Richard Wayne Whiteley

Richard Wayne Whiteley passed away peacefully in the presence of family on March 16, 2026.

Service will be held at Llano East Cemetery Friday, March 20, 2026 at 10:00 AM. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

Richard was a “man’s man” who loved his family and Jesus Christ more than anything else. Richard had many passions throughout his life. He grew up in California where he roamed the country side fishing for hours. As a young man he picked up scuba diving and spear fishing. He met the love of his life, Barbara, and married her on January 20, 1962. Together they had two sweet daughters, Stacey Romero and DeAnn Elizardo. He served as a firefighter for several years in Orange County. In the late 60’s, they took a step of faith and moved to Amarillo, Texas. Richard joined the Amarillo Fire Department and served the community for 33 years. He loved to talk about the people and relationships he had formed on the department and was always ready to tell a story. Richard was also incredibly talented with his hands. He fabricated trailers with his welder, built his daughters horse barn by hand, and could fix about anything that was broke or had moving parts. More than his passions, Richard loved well. He was caring and kind and you always knew that he was sincere. There was never a doubt in anyone’s mind that if he said he was going to do something that it would get done. A man of character and integrity. We love you “Pops”!

Richard was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Louise Whiteley and daughter Stacey Romero of Amarillo.

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law DeAnn and Jerry Elizardo of Oklahoma; Grandchildren include Alexis Ortiz of Oklahoma, Jacob and wife Jennifer Romero of Amarillo, Abby Elizardo and Michael Boblit of Oklahoma, Gabriel and wife Amanda Elizardo of Oklahoma; Adopted family Ernie and Reba Russell of Amarillo and Spencer, Mallory and Melody Cockrell of Amarillo; Great-grandchildren include Scarlette and Ezekiel Ortiz of Oklahoma and James, John, and June Romero of Amarillo.