Charles Witty

1930 - 2025

Charles Joseph "Joe" Witty passed away at his home on September 22, 2025, at the age of 95. He was born on June 25, 1930, in Elgin, Oregon, to Charles and Bonita Witty. His early years were spent in the Big Bend area south of Adrian, Oregon, where he lived the majority of his life and established deep roots in the community he loved.
Joe attended Big Bend Grade School and graduated from Adrian High School in 1949. His pursuit of education took him to John Brown College in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, and later to Kansas State University, where he earned a degree in Agricultural Education.
During his college years, while visiting his sister in Illinois, Joe met the love of his life, Carolyn. They married on June 6, 1954, at the South Henderson Presbyterian Church near Biggsville, Illinois, and recently celebrated 71 years of marriage-a testament to their enduring love and partnership.
Following their wedding, Joe proudly served two years in the United States Army as a radio operator stationed in Stuttgart, Germany. After his service, he returned to Adrian and began his lifelong career in education as the Vocational Agriculture teacher at Adrian High School. Over 31 years, Joe mentored generations of students, retiring in 1987 but remaining a respected and beloved figure in the school community.
After retiring from teaching, Joe continued to pursue his lifelong passion for agriculture by farming alongside his son Marshall. He also found joy in training horses, going on hunting and packing trips, sharing entertaining stories, traveling with Carolyn, and attending Bible study in Roswell. Working the land brought him deep satisfaction, and he remained actively involved in the family farm for many years.
Beyond his career and farming, Joe was a pillar of the Adrian Community Church, where he faithfully served as an elder and remained active throughout his life. His quiet strength, unwavering faith, and generous spirit touched many lives.
Joe's greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his devoted wife Carolyn; his four children and their spouses: Marshall (Darla) Witty, Lynne (Jon) Buck, Laurie (Robert) Brigantic, and Mark (Julie) Witty; nine grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his siblings: Carol Spears, Ben Witty, John Witty, and David Witty. He was preceded in death by his sister, Lorina Gillen.
A memorial service will take place on Monday, September 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Adrian Community Church, as family and friends gather to pay tribute to a life of quiet strength and dedication.
In celebration of Joe's lasting legacy in agriculture and education, the family is establishing the Joe Witty Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship will support graduates of Adrian High School who plan to pursue post-secondary education in an agriculture-related field. Donations may be sent to the Adrian School District, PO Box 108, Adrian, OR 97901, with a note designating the gift for the Joe Witty Memorial Scholarship.