Clarence Newton Hallmark

Beloved father, Papaw, and friend to many, Clarence Newton Hallmark, 95 of Ballinger, left for his heavenly home on Sunday, October 2, 2022.  He was born to Isaac Newton Hallmark and Minnie Peel Hallmark on July 1, 1927, in McCullough County.  He spent his early childhood near Doole in the Gansel community.  His family later moved to Paint Rock, Bethel, and eventually to Ballinger.  One of 13 children, Clarence learned the value of family and the importance of hard work.

At the age of 18, Clarence enlisted in the Army during WWII.  After training at Aberdeen, Maryland in chemical warfare, he was shipped to Germany.  After the war was over, he returned home and shortly after headed north to see new areas of the state.  He found work in Panhandle at a smelting plant in Dalhart.  After returning to Ballinger, his friend Glyn McClelland introduced him to his sister, Dorothy McClelland.  Clarence and Dorothy courted and were later married on June 12, 1948. They were blessed with 3 children Elaine, Beverly and Danny.  Clarence also continued his military service by serving in the Army National Guard. Clarence had many visions for earning a living for his family.  He worked a few years in the oilfield before operating Hallmark Texaco service station.  After several years, Clarence found himself missing the farm life he knew in his youth, so he started his custom farming business.  The entire family worked in his farming venture chopping cotton, irrigating, and harvesting.  As years went by, he and Dorothy bought acreage on the caliche hill, which would become his favorite place to be.  He added a hog operation. Then he finally started his long-time dream of being a dairy farmer.  His days consisted of 6 am milkings, working long hours in the field or tending to cattle, followed by milking the cows again at 4 pm.  He and Dorothy worked hard but they enjoyed what they did and made lifelong friends in the process.  During those years, they made time to enjoy the monthly “88 Club” domino parties and the AMPI dairy meetings. They purchased a 1930 Model A and took great pride in driving it in local parades. Dorothy became ill 2 years following Clarence’s retirement and he became her caregiver for several years.  After her passing, Clarence and his children went on an Alaskan cruise and he thoroughly enjoyed it.

Clarence’s morning “coffee buddies” became even more important to him.

Clarence found great delight in watching the Bearcats football games, the Texas Tech football games, and the Texas Rangers baseball games.

Clarence married Margie Strother and they were married until her death in 2015.

Clarence loved his children and was proud of their accomplishments.  But he adored his four grandchildren and followed their activities. Life got even better with his nine great-grandchildren.

Clarence was a long-time member of the Church of Christ and served as a deacon for many years at 6 ^th and Ave. B Church of Christ.

Clarence made so many friends over his 95 years and he wasn’t finished living, often saying “I’ve got a few more good years of living left in me.”

He was always ready for chicken fried steak or pizza or chocolate cake or really any dessert and homemade ice cream.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Alice Elizabeth, Willie Lou, Thelma, Novalene, Claudine, Mae, Wilma, Mildred, Gladys, and brother Herman.

He is survived by his children Elaine (Tommy) New, Beverly (Randy) Everett, and Danny (Mickie) Hallmark, all of Ballinger. Grandchildren Tonya Meier, Brad Rogers, Jason Hallmark, and Jessicca Cason. Nine Great grandchildren survive, as well as a brother Daniel and sister Billie and many special nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 6, 2022, at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger, Texas from 6 to 7: 30 p.m. and his funeral will be held on Friday, October 7, 2022, at the Ninth Street Church of Christ, in Ballinger, Texas at 2 p.m.  Interment will follow at Old Runnels Cemetery.