Craig Lee Whitten

WHITTEN, Craig Lee Whitten, age 64,of Norman, passed away from this world on Thursday, March 3, 2016, in his sleep at his home.  The eldest son of Robert Lee Whitten and Agatha Z. Whitten, both deceased, Craig was a graduate of Seminole High School and attended the University of Oklahoma. He was a four year member of the Pride of Oklahoma marching band as well as the Seminole High School marching band.   An avid reader of science fiction and mystery novels, Craig inspired many in his family to become a reader.  He was also quite a talker, like his father.  Always a kind and gentle soul, no one can remember Craig ever saying anything bad about anyone else.  He was always respectful to everyone he met.  A diabetic since his teens, Craig never complained.  He persevered through adversity in dignified and graceful silence.  He was recently diagnosed with a rare form of deadly cancer, but in his  typical way, Craig neither complained nor showed fear of death.  Some of the last words he spoke were that he didn't want to inconvenience anyone by his illness.  Craig was deeply loved by many and he loved his friends and family.  He will be sorely missed by those who knew him.   Craig was preceded in death by his beloved father, Robert Lee Whitten and his mother, Agatha Z Whitten, as well as his nephew Brandon Whitten and Michael Whitten;  Craig is survived by  his younger brothers, Reggie Whitten of Edmond and Kevin Whitten of Lenexa, KS, as well as his sisters in law Lynn and Rachelle; and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces, all of whom he loved dearly. On Wednesday, March 9th from 6p.m. – 8p.m. at Swearingen Funeral Home, friends and family will be provided a chance to pay their last respects to Craig. A private memorial service will be held graveside at 1p.m. Thursday,  March 10th, 2016, with burial at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Seminole OK under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the  American Diabetes Association, 1701 North Beauregard Street Alexandria, VA 22311 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383).  Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma. Funeral Information: March 10, 2016, 1:00 PM Graveside Service - Rest Haven Memorial Gardens located at Hwy 270 / 2 miles E. of Seminole, Seminole, OK 74868