Obituaries

Scotland, Wales, Canada, and China. The China tour was filmed and was featured in the Emmywinning NBC program "China: Walls and Bridges." The Communist China Central Television (CCTV) also produced and broadcasted a special program of the Centurymen in concert. Joe also performed as a member of The Centurymen on their "Beautiful Star, A Celebration of Christmas" album. This album was nominated in 2000 for Best Classical Crossover Album by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (the Grammy awards).

Joe's final public ensemble performance was with The Singing Men of West Texas, a group consisting of church music ministers and musicians that is one of the six satellite choirs of the larger Singing Men of Texas ensemble. Joe's final performance was at the esteemed Carnegie Hall in New York City in 2018.

In 1989, Joe was the featured soloist of the First Baptist Midland Sanctuary Choir and Symphony Orchestra's performance of Mendelssohn's "Elijah." Joe was very proud of this performance, and kept a video recording of it with him for the rest of his life. This performance can still be found and viewed on YouTube by searching "Joe Whitten Elijah".

Joe was a wonderful storyteller and quite a jokester. He could always be counted on to start hijinks when he was spending time with his three equally jovial brothers. He was also an infinitely passionate and dedicated Texas Tech fan, and would have wanted everyone to remember him as such. But it is equally likely that he will be remembered for his tremendous God-given talent and glorious bass-baritone voice, which he used at every opportunity to share the Gospel and praise his Savior. Joe and his voice will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Ming Suie Whitten of Big Spring, Texas; one son, David Whitten and his wife, Marcia, of Waco, Texas; one daughter, Marta Prentice of Hale Center, Texas; one grandson, Aaron Prentice of Lubbock, Texas; a stepson, Army Colonel Steven Meek and wife, Hayley, of Harker Heights, Texas; and many cherished nieces/nephews and great nieces/nephews and great-great nieces/nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Loretta Rosser of Long Beach, Calif., and Helen Stith of Broken Arrow, Okla.; three brothers, Jack Whitten Jr. of Muskogee, Okla., Jerry Whitten of Pampa, Texas, and Phil Whitten of Ft. Smith, Ark.; and his first wife, Virginia (Worrell) Whitten of Muskogee, Okla.

The family suggests memorials to First Baptist Church of Big Spring,Texas (earmarked for Missions or Music funds).

Arrangements are under the direction of NalleyPickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch. com

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