Gerald Don Whitfield

Gerald Don Whitfield, 85, passed away peacefully at home in Crescent, Oklahoma, on April 3, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on January 14, 1940, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Gerald was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, coach, teacher and friend to many. He was the youngest of 7 brothers and sisters. The Whitfield children were known to be very protective of one another. If a child picked on one Whitfield, they picked on all eight. His mother played the piano in silent movies and met his dad when he was dancing down the theater aisle. What so many people remember about Gerald is his wonderful sense of humor. Wherever he was there was laughter. He enjoyed bringing family and friends together, practical jokes, great food, trips to the lake, snow skiing, spending summers in Colorado, golfing, homemade ice cream, watching movies(especially westerns) and coconut cream pie(so much so, he would hide it on holidays). He was a history buff. He loved to travel. He traveled extensively internationally and made it to all 50 states. Above all, Gerald’s journey was guided by his love for Jesus Christ. His faith was evident not only in his words but in the way he lived his life through kindness, gentleness, generosity and love for others.

Gerald graduated from Putnam City High School in 1958 and earned a wrestling scholarship to the University of Oklahoma. As a varsity wrestler, he was part of the 1960 OU team winning both the Big Eight and National Championships. For 11 years, Gerald coached high school wrestling at his alma mater, leading his teams to two state championships and being selected the State of Oklahoma Coach of the Year in 1973 and 1975. He continued his teaching career in Crescent, Oklahoma before transitioning into the oil and gas industry, where he worked for many years.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, John Emmitt and Beulah Blen Whitfield; his first wife, Carole Sue Whitfield (Wheelis); four sisters, Ina Lillie(Lawrence E.), Ella Blen(William D.), Darlene Estelle(Glen A.), Joyce Dee; and two brothers, John Emmitt(Sheila) and Harry Lee(Jane), brother-in-laws, Jerry (Mary) Gregory, Darrell (Joyce) Gregory, Eddie (Vicki) Gregory and Dick Gregory.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Karen Kay Whitfield(Gregory); daughters Lori Ann Colbart, Jeri Lynn Bard and Diana Kay Kuykendall; step-sons Rhett James Cummings and Gregory Wade Cummings; sister Carol Lynn Erickson(Jerry L.); sons-in-law Michael Lee Colbart, Terry Jack Bard and Kevin Pierce Kuykendall; daughters-in-law Tonya Rene Cummings and Arlena Lyneve Cummings; sister-in law Danielle Robbins Gregory, 15 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family members who cherished him dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Crosspointe Church, 122 N. Broadway Ave, Crescent, OK.

Gerald’s legacy lives on through the many lives he touched as a mentor, teacher, coach and friend. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. The family would like to acknowledge a special thank you to the many loving caretakers and nurses who went above and beyond and treated Gerald like family. In lieu of flowers please send donation: ALL Crescent Scholarship helping students transition to college The Crescent Public School Foundation P.O. Box 295 Crescent, OK 73028