A Douglas C-124C Globemaster II plane, serial 52-1062, was damaged beyond repair in an accident 10 km from Stephenville-Harmon AFB, NL (YJT), Canada. In 1959, the first Whataburger restaurant outside of the state of Texas opened in Pensacola, Florida.[5]. Corpus Christi is going to miss Grace Dobson. It has expanded in the Southwest United States with about 800 locations in ten states. Ive always associated Whataburger with Texas and learning more about an integral part of Texan culture was enjoyable. Whatalife: Harmon Dobson, the Founder of Whataburger harmon dobson plane crash. Year should not be greater than current year. His parents had reason to worry. This event coincided with the mass unemployment and hysteria that lasted throughout the following decade. [2] Dobson spent most of his early life working on his parents' cattle farm. Online ordering through Whataburgers app and website debuted in 2019. Its competition is McDonalds and Wendys, not a boutique operation with three locations that offers grass-fed-bison burgers topped with arugula on a gluten-free bun. Andrews, a longtime friend of Whataburger founder Harmon Dobsons, wasnt simply the companys first franchisee, he was its most successful, opening dozens of locations in Texas and helping the chain build its reputation. However, after only four months, Dobson grew restless and returned to the U.S. By August of that year, he returned home. By March 5, the couple was married. Dobson faced financial challenges. Verify and try again. Many Texans still love and appreciate the food at this Texas treasure. A few weeks after the funeral, Grace visited Dobson in Corpus Christi, and they had their first date at Whataburger. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? This account has been disabled. The new CEO and president of Whataburger was Tom Dobson, the son of Harmon and Grace Dobson. A system error has occurred. A host of new menu items was unveiled, including the Whatameal, the A.1. Thick & Hearty Burger, cookies, biscuits, chicken strips and more. Tom officially took over Whataburger in 1993 and is still company chairman today. The entire crew bailed out, with Harmon parachuting into a jungle. I thought you might like to see a memorial for Harmon Archibald Dobson I found on Findagrave.com. Whataburger was becoming what Dobson always knew it could, and his family was happy and successful. His friend and associate, Andrew Sneed was also killed. Its a place people count on in their communities. This was interesting article especially since it was about a burger that is highly famous here in Texas. Patricia Sharpe writes a regular restaurant column, Pats Pick, for Texas Monthly. This is a carousel with slides. And while we now serve hot, fresh food at more than 890 Whataburgers across the country, that burger stand in Corpus Christi is never far from our hearts. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. The men were killed instantly.12, About two years after Harmon Dobsons death, on July 10, 1969, Grace Dobson, the wife of Harmon Dobson, was officially elected chairwoman of the board with George W. Garrison named as the president. [7], In his will, Dobson left the company to his wife, Grace Dobson, who at the time was encouraged to sell the company. However, early on Burton and Dobson found that their differing business philosophies were undeniable. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. Jos R. Ralat is Texas Monthlys taco editor, writing about tacos and Mexican food. Wikipedia. But in April of that year, a plane accident cut short Harmon's life, leaving her with three . So, he brought along Johnny Sneed, who was working with a Whataburger franchise in Victoria, Texas. The other victims were identified by the Texas . There was a festive atmosphere in first class that. Cant tell much yet.6, August 11, 1950- Nice day today $97. Their business completed the next day, on April 11, 1967, and the men were going back home. Harmon Dobson was the founder of WHATABURGER Inc. Since post-war production had not yet returned, the U.S. had a great need for autos, particularly in rural areas. Dobson and Burton's goal was to make a burger that took two hands to hold and that tasted good. His mother, Louise, and his sister, Kathy Reese, ran the business until Louise died, in 2005, leaving Reese in charge. So, Dobson, being a former pilot, used a Piper Sub Club plane to drop flyers and coupons to potential customers. Pilot killed in crash near Thorsby remembered as 'skilled, beloved One year, 24 weddings were held at a Dallas Whataburger. It consists of a grilled quarter-pound beef patty, fresh lettuce, four dill pickles, three slices of tomatoes, chopped onions, mustard and ketchup. And as long as they can still get their Green Chile Double Whataburgers or Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits, they probably dont care. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. By the end of the decade, Harmon would open Whataburger #21 in Pensacola, Florida. After experiencing numerous losses that caused him to lose over $5,000, Dobson returned to the U.S. Dobson began by doing dozens of quick auto deals before returning to Texas to scout for oil. Try again. Unflinching, she steadfastly refused. Dobson revealed that in Fast Food magazine in 1957 that flying over a Whataburger in Bryan, Texas led to more customers buying burgers. Montana family mourning loss of pilot | ParkRecord.com By the company's seventh decade, Whataburger had grown from a single burger stand in Corpus Christi to an 800-restaurant chain that spanned every state from Arizona to Florida. In 1953, Joe Andrews Sr. became the first franchise owner that was not one of the original founders, with a location in Alice, Texas. Following that, he worked at the New York Shipbuilding Company, which, at the time, was the worlds largest boat-builder for the U.S. Navy. And You Thought Feral Hogs Were Bad. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. Today Whataburger has over 800 stores in ten states serving up Harmon Dobsons original Whataburger. Harmon Dobson was the founder of WHATABURGER Inc. August 10, 1950- I came to Corpus Wed. Paul finally opened Tuesday [August 8] $50 first day, $79 yesterday & $62 today. It was an instant success, and Harmon began to expand the business to other markets. Shortly after arriving on campus, Harmon was called home to help with a family crisis. Yet, I find it insane that Dobson died so tragically and unexpectedly before he could see his fast food chain truly flourish and gain a big following from many Texans and others from different states. So proud & so tired.17. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Dobson wrote about this difficulty in his journal: Late May, 1950- Landed back in Midland April 21 to find that Henry Mode, my oil partner, had begun drinking again. With his massive profits, he dabbled in oil speculation and mining diamonds in South America. Make sure that the file is a photo. They were finally recovered earlier this month after five months of rescue attempts. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. Spicing Things Up: Whataburger Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lineup Returns for a Limited Time, Get Ready for More Bold Flavors: Whataburger is Growing in Memphis, Whataburger Celebrates One Year of Delicious Dining in Colorful Colorado, MyWhataburger I found this sad and interesting. Dobson lived in the same modest house at Santa Fe Street and Meldo Park Drive for years, maintaining a close relationship with her children, grandchildren and friends, Sheka said. After the settlement, the leadership of both companies changed. Franchisees also sued over a mandatory rebate plan, which WOA claims amounted to forcing vendors to pay illegal rebates, kickbacks, and bribes to Whataburger and its executives. Whataburgers Facebook page reached 1 million fans in 2013, just over a year after its launch. By The Canadian Press Sat., Sept. 26, 2020 At least 2 injuries reported after plane crash in Houston, Texas - CNN You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. cemeteries found in Batesville, Independence County, Arkansas, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. [4], Dobson and Burton business venture was short lived when their partnership ended 1951 because of a dispute over Dobson's price raise of the burger from 25 to 30 cents. Grace Dobson Obituary (2005) - Corpus Christi, TX - Corpus-Christi Theres no question that Whataburger, if managed properly in the public market, could deliver a significant return, he says. [5][9], "Deep in the Heart: Whataburger's Long History of Success and Brand Identity", "Whatalife: Harmon Dobson, the Founder of Whataburger", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Harmon_Dobson&oldid=1103833486, This page was last edited on 11 August 2022, at 05:01. Harmon Archibald Dobson was an American entrepreneur best known as one of the founders of the fast food chain Whataburger. Thats when they look at me through squinted eyes and really say, Yeah, Right!! [4] In 1993, her son Tom Dobson became the CEO and president of Whataburger. The agreement stipulated that if Andrewss company identified a location in the three counties that it wanted to develop, Whataburger was obligated to approve the franchise. Harmon Dobson founded this famous Texas hot spot in 1950. They really caught on early to the adage that pioneers get slaughtered and settlers get the land, he says. The purpose of this is to explore expansion plans in the northern area of the United States while staying true to the brands message.15 Some of the brand messages can be found in The Whataburger Difference. The Whataburger Difference is what separates the company from every other competitor that they have and one of the five points of focus is to protect and serve the best products in the industry.16 With this said, hopefully Texans will stay true to the family brand as changes occur, which would surely make Dobson proud of how his company has grown. Serving it hot and fresh, 24/7. There is a problem with your email/password. The wreckage of a military plane found this month on an Alaska glacier is that of an Air Force plane that crashed in 1952, killing all 52 people aboard, military officials said Wednesday. In part because of its regional statusof the nearly 800 current Whataburger locations, more than 600 are in Texasthe chain inspires a combination of pride and loyalty among many Texans. New Year's Day, 1950, Harmon Dobson, a sometime bush pilot, diamond courier, and automobile dealer, wrote in his journal: . based on information from your browser. in 2013. By the late eighties the company had begun to lose its way. More than seven decades ago, an adventurous and determined entrepreneur named Harmon Dobson had a bold idea: to serve a burger so big that it took two hands to hold, and so good that after a single bite customers couldn't help but exclaim, What a burger! He named his humble burger stand, located on Ayers Street in Corpus Christi, Texas, Whataburger.. Once it was averted, Harmon began searching for a new path to success. By Stefano Esposito and Sam Kelly. The plane went up 100 feet off the runway and came straight back down. Harmon Dobson founded this famous Texas hot spot in 1950. Grace Williamson and her 5-year-old son, Tom, rented a home owned by Dobsons brother Coy. It isnt a small business anymore, and to keep ahead of the competition, it may have to start acting its size. However, Dobson was already looking to move on to bigger ventures. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. After hearing from a friend in Houston that Texas was teeming with both cars and oil, Dobson, whose business ventures now had him traveling halfway across the U.S., purchased a private plane and learned to fly it. In 1955, Harmon married Grace Williamson and they became Whataburger's First Couple. Together, they raised three children: Hugh, Lynne and Tom. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. Great article! Published by Corpus-Christi Caller-Times on Sep. 3, 2005. She is survived by two sons, Thomas and Hugh Dobson; a daughter, Lynne Dobson; three sisters, Lola Stettler, Louise Abbot and Jean Florie; and five grandchildren. Contents 1 Early life 2 Whataburger 3 Death 4 References Early life Along the way they talked about old times and old friends. By the company's seventh decade, Whataburger had grown from a single burger stand in Corpus Christi to an 800-restaurant chain that spanned every state from Arizona to Florida. You can always change this later in your Account settings. If you fill out the first name, last name, or agree to terms fields, you will NOT be added to the newsletter list. He wanted this burgers to be so delicious that it would make a person yell, What a burger! This inspired the naming of his company. . Lawrence Jagmin, of . He flew to Texas to scout out the oil and auto possibilities in places like Witchita Falls, Dallas, and Houston. She also gave copious amounts of her time and money back to Corpus Christi and the state. Our History: The Whataburger Story The beloved Nickel Mugnow a classic piece of Americanadebuted as a promotion which was supposed to last 1-year but ended up running for 14. Many Texans still love and appreciate the food at this Texas treasure. Great job on your article Courtney! 1 Colonization and Settlement (1500-1763), 2 Revolution and Early Republic (1754-1801), 4 Civil War and Reconstruction (1850-1877), 5 Emergence of Modern America (1877-1929), 4 Late Middle Ages-Renaissance-Reformation Europe (1300-1648), 3 Post-Classical History (600 CE-1492 CE), HS 1302 United States History since 1877, SP 3392 Language Variation and Dialectology of Spanish, Dom DiFurio and Oria McCaffrey, Whataburgers founding family sells controlling stake in iconic Texas chain,, College of Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences. Oops, something didn't work. Mary Lynne and Hugh are both members of the board of directors. Some people are legendary because of what they have done, but others and perhaps the most important ones, are legendary because of who they are. Tragedy struck the Whataburger family in 1967 when a plane crash took the life of Harmon Dobson. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. Harmon never lived to see his shack become a regional burger empire; he died in a plane crash in 1967. On July 19, 1989, one of the most dramatic events in aviation unfolded in the skies over Iowa as heroic pilots battled to land a crippled DC-10. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? Whataburger founder Harmon Dobson stands in front of his first . Most people thought Grace Dobson would sell her rapidly growing hamburger business after her husband died in a private plane crash in 1967. . The meat and vegetables were always fresh, never frozen. The All-Time Favorites menu, featuring four of the most loved specialty sandwiches from over the years, made its debut and was greeted enthusiastically by Whataburger fans. The burgers were always cooked exactly how the customer wanted them to be. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. In fact, people love representing Whataburger so much, they rush out to get the latest Whataburger swag: from Whataburger sunglasses to Whataburger sneakers, t-shirts, sweaters, and hats. The meat and vegetables were always fresh, never frozen. I had over 5000 dollars invested in a drilling deal in Loving County, Texas, and on May 18 almost lost the whole thing through his drinking by fouling up a deal only two days before the money would have been forfeited Am now interested in financing Paul Burton, a hamburger expert, in some small specialized hamburger joints somewhere in Texas. The ceremony wasnt mere sentiment at work. Its so interesting that he aimed to create a burger that would require hands to hold it. Neither Whataburger nor Whataburger of Alice would be what it is today without the other. Harmon Dobson - Wikiwand Harmon Dobson - Wikipedia Police received a call at 1:41 p.m that a Harmon Rocket plane crashed into a field near Township Road 504 and Range Road 21, and then caught fire. Months later, Harmon raised the prices for burgers to 35 cents. Tragedy struck the Whataburger family in 1967 when a plane crash took the life of Harmon Dobson. I never knew that Dobsons initial intent was to try and strike oil here in Texas. In 1952, Dobson opened a location in Kingsville, Texas, this was the first store located outside of Corpus Christi. In the midst of this turmoil, Andrews, who decades earlier had been given exclusive rights to Bexar, Bee, Jim Wells, and Webb counties, decided in 1990 to sell his San Antonio franchises to an outside buyer, in order to better focus on the South Texas market. On June 23, 1950, the Texas Secretary of State office granted Dobson the trademark for Whataburger. Dobson then invested more time and more effort into developing the first Whatabuger.4, Eventually, on August 8, 1950, Dobson opened and sold his first Whataburger through the window of a little portable building. Failed to delete memorial. Today, in 2019, it has been 69 years since the first Whataburger opened up. Numbers went from 600 to 950 burgers per day.10, August 4, 1951- Proud to be the beginning of what may be a lifelong business. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. She did not like to drive, so for years he picked her up and drove her to monthly USO meetings. This is the era in which country music legend Mel Tillis started appearing in television commercials for the company, a role that would continue through the 80s. [2] Harmon and his wife had two children, a daughter born in 1956 and a son born in 1957. Leave them blank to get signed up. It is crazy that he died in a plane crash. H-E-Bs True Texas BBQ Restaurant Is Slipping, West Texans Are Learning What It Means to Live in Bear Country. Unique 30-foot-tall A-frame design spiked interest in Whataburger It consists of a grilled quarter-pound beef patty, fresh lettuce, four dill pickles, three slices of tomatoes, chopped onions, mustard and ketchup. He had $2500 to invest in the right deal involving oil, and eventually, he became partners with Henry Mode on an oil lease in Loving County, Texas.2 Yet, this investment did not lead to success. Wow! The burgers were always cooked exactly how the customer wanted them to be. This plane was easy to spot as it towed a Whataburger banner in the air and blared its duck-like airhorn.9, After every flight, business would do well. He felt like the burgers at Dairy King were too small and wanted to build a really big burger, calling it the Whataburger. The '70s was a decade of Whataburger milestones. He started his first establishment in 1950 as a large "wooden box" stand. Whataburger has been highly successful in a very competitive market, says Stephen Barth, a professor of law and leadership at the University of Houstons Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management. On June 23, 1950, the Texas Secretary of State office granted Dobson the trademark for Whataburger. Dobson then invested more time and more effort into developing the first Whatabuger.4, Eventually, on August 8, 1950, Dobson opened and sold his first Whataburger through the window of a little portable building. The. "I considered myself lucky to be a friend of Grace. The location of the first Whataburger was 2609 Ayers Street, across from Del Mar College in Corpus Christi. Harmon Archibald Dobson (1913-1967) - Find a Grave Memorial The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. (Dobson family members also may be ready to cash out.) Born: October 8, 1913, Wayne, OK. Died: 1967, La Porte, TX. Be the first to post a memory or condolences. Whataburger was doing well after its grand opening. Eventually, Jim Peterson became the new CEO, but he left a negative impact on the company. He charged a pricy 25 cents since the burgers were better quality than the competitors burgers. He died when his private plane, a Cessna Skymaster, crashed shortly after takeoff. BDT Capital Partners acquired a majority interest in Whataburger and Ed Nelson was promoted to President in 2019. It hurts the brand ultimately.. September 23, 1952- I never expected anything like this. However, the oil business would prove to be about as profitable for Dobson as the diamond business. To this day, giving is a huge part of the Whataburger dynasty. In the summer of 1854, a destitute stowaway on a Texas-bound schooner was discovered and forced to work for his passage. She was very excited about that." Harmons parents, Hugh and Ethel, raised cattle and fed the family fresh beef, milk, and home-grown vegetables. Search above to list available cemeteries. Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. 1 of 6. Numbers went from 600 to 950 burgers per day.10, August 4, 1951- Proud to be the beginning of what may be a lifelong business. He realized that he needed some creative marketing strategies to obtain new customers. It was fascinating to see that the burger/fast food chain that Dobson created (along with other people) would end up becoming the most notable food item in Texas. 1967 Press Photo Plane Crash Kill Harmon Dobson & Luther Sneed When he opened the first stand, on Ayers Street in Corpus Christi, he envisioned selling a burger big enough that it would take two hands to hold it. Harmon Archibald Dobson (October 8, 1913 April 11, 1967)[1] was an American entrepreneur best known as one of the founders of the fast food chain Whataburger. Ben Cauley survived the crash and James Alexander was not on the plane. To use this feature, use a newer browser. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. Burton wanted to cut back on the product, convinced that customers would not pay that much. DeLaughters Is the Little Grocery Store That Could, The Daughter of a Barbecue Family Takes Tradition in a New Direction, The Old Orange Cafe Is a Piece of Local History, Gen Zs Homemade Tortillas Could Use an Upgrade. It was the first Whataburger restaurant outside the state of Texas. When everyone told Grace to just let go, the love of her husband and the desire to honor a promise propelled her forward into uncharted territory as she fought to keep the Whataburger legacy alive. They are memories Sheka said he will treasure. There was a problem getting your location. In a short time, Dobson had an impressive business. Really great article. The place did well, and soon Dobson added two more locations in Corpus and one in nearby Kingsville. The All-Time Favorites menu, featuring four of the most loved specialty sandwiches from over the years, made its debut and was greeted enthusiastically by Whataburger fans. By 1960, Whataburger stores had expanded and were operating across Texas, Florida, and Tennessee. In February 1955, Coy passed away, and Dobson and Grace turned to each other for comfort. Whataburger - Wikipedia At the end of 1980, Whataburger opened its 300th restaurant. Harmon Dobson, a "young entrepreneur" who made his start in life shipbuilding, oil drilling and diamond training, was the man behind the burgers. Thats quite a success story to tell, though. Resend Activation Email. Man dies after crashing his plane near U.S. 40. Today, Whataburger is a big part of Texas culture, and families all over the Lone Star State can say thank you to Harmon Dobson for helping them to celebrate some of the best moments of their lives. What disappointed Harmon most about this era was the news that although he was accepted to the University of Missouri to study journalism, he would never graduate. Harmon Dobson - Google Search BDT Capital Partners acquired a majority interest in Whataburger and Ed Nelson was promoted to President in 2019. On April 11, 1967, at around 4:30 p.m., Dobson and his business associate Luther John Sneed took off in Dobson's Cessna Skymaster from an airport in LaPorte heading for Victoria, Texas. harmon dobson plane crash. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. It is a place that feels like home to more than 50,000 employees, called Family Members, and millions of customers. AKA Thomas E. Dobson. There is even a Whataburger race car and a Whataburger field in Corpus Christi that hosts a minor league baseball team. The plane was making unusual noises and was rumored to be having engine trouble. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. During this time he traveled to North Africa where he helped build a U.S. Navy base and worked on airplane hangars, radio towers, tanks, and whatever else the Navy needed. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE.