Clarence "Ray" Witty

Clarence “Ray” Witty, 90, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2024, in Coffeyville, Kansas. Ray was born on February 3, 1933, to Robert Witty and Mabel (Waller) Witty at Morningside Hospital, now known as Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Ray served in the Army. He married Eva Allison at the Methodist Church in Lenapah, OK, on November 15, 1952. They built a life they loved together and enjoyed going camping and motorcycle riding in their free time. The couple spent almost 53 years together until Eva’s passing on June 21, 2005.

Ray was very accomplished with many talents and skills. Throughout his life, he worked doing different things such as welding, operating heavy equipment, being a pastor, and working as a cowboy. Ray served as a Nowata County Sheriff Reserve Deputy and was also appointed Chaplain. Ray worked as pastor at the Lenapah Baptist Church until retiring on July 31, 2017. He also worked as security at Oklahoma Union School; a job which he considered all of the students his grandchildren. In his free time, Ray enjoyed hunting and reading his Bible. Ray loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He will be missed by everyone that knew him.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents: Robert and Mabel Witty; his wife: Eva (Allison) Witty; and his siblings: Paul, Betty, and Barbara.

Those left to cherish the memory of Ray include his daughter: Paula Lafferty and husband, Steve of Bartlesville, OK; his son: David Witty and wife, Carla of South Coffeyville, OK; multiple grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren, along with other family members and many friends. 

Visitation is planned for Sunday, January 28, 2024, from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM at the Benjamin Funeral Service Chapel. Funeral services for Ray will be on Monday, January 29, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the Lenapah Baptist Church with Pastor Jonathon Long officiating. Interment will follow at the Mount Washington Cemetery in Lenapah, OK. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the loving staff of Benjamin Funeral Service. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemoriesnowata.com.