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Red Dirt Comedy
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Lions Leaders
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Molder recognized
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Aldermen get first look at plan to pave city streets
The Clarendon City Council got its first look at a draft 30-year street improvement plan during its regular meeting last Thursday, July 9.
The plan designed by OJD Engineering would pave and curb all unpaved streets in the city and upgrade currently paved streets that lack guttering. The plan also covers maintaining existing paved streets and does not touch historic brick streets.
The estimated cost of doing all the necessary paving and guttering is about $11 million, and annual maintenance of the system is projected to cost about $350,000.
City council members asked several questions about the plan and asked for more information about existing infrastructure – water and sewer lines – that are still needing to be replaced.
Public Works Director John Molder said much of the town is in good shape with pipes now but there are still some areas that should be addressed before they are paved. The council asked Molder to mark those locations on the map for further discussion.
The street improvement plan is still in its early stages, but the council knows street conditions have long been the number one complaint from city residents. Aldermen will be considering whether to pursue a phased plan – paving sections of the city over a long period using shorter term bonds – or paving the entire city at one time and pay for it with a long-term bond.
Darrell Ray Wilson
Darrell Ray Wilson, 92, of Hillsboro, Kansas, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026.
Born on November 20, 1933, in the Texas Panhandle near Clarendon, Darrell was the oldest child of Bill and Ruby (Lookado) Wilson. His life was one marked by quiet strength, unwavering integrity, and deep devotion to the people he loved.
As a young man, Darrell attended Pampa High School, where he excelled on the football field as both a running back and defensive back. His athletic ability earned him a college football scholarship, and after an unexpected setback when his original offer was withdrawn, he continued his playing career at Midwestern University in Wichita Falls, Texas, lettering for four years. Though he came just short of completing his degree, the determination and perseverance that carried him through those years would define the rest of his life.
Following college, Darrell proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. While in the Army, he played football and received numerous commendations for his athletic accomplishments. Although many of his military records were later lost in the tragic St. Louis records fire, his service to his country remained a source of great pride.
After returning home, Darrell went to work at Phillips Petroleum, where his father had also built his career. It was during this time, while bowling in a local league, that he met the love of his life, Vada Grace Collins. They married in 1963, beginning a partnership that would span 56 wonderful years. Together they welcomed their son, Ray Glenn Wilson, in 1964.
In 1970, Darrell and Vada moved to McPherson, Kansas, where they fulfilled a dream of owning and operating the Carroll Lee Donut Shop. For more than two decades they became cherished members of the community, known not only for their hard work but for the kindness and friendship they shared with everyone who walked through their doors.
When retirement finally arrived, Darrell devoted himself to another lifelong passion—golf. An accomplished player with three holes-in-one to his credit, he was happiest on the golf course among friends. He and Vada were known as one of McPherson’s finest mixed golf teams and later managed Rolling Acres Golf Course, where they were admired for their dedication and care. Golf was never just a game for Darrell—it was another way to build friendships and enjoy life.
In 2015, Darrell and Vada settled in Hillsboro, Kansas, where they continued making friends and enjoying the community they quickly came to love.
When Vada passed away in 2019, Darrell often said with a smile and a broken heart, “That wasn’t the plan. I was supposed to die first.” Their marriage was truly a great love story, and while her loss left an emptiness that could never be filled, his love for her remained constant.
During his final years at Parkside Homes in Hillsboro, Darrell became a favorite among residents, caregivers, and medical staff alike. Even while facing significant health challenges, he never lost his gentle spirit, quiet humor, or genuine appreciation for those around him. The kindness he extended throughout his life was returned many times over by those who cared for him.
Darrell will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, proud veteran, gifted athlete, loyal friend, and a man whose humility spoke louder than words. His life was defined not by accolades, but by character. He worked hard, loved deeply, and treated everyone with kindness and respect.
He is survived by his son, Ray Glenn Wilson of Overland Park, Kansas; his sister, Wanda and her husband, James, of the Dallas, Texas area; his niece and nephew, Todd and Kete; his sister-in-law, Paulette Wilson of Texas; his niece, Shelley; along with many extended family members and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Vada Grace Wilson; his parents, Bill and Ruby Wilson; his twin brother, Carrell Day Wilson; his brother, Harold Charlie Wilson; and his nephew, Jerry Don Wilson.
Darrell will be laid to rest beside his beloved Vada in Clarendon, Texas, where generations of their family have found their final resting place.
Graveside services were held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon, Texas. Interment followed the service.
Theirs was a great love story, a great life, and a legacy that will live on in the hearts of all who knew them.
CC agreement with ETAMU helps RFO students
Clarendon College has entered into a new articulation agreement with East Texas A&M University that creates a seamless transfer pathway for students completing the College’s nationally recognized Ranch and Feedlot Operations (RFO) program and pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Agribusiness.
The agreement establishes a clear transfer pathway that allows Clarendon College RFO graduates to maximize the transfer of their coursework while continuing their education at East Texas A&M University.
The partnership supports students seeking to build on the hands-on education they receive at Clarendon College while preparing for leadership careers in the agriculture industry.
“This agreement represents another important step in expanding educational opportunities for our students,” said Dr. Tex Buckhaults, President of Clarendon College. “Our Ranch and Feedlot Operations program has earned a national reputation for excellence, and we are proud to partner with East Texas A&M University to provide our graduates with a seamless pathway to continue their education. Together, we are helping students build on the exceptional foundation they receive at Clarendon College while preparing them for leadership roles in the agricultural industry.”
Dr. Byron Housewright, Associate Dean of Operations for East Texas A&M University’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, emphasized the importance of the partnership.
“It has traditionally been difficult for these students to transition to a bachelor’s degree and maintain credit hours. This is an important relationship as CASNR seeks to attract outstanding transfer students and continue strengthening our focus on ranching and cow/calf production.”
Dr. Bryan Rank, Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at East Texas A&M University and a graduate of Clarendon College’s Ranch and Feedlot Operations program, reflected on the impact the program has had on his career.
“As an alumnus of the Ranch and Feedlot Operations program, I am excited to have this agreement with Clarendon College to streamline the transfer process for students who choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree. The Clarendon College RFO program is one of the top ranch management programs in the country, and the education I received there continues to serve me today.”
For decades, Clarendon College’s Ranch and Feedlot Operations program has been recognized throughout the livestock industry for producing highly skilled graduates prepared to lead in ranch management, feedlot operations, and agricultural business.
This articulation agreement further expands educational opportunities by providing students with a smooth transition to complete a four-year degree while building on the strong academic and practical foundation established at Clarendon College.
For more information about the Ranch and Feedlot Operations program at Clarendon College, visit www.clarendoncollege.edu.
Where the Stars & Stripes and the Eagle Fly
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Dr. Keith C. Hudson
On June 25, 2026, the world lost a legend, a leader, a teacher, a mentor, a devoted husband, a beloved father, and a loyal friend. Dr. Keith C. Hudson, DDS—known affectionately as “Dr. Fuzzy,” “Doc”, “Bud,” or “Buddy” depending on where you knew him—left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path.
Keith was born on November 29, 1939, in Vernon, Texas, to his loving parents, Willard Otto “ Lightning” Hudson and Margaret Ann “Peggy” Hudson. He was raised in the Palo Duro Canyon and Clarendon, Texas, a town he cherished throughout his life. Even as a young man, Keith was larger than life. He excelled in nearly everything he pursued, earning recognition as an outstanding wrestler, swimmer, football player, and boxer. His adventurous spirit was evident early on, from launching homemade rockets that captured national attention to growing up on the historic Goodnight Ranch, where the chuckwagon was first invented—an experience that helped shape the remarkable man he would become.
Keith attended The University of Texas, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and began what would become one of the most distinguished careers in Texas dentistry. For over 52 years, he served families with extraordinary compassion and clinical excellence, practicing in both San Saba and Colleyville. His office walls displayed a lifetime of awards and mementos, but those who knew him understood that his greatest accomplishment was the trust and admiration of five generations of patients whose lives he touched.
Throughout his career, Dr. Hudson earned countless professional honors. He was elected Vice President of the Texas Dental Association, was recognized three times as Texas Dentist of the Year, became a Fellow of the International College of Dentists, and was repeatedly recognized among America’s Best Dentists. Yet awards never defined him. What mattered most to Keith was helping people. He generously mentored young dentists, introduced innovative techniques that improved patient care, and believed that success was measured by lifting others along the way.
His influence extended far beyond the dental office. Internationally respected as one of the world’s foremost forensic odontologists, Dr. Hudson helped identify victims in some of the nation’s most significant criminal investigations and mass disasters, including the 1993 Branch Davidian tragedy in Waco, Texas. Dr . Hudson also assisted the FBI and taught them new innovative techniques. Though his expertise earned worldwide recognition, he remained remarkably humble, often saying, “We had the best forensic team in the world, and they made us look good. You’re no better than the people you’re surrounded with.” Those words perfectly reflected the humility and gratitude with which he lived his life.
Keith’s passion for helping others reached into every corner of his community. As Vice President of the Texas Golden Gloves and a dedicated leader of the Texas Golden Gloves Youth Association, he devoted countless hours mentoring young athletes, believing that every child deserved encouragement, discipline, confidence, and hope. He never missed an opportunity to lend a helping hand or inspire someone to become their very best.
Outside of dentistry, Keith embraced life with boundless enthusiasm. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who found great joy in the outdoors. He loved chuckwagon cooking and became famous among friends and competitors for his legendary Dr. Fuzzy’s Cactus Stew, receiving letters of praise from around the world. Whether telling stories around a campfire, casting a fishing line, or preparing a meal for friends, he had a gift for bringing people together.
Above all else, Keith treasured his family. For the last 36 years of his life, he shared a beautiful marriage with the love of his life, Olivia Brooks Hudson. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories on their beloved countryside home near Goldthwaite, Texas.
Keith was a proud and devoted father to his three children, Hud, GiGi, and Jennifer, each of whom adored him. He was also blessed with grandchildren, extended family, especially Ruth Ann Scrivner, and countless friends who became family through the years. To know Keith was to know kindness, generosity, humor, loyalty, and unwavering encouragement.
Dr. Fuzzy never sought recognition for himself. He simply believed that if you had the ability to help someone, you did.
Whether comforting a patient, mentoring a colleague, coaching a young athlete, assisting law enforcement, or sharing a laugh with a lifelong friend, he gave his whole heart to every person he met.
His legacy cannot be measured by awards, titles, or accomplishments alone. It lives on in the thousands of patients he cared for, the dentists he inspired, the young people he mentored, the forensic science he advanced, the friendships he cherished, and the family he loved so deeply.
Though our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing that legends never truly leave us. They live on in the lives they changed, the lessons they taught, and the love they gave so freely.
Dr. Keith “Fuzzy” Hudson lived a life of purpose, integrity, generosity, and joy. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.
Donations can be made in his honor to:
Clarendon College
C/O Darrin Trumper, PO Box 968, Clarendon, TX 79226.
Goldthwaite/Star Volunteer Fire Departments, PO Box 1033, Goldthwaite, TX 76844.
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.
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