Tawfik “Tim” M. Khatib, 85, of Edmond, Oklahoma, passed away on Tuesday, January 29, 2019. Tim was born on December 27, 1933 in Deir Sharif village in Palestine. He grew up in the Holy Lands and upon high school graduation he was awarded a full scholarship to attend college for receiving the highest score in Jordan on his college entrance exams. He attended the American University of Beirut where he earned a degree in Civil Engineering. He went on to attend Oklahoma State University and earned a Master’s degree. Tim married Linda Johnston of Cushing, Oklahoma in 1960. They moved abroad and lived in Amman, Jordan for 6 years while Tim worked as a civil engineer for the Jordanian government. He was awarded The King Hussain Medal of Honor for exemplary service for disaster services. Tim and Linda returned to the United States and lived in Oklahoma City for 43 years. Tim worked as the Division Engineer of Local Government for ODOT until his retirement in 2005. Following retirement he worked as a consultant for the Benham Group.
Tim served on the Board of Visitors for Oklahoma State University. He was also active in the Association of County Commissioners, the American Society of Professional Engineers and the Oklahoma Society of Professional Engineers. He served as a Board Member of the YMCA of Bethany.
Tim is survived by his wife, Linda Johnston Khatib; his son, Joseph Khatib; his daughter, Rhonda Gelczer and her husband Robert K. Gelczer and his beloved grandson, Matthew Gelczer. He is also survived by his brothers, Dr. Rafik Khatib and Hussan Khatib of Dubai UAE and sister, Dunia Bazzari of Amman, Jordan as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, uncles and many friends.
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, February, 5th, 2019 @ 1:00 pm at Hahn-Cook/Street and Draper Funeral home. Condolences can be made on the website at www.hahncookfuneral.com.
