Joseph Douglas Whitlock, of Oklahoma City, died at Integris Baptist Hospital July 9, 2015. He was 93 years old.
Joe was born on June 10th, 1922, in Russelville, AL, to Arthur and Gertrude Whitlock. Joe enlisted in the Army in September 1942 and served in combat in the 134th Infantry Regiment. He served 15 months fighting in the European Theater as a machine gunner and a supply truck driver. During his time, he earned a Bronze Star, a Good Conduct Medal, an EAME Campaign Medal with one Silver Service Star, a WWII Victory Medal, a Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award, and an Honorable Service Lapel Button. Joe also earned two Purple Hearts (one with a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster) after receiving wounds during the battles of St. Lo and Mortain in France.
After returning from the war, he met his wife Vi Grooms. They married on New Year’s Day, 1948, and enjoyed a long, prosperous, and loving marriage for 67 years. Joe and Vi moved to Oklahoma City where he worked as a homebuilder. Joe eventually started his own plumbing company, Jiffy Plumbing, where he proudly served the Oklahoma City community for over 45 years. Their daughter, Barbara, managed Joe’s plumbing company for many years. Their son, Ron, followed in his father’s footsteps by serving in the Army during the Vietnam War. Joe and Vi were also very active in their church, where Joe served as a Deacon.
He is survived by his brother, Davis Whitlock, of Henryetta; two children: Barbara Higgins and Ron Whitlock, both of Oklahoma City; four grandchildren, Joey Higgins of Edmond, Sheri Higgins, Esq., of Dallas, Tex., Nicholas Whitlock of Denton, Tex., and Jennifer Whitlock of Oklahoma City; five great-grandchildren, Airman Tyler Higgins, Zachary Higgins, Kristina Rayl, Evan Whitlock, and Cameron Whitlock; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be held Tuesday, July 14, at 10 a.m. at Britton Road Baptist Church. Burial will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery, Hwy. 75 and 4th St., Weleetka, at 2 p.m under the direction of the Rogers Funeral Home.
Flowers and condolences can be sent to the funeral home or Britton Road Baptist Church, 1141 W. Britton Rd., Oklahoma City, 73114.