Walter Clyde "Bubba" Clopton

Walter C. "Bubba" Clopton was born March 12, 1932 in Caldwell, Texas and passed away January 9, 2018 in Madisonville, Texas. He was one of four children born to Clyde and Mollie Clopton.

At an early age, his family moved to Houston, Texas where he attended school and lived in The Heights.

He served his country in the United States Air Force. After his services, he returned to Houston and was employed by Union Pacific Railroad Company. It was during this time in his life that he married Mary Florence Heath and had four children, Julie, Jimmy, Wayne and Gene. His family moved to Pasadena, Texas where they lived until 1960 at which time they moved to Madisonville, Texas.

He worked for Ory Heath and Bob Samuel for a short time before going into the blue jean manufacturing/sales business. He had a keen eye for women's fashion and parlayed this into his business. He sold his wares to large department stores and had a New York City office where he met with buyers and fabric representatives.

During this span of time, he also enjoyed cutting horses as a sport, owning Dee Bar Bob, a well bred stallion. He was very skilled in training and riding cutting horses.

Following his first wife's death in 1999, Walter married Nancy Gannaway in the year 2000. He and Nancy made many memories and had a beautiful eighteen years together. They had a ranch and cattle business and Nancy's real estate business. They loved to travel and just spend quality time together. Prayer and worship were routine and treasured. Resort time was also special, as were restaurants and movies.

"Bubba" was a gentle giant and dignified man. He believed in his family, his church and his community. He was a very active man until Alzheimer's changed his life forever, six years ago.

He was a M.I.S.D. School Board Member, Madisonville Sidewalk Cattleman's Association officer, Chamber of Commerce supporter, Republican party member, a Baptist Deacon and enjoyed attending sporting events and playing golf.

He also reached out to anyone needing a helping hand or requesting prayer. His life was a true example of a Christian man. His belief was to lead by example and, he was a very loyal person.

Walter is survived by his wife, Nancy Clopton; his children, Julie Hill (Doug), Jim (Carol) and Gene (Cindy) Clopton; his stepsons, Greg and John Gannaway, and a host of grandchildren that loved and respected their grandfather. He is preceded in death by son, Wayne Clopton and his mother.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Villanueva, the staff and nurses at Riverwood Healthcare and Bristol Hospice for the care their loved one was given the past three-and-a-half years. Also, they are grateful for the friends who helped them through this difficult transition.

Mr. Clopton will have a private graveside service in the Madisonville City Cemetery. At a later date, a private celebration of life will the be held in the Hyatt Regency, Houston, Texas.

The family requests memorials in Mr. Clopton's honor be made to Faith Baptist Church, Madisonville City Cemetery, Madison County Museum or the Darrell K. Royal Research Fund for Alzheimer's at www.dkrfund.org, P.O. Box 5839, Austin, Texas 78763.

Madisonville Funeral Home in entrusted with all arrangements.