Linda Anderson Claybar, 75, of Orange, Texas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 30, 2025, surrounded by her family. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 4, at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Orange with Pastor T.J. Gableman officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.
Serving as pallbearers will be Jack LaTour, Lucy LaTour, Jett Claybar, Stan Mathews, Hershel Stagner, Wayne Smith, and Harold Haunschild. Honorary pallbearers are the current and former employees of Claybar Funeral Home and Claybar Flower Shop.
Linda was born on April 15, 1950, in Houston, Texas, to Billy Mack and Margaret Anderson. Linda was a graduate of Lufkin High School in 1968 and went on to earn her degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1972. It was during her time at Stephen F. Austin that she met her husband, William Brown Claybar. The two were married July 22, 1972, and made their home in Orange, Texas where they raised their children, Warren and Sarah, and shared fifty-three years together.
Linda devoted her life to her family, always supporting the activities that Warren and Sarah were involved in. She was an incredible mother who never missed an opportunity to cheer her children on, and as a grandmother, she carried that same pride and love. Becoming a grandmother to Jett, Jessie, Jack, Lucy, and Lila brought her a special kind of happiness. Linda shared her love of learning with her grandchildren - from reading to them as babies, to helping with sight words and homework, to celebrating the oldest grandkids' off-to-college adventures. She loved attending their activities whenever she could, and there wasn't a prouder grandmother in the stands.
Linda’s dedication to education extended far beyond her own family. In addition to teaching for several years, she also volunteered in classrooms to support both students and teachers and loved being part of the PTA. Being involved in the classroom meant a great deal to her. She remained connected to education through her involvement as an active alumna of Stephen F. Austin State University, where all four members of the Claybar family earned their college degrees. Linda and Brown supported the schools their children attended as well as those their grandchildren attend. Together, they were recognized as ambassadors for All Saints Episcopal School - an honor they both cherished.
Another source of pride for Linda was her work with Claybar Funeral Home, where she served as a Board Member and manager in operations and the flower shop. As a wife, she proudly supported Brown in all of his community service endeavors, including his years as Mayor of Orange, Texas, and his time serving as School Board President and in many other community roles.
Linda and Brown were active members of The First United Methodist Church, where Linda served as an MYF counselor, participated in numerous mission trips, and contributed on various committees.
Linda shared a lifelong friendship with a special group of women known as “The Bugs.” These friends have been a part of her life since grade school in Lufkin, TX. What began as childhood friendships grew into a sisterhood, and these women have supported each other through every chapter of their lives. Over the years, The Bugs - Linda Anderson Claybar, Melinda Metteauer Jasko, Len Arnett Medford, Cathy Culwell Todd, Dianne Dies Schoch, and Jan Book Smith - have stood by one another through college, marriages, raising children, welcoming grandchildren, and life’s everyday ups and downs. They never missed an opportunity to celebrate, support, or simply be there for each other. Linda deeply loved these ladies. Their annual trips together were filled with laughter, stories, and cherished memories. The Bugs are a true testament to a friendship that lasted a lifetime.
Linda also found joy in caring for her home. She loved a well-manicured lawn, blooming flowers, and thriving trees. She was a member of the Ivy League Garden Club and this allowed her to participate in beautification projects for Orange. Linda loved animals - she always made sure birds, squirrels, and deer were fed. Over the years, she and Brown had multiple dogs and cats; she loved having pets as part of their family. Linda cherished time spent outdoors, in her backyard and at the lake house. She especially loved evenings on the extended yard that she and Brown created for their beloved dog, Glitter. Many hours were spent there, sitting on the bench, enjoying the sunset while watching Glitter play.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Billy Mack and Margaret Anderson. She is survived by her husband, William Brown Claybar, son Warren Claybar and wife Brandi, daughter Sarah Nanick, and five cherished grandchildren - Jack and Lucy LaTour, Lila Nanick, and Jett and Jessie Claybar. She is also survived by her sister, Cindy Anderson.
The family extends their gratitude to Linda’s caregivers and the staff at Southeast Texas Hospice, as well as a heartfelt appreciation for her sister, Cindy Anderson, who has been steadfast by Linda’s side to care for, love, and support her. For those wishing to honor Linda may do so through contributions to First United Methodist Church, 502 N. 6th Street, Orange, Texas 77630, or the Lamar State College Orange Foundation, P.O. Box 2516 Orange, Texas 77631.