 1971, in Ellendale, North Dakota. She was a loving, humble, and wonderful wife. She was also a most wonderful mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, and loving friend. She deeply loved the Lord and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Howardwick.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, on November 14, 2015.

Survivors include 4 sons, Jack Blocker and Tim Blocker both of Tennessee, Chris Gorder of Louisiana, and Kelby Kilber of Texas; 3 daughters, Tina McClellan and Kandy Hammer both of Oklahoma, and Penny McVay of Louisiana; 17 grandchildren; 34 great grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

George W. Self was born on April 16, 1938, in Lelia Lake, Texas, to George and Pearl Self.

After studying chemistry at WTSU in Canyon, Texas, he spent his career working for companies in Wisconsin, Missouri and Arizona; and he played a leadership role in the Arizona chapter of the American Chemical Society. George pursued many hobbies throughout his life such as woodworking, painting, and motorcycle riding. But probably the one he loved the most was flying. After getting his pilot’s license in his thirties, he owned several planes, the last being a 1946 Piper Cub that he rebuilt from the wheel struts up.

George is survived by his three children and their spouses, Kristi and Larry Shade, Mitch and Elena Self, Brad and Yoshi Self; his five grandchildren, Courtney McGinty, Laura Walters, Mateo Self, Nicholas Self and Jeffrey Self; and his eight greatgrandchildren, Parker, Molly, Lucy, Micah, Jack, Georgia, Elliott and Anthony.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilee Self.

George passed away on October 13, 2023, in Pampa, Texas. He was loved by many and will be missed. May he rest in peace.

Steven Ray Thornton, 64, of Clarendon died Sunday, November 26, 2023, in Amarillo.

Graveside services will be 2:00 PM Friday, December 1, 2023, in Ash Creek Cemetery in McAlester, Oklahoma.

Viewing will be held Thursday at the funeral home with family receiving friends for visitation from 4:00-6:00 PM.

Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon, Texas.

Steve was born May 9, 1959, in Pampa to William Allen and Marlene Griggs Thornton. He married Ann Marie Kutz on September 25, 1993, in Pampa. He had been a longtime resident of Pampa before moving to Clarendon in 1999. Steve was an active member of the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department since 2013. He enjoyed fishing, shooting, and a strawberry shake from Sonic. He deeply loved his family and his grandkids.

Steve was preceded in death by his father, and his step father, Don Riddle.

Survivors include his wife, Ann Thornton of Clarendon; his mother, Marlene Riddle of Pampa; his step mother, Glenda Thornton of Oklahoma; his sons, Brandon Thornton, Jake Chamber and wife Kelly of Illinois, Zach Brown and Kristin of Borger, Steve Thornton, Jr. of Iowa Park, Carl Thornton and wife Emma of Wellington, and Jerry Hardy and wife Rachel of Amarillo; his daughters, Jennifer Brady of Idaho and Lora Cabrialez and husband Armando of Mathis, Texas; his brothers, Brian Thornton of Oklahoma and Brian Tollison and wife Racheal of Montana; his sisters, Janet McNeely of Pampa and Stephanie Quaid and husband Jeff of Oklahoma; 9 grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

The family request memorials be sent to the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 364, Clarendon, TX 79226.

Joyce Yvonne Johnson Jackson passed away October 30, 2023, at her home in Lubbock at the age of 85. She was born August 12, 1938, in Hedley to George Johnson and Ollie Bell Moore Johnson.

Joyce Yvonne graduated from Lelia Lake High School and attended Clarendon Junior College. She married Lon Burnie Jackson in December of 1957 at Memphis. She joined Rebekah Lodge in 1962 at Claude, and became a member of Lubbock Rebekah Lodge 321, and later joined the Ladies’ Red Hat club in Lubbock.

In 1987, she was a member of Lamb County Sheriff’s Posse. She attended Lelia Lake Methodist Church until she moved away in 1957. She worked as a cashier at Texas Tech University Center Cafeteria from 1976 until she retired 20 years later.

She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Ollie Johnson; sister, Jewel Ismanel Johnson Gray; husband, Lon Burnie Jackson, and son, Lonny Gale Jackson.

She is survived by her son, Burnie Dale Jackson and wife LeAnne of Lubbock, Texas, daughter Yvonne Jackson Gipson of Levelland, Texas, two grandchildren: Cody Gipson and Amanda Gipson; three great-grandchildren: Aralyn Gipson, Kason Gipson and Eliana Gipson, all of Levelland, Texas.

No service will be held as she requested. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to either the Salvation Army or St Jude’s Childrens Hospital in her honor.

Bradford Rhea McGuire was born February 18, 1965, in Haskell, Texas. The son of Douglas Allen McGuire and Ann Levell Cargill Davis, Brad and his family lived in Rochester, Texas, Mannheim, Germany, Kermit, Rankin, Ballinger and Clarendon, Texas. A graduate from Clarendon High School, Brad received his Bachelor’s degree in English and Communications from Sul Ross State University.

Brad and Karen met at the KVLF Radio station in Alpine, where he taught her to be a DJ. They developed a children’s radio program that featured Brad as the voice of a desert rat, Philo, and Karen as Philo’s wife, Prissy Sue. The program consisted of a theme song,” Smile and the World Smiles with You”-, a character-building children’s story and conversations with Philo and Prissy Sue.

In addition to a stint at the Alpine Vet Clinic and the Alpine Pizza Hut [where, believe it or not, their kids actually began to get tired of pizza!], Brad was a volunteer coach at the Alpine Jr. High and one of the favorite monitors of the students in the In School Suspension class! He also served as the Photography teacher at Alpine High School, was an aide to the Special Ed Classes, and wrote the AHS Sports Column for the Alpine Avalanche. Commenting on his time in the dark room at AHS Brad said, “The previous photography teacher gave me the textbooks and the key and said ‘Good luck’. I spent the summer teaching myself how to use the chemicals and develop pictures. It actually was a lot of fun! I put photographs of school sports events on my classroom door and the students could buy any of the prints they wanted all year long. That helped pay for the purchase of more chemicals in the dark room!”

Brad worked as grounds keeper and maintenance man for Paisano Baptist Encampment for about 8 ½ years. He and Karen established the Saturday night Chapel service at Paisano for all comers, which continued for several years after the McGuires moved to town. Brad was interim pastor at First Baptist Church in Fort Davis for 14 months and then began preaching at Hillside in 2008. Some of his best memories were working with the men of the church in ministries at Hillside, attending a Green Bap Packer game at Lambeau Field.