Col. (Ret.) William E. Whitten

William Earnest Whitten, Colonel USAF Retired, was born September 1, 1932 in Oklahoma City and left this world to be with his Savior on July 4, 2022. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy Whitten; mother, Olivia Simon and step-father, Arthur Simon. He is survived by his daughters, Deborah Harr (Jim) of Edmond, Suzanne Pendley (Hap) of Collinsville and his grandchildren, Sarah Chambers (Will), Christopher Pendley, and Brooke Pendley. Bill graduated from Classen High School in 1951 and the University of Oklahoma in 1955 where he was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He received his private pilot's license through the University flying program. This was the start of a flying career of 26 years in the USAF where he flew a career total of 5,500 flying hours in seven different jets. His favorite jet was the F-4E Phantom and it was this aircraft that he had the opportunity to fly for 9 1/2 years, accumulating 2,811 flying hours in this amazing aircraft. He crossed the Pacific Ocean in it three different times and often remarked how one doesn't realize how insignificant one really is in God's world until you are in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean in a fighter jet. Bill was assigned to Korat RTAB, Thailand in May of 1969 in the 34th TFS and the 388th TFW Stan Eval. He flew 142 combat missions during the Vietnam War. Decorations include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Meritorious Service awards. He was a devoted member of Church of the Servant where he volunteered with Hannah's Promise, Habitat for Humanity, Whiz Kids, Board of Trusties and an active member of the Perspective and TLC Sunday School classes. Bill was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and he was also a loving and devoted servant of his Savior. A viewing will be held from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm with family present at Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper, Thursday, July 14, 2022. A military graveside service will be held at Rose Hill Burial Park, 9:00 am, Friday, July 15, 2022. A Celebration of life for both William and Nancy will follow at the Hahn-Cook/Street and Draper Funeral Chapel at 11:00 am, July 15, 2022. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Church of the Servant of Oklahoma City. Arrangements are under the direction of Hahn-Cook /Street and Draper Funeral Directors.