Clegg Fowlkes

Longtime Presidio County rancher, Clegg Preston Fowlkes of Marfa, passed away September 19, 2017 at the age of 76. He maintained his kind and fighting spirit up until his body gave out after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis and subsequent complications.

Clegg was born October 24, 1940 to Patricia (née Stewart) and James M.H. "Manny" Fowlkes in Alpine.

Clegg grew up with his family on the Sauceda Ranch south of Marfa, graduated from Marfa High School, and played football for Blackwell School in Marfa. He continued to play football at Sul Ross State University where he graduated in 1963.

Five years later, he would be diagnosed with MS and given only a seven-years' life expectancy and in typical Clegg fashion, he beat the odds and lived life to the fullest, ultimately defying almost every prediction given to him by the medical community.

During a visit to Presidio County with her grandfather, he met his wife, D'Ette, and they married on June 10, 1972, making their home in Marfa as well as the Fowlkes' Hammond Ranch down south.

Inducted with D'Ette into the Big Bend Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2007, Clegg ranched his whole life in Presidio County, and he and D'Ette had three sons who were a constant source of pride. He never missed a game and was very proud of his sons' achievements.

He will be missed by all of his family and friends who survive him, including his wife D'Ette; three sons, Patrick; John and his wife Lauren and their daughter, Merit; Preston and his wife Katie and their children Clegg and Colette, all of Marfa; also many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Clegg is also survived by his siblings, Lauren Fowlkes of Naples, Florida; Nancy Fowlkes Donley and her husband Ken of San Antonio; Maco Fowlkes of Houston; and J.M. Fowlkes and his wife Carol of Pecos.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Marian Fowlkes Minniece, formerly of Houston.

Clegg's family would like to thank his employees, medical providers, especially Thelma Diaz, CNP, and the staff at DaVita Dialysis in Fort Stockton, especially Gloria Wee, as well as his caregivers, including Jessie Rodriguez, Pedro Garcia and Leticia Acosta.

A memorial service and fellowship reception celebrating the life of Clegg Preston Fowlkes was held at the First Christian Church in Marfa on September 25.

Service