The Littlefield Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual banquet, “Growing Through the Years,” on April 24. The banquet awarded the Blakey Award recipient and the women, men, business and family of the year.
Commencing the event, Chamber of Commerce President Shawna Wagley Hastings thanked attendees for another year of immense community support.
Additionally, Hastings announced that anyone interested in serving as a member of the Chamber of Commerce is welcome to do so.
“If you’re interested in serving your community, the chamber would love for you to do it as a member,” Hastings said, “we would definitely welcome that.”
Following this, a slideshow of photos collected from the chamber’s archives celebrated Littlefield’s transformation through the years.
Photos depicted snapshots of Littlefield from decades ago, new businesses’ grand openings, past community gatherings and previous award recipients.
Honored first, Loco’s Restaurant and Bar received the award for Business of the Year.
Loco’s is owned and by Diana and Hector Espindola. As young individuals, growing up in each of their families, Diana from Chihuahua, Mexico and Hector from Michoacan, Mexico, their families came to the United States, looking for the American dream. Fate would bring Diana and Hector, and their four children, Aylen, Leslie, Idaly and Roberto, together to put the pieces of their family.
Diana’s restaurant career started at the Plaza in Amarillo as a hostess, then a waitress, and within the year, she was promoted to manager. Hector was the head kitchen manager at the Plaza in Lubbock. Mr. Martin Ramos is the owner of Plaza restaurants, and he was the link that would bring Diana and Hector together in their relationship and business. After a detour and moving to Lubbock, Diana went to work as the front manager at the Plaza, while Hector continued as the head kitchen manager. When their friendship turned into a relationship, Diana decided to venture out to Sudan, where she opened the Telampa restaurant. Hector continued at the Plaza in Lubbock.
She loved her little restaurant and had her faithful customers. She remembers when Monty Edwards, a Realtor who told her about a restaurant available in Littlefield. Diana and Hector went to look at the building and fell in love with it. She didn’t know how, but she knew it was going to be theirs. Somehow, someway, she had the determination to make a go of it. Together with their family members, they pulled together and opened Loco’s Restaurant.
Gary Jones was instrumental in helping them. Hector was very knowledgeable in running every aspect of the kitchen, while Diana knew how to run the dining area with great customer service.
Loco’s is a Mexican and American food restaurant with a family environment. “Loco’s” is Hector’s nickname, known to all who know him in Amarillo. The menu items are Hector’s recipes, in which he has taken pride in creating and leaving his mark in the restaurant industry. He even named some of their menu items after their children: Roberto’s Tacos, Lezlie’s Burger, Aylen’s Chicken Salad and Idaly’s Burrito. Their first granddaughter, Genesis, has French toast on the breakfast menu.
Loco’s Restaurant will be celebrating seven years in business on June 8. They employ 50 employees. It is their foundation based on Faith that Locos continues to move forward. The business has had its challenges, just like any business. Two years after opening, COVID hit. Afraid of the unknown, restaurant businesses were forced to close for two weeks. Bills still had to be paid, food costs and payroll.
After two weeks, Loco’s could only open a drive-thru window. It was a hit and a lifesaver for business. Their customers lined up around the building and waited for an hour and a half to pick up orders. Seeing their customers’ support, it gave them the determination, encouragement and strength to continue pushing forward during the pandemic.
Locos has ventured out with Loco’s Food Truck, taking their menu items out to West Texas communities and events. A catering service is available too for those special events. From their table to yours, wherever you are, Locos is ready to serve. As with any business, the challenges bring on changes, creativity and development in all that they do to keep going. Keeping a balance in the three: business, staff and customers. Currently, the economic wave has had a domino effect. The cost of groceries. A case of avocados used to cost $40, today it runs $90, not to mention the price eggs are going for. It is their customers’ support from Littlefield, surrounding communities and as far as Monahans, that Diana and Hector are wholeheartedly appreciative of. Their customers are like family. Giving it back to the community is important to Diana and Hector. They support community and school events, their fundraisers and different organizations.
Diana’s 5 points of advice: #1. Have FAITH #2. Be Consistent in every aspect of the business #3. Be ready to give it your all…Work Hard #4. Be Grateful, Humble and Thankful #5. Cry, pick yourself up and start over with #1.
Locos strives to provide great customer service in a family environment with great food for all to enjoy.
Receiving the award, Diana thanked her team and the community for their support and assistance throughout their years of operation.
“It’s going to be many, many more years, because we walk with God’s hands,” Diana said. “Thank you, from my family. Thank you to our great, great team. They work a lot of hours, long days, and they’re amazing.”
“Any business is nothing without customers,” Diana added, “and I want to tell you all that you’re my family and I love you so much.”
Next, the Family of the Year, the Wilson family, received their award.
Joshua Tanner Wilson was born on November 5, 1984, in Lubbock, Texas. He grew up in Ropesville, Arlington and Amarillo, where he and his big sister, Burgundy, enjoyed life as preachers’ kids. Tanner cherished his childhood growing up in a godly home with loving parents. His family moved to Shallowater when he was in the sixth grade, as his dad took on the role of senior pastor of the First Baptist Church. Tanner excelled as a student athlete, class president, captain of the football team, and a friend to all. He loved growing up in small West Texas and enjoys being able to provide the same experience for his two amazing teenage boys, Kyron and Eli. The most important milestone in Tanner’s life was when he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at 13 years of age while heading to a basketball game with his dad. Mitch didn’t hesitate to pull the car over and lead Tanner to lead him into prayer and salvation. Right then and there, God began to shake Tanner’s heart during his senior year of high school. Tanner felt the Lord calling him to fulltime ministry.
He received a full-ride scholarship and an offer to play football for the University of Kansas, as well as other sports opportunities, but he turned them down to pursue the future God had prepared for him. The call would become the pinnacle of his life direction at 17 years old. He soon accepted a summer internship as a youth minister in Hobbs, New Mexico, confirming he would follow in his dad’s footsteps as a pastor. Tanner attended Waveland Baptist University in Plainview, where he graduated with the highest honors and a degree in Christian ministry.
Cassi’s story began in Azle, Texas. Even in her early years, Cassi excelled, graduating with honors from Azle High School, where she was active in sports, band, and academics. Her journey of growth led her to Wayland Baptist University, where on December 4, 2004, she began dating Tanner Wilson, laying the foundation for the remarkable family we celebrate today.
For over a decade, Cassi has poured her heart into nursing at Parkridge in Lubbock, offering compassionate care and Christian counseling to individuals and families during their most challenging times. Her passion for this work reflects a profound desire to serve others, a commitment that strengthens our entire community.
Joshua, a West Texas native, was raised in the heart of ministry. This upbringing instilled in him a deep understanding of faith and service. He excelled in academics and sports at Shallowater High School before pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministry at Wayland Baptist University. Since September 2015, Tanner has been the beloved Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church Littlefield, becoming an indispensable part of our spiritual and communal life. His leadership provides guidance, support, and active involvement in countless local endeavors, demonstrating his deep love for our community.
Their story is a testament to the power of love and shared purpose. Married on May 6, 2006, Cassi and Tanner have built a life dedicated to each other and to serving others. Their family has grown with the blessings of two wonderful sons, Kyron, born in 2010, and Eli, born in 2012. These boys are a testament to their parents’ commitment to nurturing the next generation within Littlefield.
The Wilson family’s impact on Littlefield is profound. Cassi’s decade- plus of compassionate nursing in Lubbock touches countless lives, extending her care to our community. Tanner’s steadfast leadership at First Baptist Church has been a beacon of spiritual and moral strength for our town since 2015. Both Tanner and Cassi love their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and their commitment to their Christian beliefs shows in their daily walk. Together, they embody the spirit of community engagement and serve as an inspiration to all who know and love them. God has blessed them with wisdom and understanding beyond their years.
The selection of the Wilson family as the Family of the Year is a well-deserved recognition of their achievements, their powerful partnership, and their collective positive influence on Littlefield. Cassi’s dedication to healthcare and Tanner’s unwavering commitment to his pastoral role exemplify the values the community cherishes. Their family embodies the ideals of service, compassion, and community spirit.
“Without a doubt, we know that God called us and brought us to live here,” Joshua said. “We are so much looking forward to the future. We certainly love this community, love our church, and love each and every one of you.”
Then, Tim Walker earned the Man of the Year award.
Tim Walker was born on November 6, 1954. He moved to Littlefield two years later, when his parents bought Vogue Cleaners. He graduated from Littlefield High School with the Class of 1973.
He proudly served our country as a member of the United States Air Force – if you know Tim, you know he is a proud patriot through and through. He returned home to help his parents run their cleaning business when his dad had open heart surgery. This is the kind of man he is, ready to step up and serve whenever and wherever he is needed.
In November 1976, Tim married Cindy, and the couple had two children: a son, David, and a daughter, Ashley. Later, they were blessed with 4 grandchildren, which, if you’ve ever had a conversation with Tim, you know he is very proud of his family.
While raising his family, Tim continued to further his education, earning a Bachelor of Science from West Texas State University, and then a Master’s in Education from Sul Ross State University. He worked in education for 32 years, at Hart as an educator and coach, then at Levelland, teaching drafting and coaching, then back home to his Alma mater, Littlefield ISD, where he worked in administration and then to Whiteface ISD, also in administration.
In 2018, Tim swore in to serve Lamb County as Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace. In Littlefield, you know everyone, or know of everyone. I knew Tim Walker, but my real understanding of the man Tim is started when he became Justice of the Peace. People think of a Justice of the Peace as someone who signs marriage certificates and handles minor misdemeanor cases. But in reality, it’s court hearings and legal matters, which is all work, but the hardest part of his job is to be at the official on the scene of unattended deaths, accidents and crime scenes. This is a job that has long, hard hours, often in the middle of the night. Tim has been in some really hard and emotional situations, and he is always steady. He is always the guy on the scene, worried about everyone else… the one offering firefighters, law enforcement and the local funeral director to go sit in his truck when it’s cold to get warm; the one always offering a big hug and asking, “Are you okay?” after the bad calls.
Tim is always out there, doing the hard things, right along with everyone else, but he’s always the one making sure everyone else is okay. That’s who Tim Walker is: someone who is always putting others’ needs before his own.
“I will always come back here because of the people,” Walker said. “I enjoy serving the community – and always will.”
Known to many as “Granny,” Yvonne Maxfield won the Woman of the Year award.
The Woman of the Year is a lifetime resident of Amherst, Texas, but she also served the community of Littlefield for numerous years. She is so easy to love, all of Lamb County claims her as one of their own.
Yvonne married Leroy Maxfield in 1949, and together they raised two sons and were later blessed with grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Yvonne, or “Granny” as she is affectionately called by many, began as a teller at Security State Bank in Littlefield. In 1980, she started her career as a lobby teller at First Federal Bank, formerly known as First Federal Savings and Loan. If you have ever entered the lobby of First Federal Bank, then chances are you have been greeted by Yvonne Maxfield and her sweet, welcoming smile.
She has proudly served the public for 45 years from her seat at the teller line. She has been an asset to First Federal with her grace and wisdom, and she truly leads by example. She is a loyal employee, rarely missing a day of work. Her work ethic is something you rarely find in an employee anymore. Because of her humble spirit, she would never admit it, but we all know that at 94 years young, she can work circles around people a third of her age. She is an invaluable asset to not only First Federal Bank, but also her Amherst community and the Littlefield community as well.
Yvonne is very active in her church, Amherst Methodist Church. She is a proud Christian, and if you know her, you know that.
Maxfield celebrated her accomplishment alongside colleagues and friends who continued to cheer her on around her.
Receiving the final award of the night, Rhesa Merrifield earned the Blakey Award.
Born and raised a preacher’s daughter, she experienced a childhood of many moves. Originally from East Texas, she moved to Littlefield in her senior year of high school.
What once was a place she did not care for as a teenager, Littlefield soon became the place she would build a life, raise her family, and the place she’d always call home. It’s a community she loves dearly and often boasts of how this town loves and supports one another, especially through the storms of life.
Over 30 years ago, she began working at Littlefield High School as a teacher’s aide. Her love for a well-written paper and all things Greek mythology landed her a role as the English aide for the one and only, Ms. Tiddly Blakely. Ms. Blakely was not only a mentor, but soon became one of her dearest, life-long friends.
After serving many years in this role, she then took a position as a secretary in the front office at Littlefield High School. This was a place she truly loved, as it fostered her desire to be everyone’s helper. It was here that she discovered a genuine passion for working with students, particularly those facing challenges or those often overlooked. She sees students not just for who they are, but for who they can become – and she’s always ready with a listening ear, a gentle nudge, or a tough love pep talk when it’s needed most.
Now at the central office, she is getting to serve in ways that are different from before, and she would tell you she’s working alongside the best administration there is. Regardless of her physical location or title, her compassion and deep belief in every student she encounters have had a lasting impact on countless lives.
The measure of success in her life is not characterized by educational degrees, club memberships, or fancy material things, but rather, a heart that never quits giving, a work ethic that is unmatched, intense compassion for the underdog, and a life of contentment with all that she has. With a heart that gives, loves, and occasionally bosses everyone around – in the best way – she is known for her endless generosity, unwavering loyalty, and fierce love for the people around her. She gives freely of herself, without ever asking for anything in return, and will go to the ends of the earth for her people.
Outside of work, her greatest joy comes from her family. She spends all of her spare time with her children and grandchildren showing up for every event possible, and spending time with each one. Her home is always full of love, laughter, all her favorite snacks, and at least one grandkid at any given time. She also takes care of her husband, whom she lovingly refers to as her biggest kid of all.
To her, there is no better school, no better town, and no better people than right here in Littlefield, Texas. She has the best job and the greatest friends. Her favorite phrase, “My cup runneth over,” is exactly how she would sum up her life - grateful, thankful, and abundantly blessed.
“They always say, you’ll never work a day in your life if you love your job – and I love love my job,” Merrifield said. “I love the people that I work with. I love my kids, and God has blessed me more than I could ever, ever say, and I just appreciate y’all, and I love my school, and I love my town.”