Donald Ray Whitis, of Moore, Oklahoma, was born November 9, 1938, in Maysville, Oklahoma, to Elbert R. Whitis and Beulah Modenia (Bolding) Whitis. He passed away November 13, 2021, in Oklahoma City at the age of 83 years.
Donald grew up in Maysville and graduated from Maysville High School in 1957. He started cutting broomcorn at the age of 13 years, so he could buy an assortment of fireworks that he would purchase for half price on the night of July 4. He milked cows and tried farming, but that wasn’t for him. Donald attended the University of Oklahoma where he obtained a Bachelors Degree in Education and lacked only two hours completing his Master’s Degree. He started teaching in 1962 at Garber High School where he introduced and taught modern mathematics, chemistry, physics, and the atomic chart. In 1967, he began working as a computer specialist for the Department of Defense at Tinker Air Force Base. In 1972, Donald married Lillie Mae Frizell and they served the Lord in every church they attended. He was a minister for many years who led mission trips, both in the United States and Internationally in Israel, Russia, Mexico, and Africa. He was most at peace when he was preaching. Donald was a member of the First Assembly of God Church. He enjoyed his family, genealogy, watching the stock markets, antiques, the 4th of July, reading the Bible, and Bible commentaries. Survivors include his wife, Lillie Mae Whitis, of Norman, Oklahoma; sisters, Pat Jones and husband, David Lee, of Norman, Dorris Long and husband, Willie, of Norman, and many nieces and nephews.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Elbert and Beulah Whitis; brother, Elbert Dean Whitis; and sisters, Juanita Bennett, Wanda Bennett, and Carolyn Sue Williamson.
Funeral services were held November 18, 2021, at First Assembly of God Church in Noble, Oklahoma, with Pastor Steve Lance officiating. Burial followed in the Maysville Cemetery under the direction of John W. Williams of Winans Funeral Home, Maysville, Oklahoma. Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.winansfuneralhome.com.
