Canyon News

Glee Williams, 99, of Canyon, passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2024. Services will be at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, April 26, 2024 at the First Baptist Church of Canyon with Rev. Steve Olsen officiating. Burial will follow in Dreamland Cemetery and the family invites everyone back to the First Baptist Church Family Life Center for a reception. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at Brooks Chapel. Arrangements are by Brooks Funeral Directors. Glee was born on January 18, 1925 in Olton, Texas to Ridland Greene and Frankie (Slover) Henderson, one of twelve children. She married Hersey Lee Williams, Sr. on July 16, 1948 in Dimmitt, and they were...

Our precious Colby Shay "Evan" "Ebug" Whitaker passed away from this life on April 16, 2024. He was born to Angela Blackwell and David Scott Whitaker on July 7, 1993, in Lubbock, Texas. Colby graduated from Canyon High School in 2011. He studied physical therapy in college and wanted to pursue a career in physical therapy or dentistry. He also loved writing screenplays and would have loved becoming a film producer. Colby was the kindest and most gentle soul. He would do anything for anyone, and he never asked for anything in return. He had a heart of gold. His days here with us were not long enough. There isn't a person who didn't meet him and instantly know what a genuine person he was....

Wanda Joy Ithaca, 92, of Canyon died Saturday, April 13, 2024. Graveside services will be at 4:00 P.M. on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 in Dreamland Cemetery. Arrangements are by Brooks Funeral Directors of Canyon. Wanda Joy Ithaca was born September 16, 1931, in Collingsworth County near Quail Texas to "Man" (O.W.) and Marie Buntin. She was a graduate of Borger High School and married George T. Ithaca Jr. in 1950. Wanda and George moved to Roswell, New Mexico a few years after they were married and lived there for 25 years. They moved to Canyon in 1980, where they lived the remainder of their lives. George preceded her in death in 2012. Wanda was a member of First Baptist Church of Canyon...

John Donald Sommer, of Round Rock, Texas, passed away on March 22, 2024, at the age of 90. John was born June 29, 1933, in Ellinger, Texas to the late Herbert and Rosie Sommer. He was baptized on July 20, 1933, by Pastor Robert Heise and Confirmed on March 30, 1947, by Pastor H. T. Flachmeier at St. Paul Lutheran Church After completing his military service, John served as a teacher and administrator in the Bandera, Edna, and Canyon public school systems. Later, he served as Program Director for Fine Arts for the Texas Education Agency. John received his Bachelor of Music Education from Texas Lutheran University, his Master of Education-Music, Educational Administration from...

Charles Edwin 'Bud' Pender, 81, of Canyon, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 22, 2024. Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Umbarger with Father Alvin Tshuma as celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. A vigil will be held at 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at Brooks Chapel in Canyon. Arrangements are by Brooks Funeral Directors. Charles was born on October 2, 1942 in El Paso to Willie Albert and Edna (Holt) Pender. He was a graduate of Irvin High School in El Paso and received his degree in Agricultural Economics from Texas Tech University in 1967. He married Regina Cronan in Houston on...

Joseph Earl "Joe" Burnett, 71, of Howardwick, Texas died Friday, February 23, 2024 in Howardwick. Memorial Services will be 10:00 AM Saturday, March 2, 2024 in Robertson Funeral Directors Saints' Roost Chapel in Clarendon. Cremation & Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon. Joe was born November 9, 1952 in Clovis, New Mexico to Irene Langford Burnett and Joe Burnett, Sr. He had been a resident of Howardwick the past 10 plus years. Joe worked in ranching and in agriculture, prior to his retirement. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, and music. Joe loved land and had a deep connection with ranching, it's history, and was into the western cowboy culture. ...

Brian David Mohn, 64, of Happy, Texas and formerly of the Aurelia and Cherokee, Iowa area, passed away on Monday, February 19, 2024 after a valiant fight against pancreatic cancer. Arrangements are by Brooks Funeral Directors. Brian was born January 20, 1960 to Arnold and Arlene (Dittmer) Mohn. He grew up on the family farm between Aurelia and Cherokee, truly enjoying the farm life. He was confirmed in 1974 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Aurelia. Brian graduated high school in Aurelia in 1978 and went on to attend Iowa State University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in animal science in 1982. Brian came back to the farm, and for many years raised livestock and grain. Brian...

Kathryn (Katie) Abernathy Chitwood passed away on February 9, 2024 in Lubbock, Texas. Memorial services will be at 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at the First Methodist Church in Canyon with Rev. Rick Enns, pastor, officiating. Private burial will be in Dreamland Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Friday, February 16, 2024 at Brooks Chapel in Canyon. Arrangements are by Brooks Funeral Directors. Katie was born in Leonard, Texas on June 25, 1924 to Thomas Leslie and Winnie Davis Abernathy. She graduated from Leonard High School and continued her education at Texas State College for Women, Denton, and graduated from there in 1945. After...

J. Pat Stephens was born in Garza County Texas on June 3, 1934 to Joseph Walter and Margaret Evans Stephens. Born on a dry land cotton farm in the middle of the Great Depression and the Dust bowl may not have been the most auspicious start, but J. Pat lived through a remarkable time in history. He grew up on the family farm on top of the caprock with his parents and six siblings. As J. Pat told the story, it was an idyllic childhood, palling around with his brother Bill through all the adventures and travails of farm life. When the war broke out, the family moved to Lubbock so Walter could work in the rapidly growing defense industry. After the war ended, the family returned to the farm, and...

Kenneth Brock, 89, of Canyon, passed away on Monday, January 29, 2024. Memorial services will be at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at St. Paul Lutheran Church with Brian Shane officiating. Arrangements are by Brooks Funeral Directors. Kenneth was born on June 24, 1934 in Hereford, TX to Pearl and Arthur Brock. He married Cora Lee Hopson and they returned to Canyon from Altus, Oklahoma in 1978. Kenneth worked for many years at Ben E. Keith selling produce to stores and restaurants. Kenneth's favorite pastime was fishing, especially when he visited his favorite place, the Rocky Mountains. He also enjoyed watching horse racing. Kenneth loved working...

Robert 'Brandon' Hauschild of Canyon passed away on January 29, 2024. He was 38 years old. Memorial services will be at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, February 2, 2024 at the First Baptist Church of Canyon with Rev. Steve Olsen, pastor, and Jeff Hauschild, brother, officiating. Arrangements are by Brooks Funeral Directors. Brandon was born October 30, 1985 in Austin, Texas to John and Connie Hauschild. He graduated from Canyon High School in May, 2008 and was an athlete of Special Olympics for many years. Brandon attended Rockwell Road Baptist Church with his mother. Brandon is preceded in death by his father, John Hauschild, grandparents, Lt. Col. Robert O'Donald and Anita Ruthart O'Donald,...

Roy Dale Messer, age 69, went to be with the Lord on January 27, 2024. He was born on October 31, 1954, in Friona Texas, but was raised in Hereford, Texas, by his loving parents Jasper Flay and Dora Victoria (Eastman) Messer. Roy brightened every room he entered and never met a stranger. His youth was marked with wild escapades with his friends, entrepreneurial businesses, and adventures with his brothers Jimmy and Jacky. A graduate of Hereford High School in 1973, Roy later went on to earn a degree in Accounting from West Texas State University, where he was a proud member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. Roy married Anna Hauser, in 1977, and had two children, John Wayne Messer...

Richard Don Robinson, 75, passed away Monday, January 15, 2024. A celebration of his life will be held at 2 pm on Friday, January 19, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Panhandle. In lieu of flowers his memory may be honored with a gift to the Panhandle Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 129, Panhandle, Texas, 79068 or to Brayden's Gift, PO Box 51182, Amarillo, Texas, 79159. Richard was born February 16, 1948, at St. Anthony's Hospital in Amarillo to L.C. Robinson and Vera Lusk Robinson. Richard attended school at Trinity Lutheran School in Amarillo and Canyon Schools before graduating from Panhandle Schools. After graduation Richard farmed west of Panhandle and traveled around the country...

Carol Ann (Watson) Hunter, 79, of Canyon, passed away January 1, 2024. Burial at sea services are being scheduled for a later date. Arrangements are by Brooks Funeral Directors. Carol was born April 21, 1944, in Burkburnett, Texas, the only child of Cleveland Bruce Watson and Billie Jean (Miller) Watson. While her father served in the Army, she was raised in part by her maternal grandmother, Dollie Inona (McClurg) Miller. She married Dennis Lynn "Jerry" Hunter on August 19, 1960, in Pampa, Texas, and went on to spend her working life as a nurse around the Houston area. Carol enjoyed traveling, reading, going to the movies, and especially the performing arts. She will be remembered for...

Clinton Harrel Glenn, 87, of Canyon, passed away on Monday, January 1, 2024. Memorial services will be at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at the First Baptist Church of Canyon with Trey Glenn, grandson and staff member of Redeemer Church in Lubbock, officiating. Private family interment will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery Saturday morning at 10:30 A.M. Arrangements are by Brooks Funeral Directors. Clinton was born on November 19, 1936 in Quail, Texas to Brad and Gladys (Ferguson) Glenn. He was the youngest son and number eight of nine children. His farming heritage goes back to his parents and grandparents. Clinton graduated from Dimmit High School in 1955 and immediately...

Mary Jo Hales, 95, of Canyon, passed away on Saturday, December 23, 2023. Services will at 1:30 P.M. on Saturday, December 30, 2023 at the University Church of Christ with Bob Shepard and David Lough officiating. Burial will be in Dreamland Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:30 P.M. on Friday, December 29, 2023 at Brooks Chapel. Arrangements are by Brooks Funeral Directors. Mary Jo was born on March 19, 1928 in Lockney, Texas to Floyd and Ora Bea (Golden) Tomlinson. She graduated from West Texas High School and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from West Texas Normal College. She married Richmond Hales on August 18, 1950, and they celebrated their 69th wedding...

Peter Robert Scariati II, age 67, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 16, 2023. He was a giant of a man with a heart to match. He grew up in a large family, in Lindenhurst Long Island. Growing up they valued hard work, perseverance, and above all, family. His father Peter embodied all of these attributes, and his mother was the glue that held it all together. As a child, his mother would joke that he used to have a "Neighborhood Breakfast." Going home to home and stopping at every neighbor to enjoy time with their families, and yet another breakfast. He was intelligent, talented, and a bit rambunctious. He attended college at the University of Florida and was lucky enough to play...

Annie Elizabeth Frische, 89, of Dawn, passed away on Friday, December 15, 2023. Services will be at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Umbarger with Father Alvin Tshuma as Celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Umbarger. A Rosary will be held at 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at Brooks Chapel in Canyon. Arrangements are by Brooks Funeral Directors. Annie was born on February 11, 1934 in Canyon to Ben and Helen (Schuele) Koch. She was a graduate of Umbarger High School where she enjoyed playing on the softball team. She married Carl Frische on August 25, 1954, and he preceded her in death on January 22,...

Melinda Marie Rickwartz, 63, of Claude, passed away at home on Thursday, December 14, 2023. Services will be at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at Brooks Chapel in Canyon with Byron Williamson officiating. Graveside services will be at 3:30 P.M. on Tuesday at Wayside Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 6:00 P.M. on Monday, December 18, 2023 at Brooks Chapel in Canyon. Arrangements are by Brooks Funeral Directors. Melinda was born on May 15, 1960 in Canyon to Darral and Linda Watson. She was a 1978 graduate of Claude High School and received her Bachelor of Arts in Business from West Texas State University in 1982. She married Bernard Rickwartz in Canyon on...

Ele Maxine Sherrod, 95, of Canyon, passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. Services will be at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, December 18, 2023 at Brooks Chapel with Rev. Rick Enns, pastor of First Methodist Church of Canyon, officiating. Arrangements are by Brooks Funeral Directors. Maxine was born on September 20, 1928 in Aspermont, Texas to E.V. and Beatrice (Lanier) Smith. She was a graduate of Aspermont High School and received her Bachelor of Science in Education from West Texas State College. She married M.L. Sherrod on her 18th birthday in 1946 in Amarillo. He preceded her in death on December 23, 2016. Maxine loved kiddos and was passionate about teaching. She taught in Canyon...

Sylvia Rittenberry Tucker, 67, of Amarillo, passed away on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. Memorial services will be at 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at the First Baptist Church Chapel in Amarillo with Dr. Trevor Brown, Associate Pastor, officiating. Arrangements are by Brooks Funeral Directors. Sylvia was born on July 18, 1956 in Amarillo to Doug and Sue Rittenberry. She was a 1975 graduate of Canyon High School, and in 1983, she married H.M. 'Tuck' Tucker. Sylvia currently worked at Pantex as she has for the last 20+ years. She was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Amarillo, Amarillo Junior League, and the Amarillo HOG Club. She loved animals and her passion was...