Jerry P. Whitten

SERVICES: Memorial services will be at 2:00 PM Friday, February 12, 2010, at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, with Rev. Linda Kelly, rector, officiating. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors.BIOGRAPHY: Mr. Whitten was born May 27, 1927 in Muskogee, Oklahoma to Jack P. and Gladys Whitten. He graduated from Muskogee High School and attended Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, Oklahoma. He received his B. A. degree from the University of Oklahoma and his Master's Degree in sacred music from Union Theological Seminary in New York City. He was the organist for several churches in Oklahoma, including First Christian Church in Oklahoma City. Jerry was employed by Tarpley Music Co. in Pampa for 43 years. He was the organist and choir master at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Pampa for 15 years, and was also employed by Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors as their organist for 35 years. Jerry was fortunate to study under two of America's finest teachers, Mildred Andrews of the University of Oklahoma, and Dr. Vernon Detar of St. John the Divine Church in New York City. Jerry married Nancy Kohler on November 21, 1969 in Pampa. He was a member of the American Guild of Organists.SURVIVORS: wife: Nancy Whitten of the home; 4 stepchildren: Richard Kohler and wife Darlene, Daniel Kohler and wife Glenda, Timothy Kohler and Cynthia Kohler; 3 stepgrandchildren: Phillip Kohler, Monica Kohler and Waylon Griffin; 3 brothers: Jack Whitten, Joe Whitten and Phil Whitten; and 2 sisters: Loretta Rosser and Helen Stith.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Matthew's Episcopal Church Discretionary Fund, 727 W. Browning, Pampa, Texas 79065 or Good Samaritan Christian Services, 309 N. Ward, Pampa, Texas 79065.