Obituaries

Klyda Fern “Susie” Blackman, 85, died Sunday, March 30, 2014,in Georgetown, Texas.

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, 2014, in the First United Methodist Church in Clarendon with Rev. Lloyd Stice, officiating.

Burial will be held in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

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

Susie was born June 9, 1928, in Quail to Clyde and Dolly Tate Wilson. She married Billy Roy Blackman on February 24, 1946, in Clarendon. She had been an insurance agent prior to her retirement. Susie was an inspiration to us all and will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 54 years; and a brother, Franky.

She is survived by a son, Monty Blackman and wife Christy of Cedar Park; a daughter, Peggy Morrell and husband Danny of Lake Havasu City, AZ; her sister, Pat McAnear and husband James; her grandchildren, Matt and Corey White, Monica Pfaff, Molly Morris, and Loren and Vicki Temple; and 9 great grandchildren.

The family request memorials be sent to the Alzheimer‘s Association.

James L. “Jimmy” Kuhn, 92, died Monday, March 31, 2014, in Amarillo.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 3, 2014, at the Church of Christ in Clarendon with Don Stone, officiating.

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

Burial will follow at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

Jimmy Kuhn was born October 20, 1921, in Breckenridge, Texas to James L. and Fostina Gude Arrington Kuhn. He married Armenta “Pat” Mathers on July 17, 1941, at Albany, Texas. Mr. Kuhn had served his country in the US Army Air Corps and was a veteran of World War II. Jimmy graduated from Texas Tech with a civil engineering degree and was in a corps of engineers that built Army bases and water dams. His engineer corps engineered and established Greenbelt Lake and the pipeline for the communities that the lake would serve. Jimmy moved from Childress to Clarendon in 1968 to serve as the General Manager at Greenbelt Water Authority. Mr. Kuhn had also served as mayor of the City of Clarendon and was a member of the Clarendon Church of Christ.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Pat Kuhn on December 3, 2012; a son, James L. Kuhn, Jr.; and a daughter Patricia Harris.

He is survived by a son, Robert Kuhn and wife Kay of Amarillo; a brother Bill Alexander and his wife Lea of Tuscola, Texas; 7 grandchildren, Jim D. Harris, Christie Lee Schmelter, Tony Kuhn, Renee’ Thompson, Kelcy Williams, Brandon Kuhn, Devin Kuhn; 17 great grandchildren; and 3 great great grandchildren.

The family request that memorials be made to Turn Center, 1250 Wallace Blvd., Amarillo, Texas 79106.

Lorrein Cleta Spurgeon Hutson, 90, of Van Vleck passed away Saturday, March 22, 2014. She was born April 9, 1923, in Clarendon to the late John & Stella Belle Norris Spurgeon. Lorrein was a resident of Van Vleck since 1961, was a member of the First Baptist Church of Van Vleck, was a Navy Veteran, and worked as a postal clerk at Van Vleck Post Office for over 30 years.

She is survived by her 3 sons: Jack Hutson & wife Katrina of Vanderbilt, John Hutson & wife Susie of Bay City, and Bret Hutson & wife Debbie of Van Vleck; 7 grandchildren: Holly Rose, John Mark Hutson, Bryan Hutson, Stewart Hutson, Carrie Foltyn, Haydn Hutson, and Hunter Hutson; and by 6 great grandchildren: Taegan Hutson, Wade Hutson, Wiley Rose, Emma Rose, Camille Hutson, and Truitt Foltyn. Lorrein was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 62 years: Robert Lee Hutson in May of 2009; 2 sisters; and a brother.

The funeral service were held Wednesday, March 26, 2014, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Rev. Jack Hutson & Rev. Russell Davis Officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Pallbearers will be: Bryan Hutson, Stewart Hutson, John Mark Hutson, Haydn Hutson, Justin Foltyn, and Michael Rose.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Lorrein to the Houston Hospice of El Campo – Hospice Support, Inc., PO Box 1417, El Campo, TX 77437 or to the First Baptist Church of Van Vleck, TX. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

Betty Owesa Lamb Tolbert, 87, died Monday, March 3, in Amarillo.

Services were held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2014, in the Robertson Funeral Directors Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon with Rev. Anthony Knowles, officiating.

Burial followed at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

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

Betty was born February 9, 1927, in Rockwall, Texas to Fred and Callie Passons Lamb. She Married Robert Lee Tolbert, Sr. on May 16, 1942, at Clarendon. She had been a housewife, a nurse at the Medical Center Nursing Home in Clarendon, cooked for the Clarendon Public Schools and Clarendon College, and then owned and operated her own restaurant in Clarendon, called B&R Restaurant. She loved to cook, make pies, and read. Mrs. Tolbert also enjoyed reading. She was very even tempered and got along with everyone. She was a lifetime resident of Clarendon and was a member of the Clarendon First Assembly of God.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert Lee Tolbert, Sr. in 1994; 2 sons, William “Bill” Tolbert on November 6, 2008 and Robert Tolbert, Jr. on November 13, 2008; a sister Mary Massey in 1995; and by a grandson, Randy Allen Tolbert in 2012.

She is survived by a son, Jack Tolbert of Amarillo; a brother Bill Lamb of Mexico; 8 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; several great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

The family requests that memorials be sent to Citizens Cemetery Association in Clarendon.

Anita Lois Mooring, 91, died Wednesday, February 26, 2014, in Amarillo.

Services were held on Saturday, March 1, 2014, in First Baptist Church in Clarendon with Rev. Lance Wood, officiating. Burial followed at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

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

Anita was born February 15, 1923, in Lelia Lake, Texas to Laura Cecil and Daniel Marshal Cook. She grew up and went to school in Lelia Lake. She also attended Clarendon College. Anita married the love of her life, Herman Edward Mooring, on September 12, 1944, in Clarendon while he was home on a 10 day leave during World War II. Herman and Anita lived in Amarillo where they raised their children. They later retired and moved to Clarendon. Anita spent the last four years of her life at Park Place Towers in Amarillo. Our mother, grandmother, and great grandmother loved her family and loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She served as a Sunday school teacher of adults and children alike for many years. She will be missed by all.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and her sister, Mary Jane Smith.

She is survived by a son, Robert Mooring and wife Cheri of Amarillo; a daughter, Rita Craddock and husband Bill of Canyon; five grandchildren, Zach Craddock and wife D‘Ann of Channing, Britney Stephens and husband Shawn of Irving, Tyson Mooring and wife Erica of Frisco, Clint Mooring of Amarillo, and Macey Becerra and husband Joe of Amarillo; 5 great grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Kynley, and Ryan Craddock of Channing, Harper Becerra of Amarillo, and Riley Stephens of Irving; her brothers and sisters in law, Bill Mooring of Amarillo, Naoma Spann of Wichita, Kansas, Genella Eads and husband Jack of Clarendon, Tina Mooring of Tyler, and W.D. Dickenson of Midland; and many nieces and nephews.

The family request memorials be sent to the First Baptist Church in Clarendon.

R.A. “Doc” Bryant, 78, died Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014.

Services were held on Tuesday in Washington Avenue Christian Church with Charlie Cox officiating. Private burial will be held. Arrangements are by Cox Funeral Home, 4180 Canyon Drive.

Doc was born on Sept. 26, 1935, in Denton to J.B. and Ruby Bryant. He lived most of his life in Amarillo where he was a member of the 1954 graduating class of Amarillo High School. He joined the Navy reserves at age 16 and retired after 34 years of service. He served active duty in Vietnam, as well as Gulf Port, Miss. He married Yvonne Webb on Dec. 31, 1955, in Amarillo. Doc worked as an electrician all of his life. First with his dad, and later owning and operating Bryant Electric. Doc was a loving husband, dad and grandfather.

He was a 32nd degree Mason as well as longtime member of the Khiva Shrine, where served as potentate in 1989. He took his work and service to the shrine to heart and had a great passion for helping burned and cripple children get the very best care in the world. He also played an active part in the Khiva Mule Skinners. He was a longtime member of the Tri State Fair board of directors where he continued to play a vital part of putting the fair on every year. Doc was an original member of the Coors Cowboy Club and realized the importance of the club’s mission of “Promoting Amarillo the Cowboy Way.” In each of these organizations, Doc was not just a member, but was always one to roll his sleeves and do the hard work that was necessary. More than anything, Doc loved being Grandpa to his family. He was a charter member of Saint Paul United Methodist Church and was a member of San Jacinto United Church for many years. He will be dearly missed by his family and many friends.

He is survived by his his wife, Yvonne of Amarillo; two daughters, DeeDee Hommel and husband Frank of Clarendon and Angela Bullard of Amarillo; two brothers, J.B. Bryant Jr. of Amarillo and Robert Bryant of New Mexico; three sisters, Nora Pennington of Burleson, “Tria” Godwin of Canadian and “Myrt” Wilder of Plainview; six grandchildren, Anastasia, Sebastian, April, Laura, Alice and Cori; and seven great-grandchildren.

The family suggests memorials to the Khiva Shrine Travel Fund, to provide transportation of children to hospitals for medial care 305 S.E. Fifth. Ave., Amarillo, TX 79101.

Mary E. Watson, 96, of Clarendon passed away February 15, 2014, in Clarendon. Her funeral was held Wednesday, February 19, 2014, at the Sharon Missionary Baptist Church, east of Rocky with Pastor Denver McGuire officiating. Burial followed in the Lone Star Cemetery under the direction of Jackson Funeral Home of Frederick.

Mary Elizabeth (Robinson) Watson was born July 7, 1917, at Rocky, Oklahoma to Samuel Kimbrell and Ada Catherine (McElmurry) Robinson. She attended Mountain Park Schools, graduating from Mountain Park High School in 1937. On June 22, 1937, she and Noble Carl Watson were united in marriage at Roosevelt, Oklahoma. He preceded her in death on October 9, 1998. She enjoyed cooking and was previously employed by the Rocky School Cafeteria, Cordell Christian Home and the Rocky Senior Citizens where she retired in 1988. She was a faithful member of the Sharon Missionary Baptist Church.

She is survived by one brother; S.K. Robinson and his wife Pat of Manitou, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Jeffrey John Watson and his wife Kim, Anthony Lee Watson and his wife Jolena, and William Glenn “Bill” Watson and his wife Sybil all of Amarillo, Texas, and Noble Stanton Watson and his wife Pam of Clarendon, Texas; fourteen great-grandchildren; and twelve great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Noble Carl Watson; one son: Bobby Carl Watson; four sisters, Dorotha Linderer, Betty Lou Robinson, Effie McBride and Reba Hollis; and two brothers, Ray and Jack Robinson.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sharon Missionary Baptist Church in memory of Mary Elizabeth Watson.

Sherry Noel Montgomery Semrad, 71, of Pine, AZ was born October 24, 1942. She passed away February 4, 2014 with her husband, James, and sister, JoAnne at her side. At her request, no funeral services are planned. There will be a celebration of her life in the Spring on her ranch in the Panhandle. Arrangements by Hudgel’s Swan Funeral Home, 22nd & Swan.

Sherry Noel Montgomery Semrad, Connoisseur “Save some for me.” The world was her buffet. She hungered to sample everything, every food, every movie, book, country, friendship. Each person, each experience was appreciated like fine wine. Sherry was a connoisseur of people, art, movies, books, culture/countries and fashion. Sherry Noel started with a limited menu in the Texas Panhandle and soaked it all up—read with her mother, Faye, rode a cow pony, Sugar Baby, with her father, Bill—shadowed her big brother, Bub, into the milking stall, twirled in her big sisters’ JoAnne’s petticoats. Sherry was fearless in her pursuit of the best life. Her email moniker was bugsonteeth. She made herself vulnerable, with a child like wonder, open to all life could give her—overcame a terror of putting her face in water to be able to water ski with her children in her 30’s, overcame rusty momma brain to earn not only her B.A. but her M.A too in speech pathology at the top program in the field, with top marks, in her 40’s, pulling up roots to start over four times.

At 15, Sherry couldn’t resist her friend Sarah’s invitation to meet a cute boy, stating the obvious, “You’re sooo tall,” and after a minute’s conversation, thinking, “And a smart ass to boot.” The cute boy was James and after refusing him a half dozen times, she relented. She cultivated that relationship into 52 years of marriage, sometimes tender, always passionate. Aunt Mary would say, “if one of them stops pushing, they’d both fall over.” The pushing frequently transformed into holding up and the tenderness grew with the accumulation of years and experience.

Her children were her finest works of art in her collection. Her oldest daughter, Melissa, is the best care giver. Her son, Matt, is the best father. Her baby, Theresa Michelle, is the best at anything she tries. And they are just the tip of the ice sculpture; there was nothing where her kids didn’t shine. Then, her grandchildren, there are not enough superlatives in the dictionary. Her only granddaughter, Katrin is the sun. Her first grandson, Ari is the moon. Her grandson, Matteo is the North Star. Her grandson, Carter is a dimpled big dipper. And Cooper, he’s her supernova.

Andrew Lum “Andy” Callis, 84, died Saturday, February 8, 2014, in Lelia Lake.

Services were held Tuesday, February 11, 2014, in First Assembly of God Church in Clarendon with Rev. Ed Wolfard and Rev. Matthew Stidham, officiating.

Burial followed in Texline Cemetery in Texline with US Air Force Honors.

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

Mr. Callis was born August 31, 1929, in Sedan, Union County, New Mexico to Henry Edward and Bertie Shilling Callis. He married Wilma Faye Howard on December 18, 1951, in Wichita Falls, Texas. He was a US Air Force and US Navy veteran. He was an Air Traffic Controller and Minister for 25 years prior to his retirement. He had been a resident of Lelia Lake the past 8 years. He loved the outdoors, camping, fishing, weather, aviation, and music. He was also an avid walker. He was proud of his kids. He was a member of the First Assembly of God in Clarendon.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers; 4 sisters; and a grandson, Evan Callis.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Wilma Callis of Lelia Lake; 6 sons, Terry Callis and wife Janiece of Canyon, Merle Callis and wife Robin of Lone Grove, Oklahoma, Tim Callis and wife Mary of Richardson, Scott Callis and wife Michelle of Lake Dallas, Casey Callis and wife Jenni of Abilene, Kansas, and Gabriel Callis of Lelia Lake; a daughter, Carla Wolfard and husband Rev. Ed of Bloomfield, New Mexico; a sister, Myrtle Murphy of Yukon, Oklahoma; 15 grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren.

The family request memorials be sent to the First Assembly of God Church in Clarendon.

Julie Anne Papa, 48, died Friday, February 7, 2014, Amarillo.

Memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 12, 2014, at Robertson Funeral Directors Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon with Rev. Dave Stout, Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Howardwick, officiating.

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

Julie Anne Papa was born September 30, 1965, to Forrest and Judy Goodner Newton. She married Robert Papa on April 24, 2010, in Clarendon. She was a partner in Diamond P Processing and Julie’s Jerky. Julie also worked for Diane’s Tax Service. She was a great dancer and loved reading, fishing, golfing, games, spending time with family and friends, and helping anyone in need. She had a contagious laugh that lit up a room and she never met a stranger. She spent her whole life, and especially the last year with a positive outlook. She was a Christian.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Jennifer Pena; and by two infant sons.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Papa of Clarendon; her children, Logan Hill, stationed in South Korea and his wife Noel; a daughter Maigan Lesui and her husband John, Chris Helms, stationed in Ft. Sill and his wife Catalina, Tony Helms and Rachel Papa both of Borger, Brett Helms of Amarillo, Angela Papa of Phoenix, Arizona, and Wyatt Papa of Clarendon; 2 grandchildren and another grandchild on the way; her parents, Forrest and Judy Newton of Howardwick; a sister Denise Newton and sister-in-law Francine Bradley, both of Ringwood, New Jersey; 2 brothers, Dusty Newton and wife Crystal of Plano, Jim Heathington and wife Brittanie of McKinney; one niece; and three nephews.

The family suggests that memorials be to the Make a Wish Foundation or to the Cervical Cancer Research Foundation.