John Whitsitt

John Whitsitt, 83, of Higgins, passed away on February 24, 2021 in Canadian, Texas.

Graveside Services will be at 2:00 PM, Sunday, February 28, 2021, at Edith Ford Memorial Cemetery with Scott Francis, Benny Rupprecht and Christian Olivas-Day, officiating.  Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors of Canadian.

Billy Vaughn “Papa John” Whitsitt was born January 20, 1938 in the Shannon Community in Jack County.  John married Rose Lee Morrow on October 20, 1956, she preceded him in death on May 13, 2007.  John and Rose opened their home and hearts to Rose’s younger siblings: George, Ann & Eddie Bob Morrow. They also had four girls: Victoria Faye, Lee Ann, Patsy Lee, and Billie Jo.  While still a boy, his dad would send John horseback to check oilwells.  As a young man, he farmed cotton and worked for Billy Sol Estes, he worked at dairies and worked on the Thorne and Urschel ranches in Hemphill County.  John was a working man who also loved to hunt and fish.  While chasing the “oilfield” he worked rigs and later became one of the first contract pumpers in this area.  Later in life he and Rose enjoyed life on their farm outside of Higgins.  John was member and baptized in the Canadian First Christian Church, a volunteer fireman, and a member of the Jay Cees Club.  He was a valuable contributing member of the Canadian community who believed, “You only get out of life what you put into it”.  John was a devoted loving head of the family, friend, and mentor to many; he always had time to share his wisdom and common sense with those who sought him out.  All of his life John loved to garden, hunt quail, fish and play dominos with his buddies.

John was also preceded in death by 2 daughters; Patsy Lee Whitsitt and Victoria Whitsitt Gowdy; brother, Gene Whitsitt.

Survivors include 2 daughters: Lee Ann Julian and husband John of Canadian, and Billie Jo Whitsitt of Brentwood, TN; 6 Grandchildren: Tamera Julian and husband B.J. Chaffin, Kimbra Julian and husband Juan Gomez, Ike Julian, Christopher Gowdy and friend Michael Proctor, McKenzie Mornout and husband Andrew, Christian Olivas-Day and wife Madison, and honorary granddaughter Beth Feldt York; great grandchildren: JAC Chaffin, Arabella Olivas-Day, Knox Mornout and honorary great grandson Pecos York; 2 brothers: Jack Whitsitt and wife Kim, Stanley Whitsitt and wife Virginia; 2 brothers-in-law: George Morrow and wife Verna Beth, Eddie Bob Morrow, and 2 sisters-in-law: Ann Morrow Burnett and husband Rick and Dottie Whitsitt.

Memorial may be made to Higgins Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 23, Higgins, TX 79046 and Canadian Meals on Wheels, PO Box 447, Canadian, TX 79014.