Historical Marker

Funeral Business in Clarendon

Marker installed: 2007
Marker size: 27" x 42"

For more than a century, this site has been the location of a funeral home, a vital community business serving a widespread area of the Panhandle. Kentucky native Pleasant Andrew Buntin (1849-1941) brought his family to Texas in 1879, settling first in Mobeetie (Wheeler Co.). The Buntins moved to Clarendon in 1888 following the arrival of the Fort Worth and Denver Railroad. P.A. Buntin rode a mail route from there through Palo Duro Canyon and Schott Gap (Briscoe Co.) to the Caprock, changing wagons and horses to make the 60-mile round trip in a single day. Buntin also operated a dairy, and he was a charter member of the Methodist church and the Masonic lodge in Clarendon.

At this site in 1899, Buntin established a funeral home, one of the earliest in the Texas Panhandle. He and his wife, Lucy Jane (Gibbs), had four children, and their youngest son Fred continued in the family business. Fred attended Clarendon College and the Dallas School of Embalming, and joined his father's company in 1919. The business territory covered several counties, and notable early burials conducted by the family included pioneer ranchers Charles and Mary Ann (Dyer) Goodnight in the 1920s. During World War II, the civic-minded Buntin Funeral Home provided military service plaques -- with blue stars for active personnel and gold stars for casualties -- for families to display in the windows of their homes.

The Buntins sold the business in 1945, although the family name remained in use with others for several years. A number of families have since been associated with the historic operation, including, from 1977, the Robertsons, who for a short time owned another funeral parlor in Clarendon. (2007)

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

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Donley County, Texas, located in the Panhandle region, has a rich and vibrant history that dates back to the mid-19th century. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache. The first European explorers, including Spanish conquistadors, began to explore the region in the 1500s.

In the early 1870s, settlers began to establish ranches in the area. The county was officially formed in August 1876 and named after Stockton P. Donley, a lawyer who served as a member of the Texas Legislature. The same year, Clarendon became the county seat. As ranching flourished, the new settlements attracted more residents and businesses.

The county experienced significant growth and development during the late 19th century. The arrival of the Fort Worth and Denver City Railway in the early 1880s provided a major boost to the local economy. Clarendon became a key shipping point for cattle and agricultural products, contributing to the county's prosperity.

However, like many other areas in Texas, Donley County faced challenges during the early 20th century. The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl had a severe impact on the local economy, causing widespread hardship and forcing many residents to leave. But with the introduction of new farming techniques and federal assistance programs, the county slowly recovered and agriculture remained a vital industry.

Today, Donley County continues to be a rural community with a strong ranching and agricultural presence. It also boasts historical landmarks, such as the Donley County Courthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The county's rich history and resilient spirit serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by its early settlers and the enduring legacy they left behind.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Donley County, Texas.

  • 1876: Donley County is formally established on August 21, with Clarendon as its county seat.
  • 1882: The Fort Worth and Denver City Railway is constructed through Donley County, bringing economic growth and improved transportation.
  • 1890: The population of Donley County reaches its peak with over 8,000 residents.
  • 1908: The first courthouse is built in Clarendon, but it is later destroyed by a fire in 1909.
  • 1910: A new courthouse is constructed to replace the one destroyed by fire, which still stands today.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl severely impact Donley County, causing economic hardships and population decline.
  • 1947: The Greenbelt Reservoir is completed, providing a reliable water source for the county's agriculture and livestock industries.
  • 1950s-1960s: The construction of Interstate 40 through Donley County improves transportation and spurs economic development.
  • 1980s-present: Donley County faces challenges of modernization, including technological advancements and changes in the agricultural industry.