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CLIFF OWEN
Paranormal Researcher
Cliff Owen was born in Merkel, Texas and currently lives in Abilene, Texas. He is a 1998 graduate of Hardin-Simmons University
in Abilene, Texas, with a B.A. Degree in Probation and Parole and a minor in Psychology. He worked as a Juvenile Probation
Officer for 5 years prior to the creation of the West Texas Paranormal Research Society.
Cliff has always had an interest in the Paranormal and began his research in high school with friends Judd Burton and the
late Matthew Cravens. Cliff was particularly interested in local myths and legends, such as the Anson Lights and the Ft. Phantom
legend. He has also witnessed the famous Marfa Lights. In 2002, he accompanied Judd Burton on a weekend trip to Jefferson,
Texas, to investigate the "haunted" Room 19 of the Jefferson Hotel.
Cliff also has a strong conviction to research UFOs and the possibility of alien life. He also holds an interest in conspiracy
theories and believes that evidence from such authors as Texe Marrs, Jim Marrs, and Whitley Strieber virtually prove that
"The Truth Is Out There"...but is being hidden from the public’s view.
Cliff is a big fan of the movies such as "The Sixth Sense", "The Exorcist", "The St. Francisville Experiement," and "Signs."
Along with his numerous books on the Paranormal, mythical beasts, ancient mysteries, and alien contacts, he boasts a very
wide-ranging library of both books and videos.
A strong-willed Christian, Cliff is of the Methodist faith and carefully conducts his investigations and research with
an open-mind. From the Christian perspective, Cliff views certain aspects of paranormal activity with the ideology that "with
God, anything is possible"...meaning that we shouldn’t count out anything as mere coincidence or an accident.
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JUDD BURTON
Anthropologist and Historian
Judd Burton is a son of the Big Country, born in Abilene and raised in Merkel, Texas. He has a long-standing interest
in all things strange and bizarre. He holds an M.A. in anthropology from Texas Tech University, and a B.A. in history
from Hardin-Simmons University. Currently, Judd is pursuing a PhD in history, with a focus on religion and comparative
mythology.
Judd's interests in the paranormal are far-ranging. He extensively researched Big Country folklore and legends.
His paranormal research interests include the development of paranormal methodology and theory, demonology, vampirology, and
paranormal history. Judd has presented a number of papers at symposia and conferences, on topics such as the history
of witchcraft and the Anson Lights. He is a published author, and currently divides his time between teaching anthropology
and history at Amarillo College, and PhD coursework.
In his spare time (when he can find it), Judd also likes to read and play the guitar. He is also currently directing
an archaeological survey project in Lampasas County, Texas. Judd loves movies, especially classic gothic horror flicks,
and generally, any movie that has a paranormal theme.
Judd has been a Christian since 1986. One of the most important paranormal experiences he ever had involved helping
a young man receive deliverence from a demonic spirit. He balances his academic pursuits with his faith, believing any
approach to the paranormal should be a balanced one. In the context of the church environment, Judd has taught classes
on alternative religious movments, world religions, and Biblical archaeology.
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WESLEY BURTON
Electronics Technician
Wes is a long-time friend of the original founding members. Wes joined the WTPRS in 2001. He is a gifted
computer and electronics technician. Wes lives in Allen, Texas and currently, is the computer technician for a
successful medical transcription business.
Wes' paranormal interests cover a breadth similar to that of his associates. He is an avid reader. Wes
is interested in Biblical prophecy, mythology, folklore, and religion. He has written a number of papers on those topics.
When Wes has spare time, he likes to pursue a number of other interests. He is a fount of information on J.R.R.
Tolkien and the Lord of the Rings literature. He is also a student of the Bible, and has an impressive command
of the scriptures. Wes enjoys a wide array of outdoor activities, including astronomy and camping.
Like his associates, Wes is a Christian. His devotion to God is evinced by his love of the scripture. Wes
realizes the mystery of the Bible, and indeed, the nature of God, is paranormal. He too approaches the paranormal in
a balanced manner, utilizing his scientific training and his recognition of unexplained phenomena to study the paranormal.
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