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Gordon Wallace Christopher
ODESSA — April 20, 2004… the day that Gordon Christopher is finally at peace after battling brain cancer for seven years. His parents, James and Lula Mae Christopher had no idea of what a dynamic person they were bringing into the world on that Easter Sunday of April 12, 1936 in Spur, Texas. He was quite the character, as his family and friends can attest.
Gordon’s family moved to Seminole, Texas, in the 1950s, and it was there that he met and married
Johanna Faith Sparks. They had their first two children, Michael and Billie in Seminole and moved to Odessa in 1957 where they had one more child named Mitchel.
Gordon worked extremely hard in the oilfield and eventually became a partner in the ownership of Yellowjacket Tools. It wasn’t long before he knew that he wanted to do more with his life and with his able and curious mind decided to go on his own. He designed, developed, and manufactured three types of oilfield equipment, all of which he owned the patents, including the hydraulic elevator that is still used on oil rigs today. With the help of older son Mike, who worked in sales for Gordon, and his youngest son, Mitchel, who worked hard to manufacture the equipment, Gordon built a successful business. Mitchel, to this day still manufactures the elevators and carries on his “Pop’s” tradition of high quality.
Gordon was very proud of his children and their spouses: Gordon Michael Christopher, Billie Lynn Hoestenbach and her husband, John, and Thomas Mitchel Christopher and wife, Mary, were also very proud of him. He loved his grandchildren, Heather, Chase, John Michael, Ryan, Andy and Cozy very much, along with his three great-grandchildren who live in Nashville, Tennessee.
Gordon grew up with three brothers, Neil, Wayne and Max Christopher of Lubbock; and one sister, Linda Marshall of Slaton, Texas, all of whom are still living today.
The Red Rose Christian Home in Midland is where Gordon has called “home” for the last three years, He received the utmost of care from Jolene, Wendy, Sherry and Janette at Red Rose, and his family will always remember their kindness and the “extra special touch” that they afforded him. Gordon always, “lit up like a Christmas Tree” when they entered his room, and it was noticed by all that visited him.
Although Gordon worked extremely hard to support his family, he also had time for fun. He was very “flamboyant”, wild, and funny and almost everyone he knew had a least one good funny or crazy story about him.
His family invites every one of Gordon’s friends to help celebrate his life in the oilfield tradition that he so loved. He led a very colorful life and accomplished so much in his short lifetime, and he would be honored to have you share your favorite memories of him with us.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 24, 2004, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church on North Grandview across the street from Ratliff Ranch Golf Course.
For those who wish to send a memorial, please send to Home Hospice of Midland.
We would like to send a special thank you to Brantley Harkins of Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home. Brantley made himself available to us night and day to guide us through this sad time. We would never have gotten through it without his compassion, patience and knowledge.
Goodbye Daddy…we love you!
Services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home.
Betty Jean Schwartz Hammann
ODESSA — Betty Jean Schwartz Hammann, 77, passed away at her home on Friday, April 23, 2004, after a lengthy illness.
There are no services scheduled at this time. Viewing will be Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. at Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors, 4635 Oakwood Drive.
Betty Jean Hammann was a woman of great integrity and full of love. She loved her family, friends, and had a major passion for playing bridge with her best buddies. Born in Kansas City, Mo., on June 5, 1926, Betty Jean completed her education in Lincoln, Neb.
Later on, she moved to San Antonio, Texas, where she met and married
Captain Douglas Franklin Schwartz of the United States Air Force. Their family grew with addition of two daughters, Darcy Dee and Jodeen Rae. After the passing of Major Douglas F. Schwartz, she married
Robert Roy Hammann. Betty Jean then moved with her family to Odessa, Texas, in July of 1965.
Betty Jean lived her life with grace and commitment to her family and friends. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Odessa and had been a volunteer of several organizations during her life’s journey in Odessa. Betty Jean had owned her own insulation company in San Antonio, Texas; she had worked for the Department of Human Resources of the State of Texas, Odessa Medical Center and finally retired after several years with Odessa Diagnostic Center.
Betty Jean fought a courageous fight to stay here on earth with the ones she loved. Her joys in life were going to her grandchildren’s softball games, their school and church activities and as they grew older she loved being involved in their families. She loved family holidays, family weddings, playing golf, going antiquing, and after retiring she loved playing bridge. Once she acknowledged her illness, Betty Jean began to write her own obituary and all she could put on paper was, “I’ve had a wonderful life, I’ve lived a wonderful life.” Betty Jean Hammann will be very missed by her family and friends; we are all better people for having had her in our own lives.
Betty Jean Hammann is preceded in spirit by her parents, first husband Major Douglas Franklin Schwartz and her eldest daughter, Darcy Dee Schwartz Wilkinson.
Those who are here to remember Betty Jean are youngest daughter, Jodeen Schwartz Thomas of Odessa; sons-in-law, Craig Wilkinson of Lubbock and Robin Thomas of North Richland Hills; grandchildren, Shawnna Thomas Cox and husband, Glenn Forman Cox, and their son, Thomas Forman Cox, of the Woodlands, Douglas Neal Wilkinson and wife, Carol Wilkinson, and their daughter, Bailey Rowan, and son, Carson Bryce Wilkinson, of Overland Park, Kan., Sky Robinson Thomas and daughter, Macy Jean Thomas, of North Richland Hills, Diana Lynn Wilkinson and Darin Craig Wilkinson of Lubbock; brother, Donald Gould and wife, Phyllis Gould, of Lincoln, Neb.; and cousin, Jeri Clapper and husband, Ed Clapper, of Lincoln, Neb., with numerous nephews and friends.
In lieu of flowers the family request gifts be made to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America CCFA Memorial Gifts, 386 Park Avenue South 17th floor, New York, NY 10016-8804.
Services entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors.
Alan Lee Hill
ODESSA — Early April 23, 2004, Alan L. Hill passed away peacefully at the Medical Center Hospital with his family by his side.
Alan will be greatly missed by his many friends and family. Born on Jan. 6, 1926 in Bartlesville, Okla. Alan was described as a “inspiration to many.” He lived in Marietta, Ohio until grade school, then moved to Phillips, Texas. He graduated from Phillips High School in 1943. Immediately upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served two years in World War II. He attended Texas Tech and majored in engineering. Alan was employed for 30 years by Fluid Pack Pump and for 15 years by Odessa Pump.
Perhaps the happiest time in his life was his courtship and eventual marriage to the love of his life, Billie Hill. He described seeing Billie for the first time and immediately falling in love. They were married
on July 17, 1948. A few years later, the first of three children was born and many years later, grandchildren were added to the family.
In 1988, Alan was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. However, this did not slow him down at all. Besides being a devoted, husband, father and grandfather, Alan was an active member in the community. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Odessa where he served faithfully on the official board, was president of the Sunday School group and volunteered at the church Food Bank. One of his proudest accomplishments was being a member of the Masonic Lodge for over 50 years. He was also a past master of the McFarland Masonic Lodge No. 1338, and a member of the Scottish Rite.
Friends describe Alan as a “wonderful example of a husband, father, and friend.”
Alan is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Billie, by his three children, Paul and wife Carolyn of Denver, Colo., Linda of Portland, Ore., and Debbie of Leander; his five grandchildren, Lauren, Caroline, Eric, Jessica and Tera; his brother, Maben Hill of Westminster, Calif.; special friend Judy; and numerous other loyal friends.
Also, a special thanks to Dr. Doran.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 25, at First United Methodist Church.
The family requests donations be made to the First United Methodist Food Bank.
Services are entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors.
Jack Sandlin
ODESSA — Jack Sandlin, 87, a resident of Odessa since 1945, passed away Friday, April 23, 2004, at the Hospice House. He was born January 7, 1917, in Palo Pinto County.
He served in the Navy Sea Bee’s during WWII. He married
Sylvia Horton July 19, 1935, in Sweetwater. He was a retired electrician for McEntyre Brothers Electric Co. He was a member of the V.F.W. #4372.
He was preceded in death by his sisters, Rosie Wilson and Bonnie McEver.
He is survived by his wife, Sylvia Sandlin of Odessa; nephew, Truman Wilson of Gardendale; niece, Dot Jackson of Odessa; and many other nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 26, 2004, at Odessa cemetery with Rev. Craig DeArmond officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to the Hospice House.
Services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home.
Robbie Ann Smiley
ODESSA — Robbie Ann Smiley, 62, passed away Thursday, April 22, 2004, at Medical Center Hospital.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday in the Frank W. Wilson Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Terry Wright officiating. Graveside services will be at 4 p.m. Monday at Blackwell cemetery in Blackwell, Texas. Services entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors.
Mrs. Smiley was born June 13, 1941, in Sweetwater, Texas, to Robert Leroy and Jynelle Vest McFarland. She married
Guy Smiley March 13, 1962, in Odessa. She was a member of Westover Baptist Church and was an art teacher. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Leroy McFarland.
She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Guy Smiley of Odessa; two daughters, Terryl Cope and husband, Bennie, of Goldsmith, Melody Herring and husband, Tim, of Odessa; mother, Jynelle McFarland of Andrews; one sister, Sandra Birchfield and husband, Bob, of Andrews; six grandchildren, Casey Cope and wife, Randee, Seth, Elijah and Maegan Cope of Goldsmith, Tyrel and Zachary Herring of Odessa; a great-grandchild on the way; and numerous nieces and nephews and lots of friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Westover Baptist Church Building Fund.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors.
Zelma Aldridge
ODESSA — Zelma Aldridge passed away on Friday, April 23, 2004, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Mrs. Aldridge was a retired loan officer with the First Savings and Loan in Odessa, Texas.
She is survived by her husband, James S. Aldridge of Las Vegas; sons, Darrell Aldridge and wife Cheryl of Irving, Texas, Joe Aldridge and wife Sherry of Las Vegas, Jack Aldridge and wife Debra of Ripley, Okla., and James Aldridge and wife Debra of Ocoee, Fla. She has one brother, Jim Ray Marshall of Bastrop, Texas; and was the proud grandmother of four grandchildren, Tonya Dean of Irving, Texas, Summer Aldridge of Las Vegas, Stacey Aldridge of Ardmore, Okla., and Justin Aldridge of Ocoee, Fla.
There is a scheduled visitation from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. today. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 26th, at Davis Paradise Valley Funeral Home in Las Vegas and burial and graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 29th, at Sunset Memorial Gardens, in Odessa, Texas.
Local arrangements are under the direction of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home.
C.L. ‘Buster’ Biter
NOCONA — Conard L. “Buster” Biter, 90, of Nocona, passed away Wednesday, April 21, 2004.
He was born in Nocona to George Pinkney and Clara Lee (Jackson) Biter.
Buster was known as the “Mr. Fix-it” of the Midland-Odessa area. He could repair anything from drill pipe to a leaky air conditioner. Buster was Welding Foreman at the Tesoro Land & Marine Rental Company’s Drill Pipe Service in Odessa and had been for 19 years. In fact, Buster was responsible for laying out and setting up the original shop in 1962. Buster learned the welding trade in the U.S. Navy submarine service during World War II. He graduated from Nocona High School in 1933 and started in the oil business at 18 as a roughneck and moved up through driller and toolpusher before turning to welding full-time.
After more than 50 years in the oilfields, Buster confessed to looking forward to retirement. He returned to his hometown, Nocona, Texas. He was Methodist and was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Guthrie, Okla., for more than 50 years.
Buster was preceded in death by his wife, Nell; two brothers, Wayne and Bobby Biter; and sister, Dude Sunderland.
He is survived by his daughter, Pinkie Biter Hoover and husband Randy of Carrollton; his stepson, John Doyle Johnson and wife Jane of Meeker, Okla.; two granddaughters, Dayma Gilleland and Darla Bettencourt; four great-grandchildren; two step grandchildren; and five step great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 24, 2004, at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel with Father Steve Berg officiating. Burial was at the Nocona cemetery with Masonic Graveside Rites.
Pallbearers were John Cardwell, Robert Fenoglio, Rusty Fenoglio, Jearl Teague, Bobby Joe Tompkins and Jimmie Dale Tompkins.
Memorials may be directed to St. Joseph’s Alter Society, c/o Maurine Meekins, 3953 FM 1759, Nocona, TX 76255.
Services are entrusted to Jerry Woods Funeral Home.
Kennie Blain
ODESSA — Kennie Blain, 74, of Odessa, passed away Friday, April 23, 2004, at Manor Park in Midland.
She was born Oct. 1, 1929, in McCamey, Texas. She was a retired sales tax auditor for the state of Texas. She was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Risen Lord.
She enjoyed sewing, knitting, quilting, needlework, bridge and especially golf.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce Blain.
She is survived by her daughters, Carol Ann Blain Jones of Canon City, Colo., and Nancy Sharon Blain Day and husband Pat of Midland; brothers, C.D. Cline and Dawsie Cline, both of Hobbs, N.M.; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 26, 2004, in Odessa at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home Chapel with Howard Jones officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the UTPB Accounting Association Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 13102, Odessa, Texas 79768-3102.
Services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home.
