Tommy Glen Whitten

January 12, 1940 — December 22, 2025

Edmond

Tommy Glen Whitten was born to Richard E. “Jimmy” Whitten, and Frances Margaret Freeland on January 12th, 1940, in Borger, Texas. Born during a time, where Borger Texas skies were frequently heavy with dust, and carbon black smoke, Tom & his siblings, Dick Whitten, Jerry Whitten, and Judy (Whitten) Parker spent quite a bit of time indoors, developing & honing musical talents. A featured soloist, Tommy performed at the Federated Club Room in Borger, TX, and placed in first division, for multiple years, with his saxophone at the Tri-State Festival, in Enid, Oklahoma. Tom was also an accomplished piano player, so much so he would go on to teach his own daughter, Brandy to play the piano later in life.

While Tom’s education began in Borger, his parents eventually moved their family and Tom graduated from Amarillo High School. Tom went on to attend West Texas State University, now West Texas A&M University where he graduated with a bachelor’s in accounting, then went on to achieve his Masters of Accounting, qualifying for; and passing the CPA exam, allowing Tom to begin his life-long career as a Certified Public Accountant. Upon completion, Tom went to work for the Pantex Plant, a U.S. Department of Energy facility, central to nuclear weapons work benefitting the Cold War. Tom’s CPA career eventually led him to Tulsa, Oklahoma where he worked for businesses such as Zebco Brands, and National Electrical Contractors Association, before putting out his own shingle and opening Whitten Accounting Firm. Tom helped numerous clients and companies through his entrepreneurial spirit and accounting business, collecting many funny stories, friends and life lessons to share. Upon retirement, Tom only lasted 10 days before deciding that sitting at home and relaxing wasn’t for him. Tom and Connie decided to open Picket Fence Junction, a specialty home interior gift shop with a curated selection of hand-picked antiques in downtown Broken Arrow. Tom not only managed the numbers side of the business but was the friendly face behind the counter. Always smiling, Tom happily greeted customers and found joy in meeting new people.

Tom was humble in spirit, but also, a man of many talents. A life-long musician, Tom continued his musical endeavors into adulthood, playing casually before joining a band, spending his weekends with his saxophone, playing across multiple clubs on Grand Lake. A camera never far away, Tom also immensely enjoyed photography, turning it into a side hustle, where he was hired professionally to photograph wedding celebrations, family sessions, and portraits. Tom was always honored to document such meaningful and special moments in people's lives.

Tom married his best friend, Connie Sue Whitten, February 14th, 1997, in Eureka Springs Arkansas. Tom & Connie spent 28 happily married years together. He found pleasure in “doting” on Connie, planning surprises, and showering her with love and affection. They loved spending time antiquing & collecting things for Pickett Fence Junction, finding special treasures at estate sales for their home, traveling, frequently returning to where they were married in Eureka Springs, and making life a daily adventure together. Tom, ever the romantic, was always full of surprises, gifts, helpfulness, and love for his beloved wife and his large, loud and loving family.

Tom is survived by his wife, Connie Sue Whitten, of Edmond, Oklahoma, his Sister in Law, Mavis Whitten, of Lubbock, TX, his daughter Brandy Whitten-Claw and husband Rick, of Austin, TX, Step-Son Lance Martin and wife Angie, of Oklahoma City, OK, Step-Son Todd Martin & Diana Hunt, of Coral Gables, FL, Step-Daughter Sunnye Beach, of Broken Arrow, and Step-Son Jeff Banks and wife Teresa, of Houston, TX. 1 Favorite (& only) granddaughter, Lauren Martin, of Oklahoma City, OK; 4 grandsons, Nick Martin and wife Andee, of Edmond, OK, Tate Martin and wife Faith, of Austin, TX, Kai Barnes, of Broken Arrow, OK, Dylan Martin, of Coral Gables, FL and 3 Great Grand Children, Theo Martin, Decker Martin & Carter Martin, all of Edmond, OK.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Jimmy & Frances Whitten, his brother Richard “Dick” Whitten, and great granddaughter Stella Barnes.

Tom built a wonderful legacy of kindness, selflessness, and was an example for many of faithfulness, love, and consideration for family and friends.

Memorial Service to be held at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday December 30, 2025 at Matthews Funeral Home, 601 S. Kelly Ave, Edmond, OK 73003.

(Published by Mathews Funeral Home & Cremation Service, December 2025)