Payton Whiteaker

G. Payton Whiteaker, 87, of Abilene, passed away on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, in Abilene.

Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 4, 2021, at Hamby United Methodist Church with Pastor Cody Cochran officiating.  Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.

Payton was born to Alton Hawkins Whiteaker and Nina Beatrice (Perry) Whiteaker on March 2, 1934, in Abilene. He graduated from Abilene High School and attended Abilene Christian College for two years. He married Shirley Jo Little in Tuscola on March 11, 1961.  He served in the U. S Army.  He was a farmer and rancher.  In his younger years, he worked on the Edgar Davis Ranch.  Later he worked as a welder for Sonny Phillips and Republic Supply.  He also worked for Willard Vinson.  Payton served as a trustee on the Hamby school board and was also on the Board of Directors for the Hamby Water Supply from 1971-2004. Most days you could find him in a roping arena calf or team roping, or maybe just roping the roping dummy for practice.   He also loved his bird dogs and enjoyed hunting quail and dove. He was a proud father and grandfather.  Payton had a witty sense of humor and was always able to make people laugh with his story telling.

Payton was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Brenda Jackson.

Payton is survived by his wife Shirley of Abilene; three daughters, Rhonda Whiteaker of Decatur, D’Ann Gonzalez and husband Daniel of Arlington, and Paula Easley and husband Anthony of Fort Worth; two grandchildren, Bethany Gonzalez, and Natalie Jo Gonzalez; nieces, Debbie Richardson, Melinda Medley, and Sheri Williams; sister-in-law, Gwen Riney and husband Jack; Payton is also survived by several great nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made in Payton’s honor to the donor’s favorite charity.