Gene Wesley Whittaker
November 10, 1928 ~ January 2, 2017

Gene Wesley Whittaker passed from this world on January 2, 2017 after a brief illness at the age of 88. Gene was born in Cushing, Oklahoma on November 10th, 1928 to Otis Thurman and Mary Francis (Fritch) Whittaker. Gene excelled at wrestling and football in high school. He attended Oklahoma State University, receiving his degree in Accounting. One of Gene’s proudest accomplishments was as one of the founding members of the OSU Posse Club. The POSSE was formed in 1964 by Gene and four other OSU grads with the aim of bringing in young football talent to OSU. Their first meeting was held in 1964 at Gene’s restaurant, Whit’s Café, in Oklahoma City. His dedication to his OSU Cowboys was only surpassed by his love for his family.

Gene married Joyce Findley after college and they began their family which grew quickly to four daughters who became the ultimate focus of Gene’s life. When the youngest was only 6 months old, Joyce passed away after a short battle with breast cancer. Gene continued to raise the girls on his own.

Gene served in the Air Force and then opened his restaurant, Whit’s Cafe on NW 39th in OKC, starting small and continuing to expand it over 15 years. After closing the restaurant, Gene continued to be a local small business owner operating multiple grocery stores such as “Whittakers” on N.W. 39th as well as convenience stores named “Whitt’s” throughout OKC. He belonged to numerous social organizations and was a fervent fund-raiser for multiple organizations and causes throughout his life.

In 1995, Gene married Marilyn Weeks and so began their 22 year journey of love and laughter together. Gene and Marilyn enjoyed spending time with his India Shriner friends, traveling with the bowling team, and engaging in other Shriner activities. Later in life, Gene and Marilyn enjoyed playing in multiple bridge groups and spending as much time as possible with family.

Gene was one of the most gregarious people you could have ever met in your life, and if you ever spent over a minute’s time with him he most likely had told you a joke or had you laughing somehow. He was the ultimate optimist and wanted everyone around him to be chuckling right along with him.

Gene continued to be a fervent OSU fan throughout his life and loved taking his grandkids, family and friends to games. Gene was blessed with six daughters, one son, 11 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. His life was full of family, friends, love and lots and lots of laughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Wife, Joyce Findley Whittaker; his Daughters, Linda Jo Adamson, Jann K. Akin and Nita Joyce Giles; his granddaughter, Jaycee Akin; Son-in-law, Tom Draper; his Brothers, Benton, Louis, Floyd and Bob Whittaker; his Sisters, Lavina Mattox and Helen Hawpe.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Weiler Weeks Whittaker; his daughter, Gayle Draper; his step-daughter, Sherri Liebel and her husband, Robert; his step-son, Charlie Weeks and his wife Erin; his eleven Grandchildren, Josh, Kelly (Robert), Trisha, Don, TJ, Jamie (Ron), Jordan (Brock), Morgan, Logan and Austin; and five great Grandchildren.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, January 5, 2017 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with the family greeting guests from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A funeral service will be held at 11: 00 AM Friday, January 6, 2017 at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 2717 W. Hefner Rd. OKC, OK with burial to follow at 1:30 PM at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery.

The family requests that memorials be made to the India Shriners of OKC, Transportation Unit, 3601 NW 36th, Oklahoma City, OK 73112, www.shrinersokc.org

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