Obituaries

Elizabeth “Kolett” Cox, 53, of Clarendon, passed away on Wednesday, February 29, 2012, in Amarillo. Memorial services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 3, 2012, at Morrison Memorial Chapel in Dumas. Rev. Kevin Anderson, pastor of First Assembly of God in Stratford will be officiating.

Services were under the direction of Morrison Funeral Directors.

Kolett was born on February 21, 1959, in Bakersfield, California to James and Mary Cox. She grew up and attended school in Sunray, Texas. She was a member of Sunray Baptist Church, and was baptized there at age nine. Kolett had been a resident of Clarendon, Texas for twenty-seven years. She was a beloved and devoted daughter and mother and sister who will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her father, James R. Cox in 1981.

Kolett is survived by her mother, Mary Cox of Dumas; two daughters, Brooklyn Cox and Jamie Cox, both of Amarillo; one son, Breelyn Cox of Amarillo; one sister, Linzi Holt and husband Clark of Dumas; and special child, Heavenleigh Hammersmith.

The family suggests memorials be to Odyssey Hospice, 6900 I-40 West, Suite 150, Amarillo, TX 79106.

L.D. “Don” Blanksof Hedley died Sunday, March 4, in Amarillo at the age of 89.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 8, 2012, in the Hedley Church of Christ with Bright Newhouse and Connie DeBord, officiating.

Graveside rites with Military Honors will be provided by the US Marine Corps in Rowe Cemetery in Hedley. Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Mr. Blanks was born March 27, 1922, in Lakeview to Roy and Ruby Sanford Blanks.  He was a veteran in the US Marines serving during World War II.  He had been a resident of Hedley most of his life where he was a member of the Hedley Church of Christ, Hedley Lions Club, Hedley Senior Citizens, Hedley Adamson-Lane American Legion Post 287, and the VFW.  He also loved playing dominoes, and helping people. The kids in Hedley referred to him as the candy man.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Charles, Leroy, Joe, and Jack Blanks; and a sister, Merylene Sargent.

Survivors include a son, Jerry Roy Blanks of Burleson; a daughter, Donnie Carrol Minton of Benbrook; a sister, Patsy Spier of Hedley; a special friend, Allene Leathers of Clarendon; seven grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family request memorials be sent to the Hedley Sr. Citizens Building Fund or Rowe Cemetery Association.

Sign our online guest book at www.RobertsonFuneral.com.

Services were held for Rev. James Ivey Edwards on Saturday, March 3, 2012, at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Clarendon with Rev. Jay Gage of Midland officiating.

James was born on November 17, 1943, in Bainbridge, Georgia, to James Bruce Edwards  and Von Biggs Edwards. He was raised in Amarillo and graduated from Amarillo High School. He attended college at West Texas State University, the University of Texas at Austin, and Perkins School of Theology at SMU in Dallas.  He married Donna Gentry in 1965 in Amarillo. James was a professional artist specializing in Western and wildlife landscapes and bronze sculpture and later taught Art at Clarendon College before entering full-time ministry in the Methodist church in 1990. He has recently served on the board of Habitat for Humanity, and has been involved in Boy Scouts and Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization in Artesia, New Mexico.

James was in active ministry at the time of his death at the First United Methodist Church of Artesia, New Mexico. He served faithfully and lovingly in ministry for the Lord in the Methodist church for 22 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a newborn son, and a 17 year old son, Scott, and a brother, Ronald Perry Edwards.

His survived his wife, Donna, of 46 years; two daughters, Andrea and husband Larry Hayward of Weatherford, Texas, and Kelly and husband Corey O’Brien of Dallas; five grandchildren Jordan and Adalyn of Weatherford, and Caden, Conner, and Kenna O’Brien of Dallas; a brother John and wife Donna of Colleyville; and an aunt, Fran Biggs of Stanton; Martha Gentry of Amarillo; and several nieces and nephews and other dear family members.

The family requests memorials be made to First United Methodist Church of Artesia, New Mexico, or First United Methodist Church of Clarendon.

Donna can be reached at 4104 Kentshire Ln., Dallas, TX 75287.

Gerald Hill, 84, of Claude, died Friday, February 24, 2012, in Claude.

Graveside services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 28, 2012, in Memorial Park Cemetery in Amarillo with Rev. Darrell Burton, officiating.

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

 Mr. Hill was born July 22, 1927, in Sulpulpa, Oklahoma to Fred Hill and Millie Spears Bates.  He had been a resident of Amarillo since the mid 1940’s before moving to Claude in 2003.  Mr. Hill was a distribution warehouse supervisor for Affiliated Foods and was also a sheet metal worker.  Gerald loved spending time out in his yard.  The family would like to thank Palo Duro Nursing Home for the loving care shown to Mr. Hill.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Kenneth Bates; and a sister, Velma Dunn.

He is survived by a daughter Melissa Hill and husband Glen of Groom; three brothers, Harold Bates of Mountain Home, Arkansas, Carol Bates of Batesville, Arkansas, Doyle Bates of Amarillo; four grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

The family request memorials be sent to a local hospice care facility of choice.

Sign our online guest book at www.RobertsonFuneral.com

Margaret Lee Hughes, age 81, died Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at Vernon.

Graveside services were held at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, February 29, 2012, at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon with Rev. Bruce Howard, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Hedley, officiating.  Internment followed in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon with arrangements by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Margaret was born July 5, 1930 in Tel City, Indiana, to Edwin Hayes and Estal Lee Mincey Clark.  She married Thomas U. Hughes on January 11, 1947, in Hall County.  Together they raised their children in the Lakeview Community and later moved to Clarendon.

Early in life she worked on the family farm and later she had an antique shop in Clarendon, but she spent most of her time as a homemaker.

She was a member of the Lakeview Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Thomas U. Hughes, on July 14, 2007; two brothers, Robbie Clark and Willis Clark; and her sister, Louise Hatley.

Survivors include her son, Tommy Hughes of Clarendon; two daughters, Mary Martin and husband Mitchell of Clarendon, and Carolyn Altman and husband Stanley of Vernon; her sister, Minnie Turner of Amarillo; three grandchildren, Jessica Wright and husband Keith, Kimberley Horn and husband Brian, and Julie Barker and husband Nick; and nine great-grandchildren, Brooke Martin, Peighton Barker, Kendall Horn, Mitch Parry, Blayne Horn, Dusty Thomas, Lee Tolbert, Brady McKay, and Cooper Horn. 

Sign our online guest book at www.RobertsonFuneral.com.

Nell Barnhill, 92, of Clarendon, died Monday, February 13, 2012.

Graveside services were held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 16, 2012, at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon with Dr. Darin Davis officiating.  Arrangements were by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors of Amarillo.

Ruth Nell Williams was born in Dalhart to Dallam County Pioneers, Jack and Ethel Williams.  Nell was a vivacious beauty and reigned as XIT Queen.  She also worked for the Dalhart Chamber of Commerce.

She married Gary Barnhill on April 8, 1939.  Nell and Gary lived in Turkey until 1955, when they moved to Clarendon.

Nell was always a working partner in their family businesses, the Farmer’s Supply and the Sandell and Mulkey Theatres.  She helped choose movies to be shown and mailed movie calendars to Clarendon and area residents.  She was the pretty smile and the wonderful laugh at the ticket booth for both theatres.  Nell also made the delicious barbeque that was a hit of the snack bar.

After retiring from her duties at the Sandell, Nell enjoyed playing golf, bridge and poker with her special “girl friends.”  She was a great cook, an avid gardener and had the gift of making her home beautiful and comfortable for all.  Her family especially loved to come to “Nonnie’s” and crash.  Nell had a beautiful voice and served as choir director in the First Presbyterian Church of Clarendon for many years.

She is preceded in death by the love of her life, Gary; her parents, Jack and Ethel; and her siblings Jack, Irma and Lois.

Surviving Nell are daughters, Sandi Harris and Adele Lee and their families; grandchildren, Tami Logsdon, Darin Davis, Gary and Tripp Sherr; and eight great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who cared for Nell: Ware Living Center, especially the staff of Cherry II, Nancy Owens of Clarendon, the “amazing angels” at BSA Hospice, Allen Arvello and Dr. Stenhouse.

Agnes Cleo Usrey Crutchfield, 97, of Plainview, passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2012 in Plainview.

Memorial services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, February 17, 2012, at Westridge Manor. Graveside Service were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 18, 2012, at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

Cleo was born October 14, 1914, to Olen and Vallie Usrey in Wood County, Texas. She married Roy Crutchfield December 12, 1932, in Hollis, OK. He preceded her in death.  She was a member of Clarendon Church of Christ.

She is survived by two daughters, Joyce Blasingame and husband Tommy of Hereford, and Jeanette Blevins and husband Dee of Plainview; two sisters, Reba Shields of Durant, OK, and Kathryn Yates of Murray, KY; five grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and eleven great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by grandson, Bill Blasingame, great grandson, Tom Patterson, and great-great grandson Nolan Blevins-Gebhart.

The family suggests memorials be made to Clarendon Church of Christ 300 S. Carhart Street Clarendon, Texas 79226 Online condolences may be made at www.kornerstonefunerals.com.

Barnetta Perdue, 86, died Monday, February 6, 2012, in Amarillo.

Services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 10, 2012 in Robertson Funeral Directors Saints Roost Chapel in Clarendon with Joab Perdue, officiating. Burial followed at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

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

Mrs. Perdue was born December 2, 1925, in Greenwood, Texas to Payton McDonald & Minnie May Estes Baten.  She married William Daniel Perdue on May 19, 1948, in Clarendon.  She had been a resident of Amarillo since 1965 and was a member of the Cornerstone Baptist Church in Amarillo.  The family would like to thank BSA Hospice and Heritage Convalescent Center for their loving care shown to Mrs. Perdue.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 2007; 2 brothers, Arnold Baten and Barney Baten.

She was survived by her 2 sons, Tommy Mack Perdue and wife Penny and William Thomas Perdue and wife Deana all of Amarillo; 6 grandchildren, Jason Perdue, Brandon Perdue and wife Meredith, Lance Perdue and wife Chrissy, Brittany Perdue all of Amarillo, Krista Perdue and fiancée Cody Simpson of Houston and Toby Hudson and wife Jennifer of Amarillo; 6 great grandchildren, Blake Perdue, Kensley Perdue, Sophia Perdue, Audrey Perdue, Indy Perdue, and Clayton Hudson all of Amarillo.

The family request memorials be sent to BSA Hospice or the Heritage Convalescent Center in Amarillo.

Sign our online guestbook at www.RobertsonFuneral.com.

Daphine Roberson Sullivan, 82 Died Saturday, February 11, 2012, in Wheeler.

Services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 15, 2012, in the Robertson Funeral Directors Saints Roost Chapel in Clarendon, with grandson Jeremy Pierce, officiating.

Burial to follow at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon Services were under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Shamrock

Daphine was born October 16, 1929, in Clarendon to June “Roy” and Joy Walker Roberson.  Daphine graduated from Clarendon High School in 1947 and received an Associate’s Degree from Clarendon College, a teaching certificate from West Texas State College in 1958, and a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Development from the university in Commerce, TX. She married Charlie Sullivan on August 6, 1949 in Clarendon.  Daphine gave birth to her daughter, Tojuana on March 21, 1959, and to a son, Jon on January 15, 1962. Daphine was an elementary school teacher until she retired in 1985 and was passionate about childhood literacy.  She and Charlie were active members of their communities as they pursued their careers in education.  Daphine’s teaching career began in McAdoo, TX and ended with her retirement from Lefors Elementary School in Lefors, TX.

Daphine and Charlie moved to Wheeler in 2004.  She was a member of the Wheeler Church of Christ.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Pat Roberson; and a nephew Todd Roberson.

She was survived her husband, Charlie Sullivan; a son, Jon Sullivan and wife Kristie of Wheeler; a daughter, Tojuana Pierce of Wheeler; 4 grandchildren, Brandie Neal, Jeremy Pierce, Matt Sullivan, J.R.

Sullivan; 10 Great Grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Linda Spoon; and a niece Lori Baggett.

The family suggests that memorials be sent to Rotary Foundation for Polio Research, c/o Shamrock Rotary Club.

Sign our online guestbook at www.RobertsonFuneral.com

Basil Bascom Banister of McKinney died February 2, 2012.

He was born in Collinsworth County Texas on July 22, 1937.  He went to college at Clarendon College and then Texas Tech University.  He retired from ARCO and ran his own business in McKinney, -BBB- Fertilizer Company.

He was preceded in death by his parents Hollis Martin Banister and Mary Ellen Craig Banister of Lelia Lake, Texas, his daughter Holly Gwynn Banister and his younger brother Kelsey Gale Banister of Amarillo.

He is survived by his daughter Laina DeLynn Banister Mayo and son-in-law Dr. Kip Mayo of New Braunfels, and their children Kaden Elijah Mayo, Kyler Samuel Mayo, and Kaybri Ellen Mayo who will greatly miss their “Poppa BB”.  He is also survived by the mother of his children Kathleen Gartung Banister and his sisters Sue Leeper of Clarendon and Patricia “Patti” Johnston of Canon City, Colorado.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and their children from all over the state of Texas.