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40 Years of Service
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Clarendon celebrates 250 years of America
Clarendon marked the 250th birthday of the United States of America in grand fashion on Saturday, July 4, during the final day of the 149th annual Saints’ Roost Celebration with a large crowd in attendance for the parade and activities on the Donley County Courthouse Square.
This year’s celebration began Thursday, July 2, when Crossties Ministries annual Depression Luncheon was held at the Lions Hall, and the Clarendon Outdoor Entertainment Association’s Junior Ranch Rodeo closed out the day at the COEA Arena.
More than 100 people attended the Clarendon Lion’s Club’s annual Bag Bingo to start the second day of the celebration. The event gave away 23 prizes ranging from coolers to tool bags to designer purses, ranging in value from about $50 to more than $500. A fiesta lunch was held with the bingo and players.
The Clarendon Outdoor Entertainment Association hosted its ranch rodeos on Friday and Saturday evenings, and those results are also listed in a separate article this week.
The big day of the celebration was Saturday, July 4, with a hot and humid day making it a hot time in the old town, but that did not deter the crowd from joining the festivities.
The theme for this year’s celebration “Stars & Stripes Forever,” and an analytical service provided by the Clarendon Economic Development Corporation estimates that 1,800 people attended Saturday’s events on the square, down slightly from last year. The service from Placer.ai uses location data from mobile devices to analyze foot traffic in businesses and events.
The Liberty Electric Kids Parade started things off Saturday morning with three age categories plus a motorized division. Winners were as follows: Motorized: Ransom Wylee Renee, first; Russell Johnston, second; and Blaze and Tatum Herndon, third. Ages 0-3: Roses and True Henson, first; Jenna Hall, second; and Astrid Jaramillo, third. Ages 5-8: Madilyn Herndon, first; Oakleigh Shields, second, and Saylor Bell, third. Ages 9-12: Kelton Herndon, first; Kinze Zongker, second; and Dalis Reuter, third.
Enterprise Photo / Roger Estlack
In the Herring Bank Parade, Les Beaux Arts Club won the first place Float with their Betsy Ross-inspired entry, Lawrence Rose of Amarillo had the best car/truck entry with a 1901 Oldsmobile, the best Animal entry belonged to the Clarendon College Ranch Horse Team with their “Dog & Pony” wagon, Sawyer Hay & Cube had the best Tractor entry, and The Buckin’ Bean had the best Other entry.
The Al Morrah Shrine Club sold completely out of barbecue this year, serving plates to more than 400 people.
The Clarendon Lions Club’s annual Cow Patty Bingo fundraiser was won by Medina Gribble, Russell Estlack, Renee Shields, and Russell Latham.
Henson’s annual Turtle Race was also held Saturday afternoon in its traditional location at Third and Kearney. Winning turtle jockeys this year were: age 0-4, Peyton Hawkins; age 5-8, Payleigh Martin; age 9-12, Elizabeth Newton; and age 13-16, Hunter Wann. Adults then competed in a 17 and up division, and Brandon Herndon took home the official title, and Allie Pittillo won a second unofficial race.
Benjamin Estlack won the 50/50 raffle of the Bronco basketball team. The Courthouse Lighting Committee drawings were won by Joanne Barton, Larry Gray, and Terry Askew.
Heck Cattle wins ranch rodeo
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Heck Cattle Co. team took top honors at the Clarendon Outdoor Entertainment Association’s annual Ranch Rodeo last Friday and Saturday during the 149th annual Saints’ Roost Celebration.
The Heck team’s scores beat out 19 other local and regional ranch rodeo teams as working cowboys put their skills to the test. The team was made up of Cody Heck, Jody Padilla, Rylan Ferbreche, Josh Halsell, and Jeffery Jefferson.
The Circle M8 / High Card team finished second with Phillip Reynolds, Rye Reynolds, Chance Holcombe, Jayde Smith, and Ky Brownlee; and the Tongue River Ranch team was third with Bem Crockett, Bubba Smith, Riggin Johnson, Justin Johnson, and Cooper McClesky.
Jeffery Jefferson won both the Top Hand, and Jayde Smith’s Gunner was the Top Horse.
Ranch Rodeo event winners were Bronc Ride – Heck Cattle, Stray Gathering – Circle M8 / High Card, Cow Milking – TP Livestock, and Branding – Dinner Creek.
COEA reported ticket sales for 1,387 rodeo spectators this year over the three-day event, which was up from 1,124 who were ticketed at the gate last year.
The Clarendon Economic Development Corporation’s Placer.ai analytics, which looks at the traffic of mobile devices, estimated that about 2,148 people attended the rodeos over three-days. That figure would include volunteers, participants, stock providers, sponsors, emergency personnel, and other people who do not need tickets to enter the event. Placer.ai estimates attendance this year was up by about 150 people compared to last year.
Sand Creek won the Junior Ranch Rodeo with a team comprised of Rankin Proffitt, Kelby Brownlee, Diesel Van Ryan, Cole Walden, and Truitt Harris. The second place team was Roadrunner Ranch with Reece Myers, Cole Walden, Hawk Thompson, Tristan Satterfield, and Stetson Duncan. Third place in the junior rodeo went to High Card Ranch and the team of Kelby Brownlee, Chance Anderson, Rylan Lamb, Karli Jones, and Lane Nelms.
Top Hand winner for the Junior Ranch Rodeo was Colton Henson, and Rankin Proffitt rode the Top Horse.
Junior Calf, Donkey, and Steer Riding and Mutton Bustin’ were held all three nights. Overall, Mutton Bustin’ champion for the three nights was Wyatt Martindale, Chambray Askew, and Mia Green. Overall Calf Riding Champion was Brecken Coon, the Overall Donkey Rider was Luke Hardin, and Steer Riding champion was Rance Peeters.
Nightly winners of the junior events were as follows:
July 2 – Calf Scramble – Case Jones, Bode Butts, and Eliseo Olivas; Mutton Bustin’ – Chambray Askew; Calf Riding – Jess Koetting, Donkey Riding – Luke Hardin; and Steer Riding – Rance Peters.
July 3 – Calf Scramble – J.T. Shelton, Drew Brown, and Todd Packer; Mutton Bustin’ – Mia Green and Wyatt Martindale; Calf Riding – Breken Coon; Donkey Riding – Rance Peters; and Steer Riding – Rance Peters.
July 4 – Calf Scramble – Drew Brown, Tripp Thompson, and Emmagyn Brown; Mutton Bustin’ – Brecken Coon; Calf Riding – Brecken Coon; Donkey Riding – Luke Hardin; and Steer Riding – Rance Peters.
Howardwick plans Hoedown July 18
The eighth annual Howardwick Hoedown will be held Saturday, July 18, in McMorries Memorial Park with fun for the entire family.
Food will be served starting at 11 a.m. and continue until it runs out, and dancing and music will continue throughout the day. Lunch will be $10 per person – pulled pork sandwiches, potato salad, and a drink.
A Llama Truck will be raffled off at 4 p.m. Tickets are available by calling 806-874-2222. The cost is $25 each or five for $100, and you do not have to be present to win.
A live on-site raffle with lots of prizes will also be going on all day for those present with winners every hour.
A Hoedown Showdown Poker Run will be held for golf carts, ATVs, and UTVs and the entire route will be in the City of Howardwick.
Other activities include the fifth annual putting contest, a mechanical bull-riding contest, and a slip-n-slide will be available for kids.
Those attending the Hoedown should plan to bring their own seating and their own umbrellas or other shading if they desire.
Hoedown activities will wind down at 4 p.m.
Charles Edgar Deyhle, Jr.
Charles Edgar, “Charlie” Deyhle, Jr., DVM
On Monday, June 29, 2026, our dear Charles Edgar Deyhle, Jr., “Charlie”, 73 of Horseshoe Bay, Texas took his final and most glorious flight.
Charlie, the son of Frances and Dr. Charles Deyhle, Sr. was born July 26, 1952, in Memphis and grew up in Clarendon. As a boy he loved bikes, cars, mechanics, music, baseball and as soon as he could hold a shovel, began working at the Clarendon Veterinary Hospital, under his father’s watchful eye. His passion for aviation began early, soloing when he was 15 and earning his private pilot’s license at 16, even before receiving his driver’s license.
After graduation from Clarendon High School, Charlie attended Texas Tech University and became a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity. It was there he met his sister’s roommate, Jamie, the one he would love for the rest of his life. Soon after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, he married Jamie Avant on August 17, 1974, in Dilley, Texas.
The adventure then led the couple to College Station, making their home in a 12 X 50-foot trailer house. Charlie would boast about having 2 window units, and a front row seat to the trains that rattled the little house with every passing. Charlie worked checking water meters while attending Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and somehow found the time to become the Texas A&M Intramural Handball Champion. He graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1977.
He then joined his father at the Clarendon Veterinary Hospital. The young veterinarian and Jamie immersed themselves in Clarendon’s community and were blessed with two children, Charles Blake and Leia Kate. After 19 years, the family moved to Canyon, where Charlie was the owner-operator of Deyhle Veterinary Services, specializing in animal health management for intensified beef cattle stocker, and feedlot operations in Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado and Nebraska; consulting also in Australia and Mexico.
Throughout Dr. Deyhle’s career he was recognized as Distinguished Alumnus of A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and was presented the Mark Francis Award. He was commissioned in 1982 to join the Governor’s Task Force on Agricultural Development. He served as President of the Academy of Veterinary Consultants, and was honored by his peer members as Consultant of the Year in 2001; and by the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab as Veterinary Diagnostician of the Year. The American Association of Bovine Practitioners awarded him the Food Animal Practitioner of the Year. He was a lifetime member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Texas Veterinary Medical Association. He served on the Task Force instrumental in the development of the Externship Program for the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine at West Texas A&M University; which developed into a College of Veterinary Medicine at West Texas A&M University.
Charlie often said he felt extremely grateful to have spent over 46 years doing work he truly loved. He answered his phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and formed lifelong friendships with his clients. He logged more than 16,000 hours flying to feedyards and ranches. He held ratings as Airline Transport Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Instrument, Multiengine and Helicopter Pilot.
Charlie was a lifelong Methodist, serving in many capacities in Clarendon and Canyon, and later, a member of The Church of Horseshoe Bay, he came to dearly love. He would talk often about feeling the presence of God while alone, flying through the heavens overlooking all of God’s creation. He would ask, “How could anyone not believe in God?”
Even with his busy career, there was no doubt that family was the center of Charlie’s life. His wife, children and extended family meant everything to him. His four grandchildren brought a new level of joy. He treasured his friendships as well as took pride in mentoring young cattlemen, and celebrating their successes.
Charlie worked with integrity as hard as any man can work, but also played hard, with joy and gusto in all he did. Passions beyond family included flying, the mountains of Colorado, music, his’92 Ford Mustang, his dogs, hiking, country dancing and after retirement, a fiend at pickleball-or just driving around with his wife of almost 52 years-who always called him her “Superman”. This was a man who never sat still.
His was without question, a life well lived.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frances and Chuck Deyhle and his brother-in-law, Jim Hill.
He is survived by his wife, Jamie; son, Blake Deyhle of Richmond, Virginia; daughter, Leia Anderson and son in law, Michael Anderson; grandchildren, Wells, Lillie, Carly and Anna Grace, all of Houston. Sisters Sandy Hill of Loveland, Colorado, Becky (John) McKinley of Amarillo, Jenny (Jodie) Rapp of Austin; brothers in law Jim Avant of Houston and Jeff (Cindy) Avant of Dilley, as well as many cousins and nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
The family would like to express deep gratitude for the loving care Charlie received over the last several months from “Charlie’s Angels”. David Cooley, Elizabeth Martinez, Tiresa Greene, Felicia Williams and Takerra Asbury were invaluable and will not be forgotten.
Roberta Ruth Bollinger
Roberta Ruth Bollinger, 89 of Clarendon passed away on June 27, 2026.
Private graveside services and burial were held in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.
Roberta Ruth Lindley Bollinger was born October 19, 1936, in Brice, Texas to Dennis and Ruth (Cross) Lindley. Her family moved to Donley County in 1942. She attended Clarendon schools, graduating from Clarendon High School in 1954, Clarendon College in 1956 and West Texas State College (WTAMU) in 1958 with a degree in elementary education. She was offered a teaching contract from Dalhart ISD soon after graduating. She was introduced to Marion Edward Bollinger and was married in Dalhart, Texas on May 22, 1959. She taught second grade in Dalhart for 2 years and took a break to have her children. They soon moved to Stratford where she taught first grade for 22 years. They moved to Clarendon in 1988, she taught in Lakeview 12 years and in Memphis for a year after Lakeview consolidated. She retired in 2001 with 37 years. She continued to substitute for Hedley ISD several years. She enjoyed crocheting, embroidering and spending time with her daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Roberta was also a member of First Baptist Church of Clarendon.
Roberta was proceeded in death by her parents, her husband Marion Bollinger in 2005, son Dennis Bollinger, great granddaughter Ashleah Herndon and sister-in-law Wilma Lindley.
She is survived by her daughter, Gwen Sharp and husband Tim of Clarendon, brothers Harold Lindley of Clarendon and Thomas Lindley and wife Cynthia of Claude. Grandchildren: Kara Hill and husband Joel of Amarillo, Shawna Herndon and husband Brandon of Clarendon, and Corey Barker of Amarillo; Great Grandchildren; Lindley Hill, Haidyn Hill, Landyn Hill, Landrey Hill, Kelton Herndon, Madilynn Herndon. Nephews: Jay, Ray and Todd Lindley.
Arrangements are made by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon and officiated by Chuck Robertson.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Gentiva hospice.
Shirley Eileen Nelson Lovell
Shirley Eileen Nelson Lovell went to be with her Lord and Savior June 4, 2026, at the age of 91.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Shirley’s life will be held Friday, July 10, 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Claude, Texas.
Cremation and arrangements are under the care of Robertson Funeral Directors.
Shirley was born August 7, 1934, in Claude, to Lloyd Vernon and Avis Christian Nelson. Her devout Christian faith carried her daily and was lovingly felt by numerous lives she touched along the way.
She graduated from Claude High School in 1952, attended Hardin-Simmons University, then Texas Tech University — where she graduated in 1957 with a Bachelor of Applied Arts (Home Economics and Home Economics Education). After graduation, she worked at Dotty Dan Manufacturing in Lamesa, Texas, as a designer of children’s clothing for boys. Shirley furthered her education at Texas Woman’s University, pursuing a Master’s in Home Economics. From 1962 – 1964, she taught High School Home Economics in Floydada and Claude.
In the early 1960’s, Shirley met Joe T. Lovell, and they were soon married on April 12, 1963. As she and Joe began to build their life together, they established Claude as the community where they would raise their daughters (Leah Marie and Sheila Jo) and be blessed with over six decades of marriage. She loved her calling as a wife and mother and devoted herself completely to her family. She also enjoyed time with dear friends and sisters, Bible studies (both with adults and children), school activities, journaling and scrapbooking family memories, cooking, gardening, birdwatching, walking her little dog, and many memorable trips with loved ones. Later in life, she was thrilled to welcome new members to her family —– sons-in-law, grandchildren, and two sweet great-granddaughters. Shirley’s face always lit up as she continuously expressed her gratitude for God’s blessings. As she graciously followed her journey on earth, she scattered beautiful seeds of her kindness and steadfast faith.
She is survived by her daughter Leah Gregory and husband Mike of Rociada, New Mexico; daughter Sheila Jenkins and husband Kevin of New Braunfels, Texas; grandson Grant Gregory and wife Katie (and great-granddaughters Clare Joe and Sloan Kay) of Trementina, New Mexico; grandson Sam Gregory and wife Shelby of Hartley, Texas; grandson Gabe Gregory and wife Laney of Rociada, New Mexico; grandson Ben Jenkins and Tira Holland of Aviano, Italy; granddaughter Brooke Jenkins of Leander, Texas; sister Marilyn Nelson-Perry of Springfield, Missouri.
She was preceded in death by her husband Joe (2025), parents Lloyd (1972) and Avis (1987), sister Sharon (2023), and sister Mary Eloise (1931).
Shirley’s life was a beautiful testimony of faith, kindness, and deep love for family and friends.
We kindly ask that memorial donations be sent to Hudson House Claude. 301 Trice Street, PO Box 190, Claude, TX 79019.
Morian makes Clarendon College history
By Holly Smith
Clarendon College had its first ever timed-event cowboy, a
Courtesy Photo / Jackie Jensen
steer wrestler, win the 2026 College National Finals Rodeo.
Andrew Morian, a freshman from Gardnerville, Nevada, stopped the clock in 3.7 seconds to win the third round and put him first in the average on 3, headed into the championship round with a total time of 12.2 seconds.
Morian came to Clarendon to pursue his college bulldogging career with Clarendon’s Men’s Assistant Coach, Wyatt Smith. Morian set the Caprock Region on fire placing in eight of the 10 college rodeos during the regular season and winning four of those. He also picked up team roping, with partner Wyatt Williams and ended up being the Caprock Region Men’s Reserve All-Around Cowboy.
Andrew Morian will be a name you’ll hear for years to come. For only being a freshman, his mindset surpasses his age. His ability to handle pressure in big moments is something you can’t teach. Morian qualified for the Extreme Bulldogging Finals in Abilene, Texas, back in March.
“Being up against the best in the world, the guys who have and are making the NFR is a lot of pressure,” Morian said. “But I believe that when I’m prepared for something, there is no reason I can’t compete with the top guys. And there is no other practice than Coach Smith’s that doesn’t leave you unprepared.”
Coach Smith, a 2014 steer wrestling NFR qualifier, had Morian and the Men’s Team running steers almost every day leading up to the CNFR.
“Andrew worked his butt off all year,” Smith said. “He is one of the most talented athletes I’ve coached here at Clarendon College. We had a great team of bulldoggers and they all pushed each other to have the end result we did. I couldn’t be more proud to be their coach.”
Morian will continue his education in Ag Business and Economics and rodeo career at Tarleton State University. He is in the running for the Ote Berry Steer Wrestling World Tour Championship in Las Vegas, Nev., this December.
Play ball!
Enterprise Photo / Kari Lindsey
Grand Re-opening
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