J. E. Airhart

James Edward "J. E." Airhart, Sr. (Civic and political figure in Dawson County, Texas)
Born	November 24, 1915 Mitchell County, Texas, USA
Died	March 25, 2007 (aged 91) Dawson County, Texas Resting place: Dawson County Cemetery in Lamesa, Texas
Spouse	Margie Pearl Burchell Airhart (married 1934-1997, her death) Children: James E. Airhart, Jr. Donald Airhart Judy A. Everts Quinton Airhart Glenda A. Shortes Gayland Kent Airhart Parents: Ophelia Velma Latty and and Elonzo Clarence Airhart

James Edward Airhart, Sr., known as J. E. Airhart (November 24, 1915 – March 25, 2007), was a local civic and political figure in Dawson County in West Texas. Airhart was a promoter of the Dawson County Library, the Dal Paso Museum, and the Lamesa Senior Citizens Center.

Background

A native of Mitchell County, also in west Texas, Airhart was the oldest of three sons of the former Ophelia Velma Latty (1897-1991) and Elonzo Clarence Airhart (1891-1975). In 1924, the family relocated to the Knott community in rural Howard County where J.E. met and married the former Margie Pearl Burchell in December 1934. Their first child was born at Knott, and, shortly after, Airhart purchased land in the Sparenburg community in southern Dawson County where he and Pearl farmed, ranched, and reared six children.

Career

Airhart was widely recognized throughout West Texas as a livestock trader who was fair in his dealings and could supply almost any animal needed from buffalo to roping calves and horses. One of his most famous clients was the popular singer George Strait, who purchased a horse from him. Airhart often sold on credit and allowed many to pay him back from their first calf crop.

From 1955 to 1985, Airhart served on the Dawson County Commissioners Court, a five-member body including the county judge which meets in the county seat of Lamesa (pronounced LA MEESA). In this capacity he worked to obtain the county livestock and fair barns, the general aviation airport, and numerous highway improvements. He was instrumental in the successful negotiation of rights-of-way for U.S. Highway 87 between O'Donnell and Ackerly, Texas. Airhart also served on the board of the Klondike Independent School District and was a deacon of the Sparenberg Baptist Church.

J. E. "Jimmy" Airhart, Jr. (1935-2016), the oldest of Airhart's six children, like his father, was a farmer and rancher and served as superintendent of the Dawson County Independent School District. Mary Frances Forehand Airhart (1936-2024), the wife of Jimmy Airhart, was an educator and a counselor at several area school districts, including Klondike, Sands, and Dawson.

Another son, Donald Ray Airhart (1937-2017), was a cattleman in Dawson County who like his father, served on the Klondike School Board and worked with youth in stock shows and other agricultural pursuits.

Death and legacy

Airhart was preceded in death by his wife Pearl, his parents, a brother, and one grandson. The six Airhart children included, in addition to sons Jimmy and Donald, Judy and Charlie Everts of Lamesa, Quinton and Sharon Airhart of the Klondike community, Glenda and Don Shortes of Ackerly, and Gayland Kent and Donna Airhart of Lamesa. Quinton Elonzo Airhart (1941-2020) was for more than two decades the chairman of the Dawson County Board of Appraisal. He and his brother, Gayland, owned and operated the Big Spring Livestock Auction. He was a staunch spokesman for rural America and a promoter of the 4-H Club. His wife, the former Sharon Vogler, died in 2018. Gayland Kent Airhart was a farmer and rancher who sold cattle across Texas and New Mexico. He was married to the late Donna Warren; the couple has two sons, Kent and Brent Airhart.