As a small community west of Amarillo, Canyon worked for years to bring a hospital to its citizens after previous bond elections to fund a public hospital failed and the need for quality health care persisted. After a public meeting in 1935, Dr. Robert A. Neblett, a Tennessee native, University of Texas graduate, and specialist in infant feeding and childhood diseases, researched the situation. On April 1, 1937, he announced his intention to build a hospital for the community, Randall County, and West Texas State College students. A downtown site was chosen, and in 1937 he built a sixteen-room, six-bed hospital on 16th Street. Architect Harold Walsh of Amarillo designed the building, with George Small as contractor. Citizens successfully petitioned to have the surrounding street paved. The hospital included private rooms, an operating room, delivery room, and an office, and its rooms featured air conditioning, a new comfort at the time. The latest medical equipment was used, with many items donated or funded by the community. The hospital closed on October 1, 1942, so that Dr. Neblett could join the Medical Corps of the Army, where he served for 28 months in the Pacific Theater. After World War II service, he returned to Canyon and the hospital reopened, reflecting his commitment to health care. Many Canyon residents, along with countless college students, were born or treated there, and the hospital expanded in size to accommodate growth. After almost four decades, it closed in 1975 and no longer stands, but Dr. Neblett's memory endures within the community.