Tom Whitacre

Tom Whitacre, 80, of Canyon, passed away on Saturday, February 15, 2025. Memorial services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at Brooks Chapel with David Bagwell officiating. Private interment will be in Llano Cemetery. Tom was born on January 12, 1945 in Amarillo to Tommy and Pauline (Pierson) Whitacre. He married Pat Dearing in Amarillo on May 15, 1964 and they lived in Potter and Randall County. Tom was a true cowboy with a passionate love of horses. He loved the ranching lifestyle and took care of pasture cattle north of Amarillo and Dumas. He also worked at Randall County Feedlot for a time. In 1980 Tom began working as a blacksmith, making bits and spurs for working cowboys. He enjoyed having booths at trade shows in Abilene, Wichita Falls, and at the Ranch Rodeo Finals in Amarillo for 25 years. He was a longtime member of the American Quarter Horse Association, the NBSSCA, the USTRC, and the NOTRA where he won numerous belt buckles and trophy saddles over the years. When Tom could no longer ride, his family kept horses close by so he could enjoy watching and listening to them. When Tom was not working in his shop, he was on a lake fishing or at a team roping. He also enjoyed hunting with his son and trail riding with Pat in the mountains in and around Red River, NM and along the creek at the bottom of Palo Duro Canyon. Tom is preceded in death by his grandparents and his parents. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Pat Whitacre of the home; his son, David Whitacre; two granddaughters, Raini Lee and husband, Alex, and Haili Goodin and husband, Gavin; five great grandchildren, Collin, Parker, and Jackson Lee and Remi and Griffin Goodin; a brother, Johnny Whitacre and wife, Caroline; and a sister, Deanna Faler. The family suggests memorials be to Opportunity Plan, Inc., PO Box 1035, Canyon, TX 79015.