Jerry Witcher Obituary

Jerry Witcher, prominent journalist, 73, died April 12, 2006. Born Nov. 4, 1932 in a 3 room farmhouse near Vinson, OK, the youngest of 3 sons of George & Robbie Witcher. He began his journalism career in Altus, OK. He worked for more than 31 years for United Press International in OKC. He was inducted into the Okla. Journalism Hall of Fame in 1988. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church since 1960. Preceded in death by his parents, wife, Marilyn; son, David Witcher. Survivors include his daughter, Linda Witcher Mapes; grandson, Jason R. Witcher & 2 brothers, Gale of Weatherford, OK & Joe of Houston, TX. Viewing Monday afternoon & Tuesday with private burial on Wednesday in Sunset Cemetery, Geary, OK. MERCER-ADAMS

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Published by Oklahoman on Apr. 16, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Witcher

13 Entries

Linda Witcher Mapes

August 22, 2020

Dad, I miss you so much and think about you every day!!! I;m so lost without you!!! Thank you for being the Dad you were and loving me even though I had so many flaws...Love you and miss you!!! Not glad you're gone but certainly glad you're not here in this crazy 2020 year!!! I need you Dad!!! Will see you again when God decides it's time for me to join his Heavenly Kingdom and be with you, Mom, David, Jason, and the rest of the family again!! Until then, please keep coming to me in my dreams!!! I love you!!!

March 15, 2007

March 15, 2007: Jerry, You are an Angel now just as you were when I met you. I know you continue watching over me, I feel your presene everyday. I miss your daily phone calls and your silly sense of humor. I love you so much and I pray to you each night before I go to sleep. I know you hear me when I cry, I can feel your warm arms around me and your gentle heart telling me everything is going to be okay. No one has ever touched my heart like you have. I love you Jerry Witcher. Starlin

marsha zachary

June 5, 2006

I MISS YOU JERRY/DAD.PUT IN A GOOD WORD FOR ME UP THERE.

May 22, 2006

Linda: that is a beutiful poem. I hope you are doing okay. I love you lots. Starlin

You made a difference in this world Dad and your will never be forgotten!! Love, your daughter Linda.

May 16, 2006

Linda Witcher Mapes

May 16, 2006

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006

Jim Campbell

May 13, 2006

We go back a long way, to the days we were rookies at UPI. I valued you as a true friend from then on and recognized your talents as a writer, reporter, editor and manager. I fondly remember the exchange of funny messages on the old message wire when I was in Detroit.

Jim Campbell

Starlin Chamberlain

May 5, 2006

Jerry Witcher you were my best friend. God brought us together and he will reunite us one day. I will always cherish our friendship and will always hold you close in my heart. I miss your phone calls everyday. God bless you Jerry Witcher.

Linda Mapes

April 25, 2006

To the best Dad any daughter could ever have...I love you forever! Rest in Peace. Love, your daughter, Linda.

rocky scott

April 18, 2006

You were always there to help me get the words right and now, when I really need to get the words right, I can't seem to find you. We are richer for knowing you and poorer for your passing.

You were a good man and will be missed.

Rocky, Beth, John and Sarah Scott (ko-ta)

J.B. Blosser Bittner

April 18, 2006

The problem with having Jerry Witcher as a manager early in your career is that you tend to think all managers will be Jerry Witchers. Instead he becomes the benchmark for everyone yet to follow. Few come close to the high bar he set. And you are reminded, again, how blessed you have been to know him.

Karin L. Kruger

April 18, 2006

I met Jerry the first time when John (Thompson) was transferred to the KO bureau in 1970.

I always teased Jerry that he looked like Abe Lincoln when he was younger. He had that wonderful dry sense of humor, even in illness, that I will miss terribly.

Any time you need a friend, Linda, I'm here ... we both grew up in the UPI family!

May God bring you and the rest of the family comfort in this time of sorrow.

Jacqueline Scott Shannon

April 17, 2006

Jerry Witcher: What a wonderful mentor and friend!

Although I had been a reporter for several years when I went to work for him at UPI, it was Jerry who taught me how to write.

I shall miss him always, and look forward to that great reunion in Heaven.

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