White Deer News

06/02/2025

05/22/2025

White Deer Class of 2025 Graduates May 23.
WDHS Senior Class issue available at White Deer City Hall.

05/14/2025

DANNY RAY COWAN

Danny Ray Cowan, 78 of Pampa, passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 in Pampa.

Memorial services will be 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Community Crossroads Church in White Deer with Pastor Robert Gifford officiating. Military honors will be provided by Volleys for Veterans. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Danny was born April 29, 1947, in Pampa to Dollie and Sherman Cowan. He graduated from White Deer High School in 1966. In high school, he had a nickname of “Deacon”, because he was always preaching and that is what he wanted to be when he grew up. While he was at Frank Phillips College, Danny was drafted in the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam. He was proud of his service to his country, and he served faithfully. Upon his discharge, he returned to Pampa and went back to college and started working at Furr’s Supermarket. There, he met the love of his life, Leanna Odell. They married on March 5, 1977 in Pampa. She passed away on Dec. 22, 2021. Danny graduated from Frank Phillips College and Clarendon College all while he was working at Furr’s. Several years later, he began a 20-year career at Pampa News. He was a hard worker and enjoyed his job. Once he left there, he went back in the grocery business to work for United Supermarket for a few years. Danny’s last job was being a substitute teacher at Pampa High School. He loved to teach kids and help them. Some of the students would refer to him as “Einstein” because he was so knowledgeable and intelligent. Danny enjoyed learning as well. In 2023, he worked hard and earned his bachelor’s degree from WTAMU. He was the oldest in his class and was proud of it.

Danny had an eye for style; he loved to dress up in nice clothes and fancy ties. He enjoyed reading and collecting books. Danny also was a talented musician and had written several songs. He had written many poems over the years and loved to share them with his family. Danny was a kind and generous man who loved to give, and he always did it with grace and a smile on his face. He will be remembered for his jokes and his goofy personality. Danny was one of a kind. His grandchildren called him “Grandpa” and “Nanny”, and he was so proud of each of them. Danny’s love for his grandchildren was immense, and they returned the sentiment. They never left “nanny’s” house without a sweet snack or soft drink, sometimes to the dismay of his parents. Danny will be missed dearly by his grandchildren, his daughters, his extended family and everyone he encountered on a regular basis. His love for Trump was no secret, he was a proud American and supported President Trump. Above all he loved the Lord and his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Leanna; sons, Gabriel Cowan and Christopher Cowan; sisters, Jeannie Wilkinson and Gwenda Peets; brothers, Sherman Cowan and Robert Cowan; and a brother-in-law, Kent Kelp.

Survivors include his two daughters, Raeanna Humphrey and husband Jonathon and Teddi Cowan and husband Gage Carruth, all of Pampa; sister, Vicki Kelp of White Deer; grandchildren, Jessica Cowan and husband Phillip, Bridgette Humphrey, Jaylee Torres, Zavier Torres, and Phoenix Carruth; great-grandchildren, Ava Hernandez Waldrop and Liam Hernandez Waldrop.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, www.t2t.org.

Sign the online guest register at www.carmichael-whatley.com

04/28/2025

GORDON HULSEY

Gordon Hulsey, 72 of White Deer, passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Pampa.

No services are scheduled at this time. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Gordon was born on Dec. 21, 1952, to Carl and Vereda Hulsey in Carson County. He attended schools in White Deer. Gordon married Margaret Ann Ellis in 1972, she passed away in 2001. They celebrated 29 years of marriage.

Gordon was a hard worker; he worked most of his adult life in the oilfield industry. He always provided for his family. Gordon enjoyed taking his children on trips when they were younger. He also enjoyed fishing and taking care of his vegetable garden.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Margaret Ann Hulsey; and two brothers, William Hulsey and Mack Hulsey.

Survivors include his daughter, Miranda Vargas and husband John of Pampa; three sons, Greg Hulsey and wife Crystal of Childress, Randall Hulsey of Austin, and Philip Hulsey of Guymon; companion, Sandra Welch of White Deer; seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Sign the online guest register at www.carmichael-whatley.com

04/06/2025

RICKEY "RICK" HOSKINS

Rickey "Rick" Hoskins, 72 of Panhandle and formerly of White Deer, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 in Panhandle.

A celebration of his life will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at First Baptist Church of White Deer with Brother Alan Wilson, pastor, officiating.
Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Rick was born Jan. 2, 1953 in Pampa, to Clara and Eugene Hoskins. He graduated from White Deer High School in 1972 where he was a standout multi-sport athlete in football, basketball, track, and golf.

Though most known for his role as quarterback, Rick excelled on both sides of the ball and on special teams. Legend may be bigger than the truth, but one of his most talked about moments was kicking a then-record 50-yard field goal during a state playoff game against Sonora. Rick went on to play football at Kansas State University before transferring to West Texas State University in Canyon, where he graduated and earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus in accounting.

After college, Rick spent meaningful years traveling with his father, Eugene, to numerous horse tracks across the country assisting in horse training and building cherished memories that would be recounted and laughed over for decades within his family. He also played competitive travel softball for several years, forging lifelong friendships along the way.

Professionally, Rick was a dedicated and dependable employee who would also be known for his email forwards, silly office pranks, sports talk, and Kat's girl scout cookie deliveries. He began working for Maywood Accounting in the early 80's and stayed with them until the late 90's. He then started working at Cal Farley's Boys Ranch as their accounting manager, where he worked until his retirement in 2018.

Outside of work, Rick was a devoted father and family man who treasured time spent with his loved ones. Whether playing long nights of Chicken Foot or Tripoley, Rick’s competitive spirit shined. He played to win but more than anything, he played to connect, to laugh, and to be present with the people he loved most. His love was fierce, loyal, and unwavering. If you were lucky enough to be called a friend, you had a steadfast ally for life someone you’d absolutely want by your side in any street fight. Rick held himself and those around him to high standards, and everything he did, he did with excellence. He was honest to the core, a man of integrity, and a keeper of great stories. His legacy lives on in the memories made with family and friends, and in his quiet strength and laughter he gave so freely.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Clara Hoskins.

Survivors include his daughter, Katherine and husband Eric Bailey of Portland, Ore.; son, Nolan Patrick Hoskins and wife Maggie of South Texas; sister, Mina and husband Bill Freeman of Amarillo; nephew, Will Herring and wife Lisa of Celina; niece, Torie and husband Daniel Holley of Casa Grande, Ariz.; uncle, Charlie Hoskins and wife Pam of Leander; great-niece, Harper Herring; and great-nephew, Mason Herring.

Memorial can be sent to First Baptist Church of White Deer, 411 S Omohundro St, White Deer TX 79097 or a favorite charity.

Sign the online guest register at www.carmichael-whatley.com

03/28/2025

PATRICK KEVIN COATS

Patrick Kevin Coats, 72 of White Deer, Texas, passed away on March 22, 2025, probably with a sarcastic comment on his lips because if he was going out, it was going to be on his terms.

No services are planned at this time. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Born in Natchitoches, La (pronounced Nack-a-tish – yes, it’s confusing, and yes, he would correct you), in 1952. Patrick was the son of Janet and William (Bill) Coats. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Geography from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1974, which he primarily used to locate the best hunting spots, tree-planting areas, and prime nap locations. He later made Texas his home, and let’s just say the Lone Star State never quite knew what hit it.

Patrick started his career at Celanese in 1977, as an operator before transitioning into a gatekeeper – a job that perfectly suited his personality of a man who loved people, ran a tight ship and had a comeback ready for everyone. On Sept. 3, 1981, he married his love, Janette, and their adventures began. He worked for Celanese for 31 years before retiring in 2009.

A man with many passions, Patrick never stopped learning and doing. He was a dedicated cook, constantly searching for the next great recipe (ideally featuring copious amounts of butter), an enthusiastic painter, hunter, bee-keeper-in-the-making, and amateur botanist. He took immense pride in his Bur Oak and Chinese Pastiche trees and treated his Pope Rosebush like it was the crown jewel. His love of birds led him to the Top of Texas Pigeon Club, where he amassed more knowledge about pigeons than any reasonable person should. Additionally, he was an avid reader, and his above average intelligence was because of this.
Patrick’s creativity knew no bounds – he handcrafted beautiful rosaries, jewelry, and crochet blankets for his loved ones. He had a knack for making people laugh, whether through a ridiculous made-up song or a perfectly timed joke. His home was filled with the sound of his infectious laughter – especially in the early mornings when he woke his kids up by blaring Beautiful by James Blunt, followed by an aggressive duck call. He was a collector of all things quirky and cool, including Jack Daniels bottles (don’t touch em’!) and National Geographic magazines since the 5th grade (don’t throw em’ away!). His mind never slowed down, and neither did his hands.

To know Patrick was to be loved by him. If he teased you relentlessly, congratulations you were on the inside. Beneath his sharp wit and legendary sarcasm was a heart as big as Texas. He was one of a kind – someone who made the world brighter, funnier, and infinitely more interesting just by being in it.

Patrick is survived by his wife, Janette Coats; son, Bryan Coats and wife Laura of Amarillo; daughters, Jennifer and husband James Benson of Panhandle, and Kimberly and husband Josh Marshall of Pampa. He leaves behind his mother, Janet Coats of Pampa; and three siblings – brother, Brad Coats of Hoyt, Kan., and sisters, Trisha Coats, Kathy and husband Jerre Schoenrock, all of Pampa; his grandkids, Natalie and Trevor Benson, and Emery and Cohen Marshall were his (Baba) pride, joy, and favorite audience for bad jokes and good stories.

He was greeted in Heaven by his father, William (Bill) Coats, and you can bet their reunion involved a joke, a hug, and at least one enthusiastic discussion about guns.
He loved his family fiercely and we will honor his one wish to not have a funeral but instead to celebrate him with immediate family. In fact, he warned us not to cry too hard or he’d come back and honk the duck call at 3 a.m. Instead, we ask you to honor him like he’d want, plant something that makes no sense but brings you joy, blare a ridiculous song just because, teach someone how to two-step in your socks, or make a new recipe even if it sounds weird.

Patrick was larger than life, louder than most, and left the world brighter and better than he found it.

We love you. You were a legend.

03/28/2025

SHIRLEY ROSE CUMMINS PIERCE

Shirley Rose Cummins Pierce, 88, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Sept. 30, 1936, to Cranful Curtis and Eula (Davis) Castleman, who instilled in her a deep love for family, faith and kindness.

On Aug. 1, 1955, Shirley married Arthur C. “Bud” Cummins Sr., with whom she shared 40 wonderful years until his passing on Aug. 26, 1995. Together, they built a beautiful family, raising four children, Arthur Jr. (Buddy), Robert Allen, Troy W. and Cynthia (Cindy). Later in life, Shirley found love again and married Dick Pierce on June 19, 2005. They shared 13 cherished years together until his passing on March 9, 2018.

Shirley dedicated 15 years of service to the White Deer school cafeteria, beginning as a part-time dishwasher before working her way up to manager. She was well-loved by students and staff alike, not only for her warm personality but also for her famous “Peanut Butter Fish,” a beloved treat that became legendary in the community. Her passion for serving others was evident in everything she did, and her time at the school left a lasting impact on countless students. After retiring from the White Deer cafeteria, she continued to serve her community by cooking and serving for the White Deer Senior Citizens Center.

She was a member of the White Deer Church of Christ since moving to White Deer in 1959-60.

She is survived by her children: Art (Buddy) Cummins and his wife Debbie of Cibolo, Texas; Cindy and her spouse Tim of Amarillo; Troy and his wife Hope of Flatonia, Texas; and her daughter-in-law, Sherrie Cummins of North Richland Hills. She was a proud grandmother to five grandchildren: Nathan Cummins and wife Jessica of Amarillo, Shawna and husband Dustin Harper of White Deer, Arthur Cummins of Houston, Kasandra Choi of Flatonia, Texas and Natalee Cummins of Houston. Her legacy continues through her seven great-grandchildren: Corbin Cummins, Shaylin Weathers, Brodie Weathers, Rush Harper, Cross Harper, Julianna Choi and Estella Choi. She is also survived by three brothers, one sister, and many other beloved family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Arthur "Bud" Cummins Sr. and Dick Pierce, as well as her middle son, Robert Allen Cummins. She also joins in rest numerous brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles who went before her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Charity or Organization of Choice in her honor.

Shirley’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

02/04/2025

ARLIE "DEANO" BOYD

Arlie “Deano” Boyd, 92 of Pampa, passed away on Feb. 3, 2025, in Pampa.

Services will be 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at the Carmichael-Whatley Colonial Chapel with Pastor Jim Sinyard of the Carpenters’ Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7, at the funeral home.

Deano was born on April 25, 1932, in White Deer to William and Alta Boyd. He went to school in White Deer and lived in the Pampa area all his life. He married Patty Morgan on Aug. 31, 1954, in Clayton, N.M. They shared over 57 years together and had six children before her passing on Sept. 24, 2012. He worked as a machinist and material handler at both Cabot and IRI, retiring in 1994.

Deano was a talented man musically, and he found great enjoyment playing guitar and the fiddle. He had a big heart, especially for any animals that were in need. He liked to stay active by working in his garden and taking long walks outdoors. Deano was a member of Briarwood Church. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; an infant son, Perry Dean Boyd; two adult sons, Timothy “Tim” Boyd, and Danny Boyd; a daughter, Pam Chamberlain; son-in-law, Darrel Martin; brothers,
Jimmy Boyd, and Clyde Boyd.

Deano is survived by two daughters, Belinda Martin, and Samantha Aikin and husband Ricky; 11 grandchildren, David Doucette and Carrie, Jeremy Doucette and Amy, Chris Doucette and Sarah, Michelle Weatherly and husband Mike, Jacob Boyd, Phillip Watkins and Stephanie Thomas, Stormie Blain and husband Rick, Brittany Boyd, Kendall Radke and husband Robert, Kinley Fisk and husband Brendan, and Reece Aikin; 15 great-grandchildren, Tanner, Blake, Jacqueline, Emma, Garrett, Pratt, Haven, Mason, Caitlynne, Brooklyn, Drue, Rylee, Alexxis, Cooper, and Asher; four great-greatgrandchildren, Rhett, Nash, Layla, and Layton; and other extended family members.

02/04/2025

MAUREA DELL SIMPSON

Maurea Dell Simpson, 89 of White Deer, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, in White Deer.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, at the Carmichael Whatley Colonial Chapel with Rev. Carter Pirtle, pastor of First Baptist Church of Skellytown, officiating. Burial will follow at Mobeetie Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday
, Feb. 6. at the funeral home.

Maurea was born on Dec. 21, 1935, in Mobeetie, to Fleda and Willard Godwin. Fleda, being a church pianist taught Maurea to play the piano on the family’s old pump organ, she started playing the piano at church from the time she was young, thus beginning her deep love of gospel music. She passed that love of music on to her children and grandchildren. Her father instilled a love of birds in Maurea and taught her to identify birds by their music and markings. For the remainder of her life, she never went anywhere without making observations about the area birds.

After graduating from high school, Maurea married Jerry Simpson on Dec. 31, 1955, in Mobeetie. Together, in 1970, the family moved to Skellytown, where they bought and operated Nutro Oilfield Products.

Maurea enjoyed spending summer vacations in the mountains of Colorado with her husband and three children. She appreciated hours with her family fishing, playing in the water or visiting with family and friends. One of her greatest pastimes was working the daily crossword puzzle or identifying the numerous birds and flowers wherever she went.

Maurea was a long-time member of Skellytown First Baptist Church, where she lovingly served as church pianist and organist. She also enjoyed teaching Sunday School classes to the young people. She was an intricate part of the church for many years. Maurea touched many lives and will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her. She was lovingly known as Mema to her grandchildren and great -randchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband Jerry Simpson; her parents; a grandson, Trevor Burrell; son-in-law, Joe Grange; and three brothers and two sisters.

Survivors include three children, Tina Short (Roger) of Canyon, Tim Simpson (Ronda) of Thomas Oklahoma, and Teri Grange of White Deer; five grandchildren, Shirece Bruce (Leslie), Myles Simpson, Quentin Simpson (Darcey), Brandi Lohberger (Justin), Penny Armstrong (Joseph), and Kelsey Welch (Cassidy); and 20 great-grandchildren; she is also survived by one brother, Jay Godwin (Tria).

The family suggests memorials be made to the First Baptist Church of Skellytown, P.O. Box 176, Skellytown TX 79080 or Mobeetie Cemetery, P.O. Box 8, Mobeetie, TX 79061.

Please sign the online registry at www.carmichael-whatley.com

01/31/2025

BRANDON TRAYE BOLDING

Brandon Traye Bolding, 43 of White Deer, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, in White Deer.

Services will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at First Baptist Church of White Deer, with Brother Alan Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in White Deer Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Brandon was born Aug, 21, 1981 in Amarillo to Kandy and Timothy Bolding. He graduated from Midland Greenwood High School in 2000 and later earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Arkansas. After college, Brandon worked for his father at Badger Production Services and Clear Creek Companies until Tim’s retirement. He then continued in the oil/gas industry, working for various companies as a plant operator in the Midland area until 2024. Brandon moved back to White Deer and started working as the plant operator for Producers Midstream near Allison.

Brandon was very involved with his father, as they built a farm together in White Deer and started Bolding Gun Dogs in 2020. He had a love for hunting and his bird dogs. The outdoors was his sanctuary, where he found peace and happiness in nature. Hunting wasn’t just a hobby; it was a tradition he cherished and loved passing down. Brandon found immense joy in taking the younger generation hunting, teaching them not only the skills and patience required, but also respect and gratitude for the land and the life it provides. His stories, wisdom, and time spent in nature will remain treasured memories for those he mentored. Through them, Brandon’s legacy will continue on.

Brandon had a heart as big as the open sky, treating everyone like family and always making those around him feel valued and loved. He loved his family and treated his extended family like brothers and sisters. Family was everything to Brandon. His warmth, laughter, and steadfast loyalty left an incredible mark on everyone he met.

He was preceded in death by his father, Timothy Bolding in 2023; grandfather, Carl Mynear; and aunt, Carla Mynear.

Survivors include his mother, Kandy of White Deer; grandmother, Nell Mynear of White Deer; aunt, Patti Parks of White Deer; Chase Mynear, wife Kyla, and children Drestyn Bell, Brooke Bell, Cutter Bell, and Caynden Mynear of White Deer; Jeni Wolfe, husband Zach, and children Paisley and Brandon of Pampa; aunt, Rebecca Lake, husband Keith, and daughter, Gracie of Lathrop, Calif.; Blake Bolding, wife Kearsten, and children Kale and Dawson of Moline, Ill.; uncle, Mark Bolding and wife Colette of Pittsburgh, Penn.; Kelly Bolding of Lambertville, N.J.; Brooke Bolding of Olympia, Wash.; and a host of friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Supporting Excellence at White Deer High School Fund, c/o FirstBank Southwest.

Sign the online guest register at www.carmichael-whatley.com

09/06/2024

CHRISTOPHER ROBERT SORRELL

Christopher Robert Sorrell, 47 of Pampa, passed away on Sept. 3, 2024, in Amarillo.

Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at the First Methodist Church of Pampa, with Rev. Jerrod Neal officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Chris was born on Dec. 25, 1976, in Wheeler to Melba and Robert Sorrell. He attended schools in Canadian where he was active in high school band and showed pigs and lambs with 4-H. After high school, he was diagnosed with cancer. For the next years, he battled his cancer at MD Anderson and beat it. When he returned to the panhandle, he enrolled at Amarillo College to obtain his degree as a machinist. While he was attending school, he worked odd jobs as a carpenter, electrician and plumber. In 2006, he moved to Pampa and started working for SWM. Christ worked there for 16 years. He shared his knowledge of machining with many coworkers and spending many hours working overtime and holidays with what would become his work family. Due to cancer returning, he was unable to work.

Chris married Staci Jo Grimes in 2008 in Pampa. Together they had their daughter, Maddison. He was a hard worker, making it his mission to provide for his family to the best of this ability. When he wasn’t working, he loved hunting, fishing, camping and reloading ammunition. Chris also enjoyed building remote-controlled semi-trucks, boats, cranes and airplanes from scratch. His attention to details never went unnoticed.

Chris had a big heart and loved his family very much. His quick wit was unique and always a good laugh at family gatherings. His occasional get-together with his brother and a few cousins was memorable as he took the time to teach his perfection in almost everything he did.

He was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Stella Mae Lankford and Althea Guist.

Survivors include his daughter, Maddison Grace of White Deer; mother, Melba Norris of Pampa; sister, Heather and husband David Jones of Claremore, Okla.; brother, Stephen Sorrell and wife Jennifer of Amarillo; wife, Staci Jo Sorrell of Pampa; father, Robert Sorrell of Dripping Springs; nieces, Kayla Wolfe, Julie Jones, Stella Sorrell and Scarlett Sorrell; nephews, Dean Sorrell and Dylan Sorrell.

Memorials may be sent to BSA Hospice of the Southwest, 5211 SW 9th Ave. Ste. 100, Amarillo TX 79106.