Brenda Kay McMinn

Brenda Kay McMinn

Brenda Kay McMinn, known affectionately as Nana, Bren, or B, was a woman of boundless compassion and spirit, whose generosity and love touched all who knew her. Born on March 14, 1952, in Amarillo, Texas, Brenda was a beacon of light in her community, her faith as solid as a rock. She returned to her heavenly home on September 26, 2023.

The family will receive visitors from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, September 29, at Lighthouse Funeral Home Chapel, 3707 Wolflin Ave., Amarillo.

Funeral Service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, September 30, 2023, at the Arena of Life Church, 8827 S. Washington Street, Amarillo.

Brenda was a dedicated professional, retiring as a manager from Maxor Drugs, where she received multiple safety awards. However, her true passion was her family, whom she cherished above all else. Brenda was the heart of her family, the glue that bound them together. Her home was always open and filled with laughter, love, and the mouthwatering aroma of her home-cooked meals. She had a knack for making every occasion special, from the decorations that adorned her home to the carefully chosen gifts she loved to give. Brenda’s hobbies, from planting flowers to shopping, were all extensions of her loving and generous nature.

But Brenda was more than a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She was an anchor in her faith community, a devoted Pentecostal Christian, who was always present when the church doors were open. Brenda was a prayer warrior, known for her fervent intercessions. She had a direct connection with God, and her worship was a sight to behold, filled with dancing and speaking in tongues. Brenda truly embodied the spirit of Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Joe Davis and Mary Rains; brother, Freddy Davis, and sister, Marsha Tomberlin-Davis.

Brenda is survived by her loving husband, Stanley McMinn, with whom she shared a beautiful life since their marriage on January 28, 1968. Her memory will be cherished by her children, Michael (Shane) McMinn and Shanna McMinn; her granddaughters, Heather Castillo (Austin), Kaitlin Coleman (Mathew), Briana Worrell (Brennen), Morgan McMinn and Isabella Evins; her grandsons, Skyler McMinn, Gabriel Evins, Aiden Worrell, Karter Worrell, and Hudson McMinn; her sister, Paula Lucas-Davis; brother, Michael Davis, and by in-laws, nieces, nephews and a host of long-time friends. We will all remember her loving spirit.

We invite all who knew Brenda to share their memories and photos on her memorial page, to celebrate the beautiful life of our beloved Brenda, a compassionate, spirited, loving, and generous soul who left a lasting impact on every life she touched.

Carl Edward Draper

Carl Edward Draper

Carl Edward Draper, a spirited and witty gentleman, born on May 26, 1935, in Thurmont, MD, passed away on September 12, 2023. He spent the majority of his life in Clarendon, Texas, where he was known and cherished by many. Carl was a devoted father, a loyal friend, and a respected member of the community. His sharp wit and lively spirit were a beacon of joy that brightened the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Carl led a fulfilling life as a truck driver for Merchants Fast Motorlines before his retirement. His love for the open road didn’t end with his retirement as he embarked on a new adventure as an RV Park owner, sharing his passion for travel and exploration with others. He was a living testament to the fact that life is a journey filled with countless memories to be made and cherished. Carl is survived by his children: Rusty Draper, Karlyn Fincher, Tim Draper, and Vera Levandowski. He is preceded in death by his parents, Worth and Helen Draper.

We invite you to share your favorite memories and photos of Carl on his memorial page. His legacy will continue to live on through the stories and memories we share. Carl’s life was a testament to the power of a positive attitude and a zest for life, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

James Everett Goad

James Everett Goad

James Everett Goad, 62, of Amarillo, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2023. He was born August 10, 1961, in Celina, Ohio to Everett Kenneth and Mildred A. Goad.

A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held for James at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Lighthouse Funeral Home Chapel, 3707 Wolflin Ave., in Amarillo.

From a young age he knew he wanted to be a Marine. His responsibilities varied from being a sniper to Embassy duty, to being on the security team for Vice-President, George H.W. Bush.

James was an avid hunter and fisherman. He felt most at home in the woods. Taking his granddaughter to the shooting range was a favorite pastime. They had a special bond.

James loved driving a truck. He enjoyed the freedom of being able to travel the country and have a new adventure. In 1997, James came upon an automobile accident and found a young lady who had been severely injured. He saved her life and was commended for his valiant efforts. He always thought about others above himself.  He was a Marine through and through, all the way to the end.

James also loved photography and taking pictures.

He was preceded in death by his father, Everett Goad.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Suzi; his mother, Mildred Goad; his sister Regina Goad; Daniel Cobb, whom he loved and claimed as his son; his daughter-in-law Megan Cobb, and his granddaughter, Addyson Cobb.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to The American Cancer Society.

Spencer Cleavenger

Spencer Cleavenger

On September 15, 2023, we lost a cherished soul, Spencer Cleavenger. Born on July 24, 1998, in Amarillo, Texas, Spencer’s life was a beacon of inspiration and courage, even though it was cut short. Despite Spencer’s young age, he embraced life with such fervor and enthusiasm that his spirit will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew him.

Spencer, a lifelong resident of Amarillo, and a 2018 graduate of Amarillo High School was a vibrant and radiant spirit, an example of resilience and strength. While he was never formally employed, he possessed a unique wisdom and understanding of life that was far beyond his years. He had an innate ability to bring joy and positivity to any situation, which touched everyone he met. Spencer enjoyed playing Xbox and he loved watching all of the Friday the 13th movie series. His favorite hobbies were riding bikes with his family and watching the Dallas Cowboys with his dad.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Yvonne Moore, his maternal grandfather, Carl Ott, and his aunt, Angela Ott.

Spencer is survived by his loving parents, Rodney and Amy Cleavenger, who provided unwavering support and love throughout his life; his brothers, Zackery Cleavenger and Rodney Cleavenger, Jr.; his grandfather Dever Cleavenger; his “Nana” Dale Ott; his great-aunt, Susan Carter McAfee and husband Bill; his uncles, Dever Cleavenger, Jr., and Dale Cleavenger and wife Rhonda, as well as many cousins. His memory is a treasured keepsake, from which they will never part.

The family will receive visitors Thursday, September 28, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Lighthouse Funeral and Cremation Services, 3707 Wolflin Ave, Amarillo, Texas, 79102.

The funeral service will follow on Friday, September 29, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at His Church – Amarillo, 6300 Arden Road, Amarillo, Texas, 79109.

Spencer’s radiant spirit and the love he spread will forever be remembered by all who knew him. We encourage those who knew and loved Spencer to leave their memories and upload photos to the memorial page, to keep his spirit alive and pay tribute to his remarkable life.

Robert “Robby” Neece

Robert “Robby” Neece

Robert “Robby” Neece, 71, of Amarillo, passed away September 21, 2023. He was born September 20, 1952, in Amarillo to Robert and Florence (Teubert) Neece.

Robby worked at Asarco Refinery where he retired in 2018. He loved hunting, fishing, Halloween, and was always up for any adventure with his family. He loved his dogs, Oliver, Cashew, and Peanut.

Robby was preceded in death by his parents Florence and Robert Neece, and two brothers, Kenneth and Norman Neece.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Robin Neece; three daughters, Linda Comer and husband Jeff, Taryn Trason and husband Erik, and Erica Neece; granddaughter, Raelyn; two nephews and great-nieces and nephews that he loved very much. He is also survived by a life-long friend, Gary Hendrix and wife Mary An.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 29, 2023, at Washington Avenue Christian Church, 3800 S. Washington St., Amarillo.