Claudie David Hinkle's Obituary
Claudie David Hinkle passed away, peacefully, at home in Amarillo, Texas, with both of “His Boys” at his side on April 7, 2026.
Services will be 11:00 AM Friday, April 17, 2026 in Robertson Funeral Directors Saints' Roost Chapel in Clarendon with Barry Francis, officiating. Burial will follow in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.
Viewing will be held Thursday, April 16, 2026 at the funeral home beginning at 8 AM with the family receiving friends for visitation from 4:00-6:00 PM.
Arrangements are under the care of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Known affectionately as “ClaudieBear” by friends and family and “The Smiling Cobra” by thousands of truck drivers and would-be violators in Swisher County, Claudie proudly served and protected his community and the State of Texas as a Trooper for the Department of Public Safety and, later, the U.S. Marshal Service for a total of 46 years in law enforcement. Claudie’s quiet, enduring strength made him an imposing figure but his genuine concern for others was obvious and made him a respected Trooper who influenced many. He had a mischievous sense of humor and loved setting up pranks to make people laugh. Claudie enjoyed visiting and often called to “check-in” or showed up for a visit out of the blue with friends and family. If there was a great sale on anything along the way, he would leave a case of it on your porch if you weren’t home!
Born in Tahoka, Texas, on April 8, 1943, Claudie graduated from Tahoka High School. He went to Lubbock Christian College and then attended the Texas Department of Public Safety Academy in 1968. Claudie retired from the DPS in 1997, transitioning to work in the U.S. Marshal Service until 2014.
He is survived by his brother, Roy Hinkle, of Tahoka, Texas; sister, Ruby [Hinkle] and Charles Dotson, of Graham, Texas; brother, Robert and Clydine Hinkle of Snyder, Texas; his children, Angie [Hinkle] Erwin of Zavalla, Texas; Ricky Hinkle of Amarillo, Texas; Brian and Trudie Hinkle, of Snyder, Texas; and David and Pam Hinkle, of Folsom, New Mexico; 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.
Claudie was preceded in death by his parents, R.B. and Edith Hinkle; his brother, Leon Hinkle; and his infant son, John Ray Hinkle.
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