Lewis William Whitson

Lewis William Whitson was born in Bowlegs, Oklahoma on May 10, 1935. Lewis passed away peacefully on November 1, 2021 in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Celebration of life services will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, November 8, 2021 in the First Baptist Church of Ardmore with Pastor Alton Fannin officiating.

Lewis was preceded in death by his wife Dana Dale and he missed her every day. He was also preceded in death by his parents Luther and Nell Whitson, and his siblings Don, Mary, Margaret, and Jerry Whitson. Lewis and Dana cherished their two sons and their families. Brent and Lisa Whitson of Denison, Texas and Mike and Susan Whitson of Ardmore, Oklahoma. Lewis leaves five grandsons and their wives including Tanner and Ashley Whitson, Dustin Whitson, Carter and Katie Whitson, Derek and Ursula Whitson, and Blake Whitson. He was blessed with four great-granddaughters, McKenlee, Jordan, Landry, and Kennedy.

Lewis graduated from Bowlegs High School before attending and playing football at the University of Oklahoma. After a year, he entered the US Air Force and served during the Korean War. He returned to complete his Bachelor of Science in Education and subsequently his Master’s degree from North Texas State University where he met and married Dana, the love of his life. Lewis positively affected literally thousands of young men (including his grandsons) during his coaching career that spanned 45 years. He coached Football at Weatherford High School (TX), Denton High School (TX), Cisco Junior College (TX), East Central State University (OK), Ardmore High School (OK), Shawnee High School (OK), and Broken Arrow High School (OK). Lewis was a proud member of the 2003 Shawnee High School Football State Championship coaching staff along with Brent and was blessed to coach with both Mike and Brent during his time at Broken Arrow. Most importantly, Lewis and Dana were mentors to hundreds of young coaches and their wives over their 45 years.

Lewis was also a true cowboy and loved the times with his cattle and horses. He spent 15 years away from coaching pursuing agricultural interests and developing another set of friends and admirers during that time. He had a tremendous capacity for love and it showed in his time with Dana and family, ex-players, and his dogs.  Remembrances may be shared online at www.stittsworthfuneralservices.com.

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