Dateline: May 22, 2003

Services held for former County Judge Christal

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

Services were held Monday for former Donley County Judge William Roland “Billie” Christal, who died last Thursday, May 15, at the age of 92.

The sanctuary of the First Baptist Church was filled to near capacity as family members and friends gathered for the services. Rev. Truman Ledbetter, pastor, and Christal’s grandson, Mike Word, officiated. Masonic graveside rites and interment followed in Citizens Cemetery with arrangements by Robertson Funeral Directors.

Monday’s service was a celebration of Christal’s life and the way he impacted the lives of others. He was eulogized as a man of honesty, integrity, and fairness who was always willing to help his fellow man. He was known as a gentleman first and foremost, and many ladies will well remember how he would always tip his hat to them when passing by.

The portion of the service led by Word was, in accordance with Christal’s wishes, focused on the fun times he had had with his family. It was closed with a 40-year-old tape-recording of Christal’s singing grandchildren and a PowerPoint presentation of pictures chronicling Christal’s life from childhood to the present.

Christal was born Feb. 22, 1911, in Lelia Lake and had been a resident of Donley County all of his life. He married Thelma Gertrude Self on Nov. 27, 1930, in Portales, N.M.

He had been a farmer and rancher most of his life and served for 26 years as the Donley County judge before his retirement in 1997. While serving as county judge, he served in various capacities on many local and area boards and committees.

He had served on the Lelia Lake School Board and the Clarendon College Board of Regents for many years. He served on the PRPC Board and was very instrumental in the implementation of the county Emergency Medical Services System.

He was a member of First Baptist Church and had been a Sunday school teacher and a Deacon. He was a member and past master of Clarendon Masonic Lodge No. 700, a recipient of the Golden Trowel Award, a member and Past Patron of Clarendon Chapter No. 6 Order of the Eastern Star, and was well known for the elaborate Christmas lighting display at his home.

He was preceded in death by his wife on May 28, 1992; a sister, Marguerite Alderson; and a granddaughter, Kathryn Kuhrau.

Casketbearers were David Word, Tim Word, Brandon Word, Cameron Word, David Miller, Quentin Kuhrau, Clayton Kuhrau and Tyler Word. Honorary bearers were Robert Swerzinski, great-grandchildren, First Baptist Church deacons, and Clarendon Masonic Lodge members.

Survivors include two daughters, Jan Word of Amarillo and Janeice Kuhrau of Seattle; six grandchildren, Kimberly Miller, Mike Word, David Word, Timothy Word, Clayton Kuhrau and Quentin Kuhrau; and 12 great-grandchildren.

The family suggests memorials be to the Donley County Courthouse Restoration Project Fund or Harrington Cancer Center of Amarillo.