Clarence Scharbauer Jr.
Clarence Scharbauer Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 6, 1925 Midland, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | February 21, 2014 (aged 88) |
| Occupation(s) | Rancher, oil entrepreneur, banker, horse breeder, philanthropist |
| Known for | Inductee of American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Horse Racing Hall of Fame |
Clarence Scharbauer Jr. (July 6, 1925 – February 21, 2014) was a prominent American figure known for his roles as a rancher, oil entrepreneur, banker, horse breeder, and philanthropist. His achievements earned him induction into both the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and the Horse Racing Hall of Fame.
Early life
Scharbauer Jr. was born on July 6, 1925, in Midland, Texas. He was the son of rancher Clarence Scharbauer Sr. and came from a family with longstanding ranching heritage, tracing back to a notable New York rancher who was his paternal great-uncle and a German immigrant ancestor from his great-great-grandfather’s generation. He enrolled at Texas A&M University but attended for only one semester before withdrawing in 1942 due to his father’s cancer diagnosis. During World War II, he served in the United States Navy.
Career
Upon his father’s passing, Scharbauer Jr. inherited extensive ranch properties totaling 350,000 acres, including Valor Farm located in Pilot Point, Texas. These lands have yielded over one billion barrels of oil and included various oil-related investments. For his contributions to ranching, he was honored with the Golden Spur award.
He held the position of chairman at the First National Bank of Midland; however, the bank eventually ceased operations.
In the realm of horse breeding, Scharbauer owned notable racehorses such as Alysheba, winner of the Kentucky Derby, and Fiftyshadesofgold, victor of the Texas Stallion Stakes. His accomplishments in this field led to his induction into both the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and the Horse Racing Hall of Fame. Additionally, he received a lifetime achievement accolade from the Texas Thoroughbred Association in 2007.
Philanthropy
Scharbauer made significant donations to institutions including Midland College, where the Scharbauer Student Center bears his name. His philanthropy extended to Midland Memorial Hospital, which features the Dorothy and Clarence Scharbauer Jr. Patient Tower. The Scharbauer Sports Complex also stands as a testament to his generous support. To formalize his charitable activities, he established the Scharbauer Foundation.
Personal life
He married Dorothy Turner, daughter of Fred Turner Jr., who won the 1959 Kentucky Derby with Tomy Lee. Together they had four children: Clarence Scharbauer III, Douglas, Chris, and Pamela. Dorothy died in 2005.
Death and legacy
Scharbauer passed away on February 21, 2014, at age eighty-eight due to complications following emergency surgery.
His descendants continue to influence business and public affairs. Clarence Scharbauer III holds the role of Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Texas Christian University. Douglas Scharbauer remains engaged in horse racing and mineral rights ventures and was among the leading contributors to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in 2018.