John Carl Worthington

John Carl Worthington, 61, of Pampa, lost his battle to cancer on January 2, 2023 in Amarillo.

Services will be at 10:00 AM Thursday, January 5, 2023 at Carmichael-Whatley Colonial Chapel with Pastor Dwain Read, pastor of Lipscomb Union Church in Lipscomb. Graveside service will be at 3:00 PM Friday at Burkett Cemetery in Burkett, Texas with Dr. Chas Shira, pastor of First Baptist Church of Coleman, officiating.  Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

John was born April 19, 1961 in Abilene to Billy and Glenna Worthington. He graduated from Seymour High School in 1979. Soon after graduation, he enlisted in the Army National Guard, before going active duty with the US Army, retiring after 27 years. During his time with the military, he served in three different battles, which included: The Gulf War, Cuba, and Iraq Freedom War. While in the National Guard he served in several units across Texas.  John attended the police academy and began his law enforcement career in 1990 at Clay County Sheriff’s Office. He later went to work for Pampa Police Department, Gray County Sheriff Department, Lefors City Marshall, Hemphill County Sheriff Department, and Lipscomb County Sheriff Department. While at Lipscomb County, he served as Chief Deputy for several years prior to running for Sherriff. In 2020, he was elected as Sheriff and continued until his death. John married Sheri Anderson on November 21, 1992 in Pampa, recently celebrating 30 years of marriage.  He loved to cook and grill out, dancing, he also enjoyed fishing and camping; especially with his grandchildren.  He also looked forward to his hunting trips to Lampasas, known as “Deer Camp” to his family.  John was a Baptist and loved his family dearly. He had a loving, caring, and a servant’s heart that would help anyone in need. 

John was preceded in death by his father, and a brother, William Worthington.

Survivors include his wife, Sheri Worthington of the home; daughter, Shelby Licklider and husband Zach of Pampa; son, Brandon Johnston and wife Shalyn of Pampa; his mother, Glenna Worthington of Seymour; three brothers, Terry Worthington and wife Julie of Prosper, Curtis Worthington of Abilene, and Monty Worthington of Seymour; two sisters, Karri Copeland and husband Tom of Wichita Falls and Laura Reed and husband John of Boyd; three grandchildren, Cameron Johnston, Kellen Johnston, and Sutton Licklider.

Memorials can be sent to a favorite charity of choice.