About Us

Brad Pingel is a Perryton native, graduating from Perryton High School and Amarillo College with an Associate Degree in Mortuary Science. He has been in the funeral industry since 1995, has been employed with Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors since August of 2000, and became owner of the funeral home in January of 2016 and July of 2016 purchased the funeral home in Canadian. He and his wife Suzanne have two daughters, Lauren and Jodi. He is a member of the Briarwood Church. He is a member of the Pampa Lions Club, and the LEO club advisor for Pampa High School. He has served as a City Commissioner, for the City of Pampa, from 2005-2011, 2011-2021 as Mayor. Brad is the founder and president of Wheel Times, Inc. He enjoys playing golf and spending time with his family.

Suzanne Pingel brings more than 30 years of experience serving individuals, children, and families through some of life’s most challenging circumstances. A licensed social worker and licensed funeral director, Suzanne combines her extensive background in social work with a heart for helping families navigate grief, loss, and life transitions.

Suzanne graduated from Perryton High School in 1992 and earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from West Texas A&M University in 1996. She began her career with BSA Hospice, where she worked with patients and families facing end-of-life care and loss. In 2006, she joined Pampa Independent School District, serving students, families, and staff in a variety of roles. Throughout her career, Suzanne has been especially passionate about supporting children and families experiencing difficult circumstances.

In 2016, Suzanne and her husband, Brad, became the owners of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory, with locations in Pampa and Canadian. After years of supporting the funeral home through family care, administration, operations, and community outreach, Suzanne felt called to expand her role in funeral service. She completed the Mortuary Arts program at Northeast Texas Community College in 2025, successfully passed the National Board Examination, and became a licensed funeral director in September of 2026.

Suzanne’s background gives her a unique perspective on funeral service. She believes caring for a family should extend beyond the funeral or memorial service and is passionate about grief education, aftercare, and providing meaningful resources to families as they adjust to life following a loss.

Suzanne and Brad are also owners of The Harbor Community Event Center and Fountain of Sunshine Soda Trailer. Family is at the center of Suzanne’s life. She and Brad are the proud parents of two daughters, Lauren and Jodi, and a fabulous son-in-law.  They especially enjoy their role as grandparents to their granddaughter, Charlie Jo.

Whether serving a family at the funeral home, supporting someone through grief, or giving back to the community she calls home, Suzanne considers it a privilege to walk alongside people during both the difficult and meaningful moments of life.

Clint Shelton was born and raised in Amarillo, Texas and was a 1994 graduate of Garden City High School in Garden City, Kansas. He is a 2003 graduate of Amarillo College with an associate degree in mortuary science. Clint and his wife, Nikki, have two daughters, Alyssa and Summer. He enjoys reading, exercising, and playing billiards.

Aubrey DeFever was raised in Plains, KS and graduated from Southwestern Heights High School in May of 2013. She attended Seward County Community College, where she was a member of the Presidential Scholars’ Program. She graduated with an associate degree in Mortuary Science from Amarillo College in May of 2016. She worked at Robertson Funeral Directors in Clarendon from 2015 to 2019, before moving to Pampa in September of 2019. She is a board member of the Tralee Crisis Center. She is a member of the First Baptist Church. Aubrey and her husband Ethan have two dogs and two cats. She enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.

Samara was raised in Pampa, Texas. She spent seven years working in healthcare as a certified hemodialysis technician before beginning her career in funeral service. She is currently pursuing her degree in Funeral Service at Northeast Texas Community College. Samara is married to her husband, Kolton, and they have a son, Leo. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, camping, and fishing.

Andy joined the staff at Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors in November of 2018.  He is at the funeral home daily to offer comfort to any family in need.