Donald Whitaker

Donald L. Whitaker Obit
Donald L. Whitaker, 82, recently of Hobbs, NM, passed away on October 2, 2013 of natural causes. Don was born in Brownwood, Texas to Fred and Leila Whitaker, but quickly found his way to Eunice, NM. He graduated from Eunice High School in 1949. Don enjoyed Boy Scouts and achieved their highest award of Eagle Scout in 1949. He was elected First Master Councilor of DeMolays of Lea County, a Masonic youth group. Don started college at Hardin Simmons University but was called into military service in 1951. He served in the USAF and met and married his wife, Peggy Miether while stationed at Perrin Field in Sherman, Texas. After he left the service, he moved his family back to Eunice to manage Alexander Super Market. Don moved to manage the Jal store in 1955 then moved to manage the two Hobbs Alexanders stores and work at DAS Oil Well Servicing in 1959. On May 1, 1963, Don took his biggest entrepreneurial step and purchased ABC Rental Tool Company in Eunice. He truly found his talent in life as ABC thrived even through the rocky patches the oil field insists on having. Under Don, ABC had almost 40 years of contributing to the Eunice economy.
Don was a generous giver of his time, talent, and resources his whole life. He was involved with the New Mexico Amigos, Rotary, Lions, and the Boys and Girls clubs, as well as progressively serving in the local then state government. He was on the Eunice City commission 19661970 New Mexico Junior College Board 19752000 when he was first appointed to fill out a term. He then went on to be elected for 4 more 6 year terms to NMJC. He was a New Mexico State Representative from District 61 of Lea County from 1989 when he was appointed to finish a term until 2006 when health issues made continuing impossible.
He has been well recognized for his contributions and service to Eunice, Lea County, and New Mexico. This includes few of these recognitions includes: Eunice Citizen of the Year induction into the Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2003 a silver conch award from his fellow legislators, a street in Eunice named after him, and the Don Whitaker Automotive Technology Center was dedicated in his honor at NMJC in 1999.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Peggy Whitaker of Hobbs, son Mark Whitaker and his wife Karen, of Hobbs, son Sandy Whitaker and wife Kathy, of Fort Worth, TX, daughter Cindy Scott and her husband Ronnie of Midland, TX, Six grandchildren Jeff Whitaker and wife Barri, Becky Erickson and husband Darek, Kyle Whitaker and wife Michelle, Ginger Whitaker, Sarah Scott, and Benjamin Scott. Three great grandchildren Austin Erickson, Mason Whitaker, and Leo Whitaker, and his sister Louise Dickerson and husband Max.
The family would like to thank the Desert Garden and Hospice staff for their patience and compassionate care. They truly have treasure stored up in heaven.
Memorials can be made to NMJC Foundation Fund or the charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.
Visitation with the family is Sunday, October 6, 2013 from 24 P.M. A Memorial service will be held Monday, October 7, 2013 at Chapel of Hope.

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