Emette Ray Litten, was born March 31, 1930 at Earth, Texas. He passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord July 19, 2015.
He graduated high school at Springer, New Mexico and soon after was inducted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War.
Upon exit from the United States Army he began a new career in the professional bull riding arena as a member of the Rodeo Cowboys Association. Although he made money many times it seemed the fun of the event was more important to him. He would travel from rodeo to rodeo on a Harley motor cycle. During his stay at the hospital prior to his passing he entertained the staff with stories of his adventures. Many of them would visit his room just to hear these tales.
Following exit from the Army service he began a career in operating one of the largest cranes in the world. During this time he became a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers of which he was later honored with a Lifetime membership. He also followed up on the training he had received while in the Army with a lifetime career of mechanics in the area of vehicles, TVs and Ham radios. People from all around would go to him if they had a fixit problem with any of these items. He always was interested in airplanes so he got his license to fly and bought his first plane, a Cessna. Later he bought a Swift, which was his pride and joy, and enjoyed many years of flying. Emette also became an Amateur Extra for operator privileges through the Federal Communications Commission.
Emette was a rancher near Allen, Oklahoma. His most enduring quality was how he would take in every little stray dog that appeared at his ranch. His heart was a big as Dallas when one of these little creatures would appear. It seemed at times that people would drop a dog off near his home knowing they would be welcome.
The last thirty-five years of his life was dedicated to building a herd of black baldy cattle, which he successfully accomplished. In spite of health problems he remained on his ranch and managed with very little assistance.
His parents, Melvin L. Litten and Grace Connally Litten preceded him in death as well as brother, Lendon Litten and a son, Emette Lynn Litten.
He is survived by one brother, Jackie H. Litten of Farmington, NM and a sister, Wanda Jean Litten of Elmore City, OK. Niece, Chirll Burch and husband Jim Burch, a grandnephew, Cody Burch and wife Hillarie and their three children, Lane, Ryan and Ced. One grandniece, Jena Shay Foster and husband Gavin.
Services will be held at Criswell Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 23, 2015.
Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com.
Criswell Funeral Home, Ada, OK
