The Clarendon Enterprise - Spreading the word since 1878.
The Clarendon Lady Broncos won the Bi-District Championship 52-41 over Vega February 16 in Amarillo. The girls played New Home for the Area Title on February 19 in Floydada and were defeated in a close game. Enterprise Photo / Elaina Estlack
Bobby Wayne Wood was born at home, the baby of the family by ten years, youngest of four siblings on September 30, 1931, in Carson County Texas. Bobby attended the one room Lark Schoolhouse until the 6th grade. He then rode a Greyhound bus seven miles daily to Groom to finish his schooling, graduating in 1950.
He was active in both 4-H and FFA while in school and was able to exhibit his Hereford cattle at various shows. He was also so proud when he was awarded a scholarship from the State Fair of Texas and was able to show his prized Hereford steer in Dallas. Never being a stranger to hard work, Bobby operated a variety of farm equipment in his early teens working for his uncles and cousins. His love for the land and Hereford cattle continued as he was able to start farming on his own after graduation. Purchasing land in Lark, he raised his registered Hereford breed, while growing wheat, milo, cane hay, and corn. He began operating a bulldozer in his teen years digging irrigation slush pit wells for a company in the Panhandle.
In 1961, he met the love of his life, Mary Joan Myers, of Lockney, and they were married four months later on September 29, 1961, in Bushland, Texas. They made their home in Lark, Texas, where Mary was his “right-hand woman”, assisting him in the farming/ranching operations. After their daughter Kellye Mae was born in 1963, Bobby started hiring others to help him. Four years later, they welcomed their son, Kevin Wayne, and that completed their family of four. Bobby and Mary cultivated many friendships during their 63 years of marriage. He especially enjoyed having people over so he could tell stories and share Mary’s good cooking, sometimes even getting in a game or two of “42”. He had a gift for remembering names, dates, events, stories, and jokes and loved to share these with anyone who would lend an ear. Bobby loved his family and was always happy to share stories of his kids, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was happiest on Sundays when they were all together sitting with him at church, which he rarely ever missed.
There were many things that Bobby enjoyed from a good freezer of homemade ice cream, fried catfish, fatty bread, and bacon snacks, just to name a few. He also loved listening to and attending Southern Gospel music concerts. This love of gospel music began at an early age and continued throughout his life, although when asked if he played a musical instrument like his father and brothers, he replied, “No, I can’t even play the radio.” He was even planning to attend a Gaither Vocal Band concert in Longview in March of this year with his family who also share his love of gospel music. His greatest love was the love he had for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom he began following as a teenager. He served the Lord faithfully with an unwavering, steadfast faith. It was very clear to anyone who was around Bobby that he loved his Lord, attending church, and Gospel music.
In July of 2022, he and Mary moved from the Texas Panhandle, where they had lived all their lives, to the Tyler Texas area to live with their daughter, Kellye and son-in-law, Alan Jackson. Anyone who knew Bobby at this time was well aware that he did not want to leave his roots and move down to that “country where there are too many trees, and all you can see is straight up!” He also knew that he and Mary were no longer able to live alone, and that moving to East Texas was the best thing for them to do. After only a short time, he and Mary were led to Landmark Baptist Church where they were welcomed and treated like family. They grew to love Bro. Mark and Julie Trammel as their own children. Besides the undying love of his family, this church family helped carry Bobby through the last 16 months since Mary’s passing. On February 14, 2026, Bobby Wayne Wood went Home to that mansion where he was greeted by his Sweetheart and his Savior. “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I’m going to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2.
Those left to cherish his memories are his daughter, Kellye Jackson (Alan); son, Kevin Wood (Jennifer). Endeared as “Bobby Do” to his four grandchildren: Kaci Bailey (Mitchel), Kolton Wood (Rebekah), Kyndal Dixon (Wade), and Kaleb Wood; and eight great-grandchildren: Micah, Karter, Andy, and Jeffrey Bailey; Knox and Katherine Wood; Hank and Annie Dixon; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.
Bobby was preceded in death by his wife Mary of 63 years, his parents, Douglas and Amanda Wood, his brothers Bill Wood, Raymon Wood, and sister Ruth Wood, and his grandparents.
Celebration of Life service is planned for Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Landmark Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas with visitation at 3:00 p.m. followed by the service at 4:00 p.m.
The service will be live streamed via Facebook at Landmark Baptist Church Tyler and posted on Youtube following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Landmark Baptist Church Building Fund.
Gary Lynn Campbell, 81, of Erwin, Tennessee, formerly of Clarendon passed away Monday, February 9, 2026, in Erwin.
Services were held Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in Robertson Funeral Directors Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon with burial in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon. Arrangements are under the care of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Gary was born November 18, 1944, in Amarillo to Hazel Beatrice and Thomas Jefferson “Buster” Campbell, Jr. He was raised in Clarendon and graduated from Clarendon High School, forming lifelong friendships and deep roots in the community he would always consider home.
On November 9, 1973, he married the love of his life, Bonnie Maxine Ellerbrook. Together they built a life grounded in devotion to family, resilience, and shared adventure. Gary’s work in hazardous waste contracting with the Environmental Protection Agency took him across the country, including time spent working on the Love Canal project. His career led him to live in New Jersey for five years before returning to Texas, where he resided in Houston. Later, he and Bonnie moved to Tennessee, where he eventually retired.
After retirement, Gary and Bonnie returned to Clarendon, where they spent 15 meaningful years. During that time, Gary gave back generously to the community, working alongside the City of Clarendon to assist with the development of new water infrastructure. He volunteered countless hours to see the project through, reflecting his strong work ethic and commitment to improving the place he loved. Following Bonnie’s passing in 2022, Gary moved back to Tennessee.
Gary had a curious and creative spirit. He enjoyed glass blowing, brewing his own beer, and playing cards with family and friends. He especially loved being on the water, spending cherished time on his boat. A devoted football fan, he loyally supported the Houston Oilers—later the Tennessee Titans—often joking that the Oilers followed him to Tennessee, making his allegiance an easy one.
Above all, Gary loved his family. He was a man who chose to see the bright side of life and carried that outlook with him in both good times and difficult seasons. He deeply loved his wife, his children, and the many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought him joy and pride.
He was preceded in death by his parents and by his beloved wife, Bonnie, in 2022.
He is survived by his children, Terry Ellerbrook and wife Martha of Lubbock, Texas; and Bobby Ellerbrook and wife Barbara of Clarendon, Texas, Kim Campbell of Jonesborough, Tennessee, and Chris Campbell and wife Missy of Hendersonville, Tennessee; his brothers, Pete Campbell and wife Becky of Farmersville, Texas, and Jeff Campbell and wife Mona of Delores, Colorado; 13 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Gary’s life was marked by dedication, generosity, and love—a legacy that will continue through the family and community he cherished.
June Davis, 85, of Clarendon passed away Sunday, February 15, 2026, in Amarillo.
Services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon with Rev. Larry Capranica officiating. Burial will follow in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.
Viewing was held Wednesday at the funeral home beginning at 12:00 p.m., with family receiving friends for visitation from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Arrangements are under the care of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
June was born on June 1, 1940, in Rush Springs, Oklahoma, to Alton C. and Gracie Dale Reeves Seymour. She married Loy “Red” Davis on February 1, 1969, in Plainview. They were married just two weeks shy of 55 years.
Red and June moved their family to Clarendon in 1977, where they made their home for the past 47 years. June dedicated many years of her life to nursing as a Registered Nurse. She served as Director of Nursing for the former Medical Center Nursing Home and also taught nursing at Clarendon College, where her students achieved the highest pass ratio on their testing. She took great pride in her profession and in the success of her students.
In her spare time, June enjoyed gardening and quilting. She was a faithful member of Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon. Above all, June deeply cherished her family. She loved spending time with her children and her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, who were the joy of her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Red in 2024; three sons, Jackie Davis, Barry Curry, and Kelly Curry; two brothers, Alton Seymour, Jr. and Leslie Dale Seymour; a sister, Geneva Maxine Seymour; granddaughter, Tabitha Curry; and son-in-law, Ike O’Neal.
June is survived by two sons, Todd Curry and Tommy Davis, both of Clarendon; two daughters, Sonja O’Neal of Clarendon and Cindy Gayle and husband, Charlie, of Houston; brother, Michael Strickland of Lubbock; 15 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Khiva Shriners, 305 SE 5th Ave, Amarillo, TX 79105.
Election time is here, and the liars are out in force… in your mailbox, on television, on social media. Evil permeates the air, stoking fear and anger. This primary season, voters of both parties need to cut through the hysteria and look for candidates who will truly work for what is best for Texas and America.
Ronald Reagan was – and still is – the greatest president of my lifetime. He helped shape my conservative libertarian philosophy. He promoted freedom, decried excessive government, and championed the good things that made America “a shining city on a hill.”
As a member of College Republicans at Texas Tech in the early 1990s, I was fortunate to get to meet and help campaign for some phenomenal leaders – Phil Gramm, Kay Bailey Hutchinson, George W. Bush, Robert Duncan, and Clarendon’s own Mac Thornberry. These were true conservatives who believed in limited government and fiscal restraint, but who more importantly believed in the Constitution and all it represents.
They did not all agree on everything (the party did not require that at the time), and they would often reach across the aisle to find common ground to benefit their constituents regardless of party affiliation. They were each standard bearers of the Reagan Revolution with unblemished conservative credentials. Today, they would be called RINOs – Republicans In Name Only, and rich Christian Nationalists would do their best to destroy their reputations.
Which brings us to Rep. Ken King of Canadian. King is a Texas Panhandle native, a stand-up citizen and businessman, and a person who shares the fundamental values of this area. There have been times when I did not agree with a vote here or there that Ken King cast in the Legislature, but one thing you can be sure of – he stands for what he thinks is right and what is best for his constituents even, as my Memaw would have said, “if it hare-lips the governor.”
That gumption, that courage, that commitment to rural Texas is what keeps putting King in the crosshairs of the radicals. King has a record that aligns with Trump, Abbott, and Patrick about 97 or 98 percent of the time. But occasionally, the needs of rural Texans in the Panhandle are different from the wants and priorities of the nationalist billionaires who own our governor and lieutenant governor.
I don’t agree with anyone 100 percent all the time. You don’t either. I certainly don’t want my state representative rubber-stamping the desires of a billionaire over our best interests. You shouldn’t either.
Now, comes John Browning. I’ve met him a couple of times, and he seems like a decent fellow. He recognizes the importance of community newspapers, and I appreciate that. He says a lot of the right things, but then he contradicts himself sometimes. At a stop in Memphis recently he said he wants to ban tax abatements in Texas totally for any reason, and then in the next breath he talked about “local control” and how we need more local control. Well, tax abatements are approved by local officials, so which is it? Are we going to shackle local leaders or are we going to allow them to lead and be regulated by the local voters who put them in power?
Browning is also a deeply religious man. I have no problem with that… until it starts to drive state policy. As an elected official – at any level – you take an oath to uphold the Constitution, which protects everyone – Christian, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, agnostic, atheist, and everything in between. Liberty belongs to everyone.
But the biggest problem with John Browning’s campaign isn’t even coming from him personally, it’s coming from the political action committees who support him. They are the ones who are shoving your mailbox full of postcards and flyers depicting Ken King as a radical leftist promoting transgender boogeymen and now trying very hard to tie to “Muslims.” They use words like “grooming” and try to paint King as some sort of pervert. It’s disgusting and offensive, and it’s being done in John Browning’s name.
Ken King is a good man. He stands up for what he thinks is right. He uses his influence to try to steer legislation and policy in a direction that protects or benefits rural Texas. Rural healthcare, public education, community colleges, and rural fire departments are just some of what King has fought for even when it was not a priority or was even contrary to the priorities of state leaders.
Voters need to ask themselves, “Do I want someone who will just follow the leader, or do I want someone who will stand up for me and lead? Do I want a ‘yes man’ or a statesman?” Do not be misled by the lies in the mail. Ken King is one of the few people in Austin who will fight for rural Texans, and he has the connections, the conviction, and the know-how to represent us best.
Donley County voters have some important decisions to make right here at home. Three candidates are running for treasurer, and two candidates are running for a commissioner’s seat. All of those candidates are Republicans with no one running for those offices on the other side.
That’s something to keep in mind when some Republicans are agitating for “closed primaries.” Currently anyone can vote in the Republican Primary or in the Democratic Primary. You can’t vote in both primaries in the same election cycle, but you don’t have to register as a member of either party. Rural elections are often decided in the primaries. Forty years ago, they were decided in Donley County in the Democratic Primary. Regardless, all voters should have an opportunity to decide their local representation, and that can only happen in open primaries.
For many rural Texans, elections can feel like a formality. By the time November rolls around, the outcome often seems decided. But that’s exactly why the primary election matters more than any other vote you will cast.
In much of rural Texas, the primary is the election of consequence. Thanks to gerrymandered districts and one-party dominance, whoever wins the primary is very likely to hold office. That means the real decision about who represents you – in Austin, in Washington, and in your own county courthouse – happens long before the general election.
And that’s why rural voters must pay closer attention to what’s really happening in these primaries.
Ballot Measures Are Not Laws
Let’s start with ballot propositions.
Primary ballot measures are often presented as if they are policy decisions. They are not. They do not create law. They do not change statute. They are party polls, designed to test messaging and manufacture consent for agendas that may already be decided.
School vouchers are a perfect example. Voters are often asked simplified, emotionally framed questions, without context or consequences. Later, those results are cited as proof that “Republicans support vouchers,” even in rural districts where voters and communities have repeatedly opposed them.
These ballot measures are frequently used against rural Texans – weaponized to override local concerns and justify policy that benefits outside interests, not local schools or taxpayers.
Know what you are voting on. And just as importantly, know how your vote may be used after the fact. If a ballot measure’s language is unclear to me, I vote no.
Be Wary of Fake Scorecards and Paid Labels
Another trap rural voters face is the flood of “conservative scorecards,” mailers, and digital ads telling you who the “real conservative” is.
These are not neutral sources of information.
Groups like Texas Scorecard present themselves as grassroots watchdogs, but they are funded by a small number of wealthy donors – most notably Tim Dunn – who are also funding candidates directly through PACs such as Texans United for a Conservative Majority.
The goal is not accountability. The goal is control.
These scorecards reward loyalty to an agenda set in Austin, not effectiveness or independence on behalf of rural communities. They punish lawmakers who ask questions, represent their districts honestly, or refuse to fall in line.
That should concern every voter who believes in local control.
Endorsements Are About Power, Not Quality
High-profile endorsements can also be misleading.
Endorsements from Donald Trump or Greg Abbott are not evaluations of who will best represent your district. They are signals of political alignment and leverage.
In recent cycles, we’ve seen blanket endorsements for Texas House members who voted for vouchers – even in rural districts where voters clearly oppose them. These endorsements are about maintaining influence and enforcing obedience, not about selecting the best candidate for your community.
Rural Texans should never outsource their judgment to politicians who do not live here, send their kids to our schools, or depend on our local economies.
The Primary Shapes Local Government, Too
Primaries aren’t just about Congress or the Texas Legislature. They also decide who will serve as county commissioners, sheriffs, and other local officials who directly control roads, taxes, emergency services, land use, and infrastructure.
These races rarely get attention, but they shape daily life more than almost anything happening in Austin or Washington. If rural voters disengage here, we lose influence where it matters most.
How to Evaluate Candidates the Right Way
My advice is simple: research candidates the same way you would research someone you are about to hire. Look beyond slogans and endorsements. Ask: Who is funding this campaign? Is the money coming from one PAC or a handful of donors? Do those donors live here – or do they have an agenda that benefits them elsewhere?
A practical tool for this is Transparency USA, where you can see who is contributing and how concentrated that support is. Heavy reliance on a single donor network is a red flag – especially in races claiming to be “grassroots.”
True grassroots movements don’t require millions of dollars from a few wealthy individuals. They are built by people, not checkbooks.
Not All PACs Are the Same
It’s also important to say this clearly: not all PACs should be viewed equally.
Ideological mega-donor PACs are very different from association PACs like the Farm Bureau, Cattle Raisers, or Realtors. Those organizations are made up of thousands of individual members, and their endorsements are typically built from the ground up, based on local relationships and district needs.
Who a PAC represents matters just as much as how much it gives.
The Choice Before Rural Texas
Rural Texans are not powerless. But we are often underestimated – and sometimes manipulated – because we’re told to trust labels instead of doing our own homework.
The primary is where agendas are set, loyalty is tested, and independence is either rewarded or punished. If we want representatives who answer to us – not to Austin insiders or billionaire donors – we must vote informed, skeptical, and engaged.
Rural Texas doesn’t need louder voices from elsewhere. We need leaders who still listen at home.
By Sandy Anderberg
The Clarendon Broncos went up against a tough Panhandle team last week on the road taking a 22-73 loss to the Panthers.
The Panthers came out strong and held a 28-10 lead at the break. The Broncos did all they could do but were missing four players because of personal reasons. Heston Seay and Tanner Cavanaugh were the lone upper classmen on the court among several underclassmen. However, just like all season long, the boys played with grit and determination. Brance Bell stepped up from the junior varsity and did a great job filling in for Aiden Morris under the basket finishing with four points.
Freshman Braxton Gribble led the way with eight points that included two three-pointers, and Seay put in four. Paxton English hit one three and Morris put in two. Kreed Robinson hit one of two free throws to finish with one point.
The Broncos junior varsity took on Panhandle before the varsity took the floor and were defeated, 79-19.
The Broncos had a slow start making costly turnovers to give the Panthers the momentum they needed to control the game. The Broncos never gave up and tried hard to get back into the game. Tristen Ybarra led the way with seven points and Don’Jae Orr put in five. Rustin Wade posted three, and Shaun Childers and Hunter Caison had two each.
The Clarendon CISD Board of Trustees unanimously rejected a policy that would have required a daily period for prayer and the reading of the bible or other religious texts on each campus during its regular meeting February 9.
The vote was required by Texas Senate Bill 11, which mandated that each school district board consider adopting such a policy and also outlined several provisions that would be required in the policy.
CCISD Trustee Taylor Shelton, who is an attorney, distributed copies of the statute so the board could understand completely what it was being asked to consider.
“I fully support prayer, and our students have the right pray anytime,” Shelton said. “This requires a specific period to allow prayer. We can allow anyone to participate without a signed statement, and we have to have expressed waiver from the parents giving up their student’s right to sue under the First Amendment.”
Shelton called SB 11’s suggested policy “a landmine,” noting that civil rights groups would come after the policy and that the district does not have resources to fight it. But he especially drew attention to the waiver.
“If we have to get parents to waive their student’s Constitutional rights – which they legally cannot do, it should give us pause,” Shelton said.
Trustee Jeff Robertson said he felt like the separation of church and state was vital and also said he did not know why the school would want to be bound by the requirements of the statute’s proposed policy.
Board members discussed the burden of keeping up with student permission slips as well as where such a period of prayer might be held that would be in accordance with the proposed policy. Discussion also mentioned that the policy would open the door for a wide range of types of prayers for different religions.
Board president Wayne Hardin also recalled the old saying, “As long as there are history tests, there will always be prayer in school.”
Three local governments are set to hold elections this spring after the candidates’ filing period closed last Friday, February 13.
The City of Clarendon, the Hedley school district, and the Clarendon College District all drew enough candidates to hold contested elections.
The City of Howardwick, the Donley County Hospital District, and the Clarendon school district only had incumbents file for re-election and are poised to cancel their spring elections. Information on candidates was not available from the City of Hedley at press time.
Clarendon will have five candidates on the ballot and one write-in candidate for three positions on the city council. Alderman Tom Thompson is running for re-election. He will be joined on the ballot by Ralph Graves, Pharabie Shadle, Brent Knowles, and Ken McIntosh.
Alderman Chris Topliff was automatically removed from office last Wednesday, February 11, when he started to file for re-election and was discovered he was not a registered voter in the city at the time of his appointment. Topliff has gotten registered now and will be a write-in candidate.
Clarendon College has three candidates for three regents positions. Incumbents Chris Matthews and Dr. Guy Ellis will be joined on the ballot by challenger George W. Hall. Carey Wann will run as a write-in candidate.
Hedley CISD has four candidates for three full terms on the board of trustees. Incumbents Shauna Herbert, Tangela Copelin, and Troy Monroe will be joined on the ballot by April Pierce. Shawn Willoughby is also running to continue to serve in an unexpired term.
Write-in candidates still had until 5 p.m. February 17 to sign-up for the election as the Enterprise went to press.
Elections are scheduled to be held Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Clarendon College has released its spring 2026 enrollment snapshot, showing steady overall enrollment growth and continued expansion in dual credit and distance education participation across the service area.
As of the February 4, 2026, CC recorded 1,463 total enrolled students, compared to 1,411 students at the same point in spring 2025, an increase of 52 students year over year.
Enrollment in Clarendon was 248, down from 273 last year. The Pampa center was 86 students, down from 104, and Childress was at 35 students, down from 43. The Amarillo center had 43 students, down from 65.
Distance Education, however, had 168 students, up from 137 last spring. Distance Education students are those taking classes strictly online.
One of the strongest areas of growth remains the CC’s Dual Credit program. Spring 2026 dual credit enrollment reached 794 students, up from 707 students last spring — an increase of 87 students. This growth reflects continued collaboration with regional high schools and expanded access to early college opportunities for students.
Total instructional activity remains strong, with spring 2026 generating 298,975 contact hours, demonstrating sustained academic engagement across campus locations, centers, and online delivery.
CC officials attribute the enrollment trends to focused outreach, strengthened school partnerships, and flexible course delivery options designed to meet students where they are.
Clarendon College continues to support student success through accessible pathways, workforce programs, transfer preparation, and expanded dual credit offerings throughout the region.
Texas Tribune
Reader Comments