Obituaries
F.G. Crofford
F.G. Crofford, 94, of Amarillo died Saturday, January 5, 2019 in Amarillo.
Funeral Services were on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at 10:00 AM at South Georgia Baptist Church in Amarillo, Texas. Burial with Military Honors followed at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon, Texas at 2:00 PM. Arrangements were by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
F. G Crofford was born in Clarendon, Texas on August 24, 1924, to Floyd and Gracie Crofford. He grew up on a farm milking cows, and like a lot of boys, knew there had to be a better way. He graduated from Lelia Lake High School in May 1942. After graduating, he played basketball at Clarendon College until he started his military service at the age of 19. Six months after entering the Army in April 1944, he found himself in the 102nd Infantry Division in General George Patton’s Third Army. He was a radio technician. He was wounded in The Battle of The Bulge in late 1944 and early 1945, and again in a push from the Rhine to the Elbe River in Germany. For those two injuries, he was awarded the Purple Heart Cluster. He was honorably discharged in April 1946. It was shortly after he returned home to Clarendon that April, that he met his soon-to-be bride, Bonnie Drake. They married on June 8, 1946 in Clarendon, Texas. He then finished his education at Clarendon College, and got his bachelor of science degree in physical education and later a master’s degree from West Texas State University. He and Bonnie lived in Colorado for a short time so he could help his dad on the dairy farm. While there, he played some semi-pro baseball. Then they headed back to Texas. His first job was in 1951, at Sunray, Texas, coaching boy’s football and basketball. While at Sunray, on November 25, 1952, he and Bonnie welcomed twin girls, Karen and Sharon. He coached and taught in Sunray, White Face, Pettit, Claude, Friona, Gruver, and Spearman. He retired in 1985 from coaching/teaching career with 32 years in the school business and 721 wins in basketball. He guided the Claude girls to the 1962 state championship-one of five trips to the state tournament. He then worked for Horace Mann Insurance for 10 years. F.G. was a pioneer in bringing girls’ basketball to the Texas Panhandle. He was the first president of the Texas High School Girl’s Coaches Association in 1964-65, was an All-Star Coach for the North for the T.H.S.G.C.A. in 1978, received a distinguished service award in 1984 for his outstanding service and his unselfish devotion to interscholastic league athletics, was awarded the Special Achievement Award from the Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame in 1985, was inducted into the Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame in 1990, and was chosen as an honor coach for the Texas Girl’s Association in 1998 for his outstanding contributions to girls’ basketball.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Gracie Crofford, and a little sister Bobbie.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Bonnie, two daughters, Karen Floyd and husband Jimmy of Amarillo, Sharon Mills and husband Mike of Amarillo, five grandchildren: Kristi Reed and husband (Frank) of Benbrook, Kimberli Phillips and husband (John) of Amarillo, Cassie Angeley and husband (Wade) of Littlefield, Kyle Mills and wife (Jenny) of Celina, and Jason Floyd and wife (Samantha) of Amarillo. He is also survived by 14 great grandchildren: Bryant Young, Brenna Young, Mikayla Phillips, Grant Phillips, Brae Mills, Keigan Mills, Dylon Redman, Bradyn Redman, Kambree Angeley, Trenton Angeley, Tracen Angeley, Landyn McKay, Paizley Floyd, and Rhett Floyd. He is also survived by one sister, Margie Phillips and husband (Red) of Amarillo, several nieces and nephews, and a multitude of former students.
Donations can be made to America Supports You Texas or South Georgia Baptist Church.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of F.G. Crofford please visit our Sympathy Store.
Tommy Wayne Walker
Tommy Wayne Walker, 68 of Muleshoe, passed away Sunday, January 13, 2019 at his residence in Muleshoe. Celebration of Life Services were scheduled for 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at the Friona Cemetery Memorial Chapel with Pastor Jamie Johnson, pastor of CenterPointe Church of Muleshoe and Brandon Walker, officiating. Burial with military honors following in the Friona Cemetery by HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home of Friona.
Tommy was born August 15, 1950 in Aspermont to Foster Allen and Chloe Desine Messenger Walker. He served in the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1975. During that time he married Susan Elaine Bentley June 7, 1974 in Parmer County.
He was an area farmer and truck driver, loved to fish, go hunting and read Louis L’Amour books.
Tommy is preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers-Willie Walker and Donnie Walker.
Those to carry on his legacy include his wife Susan Walker of Muleshoe, 1 son-Brandon Walker and wife Shelly of Lubbock, 1 daughter-Tina Beth Bohler and husband Matthew of Muleshoe, 2 brothers-Ronnie Walker and wife Cheryl and Lonnie Walker and wife Sharon, all of Midlothian, and 1 sister Oleta Spencer of Tucson, AZ., and 7 grandchildren.
You may send condolence to the family and sign the online register book at
www.hansardfamily.com
Calvin Rex Talley
Calvin Rex Talley, 66, of Lubbock passed away on January 8, 2019. Born in Friona, TX, on January 16, 1952, he was a much loved son, brother, husband, dad, granddad, and friend. Attending all 12 grades in Friona, Rex graduated from Friona High School in 1970. He earned a degree in Mass Communications (Radio/TV/Film) from Baylor University in 1974. He married Karen Garst, also a Baylor graduate, in Waco, TX in 1975.
Rex and Karen lived in the Waco area until 1989 when they moved with their son, Cameron Read Talley, to Lubbock. Rex and Karen were active in the Lubbock community. They enjoyed singing in the Lubbock First United Methodist choir, and toured with the Chancel Choir performing in New Zealand, Italy, England, Scotland, and the National Cathedral in Washington DC. As part of the Vesper Concert Series, they performed in several musical productions, including Brigadoon and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,
Rex worked in the retail music business for 29 years, first with Holze Music Company in Waco and then with Jent’s House of Music in Lubbock. He concluded his career working in the business office of Kaplan College and Education Corporate of America, both in Lubbock. In retirement, Rex volunteered as the House Manager at the Lubbock Community Theatre.
Rex loved sharing his life with Karen. They enjoyed music, travel, VW Beetles, and creating fun experiences, especially with model trains, for their son, Cameron. Rex was preceded in death by parents, Patsy Ruth and Calvin R. Talley and wife, Karen Talley. He is survived by his sister, PJ Talley Bate and husband, Don, of Plano, TX; and son, Cameron Talley and wife, Megan, and grandson, Samuel of Waco, TX. There are no services planned at this time. The family suggests memorials be made to the Lubbock First United Methodist Church Music Ministry.
Gerald Wayne Shirley
Gerald Wayne Shirley, 73, a retired maintenance crew chief for American Airlines, went to be with our Lord Monday, January 14, 2019 in the presence of his loving family.
Graveside service is Friday, January 18, 2019, at 3:00 p.m. at Friona Cemetery in Friona, Texas. Family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.
Don Busby of Flower Mound will officiate. Honorary pallbearers include Danney McCort, Bud Shirley, Jack Walser, Charles Ray, Jim Anderson, and Guy May.
Wayne was born August 27, 1945 to J.B. and Teriece Othello (Sholar) Shirley in Clovis, New Mexico. He graduated Hereford High School and Spartan College of Aeronautics. Wayne was a member of the East Mound Church of Christ in Bridgeport.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Cornelia Anne Shirley.
Those left behind to cherish his memory are his son, Shawn Shirley of Midwest City, Oklahoma; his brothers, Perry Shirley and wife Cheryl of Flagstaff, Arizona, and Dwight Shirley and wife Carrie of Boyd; his sister Marilyn Sue May and husband Guy of Lampasas; 5 nieces and nephews; extended family and a host of friends.
Hawkins Funeral Home Boyd, 940-433-5310. www.hawkinsfuneralhome.com
Jerry Allen Crutchfield
Jerry Allen Crutchfield, 77 of Amarillo passed away January 14, 2019 in Amarillo. Private inurnment services are scheduled. Cremation arrangements by HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home of Friona.
Jerry was born in Greensboro, North Caroline to Ernest Ector and Emmie Mimmie Edwards Crutchfield. He was a business office clerk for many years.
He is preceded in death by his parents, 1 child, 3 brothers-Ernest Crutchfield Jr., Richard L. Crutchfield and Paul J. Crutchfield, and 2 sisters-Pat Jones and Jettie May Lester
Those to mourn Jerry’s passing are 1 brother-Troy Crutchfield of Friona and many nieces and nephews.
You may send condolence to the family and sign the online register book at
www.hansardfamily.com
