Services for Henry Dean Whitson, 78, of Ada are 11:00 a.m. Thursday at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel, Carl Johnson will officiate. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery at Stonewall. A Devine Mercy prayer will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday at Criswell Funeral Home. The family will receive friends for visitation from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Criswell Funeral Home.
Henry Dean Whitson went to join Christ in His Glorious Resurrection Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016 with his wife, son and grandchildren at his side. He was born November 29, 1937 at his parent’s home at Oil Center. He was the youngest of 5 children born to Oscar and Dora Palmer Whitson. He grew up in Beebe and graduated from Vanoss High School.
He married Carol Cook June 28, 1962 in Ada. He was a member of Galey Church of Christ. He was a well-respected paint contractor in the Ada area. Henry filled his free time outdoors, especially enjoying competing in fishing tournaments later in life.
Henry and Carol were blessed with three children, James Whitson and his wife Linda of Ada, Steve Whitson and his wife Carrie of Chillicothe, and a dear daughter, Elizabeth who is deceased.
Papa Henry has many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Mandee, Jennifer and Emily are the daughters of James and Linda; Mandee and husband Casey Fowler have two boys, Colby and Mason; Jennifer and husband Jason Trimmer have three children, Jaxon, Jarren and Jovee Liz; Emily and husband Kyle Fogerty have two sons, Dathan and Myles.
Aspen, Denver, Greeley, Malachi, Mikelle, Caeli, Kateri, Jacinta, Zetamarie and Micahangelo Henry are the children of Steve and Carrie Whitson.
He is also survived by a sister, Mary Kite of Ada; and numerous extended family members and friends.
Henry was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Elizabeth; a brother, Steve; and sisters, Opal and Lenore.
Bearers will be Billy Steele, Donnie Kite, Jerry Steele, Mike Bivens, Denver Whitson and Greeley Whitson.
Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com.
Criswell Funeral Home, Ada
