Robert L. Clinton

Robert Clinton died on Thursday, March 1, 2007. He was born in Putnam, Texas on November 23, 1923, to Robert Lovett Clinton and Eva Frances Clinton. He had one brother (deceased), David Park Clinton. He married Wanda Lowry in Abilene, Texas on October 14, 1944. They have three sons: Robert Lowry Clinton of Pinckneyville, IL; David Reagan Clinton of Austin; and Ronald Dale Clinton of Pittsburg, Texas. Dr. Clinton is a graduate of Putnam High School and holds Bachelor and Masters degrees in music from North Texas State University and a Doctorate from Texas Tech University. During WWII, he served in the U. S. 9th air force, flying P47s with the 404th fighter wing, in Europe. His professional career began at Cisco Junior College where he established the first music program in the college. After moving to Snyder, Texas in 1953 as high school choir director and director at the music programs in the elementary schools, he remained to become Principal of the high school and Superintendent of the Independent School District. In 1967, Dr. Clinton moved to Austin, where he joined the Texas College Coordinating Board as Assistant-Commissioner for the development of community colleges in the state. In 1970, he moved back to Snyder to become the founding and first president of the newly established Western Texas College. During these years, he served in many civic capacities in Snyder. Professionally he was a member of the Governor’s Committee for Recodification of Public School and Junior College Law; Director of National Council of State Directors of Community/Junior Colleges; was a member of Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; and directed development of the Policy Reference Manual for Texas Community Colleges. In 1980 he was selected as Texas Tech University Outstanding Graduate in Education. After serving eleven years as President of the College, he returned to Austin to become Executive Director of the Texas Public Community College Association. After retirement in 1987, he served twice as interim president of Amarillo College. In addition to his long and distinguished career in education, he served as music director for five churches, one being the Lakeway Church. Dr. Clinton gave joy to untold numbers people through his solo singing in many different venues. He enjoyed many interests; golfing, photography, reading, and traveling in the motorhome. His greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his wife Wanda; three sons Robert Lowry & wife Margaret Anne, David Reagan and wife Patty; Ronald and wife Betty; six grandchildren, Amy Muldoon, Gina McFarlen, Becky Briseno, Winter Hall, Evan Clinton, Tucker Clinton and five great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 5, 2007 at the Lakeway Church, 2203 Lakeway Blvd. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to: Dr. Robert L. Clinton Scholarship Fund Western Texas College Foundation c/o Julie Sentell 6200 College Ave. Snyder. TX 79549 or The Lakeway Church Foundation, or the charity of your choice. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com