Obituaries

Richard “Rick” Glenn Benton, 66, of Clarendon, passed away on Tuesday, August 1, 2023.

Private family graveside services will be held in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

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

Rick was born on November 17, 1956, in Lynwood, CA, to Benjamin Carl and Jo Anne (Sibley) Benton. Rick grew up in Clarendon and briefly lived in Amarillo where he graduated from Amarillo High School. Rick was a licensed electrician and a true jack of all trades. He also did carpentry, stucco, and anything else in construction. He was always fixing or building something in his spare time.

Although Rick moved around throughout his life, Clarendon was always his home. He spent several years in Canyon while caring for his mother. Rick also loved his faithful companions, his dogs.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Benjiman Benton and Jo Anne (Sibley) Benton Brown; stepfather, Frank L. Brown, Jr.; and aunt, Wanda Root.

He is survived by his uncle, Harold Root of Canyon; step-brother, Timothy Frank Brown and wife Paula of Pampa; cousins, Dan Root and wife Natalie of Canyon, and Gena Richardson and husband Jerry of Canyon; several nieces and nephews; and many extended family members.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a local church of one’s choice.

Heaven found another angel. Ann Stepp went to be with the Lord at the age of 83 on July 17, 2023.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, John Wayne Stepp. Sister; Sue Gabbert. Daughters; Denise Pozzi (Zane). Carrie Spence (Jeff).

Grandchildren; Brittany Pozzi-Tonozzi (Garrett), Travis Spence (Veronica), Brooke Pozzi-Smith (Blake). Great Grandchildren; Jaedynn, Haley, Chris, Bryce, Taylor, Aubrey Spence, Tinley Tonozzi, Sloan Smith and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her grandson Dillon Spence.

Funeral service were held on Monday, July 31, 2023 at Grace Memorial Chapel, 8819 US Hwy 87N, Victoria, Texas with Scott Weatherford, officiating. To leave a comforting message or to share a fond memory, please visit www.gracefuneralhome.net.

Samara Ann-Christine Johnson Best, of Comanche, Texas, died unexpectedly on July 18, 2023, due to a vehicle accident.

Samara was born on December 7, 2001, and was 21 years old. She was the most amazing wife, daughter, granddaughter, sibling, and aunt anyone could’ve been blessed to have.

Graveside services were held Wednesday July 26, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon, where she was laid to rest near her beloved mother.

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

Samara was currently taking online college classes at Tarleton. She worked at Little Indians Daycare and loved her job. She attended Eastside Baptist and was strong in her faith with the Lord.

Samara spent most of her free time by Trenton’s side, whether fishing, hunting, or working on their house, they were always together. They were best friends, soulmates and loved their life together, even though it was cut short.

Everyone who knew Samara knew how stubborn, sassy, spirited, full of life and fun loving she was. She was ambitious, confident, fiercely competitive and forgiving almost to a fault. She loved her family and enjoyed spoiling her nieces and nephew.

She is survived by her husband Trenton Best; her parents, James and Julia Johnson; three brothers, Nathan Carson, Devin Lucero, and Matt Boyd; a sister Samara Duran; grandparents Mike and Cliftie Johnson, Melanie Thomas, and Sonyia Hill and many other family members and an abundance of friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother Alicia Carson, and though we rejoice that they will be reunited together in Heaven, we are devastated at the loss of her. We will miss Samara more than words can say.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Vera June Whaley Robinson passed away on July 12, 2023, in Amarillo, Texas. She was born June 9, 1939, to John William Whaley and Hazel Lois Coulter Whaley, in Stephens County, Oklahoma.

A memorial service will be held at Clarendon Church of Christ on July 21, 2023, at 10:00 am with graveside service at 2:00 pm  at Claude Cemetery in Claude, Texas. Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors in Clarendon.

June attended schools in Oklahoma, Texas, and Colorado, graduating from Plainview School near Griggs, Okla., in 1957. She attended Panhandle A & M College in Goodwell, OK where she met her soon-to-be husband Fred Edward Robinson. They married on June 14, 1959, in Adrian, Texas. Fred and June had three sons, Clay, Glen, and Scot Robinson. June also attended and graduated from West Texas State University in August 1970. Later at the age of 76, she graduated from Sunset International Bible Institute in Lubbock with an Associate Degree in Biblical Studies.

June’s careers were many and varied, representing her diverse interests. She worked in Civil Service, as an elementary school teacher, a secondary school teacher, home daycare provider, newspaper writer, librarian and author. Her hobbies included reading, crocheting, quilting and writing. She also spent time volunteering in Montezuma Creek, Utah with her brother Ray Whaley’s church.

June was preceded in death by a stillborn son, her parents, husband Fred, brothers Harry and Randell Whaley, brothers-in-law Eugene Robinson and Albert Formway, and sisters-in-law Tresa Whaley, Ellen Whaley, and Lynda Robinson.

Survivors include her sons and daughter-in-laws: Clay and Sherilyn Robinson, Glen and Renae Robinson, Scot and Sarah Robinson; grandchildren and spouses; Jesse and Jessica Robinson, Josiah Robinson, Janae and Casey Kreines, Joel Robinson and Kelsey Martin, Cody and Randi Glenn, Timothy and Courtney Robinson, Cassie and Stephen Dunn, Tressa Robinson, Logan Robinson and Sarah Grace Robinson; great-grandchildren Amos and Abigail Robinson, Ember Robinson, and Vera Kreines; as well as brothers and in-laws, Wayne Whaley and wife Karen, Ray Whaley and wife Oleta, and Larry Whaley, Shirley Robinson and Doris Formway and James Robinson. She was loved and cherished by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends in numerous places. The family are eternally grateful to Rhinehart Elder Care in Clarendon for their loving, supportive care of June for the last 16 months.

The family suggests memorial gifts to be designated to the missions programs of Sunset International Bible Institute 3723 34th St. Lubbock, TX 79410 or online at https://www.sibi.cc/donate.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

Joe Frank Robinson, Jr., 70, died on July 6, 2023, in Junction, Texas, where he had been a resident for several years. A service will be held at a later date, arrangements are under the direction of Kerrville Funeral Home in Kerrville, Texas.

Joe was born in Lubbock, Texas on May 5, 1953, to Joe and Vemelle Robinson. While playing in the back yard in Tahoka when he was only three years old, his clothes caught fire and he received third degree bums on both legs. After several skin grafts and months in recovery, he regained use of his legs. His family moved to Clarendon in 1959 and Joe attended schools there.

Joe was a veteran, having served two years in the U.S. Anny. He worked most of his life in sales.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother of forty-five years, Ruth Robinson, and his brother, Jim Robinson. He is survived by his sister, Janny Longan (Ed) and his brother, Jack Robinson (Susan); his stepsister, Libby Talley (Billy); and step-brother, Bill Word, and many nieces and nephews.

Allen M. Turner, 45, of Clarendon, Texas died Sunday, July 1, 2023, in Beaumont.

Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 17, 2023, in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon with Jeff Riles, officiating.

Viewing will be held Monday morning at the funeral home.

Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Allen was born April 4, 1978, in Long Beach, California. He had been a resident of Clarendon most of his life. He enjoyed playing dominoes, dancing, watching the Dallas Cowboys, and being around his momma.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Ruth Turner; his grandparents, George and Jimmy Ruth Turner; an uncle, George Turner, Jr.; and his god brother, Billy Gardner.

Survivors include his god mother, Doris Gardner of Clarendon; his sisters, Angelia and Richard Miller of Plainview, Texas and Jacqueline and Dean Jackson of Dallas, Texas; his brother, Stanley Gardner and Corliss Fairley of Dallas, Texas; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

Larry Lowell Christopher, 76, of Clarendon, Texas died Sunday, June 25, 2023, in Amarillo, Texas

Services will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, June 28, 2023 in the First Baptist Church in Clarendon with Casey Carter and Joe Neal Shadle, officiating. Burial will follow in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

Viewing will be held Tuesday at the funeral home. Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Larry was born November 13, 1946 in Wichita Falls, Texas to Jesse Lowell and Bonnie Ernestine Morgan Christopher. He married Juanice Morris on April 1, 1966 in McLean, Texas. He had been a resident of Clarendon most of his life where he was a carpenter prior to his retirement. He loved hunting, shooting guns with his kids, and playing 42. He also loved his grandkids and his beloved dog, Skeeter.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his great granddaughters, Holleigh Joe Christopher and Rynlee Dawn Burrow.

Survivors include his wife, Juanice Christopher of Clarendon; his sons, Keith Christopher and wife Kristy, Clay Christopher and wife Tammy, and Jason Christopher and wife Chandra all of Clarendon; his 9 grandchildren, Wesley and Kaysea Christopher, James and Laura Christopher, Jacob Christopher, Caitlyn and Byron Burrow all of Clarendon, Elizebeth Christopher and Ryan Lambert of Amarillo, Justin Christopher and Lori Watson of Lubbock, Trinity and Tate Sanderson of Wellington, and Shelby Christopher and Emma Christopher of Clarendon; 9 great grandchildren, Jesse, Nolan, and Weston Burrow, Blake and Kody Christopher all of Clarendon, Hayden Lambert of Amarillo, Lainey Sanderson and Jett Sanderson of Wellington, and Miles Watson of Lubbock; his sisters, Linda Judd, Karen and Buster Wortham of Clarendon, and Barbara and Russell Graham of Amarillo; his sisters in law, Carol Wyant, JoAnn and Hoyt West, and Connie Fricks all of McLean; and a slew of nieces, nephews, and extended family.

The family request memorials be sent to Donley County Senior Citizens or Citizens Cemetery Association in Clarendon.

The family will be at 404 East Burkhead in Clarendon.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

Berkeley Elizabeth “Berk” Alexander, went to be with God on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 9:07 AM at the age of 24. Although her family is devastated and already miss her terribly. God knew how absolutely amazing she was and decided He needed her more.

Berk was born to Chrisy Hommel and Stacey Alexander on March 12, 1999. She was and always will be one of her Mom’s biggest blessings. She brought so much joy. Berk attended Clarendon High School where she provided many laughs to all who were around her.

Berk went on to graduate with her Associates 1 year after High School, then LVN school, and finally Mortuary School, which was her calling in December 2022. Two months after graduating, she gave birth to her biggest blessing, her precious baby boy Lhiryc Finn Smith. Her love for him was out of this world. Anyone who knew Berk knew of her infectious, beautiful smile, her sweet soul, amazing sense of humor, and her never ending love for her baby boy and her family.

Berks survivors, those who will miss her so big include, her 4 month old son, Lhiryc Finn Smith; her one and only true love, Romello Smith; her mother, Chrisy Hommel and husband Chad; her sister, Finley Cunningham; her brother, Mason Lowrie and wife Gail; her brother, John Casey Alexander; her sister, Mamie Alexander; Grandparents, Beth and Toby Hicks and Barbara Hill; her father, Stacey Alexander; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Private family burial will be in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon. Memorial services will be 3:00 PM Sunday, June 25, 2023 in Robertson Funeral Directors Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon with Rev. Lance Wood, officiating.

Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Danny “Dan” Ray Cummins, 85, of Amarillo died peacefully on June 4, 2023, in Amarillo, surrounded by his loved ones.

Funeral services will be held on 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 8, 2023, at the First Baptist Church in Clarendon, with Pastor Lance Wood officiating.  Burial will follow in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon. Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Dan was born October 1, 1937, to Forrest and Lorene Cummins in Hollis, Oklahoma.  He grew up near Hollis and graduated from Hollis High School in 1955.

Dan married the love of his life, Hertha Lanford, on June 2, 1957.  For 66 years, Dan and Hertha shared a bond of unconditional love, building a loving family, and creating a lifetime of cherished memories together.  Their marriage was an inspiration to all who knew them, and Dan considered his family his proudest accomplishment.

In 1970, Dan began working at Highland Park Village in Amarillo.  Dan took great pride in his work at Highland Park, where he served as the dedicated and loyal manager of the housing complex for over 50 years.  Dan and Hertha raised their family at Highland Park Village – it was their home, and he loved it dearly. Never one to consider retirement, Dan was still leading his employees from his hospital bed during his final days.

Dan’s legacy of leadership and service did not end with his work at Highland Park.  Throughout his life, Dan was passionate about helping others and making a positive contribution to his community. He served on the Highland Park ISD School Board for 31 years and was instrumental in starting 4-H and FFA programs for Highland Park students. To this day, the National Jr. Honor Society at Highland Park ISD is named after Dan, honoring his longstanding commitment to the school.

A faithful follower of the Lord, Dan served as a deacon at the former Mesa Verde Baptist Church in Amarillo.  More recently, he became a member of the Bolton Street Baptist Church in Amarillo.

Above all, “Gran-Dan” loved his family.  His most cherished memories were celebrating holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and any other special occasion with his loved ones.  Dan particularly enjoyed spending time with his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids at his lake house at Lake Greenbelt.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Pat Hall.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Hertha, and their four children: Chriss Clifford of Clarendon, Theresa Shelton and husband Ken of Clarendon, Danny Cummins and wife Shonda of Clarendon, and Melana Hales of Amarillo.  Dan is also survived by his grandchildren: John Ray Clifford and wife Megan, Robert Clifford and wife Christine, Haley Shelton and husband Taylor, Katie Herrera and husband Abraham, Paydon Hales, Brayden Phillips and wife Taylor, Raylyn Shelton, Kennadie Cummins, Tandie Cummins, as well as eight great grandchildren and one more due in August, all of whom he loved dearly.   He also is also survived his sisters, Susie Hollingsworth and Temp Batten, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The Family kindly requests memorials be sent to Emi’s Color Shoot, P.O. Box 50184, Amarillo, Texas, 79159 or to the Potter County Junior Livestock Association, P.O. Box 30399, Amarillo, Texas 79120.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com.