David Ray Whitaker

David Ray Whitaker beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend went to be with his heavenly Father on September 10, 2021. David was born on February 26, 1943, to Glenn Ray Whitaker and Hilda Nettie Sims Whitaker, in Kermit, Texas. He grew up in Monahans, Texas and graduated from Monahans High School in 1961.

David and his wife, Linda, met the Summer of 1988 while working at Midland’s renowned Summer Mummers where Linda worked as a summertime girl and David played the evil villain’s sidekick. They were married on November 13, 1991 and spent 29 wonderful years together. He worked as a lab technician for Shell Oil Refinery in Odessa, Texas, until his retirement in 2002 after 25 years. He remained a loyal Shell supporter and would only fill up at a Shell gas station unless it was a true “fuel” emergency. In 2003 David began his lawn care and irrigation business, Agualawn Irrigation Systems, and enjoyed working and serving the residents of Midland until mid-August of 2021.

David had a multitude of hobbies including photography, cooking, competing in BBQ cookoffs, mountain biking and many other things outdoors. After joining Orange Theory Fitness in July of 2019, David developed a new passion and love for his 6:05 a.m. workout class, his coaches, classmates, and of course his Whitney Houston songs.

Though David will be greatly missed here on earth, we find true joy in knowing he is walking hand in hand with our Lord and Savior.

David was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary, and niece Lori. He is survived by his wife Linda; three children: Paul Whitaker and wife Christi of Midland, Greg Whitaker of Odessa, and Becky Parsons and husband Jerry of Odessa; two stepchildren: Karen Orndorff and husband Jerry of Fort Worth, and Rob Foster and wife Janee of Allen. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Geri Blanchard and husband David of Crowley, Britni Gray of Midland, Bradley Garnett and wife Laura of Seminole, Laura Graves and husband Dallas of Fort Worth, Matthew Garnett of Odessa, Madison Caballero and husband Gary of Seminole, Kylie Howdyshell and husband Logan of Houston, Emma and Lauren Foster of Allen. As well as thirteen beloved great grandchildren: Ashlynn, Damyon, Emerie, April, Julia, Emoline, Bradley II, Brynnlee, Callum, Conall, Kylin, Jaxin, and Rylin. He is also survived by three siblings: Margaret Turner of Odessa, Glenna Herron of Odessa, and Joseph Whitaker and wife Biatris of Odessa.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and numerous other support staff at Midland Memorial Hospital for their care of David, as well as numerous other friends and acquaintances for their kind words, thoughts, and prayers.

A celebration service is scheduled for Friday, October 1, 2021 at 10:00 AM in the Chapel of First Baptist Church of Midland.

The following verse was found marked by David, “If there are poor among you, in one of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be selfish or greedy toward them. But give freely to them and freely lend them whatever they need” -Deuteronomy 15:7-8. In honor of David as set out in this verse, in lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Breaking Bread Ministries, The Field’s Edge, Midland Downtown Lions Club, or The Salvation Army of Midland.

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