Pat E. Whitaker, 74, of Midland, Texas, passed away after a short battle with cancer on June 25, 2025. A visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at the Branch at npw. The service will be at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Midland with reception following. The burial service will be on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Barstow Cemetery in Barstow, Texas.
Pat was born on June 17, 1951 (Father’s Day) in Pecos, Texas to V.E. (Pat) and Melba Whitaker. He graduated from Barstow High School in 1969. Pat married the love of his life, Barbara Hanlon, on January 24, 1976 at First Methodist Church in Pecos, Texas.
Pat worked loyally at Buckeye Inc. his entire career as Operations Manager. He recently reached 45 years with the beloved company where his coworkers became family.
Pat was a wonderful and loving husband, father, brother, Papa, and friend. He loved attending ball games, band concerts and anything else his children and grandchildren were involved in. His loving nature was most evident around children. Pat became a Papa to all children that knew him, not just his own.
Besides spending time with his family and work, Pat was an excellent hunter and bow hunter. He enjoyed many hunts alongside his best-mate, the late Michael Locker. After Michael’s passing, Pat picked up golf as he was adamant he would never hunt again without Locker at his side. He became an avid golfer and made several new friends on the golf course.
Pat will be remembered most for his loving and authentic personality; always gentle, wise and understanding of others. Pat had an amazing ability to make others feel seen, loved and understood.
Pat is survived by his wife Barbara, their three children, daughter Amy Lynne Terry and husband Bobby, son Matt Whitaker and wife Candace, and son Shannon Whitaker and wife Amy, and nine grandchildren Realyn Meza, Ava Whitaker, Bobby Terry Jr. (known to his grandpa as Poncho), Gavin Whitaker, Livia Whitaker, Devyn Whitaker, Westin Whitaker, William Whitaker, and Callahan Whitaker; brother Larry Wilkins and wife Cissy, sister Darlene Wilkins; and a multitude of nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
Pat is preceded in death by his parents V.E. (Pat) and Melba Whitaker, brothers George Whitaker, Woody Whitaker, and sister Audie Lynne Whitaker, and Rudy, his devoted work dog/sidekick.
The family appreciates the care given to Pat by Midland Memorial Hospital staff, M.D. Anderson Hospital staff, Hospice Care as well as the love, prayers, and support of his Buckeye co-workers and many friends.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.
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