Joe Alphus Whitaker

Joe Whitaker, 74, of Breckenridge, Texas, passed away September 21, 2026 in Abilene after a short battle with cancer and dementia. Joe Alphus Whitaker was born in Knox City, Texas on Friday, June 13, 1952, to Dorothy and Joe Willie (Bill) Whitaker. Joe grew up in Woodson and Throckmorton, surrounded by family and close friends who he often loved to reminisce about. Joe showed great athletic ability in football at Throckmorton High School, being named an All-State tackle player in 1968 and 1969. His talent was made known to many universities who were interested in having him on their teams and he decided to attend the University of Oklahoma in 1970. Joe played three seasons with the Sooners as their center, playing in the Cotton Bowl twice and in the “Game of the Century” against Nebraska in 1971. Joe took immense pride in his time at Oklahoma.

Joe’s career was in sales, most notably working for astronaut Alan Shepard’s Coors company and Whitaker Manufacturing, an oil supply company established by his brothers. Later, Joe worked in education as a substitute teacher and instructional aide at Wylie ISD in Abilene and later at Breckenridge ISD. Working in education was what Joe considered as his most fulfilling career. Joe spent his later years living in other areas of the nation that he always wanted to spend time in. He moved to Aurora, Colorado in 2019 to live in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains with his beloved Colleen until her passing in 2023. Then, he moved to Huslia, Alaska to live with his son’s family and continue his passion for teaching kids. Joe was ecstatic to finally spend time surrounded by Alaska’s majestic land and animals.

Joe became a Mason in 1997 and later achieved the status of Master Mason. He was an amateur historian who loved to learn about ancient civilizations and major conflicts, but he also found fascination in the unexplained natural phenomena in our world and “impossible” feats achieved by extraordinary humans. These points of interest accessorized Joe’s gift of storytelling, for which he was well-known among his students and cherished among his family and friends. Joe was also a nature lover in the truest sense who loved to hunt and fish any chance he could get. He was a big animal lover, having several beloved pets including Toby, Molly, Bebot, and Shortie. He also had a deep appreciation for music and art. He was lovable, protective, hilarious, and kind-hearted. He will be dearly missed.

Joe is survived by his children: Brandi Whitaker of Norman, OK, Tori Whitaker of Fort Worth, Derek Whitaker of Huslia, AK, Mackenzie Whitaker, and McCord Whitaker of Abilene. His siblings: Charles Whitaker, Dexter Whitaker, Suzanne Morrell, and Brad Whitaker of Breckenridge. His grandsons Barrett and Ryan Whitaker of Huslia, AK and Tyson Whitaker of Abilene. Joe is also survived by his many cousins, nieces, nephews, and several lifelong friends who he considered as close as family.

Joe is welcomed to the next life by his mother and father, his grandparents Essie Mae and Ben Bufkin and Sallie and Alpheus Leroy Whitaker, his nephews Bryan Myer and Ty Whitaker, as well as several other family members Joe remembered fondly throughout his life. He will also be welcomed by his partner Colleen Brogan, his closest friends such as Ronald Dunlap, Tommy Mack Hitch, Bobby Mac Reeves and Jim “Tooter” Reeves, as well as the many adored pets Joe loved dearly throughout his life.

A celebration of life will be held for Joe on October 24, at 2 p.m. at the Woodson Town Hall at 221 North US Highway 183, Woodson, Texas, in front of the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Joe and his family ask that you join them in contributing to a wildlife or nature conservation charity of your choice.

Joe’s family would like to thank some of the nurses and staff from Hendrick, Northern Oaks, Kinder Hearts Hospice, Lake Hills, and Coronado who provided help, care, and guidance.