Louis Palma McKee “Mack” Whittenburg

Louis Palma McKee “Mack” Whittenburg
Louis Palma McKee “Mack” Whittenburg

Louis Palma McKee “Mack” Whittenburg passed away Monday, October 19, 2020, at the age of 74 from complications of Parkinson’s.

Burial will be at Dreamland Cemetery in Canyon, Texas at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2020. Memorial Services will be subsequently held at 2:00 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church of Amarillo with the Rev. Timothy Tam presiding over services.  Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd., Amarillo, Texas 79109. The service will be livestreamed at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2781517928760371

Mack was born April 6, 1946, to Roy Robert Whittenburg and Grace Evelyn McKee Whittenburg.  He received his BBA in 1967 from Texas Tech University in Lubbock where he walked on the basketball team and his JD from the University of Texas School of Law in 1970 where he was editor of the Law Review.  He practiced law in Amarillo for nearly 49 years alongside his brother, George Allen Whittenburg, II who preceded him in death three years ago.

While Mack was an attorney by trade, he was a rancher at heart.  His love for running cattle and trading horses was only surpassed by his love for his kids and grandkids, and his faith in the Lord.  Mack spent his formative years at the Spool Ranch in northeastern New Mexico.  It was there he learned that particular kind of grit, toughness and, yes, stubbornness, only to be found in West Texas.  Mack loved to tell a good story about the many colorful kin that came before him – some of which were actually true.  Mack cherished his family, starting with his children and most recently his grandchildren.  Spending time with family is where he found peace and contentment.

Survivors include the mother of his children, Catherine W. Reavis, his five children and fifteen grandchildren — Roy Brit Whittenburg, Sarah Catherine Whittenburg Martindale and husband Russell (Maxwell and Mary Catherine), Secily Sibil Whittenburg Torn and husband Scott (Sam, Jack, Kaiya, Tucker and Anna Scott), Justin McKee Whittenburg and wife Blythe (Mack, Earl, Dane and June), Amanda Grace Whittenburg Brack and husband Collin (Luke, Liz Grace, Cate and Eloise); and five siblings — Grace Evelyn Coltrin, Jewel Anne Johnston, John Burkhart Whittenburg, Mary Lois Rowley and Roy Robert Whittenburg, Jr.

Honorary pallbearers include all of Mack’s grandsons (in order of oldest to youngest): Mack Whittenburg, Maxwell Martindale, Sam Torn, Earl Whittenburg, Jack Torn, Dane Whittenburg, Luke Brack and Tucker Torn.

The family will receive friends after the service at First Presbyterian Church in the courtyard.

The family asks in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation (parkinson.org) or the charity of your choice.

6 Replies to “Louis Palma McKee “Mack” Whittenburg”

  1. I only learned of Mack’s passing last night. I have had him & his children on my mind & heart for many months. Cynthia & Leslie, my daughters, & I sent him a card thanking him for coaching them in soccer in elementary school. He was always so kind, even-tempered, & an excellent role model. We remember him & his children with love! We were also very saddened by the news of Brit. The Whittenburg family will continue to be in our thoughts & prayers!

  2. Mack will alway have a special place in my heart growing up. Always cheering us on at games. Always there for encouragement. Love to you and your family.

  3. Mac was Sophomore favorite in High School & a favorite of mine. He was such a nice person & friend. Had a date with him that year & became friends. I could not wait to introduce him to Tri Delta sorority sister at Tech, Cathey Leftwich. She talked about the ranch like he used to talk about the ranch a lot. What a great success to have this terrific family. He always loved his original family & very close to George. George drove Mac & I to Lubbock to see Texas Tech. I Moved from Amarillo at 18 so my close memories were from High School & freshman year at Tech. Sad to hear of his passing so young. Will cherish the special memories of this fine wonderful person Mac. Made my life bigger & better for being in it those young years. My mother loved his manners & politeness when he came to my house. Will always cherish the memories. His happy smile was great too. We both loved the Tech campus when visited with George. Best wishes to the family.

  4. To Secily and family,
    Although I know you all will miss your father terribly, what a tremendous legacy he leaves on earth.
    As Christians, we rejoice in the promise of Eternal Life after our early time has ended, and though it is now time to grieve, your faith will strengthen as the days, months and years go by — and I can see from the next generation, your dad will be proudly represented and will never be forgotten. I am praying for strength for you and your family.
    Love, Sistie

  5. I have known Mack through my parents, Streak and Pearl Vaughan. My dad has passed on but to this current time my mother still has stayed in contact with him and they both thought so much of him. Mom will soon be 100 years old but she wants to let family know they will be in her prayers. Jean Vaughan Penny

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