L. Whit Marks, III
1926-2015
Luther Whitfield Marks III, —Whit, Dr. Marks, Shike, Dad, Daddy, Grandfather, Far-Far, Yé Ye (爷 爷) — born November 2, 1926, in Fairfax, OK. Died June 18, 2015 in Oklahoma City. Second son of Luther W. Marks Jr. and Alice McCaulley Marks.
Attended Edmond Public Schools, graduating in 1945 from Edmond High School. Entered the Navy at the end of WWII. Married Willa Mae Larkin June 10, 1948. Graduated from Central State College (now University of Central Oklahoma), and the University of Oklahoma where he earned a PhD in Physics. Established the Department of Physics at CSC in 1955. Served as department chairman, International Student Advisor, faculty advisor to the Baptist Student Union. He was active in Kiwanis, civic affairs including Edmond Economic Development, and was a long-time member of Highland Park Baptist Church.
Survived by wife Willa, daughter Martha Dixon (husband Brad), son Randy (wife Sharon Astrin), daughter Marian Payne (husband Ronnie), and son Jonathan (wife Shana), 12 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren; brothers John, Freddie (Winona), Frank (Janette), numerous cousins, nieces, nephews. Preceded in death by mother Alice, father Luther, sister Martha Louise Sanders, sisters-in-law Leta and Laura Lee, and brother-in-law Bill.
He is mourned by many former students around the world who called him Dad. Whit was a man full of faith who loved Jesus, and was known for his keen mind, his tireless energy in helping others, and his love of family. He was devoted to the development of UCO where he taught for 45 years and pursued research in solar energy and hydrogen energy. He enjoyed gardening, writing, and puzzling, passing on to his children, and even more to his grandchildren, a passion for crossword and jigsaw puzzles.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the UCO Dr. Whit Marks Endowed Physics Scholarship Fund or the Wycliff Bible Translators.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2015, at the UCO Ballroom. Services are under the direction of Matthews Funeral Home in Edmond.
