Hugo Anz, Jr.

Hugo Edward Anz, Jr. (Tooter), 77 of Clifton passed away Thursday, August 13, 2020 at Lutheran Sunset Ministries. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday, August 17, 2020 at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00 P.M. Sunday, August 16, 2020 at Clifton Funeral Home.

Tooter was born on July 15, 1943 to the late Hugo Sr. and Ethel Anz in Clifton, where he lived his entire life.  He grew up with his brother and sister on the family farm, attended Clifton schools and graduated among the top in his class in 1961.  He enjoyed a life of working on the farm and took pleasure in exploring the land along the beautiful Bee Creek. One of his favorite activities was jumping off the falls at Bee Creek.

Out of high school, he joined the Army National Guard and attended basic training at Fort Ord in California.  While there, he met Norman Stone, the nephew of Milburn Stone (Doc Adams on Gunsmoke).  Milburn invited Tooter to spend some time on his boat on Lake Mead, and also invited him to the set of Gunsmoke, where he met and received a kiss from Amanda Blake (Miss Kitty).  After that kiss, he never missed another episode of Gunsmoke.

Most of his working life was spent at Texas New Mexico Power Company, formerly Community Public Service.  Aside from work, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, camping, trips with his sons to Possum Kingdom Lake, watching Texas Rangers baseball, and old country music, especially Hank Williams.  The times he treasured most, however, were those spent with dear friends and family at the Camp Shack on the Anz farm.

Tooter was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Billy Joe Anz, Sr., and his sister, Doris Gilmore.  He is survived by his 4 children, Deron Anz and wife Sandra, Tracey Wakefield and husband, Gordon, Jerod Anz and wife Leigh, and Jason Anz and wife Barbara; 6 grandchildren, Stephanie DeCuir and husband Jeremiah, Whitney Wakefield, Hunter Anz, Brooke Wakefield, Jenna Anz, and Ava Anz; nieces, nephews, and many cousins.