Casey Whitmer

Casey Garrett Whitmer, 36, of College Station, Texas, passed away on July 26, 2023. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., August 5th, at Faith Bible Church. (1282 FM 2776, Bryan, Texas, 77807). The services will be conducted by Dean Endler of Faith Bible Church, and a fellowship celebration will follow. All are welcome to attend. Keith Whitmer, Casey’s brother, will lead the music in honor of Casey’s love of music.
Casey Whitmer was born in Houston, Texas, to Donna and Ted Whitmer. He was in a hurry to make his debut and was born within minutes of mom and dad arriving at the hospital. His pace never slowed as he was always in a hurry to take part in the essentials: play, eat, and get in trouble. When he was in trouble as a toddler and asked why he did something, his ever-ready answer was, “Because I did.” That summed him up.
Casey claimed, accurately, to have the best mama in the world, and her directive from dad when he had to be out of town was, “Don’t clean or cook; just keep the boy alive.” Casey’s boyish escapades left him so battered and bruised that his parents hesitated to let babysitters watch him because he appeared abused. Injury was a common theme with Casey, but that did not hamper his infectious smile that lit up any room. He was also known for his generous spirit, grace, positive attitude, and loyalty.
Casey played baseball at A&M Consolidated High School for two years followed by 2 years at Kilgore High School where he played for Tim Harkrider whom he admired and enjoyed playing for. Casey garnered many honors including all-district, District MVP, all-state, and he was named the most valuable high school baseball player in East Texas by the Longview News-Journal. Just after graduating from high school, Casey was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Instead of playing professional baseball, he signed at Florida State University and played his freshman year there as a pitcher. He then transferred to the University of Texas at Austin under Skip Johnson. That summer he played in the Texas Collegiate League for the Brazos Valley Bombers, where he was named the top professional prospect of the league by Baseball America. After playing his sophomore year at Texas, Casey was drafted by the Washington Nationals and played in the minor leagues for just over a year, until his career was shortened by injury. He returned to the University of Texas and graduated with a bachelor’s degree.
After graduation, Casey worked in commercial appraisal in Dallas and College Station following a short stint in education. Casey’s career was interrupted by his cancer diagnosis just over two and one-half years before his death. He was graciously attended to by Dr. Floyd of The Bryan Cancer Center and later by MD Anderson. Unsurprisingly, he was popular with the medical and hospital staff who enjoyed serving him because of his smile, grateful attitude and respectfulness.
Long before his cancer diagnosis, Casey trusted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He battled his cancer with the hope that others would come to know Jesus through his journey. He fought to live and to live for Jesus. His faith carried him through until the very end, and he fought until his last breath.
Casey is survived by his mother, Donna, his father, Ted, sister Carly Gonzalez and husband Eric Gonzalez, sister Kenzie Benden and husband Travis Benden (children Colt, Brantley, Joyanna, Rosalie), and brother Keith Whitmer and wife Reagan Whitmer. His sisters and brother, along with parents and friends, were dutifully and joyfully by his side at death, and spent his final hour singing hymns and praying over him. It was an epic send-off saturated in love. He is also survived by aunts and uncles, cousins, and many friends.
In lieu of donations or flowers for our family, please consider purchasing a bouquet of flowers or joining a subscription service for a loved one, at the time of your choosing, from Tricia Barksdale Designs. Tricia was a second mom to Casey and prayed fervently for him during his cancer journey and throughout his life. https://triciabarksdale.com/ or (979) 693-5387.
Casual wear is acceptable at his celebration of life. Casey loved his comfortable attire! Shorts, t-shirts, jerseys, and Astros gear are encouraged!

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