Robert Whitaker

Robert Lee Whitaker’s salvation was made complete on July 31, 2022, when he left his earthly home and walked into the arms of his Heavenly Father.

Bob, as he was known by most, was born in Kilbourne, Louisiana on March 28, 1942, to Jennie May, and Luther Whitaker. He graduated from Hobbs High School in 1960 and joined the United States Air Force. After a tour in the USAF, he chose to leave the service and raise his family in Hobbs. He married Terry O’Dell, who he said was “the love of his life since Seventh Grade,” on August 15, 1961, and they raised three beautiful daughters, together. He lost his love to cancer, on October 12, 1994. God blessed him with an amazing second chance at love, when he saw the most beautiful woman, across a smoky bar room dance floor. He asked the barmaid if he should take the chance and introduce himself. Luckily, he took that chance, and we are all grateful she said yes to that dance. Robert and Sandra married on October 20, 2007 and lived the rest of his life with his very precious second chance at love. He became a lay servant, then a Lay Minister, and finally an Ordained Christian Minister. He strongly believed in and shared with others that God is a God of second chances.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Whitaker of their home, his daughters Nita Montgomery-Clary of Carlsbad, New Mexico, Carla Mathews and husband Randy of Winnsboro, Texas, Kendra Hale of Andrews, Texas, stepsons Buck Wisener and wife Becky of Carlsbad, New Mexico, and Justin Wisener of Lovington, New Mexico. He has sixteen grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and other family, along with some wonderful friends.

He was proceeded in death by his first wife Terry Whitaker, parents Jennie May Taylor, Luther Whitaker, and siblings James and Joe Whitaker, Bill Mosier, and May Duckworth.

The family is so very thankful to Enhabit Hospice for the kind, compassionate care all the nurses gave, especially Amber and Jennifer, social worker Tracy, Chaplain Mike, and volunteers who called and sent cards regularly.