J Dee Whisenhunt

Lt. Col. J.Dee Whisenhunt (U.S. Army Retired) passed away Thursday, November 30, 2006 at his home in Oklahoma City. J.D. proudly served his country in the United States Army both at home and worldwide. He is survived by his wife Ginger of the home and three sons. After enlisting in the Army from the plains of West Texas in the 1950s, J.D. rose to the rank of Lt.Col. During his service he was stationed in France and later served two tours of duty in Viet Nam, earning the Silver Star and Bronze Star. He was a military intelligence specialist from 1972 to 1980. J.D. was born in Pampa, Texas on June 24, 1935 to Mildred Thompson Whisenhunt and Eli Preston Whisenhunt. His mother died when J.D. was age five and his father and sister, Fern, died when he was age 15. After losing his father and sister, J.D. lived with family and friends during high school. The parents of his friend, Don Turner, provided a stable home for J.D. after learning that he was living on his own. He attended Spring Creek Elementary School and graduated from Borger High School. J.D. later earned a Bachelors of Business Administration from West Texas State College and a Masters in Business Administration from Oklahoma City University. In addition to his military career, J.D. worked as a security expert including airport security system design in Saudi Arabia and security consultation for Leadership Square and 1st National Center in Oklahoma City. He also worked with the FBI after the 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States and was considered an expert witness in cases concerning security negligence. J.D. also taught business classes at both Cameron University and OSU/ OKC. As a patriotic American, J.D. believed strongly in our democratic process. He always voted and was featured on a local television broadcast during the most recent election. That story documented J.D.'s faith in our nation and his determination to vote, despite his failing health. At home, J.D. enjoyed gardening and achieved a Master Gardener designation. Many family members and friends enjoyed the results of his work, both on the table and through gardening tips he would supply. As his health permitted, J.D. enjoyed cooking for family and friends as well as traveling with Ginger. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife; three sons and their families, Ron Whisenhunt and Paula, Oklahoma City; Don Whisenhunt, Portland City, Oregon and David Whisenhunt, Phoenix, Arizona; two stepsons and their families, Robert Clark and Kelli, Oklahoma City, Jeff Clark and Kristen, Oklahoma City; mother-in-law, Lorraine Stinchcomb, also of Okla. City. J.D. adored his seven grandchildren. Sean Whisenhunt, Amanda Whisenhunt, Nicole Whisenhunt, Drew Whisenhunt, Hayley Harris, Courtney Harris and Alden Clark all enjoyed his company and councel. He also leaves special friends Jennifer and Lyndon Shumaker, his constant companion and friend LadyBug, and many other family members and friends. J.D. and family received care and comfort from Autumn Bridge Hospice, Bill Gillespie and staff of Grace United Methodist Church, Senior Pastor Ed Coy Light and Associate Pastor, Deborah Ingraham. Services will be Monday, Dec. 4, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. at Grace United Methodist Church and interment at 2:30 p.m. at Hewitt Cem., Wilson, Oklahoma under the direction of Alexander Funeral Home, Wilson.

Published in The Oklahoman on 12/3/2006.