Darrell E. Whatley

SERVICES: 2:00 PM Thursday, November 11, 2010, at First Baptist Church in Groom, with Kevin Howell, and Jonathan Land, pastor of First Baptist Church of Groom, officiating.BURIAL: Groom Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors of Pampa.BIOGRAPHY: Mr. Whatley was born June 10, 1959 in Groom. He attended Groom schools, graduating from Groom High School in 1977. From 1980-1984, he worked for Circle B Meat of Groom and also worked for Arthur Brothers Construction from 1980-1987. Darrell worked for Celanese Chemical Company from 1987-2009, and was currently employed by B & W Pantex of Amarillo. He was a member of the Carson County Livestock Show Board for 15 years, and the Celanese Fire Crew for 15 years. He was a member of the Celanese Employees Club. Darrell received a 20-year service award from Celanese, as well as being named the lead man in the unit for overtime for 15 consecutive years. He received the Adult Leader of the Year from the Carson County 4H, the Friend of 4H Award in 2007, and received the Star Chapter Farmer Degree with FFA. He was a lifelong farmer and rancher. He enjoyed spending time with his family, and especially with his grandson, Gage. He and Charlotte enjoyed many trips to Branson, Missouri. SURVIVORS: wife: Charlotte Whatley of the home; a son: C. J. Whatley and wife Kamy of Groom; 1 daughter: Dara Whatley and fiance Derek Kidd of Amarillo; daughter by choice: Kelly Wheeler of Chickasha, Oklahoma; his grandson: Gage Whatley of Groom; his parents: Curtis and Margret Whatley of Groom; 3 sisters: Debbie Tigg and husband Ron, Sheila Whatley and companion Carole King, all of Amarillo, and Sharlene Lewis and husband Howell of Groom; 4 nephews: Darin Wheeler of Oklahoma, Michael Lewis of Trinidad, Colorado, Jeremy Lewis of Ft. Worth, and Cameron Tigg of Missouri; 1 niece: Atisha Kuhn of Amarillo; numerous aunts and uncles.MEMORIALS: Darrell E. Whatley Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o any Happy State Bank, or Groom EMS, P.O. Box 217, Groom, Texas 79039.