Dr. Melvin Othal Whittington, Jr.

Dr. Melvin Othal Whittington, Jr., peacefully transitioned to his eternal home in the arms of Jesus on March 27, 2026, following a courageous struggle with Aphasia and Parkinson’s disease. His contributions to others as an educator, minister and counselor were exemplary.

Dr. “Mel” or Dr. “Whit,” as he was fondly referred to by colleagues, students, patients, and friends, was born August 19, 1944, in Shawnee, Oklahoma to Melvin and Virginia Whittington, the youngest of three boys.

Mel attended Shawnee Public Schools and went on to earn a degree in Biology from Oklahoma Baptist University in 1966. His passion for science led Mel to pursue advanced studies and fellowships to the University of New Mexico and later to the University of Minnesota, where he earned his PhD in Microbiology.

In June of 1969, Mel was drafted into the United States Army and stationed at Edgewood Arsenal in Baltimore, Maryland.

While visiting family in Shawnee over Christmas in 1971, Mel met Patricia Ann Frank, the love of his life. They were married June 30, 1972.

Mel and Patricia began their married life in Minnesota, where Mel completed his PhD in Microbiology at the University of Minnesota. It was there they welcomed their first daughter, Ann Marie, and later, while living in Tulsa, they welcomed their second daughter, Mary Jane (Janie) Whittington.

In addition to education, Mel enjoyed writing and fishing. At the age of 40, he answered a call to be a fisher of men and was asked to join the staff of First Methodist Church of Tulsa, where he served as Pastor of Family Life and Singles. He utilized his creativity and served in many capacities while there, earning a Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of Tulsa. He also served the Tulsa community through speaking engagements and as a contributor to publications and various organizations.

While serving at Will Rogers Methodist Church, he and Patricia established a private counseling practice, helping individuals, families, and veterans. In 2002, they experienced the loss of their second daughter, Janie, but through their faith, they continued to comfort and counsel many other families in their time of grief. He faithfully served his family and friends as well.

Mel and Patricia continued their counseling practice, moving to Yukon in 2019 to be closer to their daughter, Ann, and grandchildren. They joined Crossings Community Church upon their move and faithfully served as greeters in the Chapel until recently.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Virginia Whittington; his brothers, Jim Whittington, and Darrel Whittington; his niece, Tiffany Whittington; and his daughter, Mary Jane (Janie) Whittington.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Whittington; his daughter, Ann Marie Smith and her husband, Michael Smith; grandchildren, T.D. Smith and his wife Hannah, and Samantha Jane; and he was filled with joy and excitement in anticipation of welcoming his first great-grandson, Wylie Bear Smith, due in April 2026, to T.D. and Hannah Smith.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:23

The family would like to thank all those who were involved in caring for Melvin during the last few years of his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Crossings Community Church.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Crossings Community Church, 14600 Portland Avenue Oklahoma City, OK, on Thursday, April 9, 2026, beginning at 2:00 PM.