Obituary of Steven Allen Whitley

Steven Allen Whitley, 53, of Hobbs, NM, passed away unexpectedly January 7, 2022, at Covenant Hospital in Hobbs. Steve was born October 10, 1968, in Wichita Falls, TX, and graduated from Clarksville High School in 1987. He studied psychology and English and received his bachelor's degree from the University of the Southwest in Hobbs, NM. Steve married his high school sweetheart, Rebecca Zehetner Whitley, and they had one child, a daughter, Rowan Grace. They made their home in Hobbs, NM, where he began a career in wealth management, first with Edward Jones and later with Merrill Lynch. Steve was an active member of both his church and community. As a member of Grace Lutheran Church LCMS in Hobbs, he served as an elder, president of the congregation, adult Bible study teacher, and choir director. He was a Southwest Symphony Board member, Palmer Drug Abuse Program (PDAP) Fundraising Committee member, and a member of a cappella group Accidental Harmony. Steve was an accomplished musician and vocalist, and he enjoyed RVing with his family, reading, gardening, and raising chickens. Steve is survived by his wife Rebecca and daughter Rowan of Hobbs, NM; parents Denny and Regina Whitley of Tyler, TX; brother Randy Allen and wife Lisa of Santa Fe, NM; sister Melody Wallace and husband Ron of Clarksville, TX; brother Jamey Whitley and wife Nikki of Tyler, TX; father- and mother-in-law David and Dianah Zehetner of Paris, TX; sister-in-law Vickie Stoops and husband Jeff of Burleson, TX; brother-in-law Jim Zehetner and wife Melinda of Corinth, TX; nephews Justin and wife Jenna, Paul, and Jax; nieces Britton, Sydney, and Josey; and great-niece Charlotte. Funeral services will be held at Grace Lutheran Church in Hobbs, NM, under the direction of Kirby-Ratliff Funeral Home of Lovington, NM, with Rev. Kyle Brown officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 12, 5:30–8:30 pm, at Grace Lutheran and the funeral on Thursday, January 13, at 2:00 pm at the church. Graveside services will be held at Fairview Cemetery in Clarksville, TX, on Saturday, January 15, at 1:00 pm, under the direction of Clarksville Funeral Home. A reception for family and friends will follow at St. John Lutheran Church Parrish Hall in Clarksville. Pallbearers are Randy Allen, Jamey Whitley, Jim Zehetner, Justin Wolff, Jay Patton, Seth Thomas, and Levi Whitley. In lieu of flowers and plants, the family requests memorials be made to one of the following: Grace Lutheran Church, Southwest Symphony, PDAP, or Veritas Classical Christian Academy, all in Hobbs, NM.