David Carl Whigham

David Carl Whigham, 73, of Midland, Texas peacefully went to be with Jesus on Saturday, September 10, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, September 19, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church, Midland.  Livestream of the service will be available at https://vimeo.com/event/2439842

David was born in Odessa, TX on September 12, 1948 to Betty Jean and Carl Leslie Whigham, Jr. David’s childhood was one of adventure and travel as he grew up living in several different cities and countries as a result of his father’s job as a petroleum engineer. He wasn’t always excited about moving, especially as he grew older and started high school. In fact, one of his favorite stories to tell was the fact that he was angry at his parents for making him move from Hobbs, NM to Midland, TX at the end of his sophomore year in high school. However, one of the first people he met when he arrived in Midland was Cherry, so he was forever grateful to God for that move. He loved to remind people that even though we may not understand at the time, God’s plan is always perfect. After spending time together in the Fannin Terrace Baptist Church youth group, they soon fell in love, and were practically inseparable from that point on. They both graduated from Lee High School in Midland in 1966 before graduating from Baylor University in 1970. They shared many adventures together throughout their time at Baylor and were married in August 1970, soon after graduation. As newlyweds, they lived for adventure as they spent time living in Australia and traveling and camping through Europe with friends. Everyone who knew them knew that they were meant for each other and often referred to them as true soul mates.

David loved life and was always up for having fun! He had an infectious smile and brought joy and excitement to everything he did, and to everyone with whom he came into contact. In 1976, David and Cherry welcomed their daughter, Melinda and then their son, Matt, in 1979.   They remained very close to their family in Midland and spent many weekends spending time together with David’s parents, siblings, and nieces and nephews. In 1986 David began teaching high school in Kermit, Texas, where he began to educate and shape countless students in his courses. He not only taught the content of the course, but also modeled the character of a humble, godly man. He served his students as if they were his own children and was instrumental in the success of many of his students, again not only in their school courses, but also in their adult lives. David’s colleagues thought very highly of him and felt privileged to be able to work alongside him. His love, compassion, and servant attitude knew no bounds, whether working with students or colleagues.

David began working for Region 18 Educational Service Center in 1998, first as a math consultant and then in the alternative certification program. While there, his exceptional mentoring qualities were evident to his co-workers and of course the teaching interns that were assisted so wonderfully by him while he helped them prepare to be the best teacher possible in the jobs that each one would ultimately obtain in public education.

David was always an active church member and joyfully poured himself into his church in Kermit. He spent 29 years faithfully serving God at FBC Kermit by singing in the choir, participating in many different committees, acting as a youth leader, and eventually becoming a deacon. Some of David’s favorite activities and interests during this time included traveling, camping, and spending time outdoors. He truly enjoyed making the best tasting pancakes and breakfast burritos for family and friends. He loved watching his Texas Rangers and playing golf (even coaching the Kermit High School golf team from 1996-1998). David continued his involvement in and enjoyment of serving God and people when he and Cherry moved to Midland and joined First Baptist Church. This church family has provided love, fellowship, and support the past several years.

His most treasured activity in recent years has been spending time with friends and family, especially when his precious grandchildren came along. As a surprise to no one, he was the most loving, affectionate, and involved grandpa there ever was. He took tremendous joy in every moment with them and loved getting to participate in new adventures and experiences with them, whether it was taking them on trips to the beach or the mountains, watching their many sporting events, dances, and school programs, or even just sitting on the couch cuddling them while watching T.V.

At an early age, David trusted Jesus with his heart and life and continued to live his life for the Lord until the very end, even praising God and fully trusting in Him throughout his five and a half-year battle with cancer. He would often encourage and remind those who loved him, “God has a plan, and His plan is always perfect, even if we do not understand.” According to the people who knew him, David was the same loving, witty, honest, helpful, encouraging, and compassionate person who embodied integrity and humility no matter what role he played (husband, son, brother, father, grandfather, colleague, friend, etc.). Because he put God first, he was able to be the perfect husband (according to Cherry, who has been totally and deeply in love with him for 57 years!). He was the perfect reflection of God’s love. As a result, he loved like Jesus and was a beautiful earthly example of God’s unconditional love, grace, forgiveness, and mercy to all who knew him.

David is preceded in death by his father, Carl Leslie Whigham, Jr. He is remembered lovingly by his mother, Betty Whigham, devoted wife of 52 years, Cherry Whigham, and children Melinda Whigham Piercefield and husband D.J., son Matt Whigham and wife Tiffany, and grandchildren Clara Piercefield, Adelynn Piercefield, Jackson Whigham, Leah Whigham, and Levi Whigham. He is survived as well by his brother Chris Whigham and wife DiAnn, sister Sheri Hobbs and Ben Harris, and Terry Rogers and husband Buck, in addition to Cherry’s brother Tom Arnold and wife Nicki, sister Ginger Kilgore and husband Kirk, and brother Charlie Arnold and wife Donna, plus numerous nieces and nephews who all loved him dearly.

Honorary pall bearers will be Chris Whigham, Matt Whigham, D.J. Piercefield, Charlie Arnold, Buck Rogers, Tom Arnold, Ben Harris, Jeff Hobbs, Jason Rogers, Jared Rogers, Christian Whigham, Brandon Arnold, Kris Arnold, Gatlin Arnold, McKeever Arnold, and Javier Orona.

In memory of David, contributions may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or www.mdanderson.org/gifts with a notation that the donations are to be applied to Dr. Sumit Subudhi’s prostate cancer research in the Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.

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