Walter "W.T" Whitman, age 82, entered heaven's gates on Sunday, February 21, 2021 after a long battle with Alzheimer's.

W.T. was born October 30, 1938 in Porum, Oklahoma to Charles and Maudie (Cook) Whitman, the sixth of nine children.  "T", as he was affectionately known by, was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, a loyal friend to many, and a devoted Christian. He accepted Jesus as his savior when he was a young boy and walked by faith his entire life.

T. married the love of his life, Toka Elrod, on December 27, 1957, and together they created their own love story that lasted 60 years and produced 7 children, 17 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. "PaPa" Whitman cherished every moment with his grandchildren and often had many little shadows following him wherever he went.

W.T worked 29 years as a mechanic at Corning Glass Company until it closed, and then spent the next twenty years operating his own business and working part time as a rural mail carrier in the Oktaha area.  His dedication, work ethic, and devotion to family and God were an example to many who saw him every Sunday sitting with his wife and children in the same pew at the First Baptist Church in Checotah.

W.T. was preceded in death by his wife Toka, his son Harley Whitman, his grandson Jeffery Whitman, his parents Charles and Maudie Whitman, his brother Charles "Bud" Whitman, his sisters Helen Whitman, Anne Bragg, Sue Lyndsey, Cleta Jane Borksky, and Pasty Bennett.

W.T is survived by his sons Mark Whitman of Checotah, Daniel Whitman and wife Raelyn of Oktaha, Todd Whitman and wife Deborah of Muskogee, and Lance Whitman and wife Kristie of Checotah; daughters Deborah Gava and husband Mike of Rosamond, California and Lisa Dotson and husband Paul of Sallisaw, Oklahoma; brother Jerry Whitman and wife Yvonne of Iowa Park, Texas and sister Vel Gilbert of Fort Meyers Beach, Florida; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held for W.T. on March 16, 2021 at 11:00 at First Baptist Church in Checotah, OK.