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Clarence Scharbauer, Jr., Noted Rancher, Horseman, Philanthropist Dies at 88

Clarence Scharbauer, Jr., longtime rancher, noted Midland philanthropist and championship horseman, died Friday, February 21, 2014, from complications from emergency surgery. He was 88.
Press Release

MIDLAND, Texas — Clarence Scharbauer, Jr., longtime rancher, noted Midland philanthropist and championship horseman, died Friday, February 21, 2014, from complications from emergency surgery. He was 88.

Scharbauer, Jr., born July 6, 1925, was known for his generosity to and love for his hometown, his affinity for cattle ranching and his passion for horses. A patient tower that opened at Midland Memorial Hospital in December 2012 bears his and wife Dorothy's names. The city's sports complex and the Midland College Student Center are also named after the Scharbauer family. In his final years, Scharbauer helped create and establish the Scharbauer Foundation.

"My father loved Midland," said Scharbauer's son, Clarence Scharbauer III. "This town will not likely soon forget the generosity and the mark that both he and my mother left on it in their years working together for Midland."

Scharbauer was passionate about horse racing; the family-owned Alysheba won the 1987 Kentucky Derby. Just last weekend, a Scharbauer-owned horse, Fiftyshadesofgold, won the Texas Stallion Stakes at Sam Houston Park, and Scharbauer, Jr., watched the victory via the Internet from his Midland home.

"He got to see this filly win last Saturday, and that really pleased him," said Ken Carson, longtime manager of Scharbauer's Valor Farm in Pilot Point. "He was a great man, loved horses and loved horse racing. He loved horses like kids; loved the animals. Horses were a big part of his life."

Scharbauer is a member of the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame (1992), the Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame (2001), a recipient of the National Golden Spur Award (for national rancher of the year, 1991), and was honored with the Texas Thoroughbred Association's lifetime achievement award (2007).

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