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Duson, LA - On Friday, March 27 at 10:50pm Central time, our beloved Wayma K “Pee Wee” Whitewing
transitioned from this life into the next at the age of 86. Born February 11, 1934 in Reichert,
Oklahoma to Alva Cheves Whitewing and Nola Ethel Haynes, Pee Wee moved with his family to the
South Bay area of California at the age of 8, where he lived until he began to travel professionally
as a musician in his late teens.
The eldest of three sons, Pee Wee was preceded in death by his parents as well
as his brother G. J. “Zeke” Whitewing, and is survived by his brother Bob Whitewing.
After marrying his first wife Doye Ann Thibodeaux and starting his family in the bay area where
he was raised, he settled in her home in the Ridge area of Southwest Louisiana. Pee Wee and Doye
had four children: Wayma Ray “Bubba” Whitewing, who predeceased both of his parents; and
is survived by: DeMerris Whitewing Abaldo and husband John Abaldo; Andrus C. Whitewing and
his wife Lora, and Andre P. Whitewing. Pee Wee adopted his eldest granddaughter, Andie
Whitewing and was her surrogate father as well, and survives him with her children Blake
and Ursula Robinson. For the last 30 years of his life, Pee Wee was married to Rhonda Boudreaux
from Rayne, Louisiana, and she survives him as well as his step-children, Cory Prejean and wife
Karen and children Ben and Claire; and Kellie Daigle and husband Scott, and children Nicholas
and Morgan Moreau and Mallory Daigle.
Pee Wee is also survived by grandchildren, Aimee Weiss, Asa Whitewing, Sheena Whitewing and her
children Arya and Uriah Schaedel, Elliott Whitewing, Andre R. Whitewing, Ashley Whitewing Gates
and husband Butler and daughter Grace; by his daughter-in-law Monica Whitewing and her daughters
and their families: Heidi Roth and husband Jeremy and daughters Avalynn and Mazzi; Heather Letchworth
and son Mason Ancelet; and Holly Farr and husband Patrick and son Rio. Pee Wee’s large family
is a testament to his deep love for and commitment to family throughout his life.
He is preceded in death by his first wife, Doye Ann ThibodeauxWhitewing, son,
Wayma Ray “Bubba” Whitewing, parents, Alva Cheves Whitewing and Nola Ethel Haynes.
Though he frequently traveled for business and music, Pee Wee spent most of his life in Southwest
Louisiana, where he was a barber, a farmer, an independent petroleum landman, a professional
musician, and the patriarch and rock for his extended family and community. Throughout the course
of his life, Pee Wee generously supported the growth and development of family, friends, and community,
and has been widely influential in the mentorship of generations of younger musicians. Known for his genuine
love for his fellows in humanity, his generosity, his deep and abiding spiritual faith, and not least
of all his tremendous musical gifts.
Pee Wee has left an indelible mark not only on all who have
had the privilege to know him, but on the development of his primary instrument of pedal steel
guitar, and leaves us all with a rich and abiding musical, as well as personal, legacy.
The world, and especially Southwest Louisiana, are the richer for his having been a part of it.
For more information about the tremendous life and legacy of Pee Wee Whitewing, please visit his
official website at: www.peeweewhitewing.com.
Friends may view the obituary and guestbook online at www.gossenfuneralhome.net.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home, Inc. of Rayne, LA (337) 334-3141.
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