Barba and Robert Clanton

Barba Evelyn Dunn Clanton

September 16, 1939 - March 22, 2024

Barba Evelyn Dunn Clanton went home to her Lord and Savior in peace on Friday, March 22, 2024. She was met there by her loving husband of 66 years, Robert Cloman Clanton, her parents, CJ and Evelyn Dunn, and her siblings Betty Glass, Bobby Dunn, and Beverly Howard.

Barba was born in Sterling City, Texas on September 15, 1939. She attended Sterling City schools through the 9th grade. As an active and adventurous child, she had many fond memories of ranch living, her childhood, and classmates.

Her family moved to Alpine when Barba was in 10th grade, and not long after she met Robert (Bob) Clanton. They were married in Alpine on March 16, 1957. Throughout her married life, she had many titles including teller, Nursery Director, administrative assistant, but none were more important to her than the title of “mom” to her 5 kids, as she called them; Peggy, Terry, Henry, Elaine, and Robbie and later “Nana” to 9 grandkids and 6 great-grands.

As an accomplished seamstress she would often make dresses, costumes, and window treatments when called upon. Her fried chicken was seasoned to perfection for the family of 7. When she did have free time, which wasn’t often with a house full of kids and their friends, Barba enjoyed Doris Day movies, thrifting and gifting, coffee at the cafe, and Norman Rockwell art. She was a fan of professional tennis, even amassing a collection of 60+ Jack Kramer Signature tennis rackets, the same racket she played with as a youth.

Together with Bob, they were active members of First Baptist Fort Davis and Balmorhea. Their firm foundation of faith and their union are everlasting and a model to all who knew them.

Barba was proceeded in death by her husband Bob and is survived by her kids: Peggy Clanton DeSpain (Ray), Terry Clanton, Henry Clanton (Allison), Barba Elaine Clanton Nelson (Brad), Roberta Clanton Cromeens. Grandkids: Brian DeSpain, Brittany DeSpain Roten (Charlie), Breanna DeSpain Ball (Daniel), Robert Clanton, Reid Clanton, Rachel Clanton, Reagan Nelson, Landry Nelson, and Sterling Cromeens. Great Grandkids: Beau DeSpain; DeLainey, Jackson, and Annalee Roten; Madalynn and Maevery Ball. Sisters-in-law: Ann Sawyer and Raye Dunn, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Robert Cloman Clanton

April 22, 1936 - August 3, 2023

On August 3, 2023 Robert Cloman Clanton passed away peacefully with his wife of 66 years by his side. Robert is lovingly known as Bobby by his friends, Dad by his 5 children, and Granddad by his 9 grandchildren. Robert was born on April 22, 1936 in Alpine, Texas to Lucile Cloman Perry and John Arthur Clanton. He was raised in Alpine with many fond memories that he often shared with friends and family. Robert graduated from Alpine High School. Robert married Barba Evelyn Dunn on March 16, 1957. A passionate outdoor enthusiast and avid World War 2 history reader, Robert was happiest when he was surrounded by his 5 “kids” and numerous grandkids. Robert was known for his patient, curious, and wise disposition. His dry sense of humor was never overlooked.

After a brief stint with Humble Oil Company in Oregon, he returned to West Texas. Robert graduated from Sul Ross State University with a Bachelors and a Masters Degree in Education.

As a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent he would often say: “I’m in the People Business.” Robert worked in many communities across far West Texas, including El Paso, Clint, Alpine, Ft. Davis, and Balmorhea before retiring from Blooming Grove ISD. A fierce advocate for public schools, he served as President of the Texas Association of Rural Schools and often lobbied the State legislature to ensure far West Texas public schools were funded equitably. After retirement, he became a founding partner of JR3, an education consulting firm. When he wasn’t in school or with family, Bob served as a Mason, a church deacon, and as Office Secretary/Board of Directors for Paisano Baptist Encampment. He stood for what he believed in.

At the time of his passing, Robert was survived by his wife, Barba, and 5 children, 9 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. Children: Peggy Clanton DeSpain married to Raymond DeSpain Jr., Terry Clanton, Henry Clanton married to Allison Clanton, Elaine Clanton Nelson married to Brad Nelson, and Roberta Clanton Cromeens. 9 grandchildren: Brian DeSpain, Brittany Roten married to Charlie Roten, Robert Clanton, Breanna DeSpain Ball married to Daniel Ball, Reid Clanton, Reagan Nelson, Rachel Clanton, Landry Nelson, and Sterling Cromeens. 6 great grandchildren: DeLainey Roten, Jackson Roten, Beau Robert DeSpain, Madalynn Ball, Annalee Roten, and Maevery Ball. He is survived by his younger sister, Madelon Ann Sawyer and two nephews Lynn and Scott Sawyer.