Obituaries

Christine (Chris) Jean Paschall Palmer was born under a full moon in Wellington in the early morning hours of September 11, 1954, and passed away peacefully in hospice care in Abilene, Texas on July 24, 2025.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents M.W. (Ike) Paschall Jr. and Alma Jean Green Paschall of Wellington; grandparents M.W. and Florence Paschall of Memphis, Texas; Lewis and Christene Green of Wellington; and niece Tina Paschall Fuller of Amarillo, Texas.

She is survived by daughter Jamie Dawn Palmer Diamond and spouse Rickey of Abilene Texas, son Brian Terry Palmer of Abilene, brother M.W. (Max) Paschall III and spouse Bonnie of Clarendon, Texas; and Rex Paschall of Dallas; 2 nieces, 1 nephew, and a total of 17 first cousins. She is also survived by her former husband, Terry Lynn Palmer of Roby, Texas, the father of their children.

Following graduation from Samnorwood High School in Collingsworth County, Texas, she journeyed to Sweetwater, Texas to pursue a degree in dental hygiene at Texas State Technical College. One day after school while “out on the town” with her girlfriends she met her future husband, Terry. After a brief courtship the couple soon married taking residence at the old Palmer farm house in the Royston community in Fisher County, Texas, a few years later they relocated into the “city” of Roby at which time the new family was blessed from God with two wonderful children, Jamie and Brian.

In order to better address the special educational needs of Brian and while the children were still young, she relocated her family to Abilene, after which she traveled the state spending tireless hours being an advocate for autistic children. She also was very enthusiastic about Jamie’s ballet and gymnastic pursuits, offering encouragement and ferrying her to multiple statewide competition events.

As the children grew and became more self-reliant she had more free time. This allowed her to work part-time at the Natural Food Center-Restaurant in Abilene where she served-up delicious natural and organic food. Last but not least, throughout her lifetime, she enjoyed tending to her pets as well as playing and teaching the piano.

There was be a Memorial Service on Wednesday, July 30, at 2 pm at Roby Church of Christ with internment following. Burial to follow at Roby Cemetery.

Douglas “Doug” Wayne Allee passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Lubbock at the age of 84.

Memorial services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 27, 2025, at Robertson Saints Roost Chapel in Clarendon with Lowell Hall officiating.

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

Doug was born on October 25, 1940, in Borger, Texas, to Jimmie and Mary Agnes Allee. He grew up in Clarendon, where he attended school, and at the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy. During his time in the Navy, he learned the trade of heating and air conditioning, which led to a long career with York Heating and Air, working across Virginia, Florida, and Texas.

When he retired his hobbies were: fishing, golf, hunting, dominoes, pool, and restoring old cars.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, David.

He is survived by his two children, Jimmy Allee, and Donnie Allee and wife Brenda; cousin, Mattie and husband Larry Norton; other relatives; two granddaughters; and several friends.

Sandra Finchum, 78, of Amarillo, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025. Celebration of Life Services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 27, 2025, at Hillside Christian Church, 6100 S. Soncy Rd. with Pastor Greg Corona officiating.

Sandra was born April 27, 1947, in Amarillo to Thomas and Loyce Moffitt. She grew up in Clarendon and Hedley, marrying her high school sweetheart, Jerry Finchum, on July 3, 1964, in Hedley, at the age of 17. The couple celebrated 60 years of marriage last July. Together, they raised their son, Terry, in Amarillo.

Sandra started out as a hairdresser before going to work for Paramount Terrace Christian Church in the office. The church later became Hillside Christian Church, and Sandra was employed with them for 32 years, retiring in 2017. She and Jerry were active members there as well.

Sandra had several close friends that she enjoyed spending time with. Among other fun things, the group frequented the Amarillo Little Theatre for shows and events. Sandra was a talker by nature and she enjoyed chatting with her friends on the phone. Sandra and Jerry loved travelling in their RV to the mountains in Colorado and New Mexico. Sandra will be dearly missed by her family, friends and church family.
She was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her husband, Jerry Finchum; her son, Terry Finchum and wife Lynette of Amarillo; her brother, Dickey Moffitt and wife Molly of Memphis, Texas; two grandchildren, Tyler Finchum and wife Alex of Palo Alto, CA, and Ashley Baker and husband Colton of Orange, Texas; and two great-grandchildren, Everett and Tatum.

Phyllis Darlene Bumgardner, 66, of Clarendon passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Amarillo.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Phyllis was born on November 5, 1958, in Bonham, Texas, to Dan Lee and Doris Lee Yandell Jones. She spent much of her life working as a waitress, where her hardworking spirit and kind heart were evident to all who knew her.

Phyllis had a deep love for the outdoors—camping and fishing were among her favorite pastimes. She also had a lifelong passion for animals and was a strong advocate for animal rescue. Faith and family were at the center of her life, and she was known for her unwavering love for God and the people closest to her.

She enjoyed watching wrestling, cooking shows, and “Say Yes to the Dress,” finding joy in both the everyday and the extraordinary moments of life.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Jimmy Ray Jones; her sister, Teressa Ann Hawthorne and brother-in-law, Jeff Hawthorne; and two great-grandchildren, Dustin Lee Jackson and Wyatt James Sells.

She is lovingly remembered by her children: son, Brandon Jackson and wife Eva of Clarendon; daughters, Christal Burns and husband Jason of Sayre, Oklahoma, and Yolanda Kay Sells and special friend Jerry Lucero of Clarendon. She was a proud grandmother to eight grandchildren: Shelby and wife Candace, Jesse and wife Trinity, Nathan and wife Katie, Jheri and husband Dylan, Colt, Johnathon, Chey, and Dakota. She also leaves behind nine great-grandchildren, with one more on the way; and her adopted sons, Edward Harris and Richard Holt; and an adopted grandson, Dominicc Holt.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the American Lung Association or the American Heart Association in Phyllis’s honor.

Wilma Faye Lindley, 82, of Clarendon passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 19, 2025, in her hometown of Clarendon.

Graveside services were held on Monday, June 23, 2025, at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon. Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon, Texas.

Wilma was born on November 10, 1942, in Clarendon to C.L. and Mary Slater Mann. A lifelong resident of Clarendon, she married the love of her life, Harold Ray Lindley, on June 2, 1961. Together, they shared 64 wonderful years of marriage.

Wilma dedicated 22 years of service to her community as the Tax Assessor Collector for Donley County. Known for her warmth and creativity, she enjoyed reading, quilting, crocheting, and crafting beautiful bedspreads and afghans. Her kitchen was a favorite gathering place for family and friends, where her legendary “granny burgers” were always a hit.

Above all, Wilma cherished her roles as a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, and joyful great-grandmother. Her family was her heart, and her legacy of love and kindness will live on through them.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Chester Mann and Milton Mann; and her sister, Mary Lucille Williams.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Harold Lindley of Clarendon; her sons, Jay Lindley and wife Shirley of Dimmitt, and Ray Lindley and wife Sharon of Amarillo; her five grandchildren, Larissa Lindley, Trent Lindley and wife Megan, Bryan Landes and wife Michele, Brittany Lindley, and Wesley Lindley; three great-grandchildren, Kamryn, Caitlyn, and Tanner; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made to the Citizens Cemetery Association or the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department.

Steven Wesley “Steve” Smith, 73, of Clarendon passed away on Sunday, June 15, 2025, in Memphis.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon, with Rev. Larry Capranica and Jerry Koontz officiating.

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

Steve was born on November 24, 1951, in Clarendon to S.J. and Joan Shawhart Smith. He married the love of his life, Wanda Ann Longbine, on November 24, 1973, in Clarendon. A lifelong resident of the area, Steve spent his career as a Maintenance Supervisor for TX DOT, retiring in 2002. He was also well known for owning and operating Saints’ Roost Steakout and Steve’s Steakout for many years.

A gifted artist, Steve’s true passion was painting. His creativity extended into every aspect of his life, from his artwork to the care he gave to his yard and garden. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling to Ruidoso, New Mexico for horse races. More than anything, he cherished time spent with his grandchildren—watching them play sports, participate in stock shows, and grow up in the community he loved.

Steve was deeply dedicated to Clarendon and its people. He served for many years as a member of the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department, Clarendon City Council, and as Mayor. He was also active in the Clarendon Outdoor Entertainment Association, Clarendon Masonic Lodge, and Little League. He was a faithful member of Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon. Steve will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his devotion to his community, and the joy and color he brought into the world through his art and his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, S.J. Smith and Joan McAfee; his stepmother, Mildred Smith; his brother, Jerry Smith; and his brother-in-law, Kenneth Crump.

He is survived by his loving wife, Wanda Smith of Clarendon; his son, Wesley Smith and wife Amanda of Clarendon; his daughter, Gina Gaines of Fort Worth; a son-in-law, Alton Gaines of Clarendon; his sisters, Janey Salzman of La Plata, Colorado and Kim McAfee of Vernon; five grandchildren, Alton Gaines, Johnny Gaines, Taylor Gaines, Madison Smith, and Presley Smith; seven great-grandchildren; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to Community Fellowship Church or the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department.

Freddy Leonard Gray passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Claude at the age of 77.

Cremation will be under the care of Robertson Funeral Directors, and memorial services will be held at a later date.

Fred was born in Clarendon on March 27, 1948, in the Adair Hospital to Jack and Freida (Putman) Gray, and he grew up in Clarendon until the fourth grade when his family moved to Lubbock. He graduated from Monterey High School there and later earned a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Most of his career was spent in sales of one form or another. In early years, he worked in capital markets as an institutional fixed income investment salesman. In later years, he was a salesman of products and services for corporate leadership and business management functions.

Fred was a student of history and loved reading about and discussing the subject. He was a keen political observer and was not afraid to express his opinions. He also had a passion for what he called “The Beautiful Game” – soccer. In the early 1990s, Fred was the public relations director for the Salt Lake Sting, a short-lived professional soccer team based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Following retirement and health issues, Fred returned home to Clarendon more than 20 years ago, in his words, “to die.” Donley County was the place he loved the most, and it was his desire to spend whatever time he had left near family and friends.

However, realizing that he was not dying right away, Fred signed on as a columnist, reporter, and sportswriter for The Clarendon Enterprise in 2012. In 2013, his writing helped the Enterprise win the first place Best Editorial Page award from the West Texas Press Association, and his “The Quick, The Dead, & Fred” column won first place in Column Writing. He loved the purpose of the Fourth Estate, was a defender of the Press, and was proud of his time at the Enterprise. He reveled in reporting or opining about controversy and did not shy away from tough subjects.

Ultimately, illness and disease caught up with Fred, and he entered into hospice care of his own choosing with the confident anticipation of a grand reunion and followed his path to eternal peace.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Cindy.

He is survived by his children – Lance, Kyle, and Natalie; two brothers, Barry and Danny; five grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; a host of cousins; and several friends – particularly Elmonette Bivens, Roger Estlack, and Randy Bullard, his best friend for 60 years. Fred was also particularly grateful for the compassion, companionship, and care shown by cousins Kathy Holland and Ashlee Estlack.

Fred would not want his friends and family to be sad and would likely say the best way to honor his memory is to live your own life to the fullest and not take things too seriously.

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Tommy Nolen Hill of Clarendon, Texas, who peacefully departed this world surrounded by family in Amarillo, Texas, on Saturday, June 7th, 2025 at the age of 69.

Tommy was born on November 25, 1955, in Groom, Texas, to Ralph and Janie Hill. Tommy was a graduate of Clarendon High School in 1974, and it’s been said that he raised hell while attending Clarendon College. Tommy was an EMT for Associated Ambulance, served on the Chamber of Commerce, served on the museum board, and served for many years as Alderman. He was a member of Martin Baptist Church. Tommy was a Jack of all trades, but knew his passion and calling was carpentry. Tommy dedicated 40 years to his passion and the people of Clarendon, Texas. In old childhood letters to Santa, he even asked for a tool belt!

Tommy was a man with a servant’s heart. He would gladly give the shirt off his back to help someone in need. Tommy always wore a smile that brightened up anyone’s day. He was always a phone call away to help and mentor those who wanted to learn. The love of his trade will pass onto the next generation to come, continuing his hard work and service to the community.

Tommy is proceeded in death by his parents Ralph and Janie Hill. He is survived by his wife, Brenda Hill, who was his absolute world for 27 years. Tommy’s siblings Danny and his wife Debra, Randy and his wife Kaylynn, and Linda and her husband Michael Lopez. Daughters, Courtney and her husband Chris D’Costa, Lauren and her husband Frank Graves. Grandkids, Cydney D’Costa, Justan Shadle, Gracie Shadle, Cayden D’Costa, Lily Shadle and Zach and Briana Graves. Great Grandkids Oaklee Graves, Carson Graves and Kendrix (Kenny) Shadle as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family will receive friends for visitation on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

A memorial service to celebrate Tommy’s life will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Community Fellowship in Clarendon, Texas, at 11 a.m., with Brother Steve Ellis and Rev. Anthony Knowles officiating. Graveside service to follow at Citizens Cemetery with Josey Shadle officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Martin Baptist Church funds.

Tommy’s mark will be imprinted on this town he loved so much for years to come.

As Tommy always said, “It’ll be alright.”