Clyde R. (Skinny) Estep was born July 29, 1916 in Cherokee, Texas to Clyde & Lena Hendricks Estep. His mother died when he was eight years old. Shortly thereafter, he went to live with Robert Lee & Ella Waller Estep, his grandparents who he loved deeply, greatly admired and deeply respected. Skinny Married the love of his life Elizabeth McKneely September 21, 1935 in San Saba,Texas. Skinny went to be with her in heaven on Sunday, March 8, 2009. Their two children are Dr. Gary Estep and Barbara Maddox.

Skinny is preceeded in death by his wife, Elizabeth McKneely Estep; his grandparents, Robert Lee & Ella Waller Estep; his parents, Clyde & Lena Hendricks Estep; three sisters, Katherine Estep Wilson Bond; Josephine Estep Robison; and Floyce Estep Slaughter.

Skinny is survived by his two children and their spouses, Dr. Gary Estep and his wife Pat of Lubbock; and Barbara Estep Maddox and her husband Roddy of Cherokee. Four grandchildren and their spouses, Ricky and Chris Maddox of Cherokee; Roman and Angela Maddox of Dallas; Amy Hill and her husband Mike of Lubbock; and Lisa Lindsey and her husband, Brian of Lubbock. Ten great-grandchildren, Coney and her husband Mickey Hanley of Cherokee; Crystal and her husband Jason Mendl of Pflugerville; Roddy Ray Maddox of Cherokee; David Maddox of Cherokee; Ross Maddox and Dean Maddox of Dallas; Ben Hill and Jesse Hill of Lubbock; Kyle Lindsey and Steven Lindsey of Lubbock; and one great-great grandchild, Payton Ann Hanley of Cherokee; and numerous dearly loved nieces and nephews. Skinny is also survived by one sister, Wynona Estep Burns of New Braunfels.

Skinny’s roots go deep. He was proud of the two family farms he owned and operated. The Waller Place, where he and Beth made their home, was founded in 1882 and the Estep Place was founded in 1865. Since both places have been in the family over 100 years they are listed in the Texas Land Heritage Program.

Skinny loved his family and wore many hats to make ends meet and provide for them. He was a storekeeper, peanut farmer, poultry raiser, farmer and rancher. He loved his community of Cherokee, the school and church and especially enjoyed working with kids. He coached little league and served as board member for the Cherokee School for many years. He was especially fond of doing whatever he could for the children of the Cherokee Home for Children. He was active in the Parent Teacher Club and was involved in establishing the Cherokee Volunteer Fire Department. He served on various boards including San Saba Hospital, Central Texas Electric, San Saba County Farm Bureau and enjoyed serving as Democratic Party Chairman for San Saba County.

As he grew older his church, Cherokee Church of Christ, became more and more precious to him. Psalms 8 pretty well describes Skinny. He had an upbeat and positive attitude. He looked forward to each day and saw every obstacle as an adventure or challenge. There was always the quiet confidence that ultimately God was in control. He loved life and was often heard saying, “I’ve had a good life!” “I don’t know how it could be any better than this!”

Services will be held Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 10:00 A.M. at the Church of Christ in Cherokee.

The family requests memorials be made to the Cherokee Home for Children.

For details and schedules on funeral services or if unable to attend you may register online at www.howelldoranfuneralhome.com