Clarence Scharbauer
Clarence Scharbauer | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Albany County, New York, U.S. |
| Died | October 2, 1942 (aged 63) Midland, Texas, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Rancher, oil entrepreneur, banker, hotel owner |
| Years active | Early 1900s–1942 |
| Known for | Ranching in Texas and New Mexico; president of Scharbauer Cattle Company; president of First National Bank of Midland; founder of Scharbauer Hotel |
Clarence Scharbauer (August 17, 1879 – October 2, 1942) was a prominent American figure known for his contributions as a rancher, oil entrepreneur, banker, and hotel owner. He possessed vast ranch properties across Texas and New Mexico, and by the time of his passing, he was acknowledged as one of the most influential and distinguished residents of West Texas.
Early life
Clarence Scharbauer was born on August 18, 1879, in Albany County, New York but was raised in Midland, Texas. His family heritage included a German immigrant ancestor. His paternal uncle, John Scharbauer, was a well-known cattle rancher with operations in Lea County, New Mexico. Clarence pursued business education in Waco, Texas and subsequently attended Baylor University.
Career
Scharbauer inherited and managed extensive family ranches that covered five counties in West Texas and two counties in New Mexico, including land in Pecos County, Texas. In 1935, oil reserves were found on his properties. After the sale of his uncle’s ranches in Lea County in 1942, Clarence assumed the presidency of the Scharbauer Cattle Company.
His involvement with banking began in 1923 when he joined the Board of Directors at the First National Bank of Midland. He held the position of vice president from 1925 to 1927 and then served as president until his death.
In 1928, he established the 250-room Scharbauer Hotel in Midland, which quickly became a central venue for both commercial and social gatherings. Additionally, Scharbauer led the Midland Fair, orchestrated local rodeo events, and owned radio station KRLH.
Post World War II, he contributed 450 acres to facilitate the expansion of the Midland International Air and Space Port.
Personal life
Clarence Scharbauer was married to Ruth Cowden. The couple had two sons, one of whom was Clarence Scharbauer, Jr., recognized for his achievements as a horse breeder. Initially residing at 602 South Main Street, the family later relocated to a penthouse suite within the Scharbauer Hotel in Midland.
Death and legacy
Scharbauer passed away from cancer on October 2, 1942. His funeral service took place at the First Baptist Church in Midland and was led by Dr. William R. White, President of Hardin–Simmons University. He was interred at Fairview Cemetery located in Midland. At the time of his death, he was esteemed as one of West Texas' leading and most respected citizens.
His will included a donation of $25,000 toward constructing a new First Baptist Church in Midland. The remainder of his estate was allocated among his widow, son, and cousin Arnold Scharbauer. Clarence Scharbauer Jr. went on to become a philanthropist and earned induction into both the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and the Horse Racing Hall of Fame.
The Scharbauer Hotel in Midland was torn down in 1973.