Clarence Scharbauer
| Clarence Scharbauer | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 18, 1879 Albany County, New York, U.S. |
| Died | October 2, 1942 |
| Cause of death | cancer |
| Resting place | Fairview Cemetery |
| Residence | 602 South Main Street, Midland, Texas, U.S. Scharbauer Hotel, Midland, Texas, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Baylor University |
| Occupation | Rancher, oilman, banker, hotelier |
| Spouse(s) | Ruth Cowden |
| Children | 2 sons |
| Parent(s) | Christian Scharbauer Jennie McCarthy |
| Relatives | John Scharbauer (paternal uncle) |
Clarence Scharbauer (1879–1942) was an American rancher, oilman, banker and hotelier. He was the owner of large ranches in Texas and New Mexico. By the time of his death, Scharbauer was "one of West Texas' most prominent and influential citizens."
Clarence Scharbauer was born on August 18, 1879 in Albany County, New York. He grew up in Midland, Texas. His paternal uncle, John Scharbauer, was a Texas cattleman who owned ranches in Lea County, New Mexico. His paternal great-grandfather was an immigrant from Germany.
Scharbauer attended a business school in Waco, Texas, followed by Baylor University.
Scharbauer managed and eventually inherited the family ranches. His ranches "spread into five West Texas and two New Mexico counties." One ranch was in Pecos County, Texas. In 1935, oil was discovered on his ranches. When his uncle's ranches in Lea County, New Mexico were purchased by Millard Eidson of Lovington, New Mexico in 1942, Scharbauer succeeded his uncle as the president of the Scharbauer Cattle Company.
Scharbauer joined the Board of Directors of the First National Bank of Midland in 1923. He served as its vice president from 1925 to 1927, and as its president from 1927 until his death.
Scharbauer built the Scharbauer Hotel, a 250-room hotel in Midland, Texas in 1928. It opened in 1928, and it became the center of business and social life in Midland. Additionally, he served as the president of the Midland Fair, which organized rodeos in Midland. He was also the owner of a local radio station, KRLH.
In the wake of World War II, Scharbauer donated 450 acres to expand the Midland International Air and Space Port.
Scharbauer married Ruth Cowden. They had two sons, including Clarence Scharbauer, Jr., a horsebreeder. They resided in a house at 602 South Main Street, until they moved into a penthouse in the Scharbauer Hotel in Midland, Texas.
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