Harley Edward Whitecotton passed away on Wednesday, July 1, from Alzheimer Disease. Harley was born at Three Sands, Ok., attended Wheeler Elementary and Capital Hill Junior Senior High School. Instead of finishing High School, he entered the War effort by working in Oklahoma’s oil fields. Because he did not have the opportunity for an education, he urged his children to make sure they had a better education than he did. They did not disappoint him and earned university degrees. He worked as a roughneck until he was nearly killed in a rig explosion. He then began training as a carpenter with his father-in-law, Earl Paden.
He became a Master Trim Carpenter, and even had an Article about his work titled, Make Over Magic in Oklahoma, published in the May 1986 Edition of the Country Living Magazine. Harley loved food and suffered quite a blow when he was diagnosed with Celiac Sprue disease approximately 20 years ago: so he learned how to make his own gluten free bread and pastries; even winning some blue and red ribbons at the Oklahoma County Free Fair for some of them.
Harley loved chocolate, to talk, to work (he would forego vacations to work), to garden (his spinach and strawberry crops were abundant, to fish and to hunt. He was always available to help his daughters whether it be a remodel, building a dog house, creating a pond or adding a room. He was active in his neighborhood association for a number of years. He and his wife Jane were owners of the Cotton Patch Antique Shoppe for a number of years. He was a wise man, who once said: “The hardest part of being a parent is loving your children enough to make sure they can stand on their own when you are gone. You want to help them in anyway you can, but you must help them become self sufficient.” For many years, Oklahoma County Sheriff, Bob Turner and his family, served as a mentors and friends to Harley.
Harley is survived by his wife, Anna Jane to whom he was married 76 and ½ years, daughters, Patty Ann Whitecotton, Connie Jan Graham (Jim), grandson, David Erik Graham (Carrie) and great grandson, Jake Harley Graham. He is also survived by his sister, Wanda Pauline Hackley (Robert) and his brother, Danny Lynn Whitecotton. He was predeceased by his parents, Joe Harley Whitecotton and Lucy Clara Leigh Whitecotton and his brother, Bobby Joe Whitecotton. His generous loving Spirit and Sweet Disposition will be missed by all who knew him.
The family would like to express a Special Thank You to Story Oaks Memory Care Facility, Emerald Hospice, and Healing Hearts Hospice for making Daddy’s last years and days as fulfilling as they could be.
The family requests in lieu of flowers that contributions be made to Oklahoma Salvation Army or Alhzheimer Association.
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