State Council News

Fr. Jack Whitley Tribute

Posted Jun 26, 2012
by Mark


His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo made a statement at the January/2012 Clergy Night in Houston that Fr. Jack was “the most loved Knight in the State of Texas”. I couldn’t agree more. During my tenure as State Deputy (2004-2006) we were honored to have Fr. Jack serve as our Associate State Chaplain. Prior to asking him to serve, I had heard a lot of great things about Fr. Jack but his attributes were understated.  He was that and much more.

In September of 2004 Lorraine and I were privileged to join Fr. Jack and his family in Rochester, New York, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his Ordination.  His family was very cordial and it was very easy to see where Fr. Jack got his loving and caring demeanor. The following year we again returned to Rochester to attend the funeral of Fr. Jack’s sister Mary. Fr. Jack didn’t know we were coming but it was the least we could do for the family. We stood in the receiving line for over an hour making our way to the coffin where Fr. Jack was meeting mourners. When he saw us he broke down in tears and couldn’t believe that we would travel from Texas to be with the family. Fr. Jack’s family was our family.

During my tenure as State Deputy we were saddened with the heavy loss of Past State Deputies. As Lorraine and I attended these many funerals across the State there was one other person who was always there. Fr. Jack never missed one of these funerals because the Knights in Texas were his family. It stands to reason why he was “the most loved Knight in the State of Texas”. He will be missed by all the Knights in Texas.

Former Supreme Director and Past State Deputy Ron Gay probably put it best when he said that we can just imagine Fr. McGivney meeting Fr. Jack at the gates of heaven and Fr. McGivney will probably greet him by saying, “welcome home good and faithful servant”. We love you Fr. Jack. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.

Leo & Lorraine Hanus – Past State Deputy