Wilfred John Urbanczyk

Wilfred John Urbanczyk, 90, of White Deer, passed away Sunday, October 29, 2017 in Pampa. Rosary will be held at 6:00 PM Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at Carmichael-Whatley Colonial Chapel in Pampa, and funeral mass will be 2:00 PM Thursday, November 2, 2017 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in White Deer, with Rev. Lurdumarianna Yekkesala, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors of Pampa. Will was born December 15, 1926 at the original family home where he would reside his entire life. His parents, John and Rosie Haiduk Urbanczyk, were early Polish settlers of the White Deer community. He graduated from White Deer High School where he was an outstanding football and track athlete. During World War II, Will joined the U. S. Navy on his 18th birthday, and was stationed in San Diego, and later the island of Guam. At the completion of his service, he attended Texas A & M University and West Texas State College. On September 23, 1952, Will married Pat Hood at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the couple moved to the family farm where they raised their children. He was a lifetime farmer and was active in the farming operations well into his 80’s. Will was a devoted husband of 64 plus years to his wife, who preceded him in death this past July, and a hardworking provider to his children. He was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church his entire life where he served on the Parish Council and worked countless hours on the annual Polish Sausage dinners. In the 1960’s, he was on the White Deer ISD school board for several years. The Family Land Heritage Award was presented to Will and Pat in 2011, recognizing the 100 year existence of the Urbanczyk family farm. His favorite pastime was attending White Deer athletic events, especially when his children and grandchildren were participants. He also enjoyed college football games. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; four brothers, Buisz Urbanczyk, Emil Urbanczyk, Henry Urbanczyk and Fred Urbanczyk; and three sisters, Getrude Snoga, Florence Pawlik and Clara Dillman. Survivors include two daughters, Becky Knocke of White Deer, and Jenny Barnes and husband Wayne of Austin; a son, Jerry Urbanczyk and wife Donna of White Deer; five grandchildren, Carrie Ledbetter and husband Jerrod of Amarillo, Nick Knocke and wife Jenny of Jenks, Oklahoma, Craig Urbanczyk and wife Michelle of Amarillo, Kacey Smith and husband Benjamin of McAlester, Oklahoma, and Brian Knocke and wife Lacie of Conway, Arkansas; step grandson, Naylor Barnes of San Antonio; ten great grandchildren, McKenna and Kaylie Ledbetter, Brayden, Davis, Adison and Bella Knocke, Kennedi and Blayde Smith, Beckham Urbanczyk, and Tripp Barnes. Memorials may be made to Pampa VFW Post 1657, PO Box 2684, Pampa, Texas 79066-1657; or Interim Hospice, 2217 N. Perryton Parkway, Pampa, Texas  79065.