Photo courtesy of Sanders Funeral Service - Kingfisher
Kingfisher, Oklahoma
Dec 2, 1938 – Jun 11, 2021 (Age 82)
Gene L. (Whit) Whitaker, 82, passed away on June 11, 2021 at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City, after a year long battle with Lung Disease.
Gene was born on December 2, 1938 in Salem, Illinois to Russell G. Whitaker and Wilma Lee Chenoweth Whitaker. At the age of 13 months Gene's mother along with a baby boy passed away, giving birth. He was. raised by his maternal grandparents, Hugh L. & Alice Chenoweth in Susank, Kansas. He attended elementary school in Susank and graduated high school at Hoisington Rural High School in Hoisington KS with the class of 1956. After graduation he joined the Air Force, serving 4 yrs. Coming home from the military Gene started working in the oil industry, working for several major companies until he started his own consulting business, J.W. Comp. Services. Kingfisher, OK
Gene was a devout Christian and a member of the Kingfisher United Methodist Church, Elks Lodge #2416, where he served as a Trustee, American Legion Post #0286, for 46 yrs. all of Kingfisher.
Gene married Melva Jean Franklin on December 29, 1973. Jean passed away January 15, 2006
Gene then married Dorothy Templing Justice on September 4, 2011 in Hoisington, Kansas.
Gene is survived by his wife, Dorothy; Children, Jennifer Swindell & husband, Michael of Eufaula, OK, Son, Levi Whitaker of Edmond, OK; Step children, Brent Justice of McPherson, Kansas, Brian & wife Dorothy Justice of Kennesaw, GA. Jean's children, Katt Powers & Barbara Taylor both of Oklahoma City. Numerous step-grandchildren, and numerous, step-great grandchildren, and a host of friends & other relatives. Gene was preceded in death by wife, Jean, his birth parents Russell & Wilma Whitaker, his maternal grandparents, Hugh & Alice Chenoweth.
Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at 10:00 am at the Kingfisher Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Kingfisher United Methodist Church, Kingfisher, OK or Elks Lodge #2416, all of Kingfisher, OK
Few times in life that one has the opportunity to have a friend like "Whit". Truly one of a kind who proudly wore his love of family and country on his sleeve. I will always remember the many fish frys and hunting trips. His humour and love of life will be missed. Deepest condolences to the family.
David Wilbeck
July 29, 2021 | Fate, TX | Friend
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I knew Gene for over 40 years in the oil & gas business. He was a good man.
John Tabor
July 28, 2021 | Waxahachie, TX | Coworker
Worked with Whit many years in Texas and Oklahoma. He was a avid sportsman. We shared many hunting, fishing and golfing trips I was proud to call him a true friend. Really enjoyed my years working around him. My sympathy goes out to his family and friends. I know he will be missed
Jim Johnson
July 12, 2021 | Norman, OK | Friend
Remembered By
Jim Johnson
July 12, 2021 | Norman, OK
Gene has been a friend of the family ever since I was a child in Casper. I've known Jennifer and Levi their entire lives. Gene's smile and humor will be missed. Dorothy, I am so sorry for your loss. Jim and I are sad that we were not able to be there for Gene's service.
Karen Floyd
June 17, 2021 | Arvada, CO | Friend
Dorothy, my family grew up across the street from Gene in Susank. He was a real character, and will never be another like him. Labor Day will not be the same without seeing him.
Jay Lindquist
June 16, 2021 | Great Bend, KS | Friend
Dorothy, Thinking of you and praying for your and your families. Sad for you, but rejoicing that Whit is enjoying Heaven today.
Carol Walter
June 16, 2021 | San Antonio, TX | Friend
So sorry to read about the passing of Gene. May he now rest in peace without pain.
Harlin Ochs
June 16, 2021 | Kerrville, TX | Friend
Dorothy, so very sorry for your loss- our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Deepest Sympathy.
Merlin & Bonita Ney
June 15, 2021 | RUSSELL, KS | Friend
