Wildon (Warty) Hundley

Wildon (Warty) Hundley
Wildon (Warty) Hundley

Wildon (Warty) Hundley, passed away December 8, 2020, at the grand old age of 87. He was born on February 6, 1933.

A life-long resident of Claude, TX, Warty graduated from Claude High School in 1950 as an active member of the football and basketball teams while also participating in the FFA. Warty was deeply involved in the community, he was a lifetime member of the Claude United Methodist church where he and his wife were UMYF Adult Leaders. He held several offices in the Claude chapter of the Lions Club and participated in the annual Caprock Roundup BBQ Committee. Although unable to serve in the military due to a high school football injury, Warty proudly served on the Panhandle Board of the Selective Service for over 20 years. In his later years, he was honored to serve as the President of the Alumni Association of Claude High School.

In his spare time Warty was an avid reader, a shrewd “42” and “dominos” player, and in later years enjoyed a mean game of “push rummy” with his wife, daughters, and grandsons. Warty thoroughly enjoyed a rousing discussion on current events and wasn’t shy about sharing his political views.

His lifelong passion was being a farmer and rancher which he engaged in for over 60 years. In addition, Warty never shied away from tackling any job to provide for his family including auctioneering, feedlot manager, farm implement manufacturing, commercial fence building, and TxDOT contract mower. Remembered as a generous neighbor he was always willing to use his equipment to help anyone in need.

Recently celebrating 65 years of marriage, Warty married Della Longhofer on November 11, 1955. A devoted father to their two daughters whom he proudly walked down the aisle to marry men that he welcomed into his family. Later, Warty was ecstatic to add two boys to his family with the arrival of his two grandsons, and the family continued to grow as they both married women that Warty wholeheartedly called his granddaughters. Most recently Warty added the title of great-grandpa to Nox and Axl.

Warty was proceeded in death by his parents, Jess and Ruth Hundley, and his older siblings, Benny Ruth Hundley Klier and Delbert Hundley.

Warty is survived by his wife, Della, and daughters, Cheryl Hundley Smith and husband Nathan of Copperas Cove, Texas, and Christie Hundley Norman and husband Stephen of Houston, Texas; sisters, Nelda Stephenson, Donna Bartley, and Nancy Moore. He will be fondly remembered by his grandsons, Zachary Austin Hundley Smith and wife Cyndie of Dallas, Texas, and Zane Artemus Brazell Smith, wife Chelsea and sons, Nox and Axl of Carrollton, Texas and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers include Nathan Smith, Stephen Norman, Zachary AH. Smith, Zane AB. Smith, Mike Campbell, and Jackie Adams. Honorary pallbearers are Nox Shea Smith and Axl Artemus Smith.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to JoeLeen Westbrook, Caroline Blanco, Janie Narvaez, Vickie Morrow, and Mike Campbell.

Due to health and safety restrictions, the family has arranged a private graveside service. A public memorial service will be held at a later date.

Warty’s friends are invited to a viewing on Sunday, December 13, 2020, from 2-4 pm at Boxwell Brothers Claude Chapel in Claude, TX.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to the Claude United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 136, Claude, Texas 79019 or the Armstrong County 4-H Clubs, P.O. Box 528, Claude, Texas 79019.

5 Replies to “Wildon (Warty) Hundley”

  1. I didn’t know Mr. Hundly but reading of his life of generosity and good citizenship, I feel that I see a reflection of his values in his lovely Christie and her fine husband, Stephen. To Christie, your Mother, Cheryl, and the rest of the family, I hope that the memories you cherish will bring joy during this time of sadness. I hope that he had a glimpse of how well you serve the Lord and how faithful you & Stephen are in your Church.

  2. I knew “Warty” Hundley through his daughter Christie and her stories of growing up in Claude. What a special man he was. I know he will be greatly missed. My prayers are with his family during these tough times.

  3. I never knew “Warty” Hundly, but thanks to him I can call his daughter Christie my dear friend and am grateful for him . I heard many dories of his life and feel as though I knew him through Christie. He instilled wonderful values in Christie. I am sure he is dancing in heaven. God bless the Huntley family.

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