Recent storm damages Shackelford County home

By Kathy Thomson

Tornadoes hit several structures in Shackelford County early in the morning on March 19, causing extensive damage to structures, but sparing the residents living inside.

Tornadoes caused damage at the Robertson Prison Unit before the storm crossed into Shackelford County.

Donald and Patricia Muir’s farm house near Hamby on CR 152 received the brunt of the storm’s fury in this county.

Four members of the family, Donald, Paticia, and one of their sons, Arnold, along with a grandson, Jesse Muir, were at home. 

“A tornado warning had been issued, but it was about 2:00 in the morning, and everyone had been asleep,” said granddaughter Destiny Branson. “The only noise they heard besides lightning and wind was when the entire roof ripped off the front of the house! Thankfully everyone was fine; they didn’t even have a scratch.”

Roofs were also ripped off of all but one of their outbuildings.

The twister spared all of the animal occupants of the buildings, not just the four family members.

“The animals, including my five horses, along with our pigs, dogs, and chickens were all okay,” said another son, Sid Muir, who was out of town working in Oklahoma that night. 

A neighbor’s house received only minor damage in comparison.

For now, the Muirs are staying in Albany with their daughter Melissa Jones.

Republic Waste, where both Jesse and Sid work as diesel mechanics, is accepting donations to help the Muirs rebuild their home. 

To contribute, contact Angie Clemmer at 325-370-7336.

Shackelford County sheriff Ed Miller and a deputy tracked the storm from the rest area on Highway 351 until it touched down near TxDOT on the north side of Albany.

Northeast of Albany, the same storm removed doors from the Fort Griffin Special Utilities District pump station on CR 109 around 2:15 a.m.