Garry Junior Whitman Sr. of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died Wednesday, April 23, 2008, at his home in Blackwell at the age of 80 years.

Garry Junior Whitman Sr. was born on January 15, 1928, in Liscomb, Iowa, to Ray Rex and Marvel Truth (Bloom) Whitman. He grew up in Mountain Home, Arkansas, and attended Mountain Home Public Schools. Following his education he entered the United States Air Force on February 12, 1946, and served for twenty years retiring as a Sr. Master Sergeant. He was honorably discharged at Loring Air Force Base in Maine on February 28, 1966. He married Katherine Hackett on July 18, 1965, in Blackwell, Oklahoma, and they made their home in Blackwell. He served as mayor of Blackwell from 1979 through 1981 and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Blackwell.

He is survived by his wife Katherine of Blackwell; two daughters, Donna Rundel and husband Richard of Liano, Texas, and Kathy Spaen and husband David of Baslrop, Texas; three sons, Garry J. Whitman and wife Denise of Blackwell, Raymond Whitman of Ponca City, and Daryl Whitman of Blackwell; two step-sons, Kenny Hackett and wife Sondra of Blackwell and Kevin Hackett and wife Susan of Enid, Oklahoma; ten grandchildren; and eleven great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Keith Whitman.

Private services will be held.

A memorial has been established to the Kay County Fairgrounds Building Fund or the First Baptist Church in Blackwell in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.