Super sniffer
Michael Shayne Branigan
Michael Shayne Branigan, 75, of Memphis died Friday, November 5, 2021, in Amarillo.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 12, 2021, in Fairview Cemetery in Memphis. Memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, November 12, 2021, in the First United Methodist Church in Memphis.
Viewing will be held Thursday at the funeral home.
Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Memphis.
Michael Shayne Branigan, 75, was born October 31, 1946, to Elmont Branigan and Florita Salazar Branigan in Memphis, Texas.
Mike attended Memphis schools, graduated in 1965, met Linda Carol Miller January 1963 was engaged in 1964 and married July 2, 1966. Mike and Linda lived in Oklahoma City where he attended HC Lewis School of Electronics and was employed with J.C. Penney’s. They moved to Granbury where Mike worked for General Dynamics in 1968. In 1969 Michelle was born, shortly thereafter they moved back to Memphis where Mike began his jewelry manufacturing courses in 1972. In 1973 Michael Shayne II was born. Mike worked using his talent to manufacture several unique, personalized designs of jewelry for many people. He also repaired antique clocks. In the late 70’s he took on the position as city manager. During his tenure, several streets were paved, and city drainage and sanitation was planned and completed. In 1982, following the loss of his father Elmont, Mike began a long career in the medical field as an EMT, Paramedic, then earned his BSN with honors in August of 1996. Mike worked as a charge nurse for Hall County Hospital until it was closed. Mike began working as the Infirmary Administrator at the T.L. Roach Jr. Unit for Childress Regional Medical Center in February of 1998 until Mike retired in July 2015.
Throughout Mike’s life, he was a lifetime Boy Scout and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Mike was Lodge Chief in Order of the Arrow as a vigil member of the Lone Wolf Lodge Adobe Walls Council and participated in numerous ceremonies. Mike was Worshipful Master of the Masonic Lodge #729. Mike bought and managed properties at Club Lake where he served as president of the board for several terms. Mike was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church, he was a pilot, a scuba diver, motorcycle rider, powerlifter with numerous state and national records in deadlift and bench press. He was also a member of the Memphis Lion’s Club.
Mike was a wonderful husband to Linda for over 50 years. They travelled many places together and sometimes included children and grandchildren. His grandchildren fondly remember the trips to Carlsbad Caverns, The Precious Moments Chapel, White Sands, and multiple snow skiing trips. Unfortunately, Linda lost her leg in 2013 and Mike went above and beyond to take excellent care of her until she passed away in 2017. He married Sondra Stargel on January 2nd, 2020. They enjoyed spending time with friends, feeding fish, watching the wildlife, and especially enjoyed the beautiful Texas sunsets while sitting on the deck.
Mike passed away surrounded by family at his bedside on November 5th, 2021, after complications from West Nile Virus.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents and wife Linda Miller Branigan.
Mike is survived by his wife Sondra, sister Elmonette and husband Russell of Clarendon. Daughter Michelle Branigan and soulmate Mark Sweatt of Memphis, son Shayne Branigan and Angie of Memphis, Grandchildren Michaela and Jeremias Torres of Lubbock, Savannah Lee of Lubbock, Jessica Lee of Lubbock, Maddi Bryant of Childress, Hannah and Andrew White of Memphis, Liam Branigan of Memphis, and Abbey Branigan of Memphis, great granddaughter Sierra White of Memphis. Nephew Stephen Bivens and family of Clarendon, and Nephew Scott Bivens and family of Chattanooga, Tenn.
In Lieu of flowers the family request donations to be made to First United Methodist Church of Memphis, Texas or the Memphis Lions Club.
Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com
Block party to be held on Saturday
Downtown Clarendon will be a busy place for First Saturday this weekend as the Mulkey Theatre hosts its “On Any Sunday Block Party” starting at 5 p.m.
The block party will feature live music from the Caliche Dust Band, food, vendors, and motorcycle displays.
The party outdoor party winds down at 7 p.m. and then moves inside the Mulkey for a 50th anniversary screening of the motorcycle movie “On Any Sunday,” a documentary that focuses on several riders, most notably actor Steve McQueen.
Admission to the outdoor portion of the block party is free. Movie admission is $10 and can be purchased in advance at ClarendonTx.com/Mulkey or at the door.
For information, call the Visitor Center at 874-SHOW.
Also for First Saturday, the Whistle-Stop Trade Days will be open Saturday and Sunday, November 6-7, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with unique gifts, food trucks, live music, and cold beer. Admission to the trade days is also free.
Rep. King gives legislative update here
State Rep. Ken King (R-Canadian) gave a legislative update and field citizens’ questions during a town hall meeting at Clarendon College’s Bairfield Activity Center last Tuesday, October 26.
Redistricting following the 2020 US Census was King’s main reason for running for re-election last time, he said, and he felt like that was successfully accomplished for rural Texans.
King said the numbers show that Texas west of Interstate 35 should have 12.6 house seats, but the redistricting bill that was approved maintains 14 house seats in West Texas. King said his district had to give up three of its northern most counties along with Armstrong County but remains largely intact otherwise.
The representative said COVID-19 and February’s winter storm made the last regular legislative session very unusual because it cut down the time lawmakers had to consider bills. The governor subsequently called three special sessions of the legislature.
Responding to a question about the possibility of a fourth special session being called, King said such a session would only happen if the lieutenant governor “bullies” the governor into having one and that it would like be to call for election audits if it happens. King said he opposes such audits as they are unfunded mandates for counties and would not change the results of elections, which Republicans already won.
King said he was most proud of passing a bill this year that makes ovarian cancer tests covered by women’s insurance policies, something he has been working on for several sessions.
Asked about water planning in Texas and the Panhandle, King said he thought it was unlikely that the state would pursue building more traditional reservoirs. He did, however, say that he is interested in the possibility of desalinating brackish aquifers as a way to provide more water resources. Development of any such plans won’t happen soon though, he said, because the state as a whole “isn’t that thirsty enough yet.”
King objected to Governor Abbott’s ban prohibiting businesses from requiring employees to be vaccinated.
“This is a free market, and I’m a capitalist,” King said.
King also said he agreed with Sen. Kel Seliger (R-Amarillo) and his concerns about the state government encroaching on the powers of local governments.
“I think it’s a dictatorship, and I think it’s terrible,” King said. “There does seem to be a theme there, and I’m not sure when that became a Republican priority.”
King also objected to former President Donald Trump calling Sen. Seliger a RINO (Republican In Name Only), saying that Trump only said that because Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick told him so.
“What’s a former president doing sticking his nose in state senate race anyway?” King asked.
King also addressed attempts in Austin to prohibit so-called “taxpayer funded lobbying,” which he said is when the Texas Municipal League, Texas Association of Counties, and other groups speak on behalf of mayors, judges, and school superintendents across the state so they don’t have to all drive to Austin to make their voices heard.
“I can tell you I don’t want to have to have 17 county judges and 57 school superintendents (from my district) in my office for 140 days during a session,” King said.
Chamber annual meeting this Friday
The Clarendon Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual membership business meeting this Friday, November 5, 2021, at noon at the Mulkey Theatre.
Refreshments will be provided, and members are encouraged to attend for the election of board members.
A notice previously mailed to members incorrectly said the meeting would be on November 6. The Chamber apologizes for any confusion that may have caused.
CC meats team wins national title
Clarendon College’s Meats Team was named the 2021 national champions over this past weekend.
Meats judging coach Tate Corliss and his team of scholars from Clarendon College brought home the 2021 national championship. The team scored first out of six teams. Additionally, out of 24 contestants, Clarendon students scored the following:
• Megan Miller from Silver City, NM scored high overall individual
• Kendra Pfeiffer from Boerne, TX scored 4th high individual
• Kamryn Bevel from Bedias, TX scored 5th high individual
• Pake Parkington from Ropesville, TX scored 9th high individual
Johnny Treichel, Clarendon College’s judging teams coordinator and division chair for agriculture, stated that he is extremely proud of the hard work of the students and of Coach Tate Corliss. Treichel also noted that he is thankful for all who support the team, stating that without the support from the college and the community, the success of the team and its students would not be possible.
Clarendon College President Tex Buckhaults stated that he is very proud of the meats judging team and their continued tradition of success.
High performers
Thirteen Donley County 4-H members travelled to District 1 4-H Horse Quiz Bowl contests in Amarillo Wednesday, October 27, and earned top honors in both divisions that they were entered in. The senior teams placed 1st and 2nd and will both advance to State 4-H contest in June at Texas A&M University. Members of the Senior Division first place team are Laney Gates, Mycah Woodard, Jodee Pigg and Levi Gates. The second place team members are Brenna Ellis, Maloree Wann, Grant Haynes and Bryce Williams. In the Intermediate Division, the first place team members are Addison Havens, Makynna Williams, Kassie Askew, Parker Haynes and Colton Henson. Coaches are Jenifer Pigg and Julie Gates.Courtesy Photo
Best dressed
Kay Ellen Pfeiffer Lindsay
Kay Ellen Pfeiffer Lindsay, 71, of Clarendon died Thursday, October 28, 2021 in Amarillo.
Graveside services were held on 1:00 p.m. Sunday, October 31, 2021 in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon with Branson Cruse officiating.
Kay was born March 13, 1950 in Amarillo to Joe Paul and Jo Ellen Robertson Pfeiffer. She grew up in Clarendon and was a graduate of Clarendon High School. She had worked as a high school counselor and a teacher for 20 years prior to her retirement.
She worked in Dallas, Texas; Shanghai, China; and Monterrey, Mexico. She moved back to Clarendon in 2015 to enjoy her retirement. She was a talented seamstress and passionate piano player who volunteered her talents in whatever way she could to give back to her community, no matter where she was living at the time.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her paternal grandparents, Otto and Annie Laura Pfeiffer; her maternal grandparents, Sam and Rubye Alice Robertson; and her beloved canine companion, Jiaoza.
She is survived by her daughters, Jennifer Umpleby and husband John of Salado, Stefanie Reasoner of Austin, and Kimberly Jackson and husband Andre of Rockwall; her sister, Paulette Kidd and husband Roy Arnold of Clarendon; her grandchildren, Jessica, Alena, Sarah, Marie, Parker, and Brady; her great granddaughter, Amore; her a sister by choice, Patricia Klekamp; and several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Dallas, Texas, where a memorial will be held on November 6, 2021. Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran School 6121 E. Lovers Lane, Dallas, TX 75214 or Mission of Christ Network 22601 Lutheran Church Road, Tomball, TX 77377.
Linda Jean Spoon
Linda Jean Spoon, 73, of Claude died Sunday, October 31, 2021 in Claude.
Memorial services will be held on 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 5, 2021, in Robertson Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon.
Linda was born December 9, 1947 in Weslaco, Texas, to her parents JC & Ruby Hill. She passed away October 31, 2021 in her home. Linda married Lloyd Spoon on June 12, 1999. They lived in Claude putting them close to family.
She is survived by her Husband of 22 years, Lloyd Spoon of Claude. Daughter: Lori Baggett of Claude. Grandson: Brady Baggett and wife Jacy Baggett of Claude Granddaughter: Brooklyn Morgan and husband Tre Morgan of Claude. Also, a great grandson: Parker Lewis. She was preceded in death by her parents, Son: Todd Roberson, Grandson: Adam Nagle and Brother: Jerry Hill.
Linda served most of her time helping others feel beautiful as a cosmetologist for 50+ years. She touched so many lives by doing what she loved. Those who knew her would best describe her as being unapologetically herself. Which is a rare gift that they all cherish about her. When she loved you she loved you fiercely and with her entire heart. Linda loved God and prayed for those she loved often.
One of the most important things she left her family was her knowledge of life. She taught them to let go of small things that seem big in the moment, because really they aren’t big at all. She loved get togethers and family functions. You could see in her eyes how much she loved her family. What a blessing she was.
One of Linda’s prayers her family stumbled upon explains her love for them perfectly. She wrote- “Heavenly Father I come to you in prayer. I am thankful in all things. Thank you for my life, and my beautiful children. I lift Lloyd, his family, Lori, Brady and his family, Brooklyn and Tre up to you. Father I ask you open their hearts so that they may receive your blessings. Father, place your total armor around them and protect them from any evil…”
Flowers can be sent to the funeral home. If you would rather send a donation, the family asks that they be sent to Claude EMS.
Reader Comments