Russell Whatley

Russell Aubrey Whatley Jr., beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away August 19, 2015. He was born October 3, 1921 in Mineral Wells to Russell A. Whatley Sr. and Emma Mann Whatley. He grew up, and spent his life in Mineral Wells. He graduated from Mineral Wells High School in 1938. He graduated from Texas Christian University in 1942, where he lettered in baseball, as the starting catcher for the Horned Frogs. He played in an exhibition game vs the New York Yankees while at TCU, and that was always a highlight of his. After graduation, he entered WWII serving with the 14th Army Air Force, Flying Tigers, in China, Burma, India, and North Africa, until the war ended in 1946. He was the last remaining member of the 8th Air Squadron, AAF Flying Tigers. He married the love of his life, Tomme Kathleen (Foreman) Whatley on September 3, 1952, in Palo Pinto. They were married until her death in April, 2006. After the war, he came home to work with his father at Russell Whatley Motor Company, where he loved working beside his dad. He played Semi-Pro Baseball with several teams, including the Mineral Wells Resorters. Loving baseball, he also helped form, and organize, the Mineral Wells Little League Program in 1953. He also managed little league and Pony League teams from 1953-1970. Always wanting to better Mineral Wells, he served in many ways: Mineral Wells Chamber of Commerce, "Outstanding Young Man of the Year Award", 1954, Chairman of the American Red Cross for Palo Pinto County, President of the Mineral Wells Chamber of Commerce, United States Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award, President of the Mineral Wells Rotary Club, founding member of the Palo Pinto County Sheriff Posse, and possibly the last remaining original member, Director of the Texas Automobile Dealers Association from 1962-1978, Board of Directors and Founder of the Mineral Wells Savings and Loan, Deacon of First Baptist Church, President and Post Commander of the American Legion, 1987 Mineral Wells Executive of the Year, President and Director of the Palo Pinto County Livestock Association, Life Member of the Grand Lodge of Texas, Master Mason for over 50 years, Area Director of Boy Scouts of America, Director of the Dodge Dealers Advisory Council, Candidate for Mayor around 1966, and Delegate to the State Democratic Convention as Sergeant at Arms. Services will be 10 AM Monday, August 24, 2015 at First Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Woodland Park Cemetery. He is survived by his sister: Ann (Whatley) Ritchie and husband John of Mineral Wells, sons and daughters-in-law: Carl J. and Mollie Ernst, and Russell A. III and Nancy Whatley all of Mineral Wells, grandchildren: Lauren Whatley Morehan and husband David of Houston, Jonathan C Whatley and wife Danielle of Weatherford, Tammy Chapin of Lake Worth, Donny Light and wife Rhona of Mineral Wells, and great-grandchildren: Caden Whatley, Kathleen Morehan, Andrew Morehan, and Jaxson Whatley. He was also preceded in death by his parents.