Birth date: Dec 29, 1958 Death date: May 5, 2022
David Michael "Mike" Whiten, 63, passed away at his home on Thursday, May 5, 2022. David was born on December 29, 1958, in Tulsa, Oklahoma to parents Samuel Hensly Whiten and Buena Lorena (Hayhurst) Whiten. Mike was a graduate of Read Obituary
My name is Laura Hopkins. Im a CNA with comfort keepers; and Ive helped David overnights. David Whiten was such a sweet soul. He never had anything bad; so he was always in positive spirits. He would get up in the middle of the night; and have a few cups of coffee. We talked for hours every night that I worked with him. I will miss our late night coffee talks. He told me so much about his travels, family, and his previous job. He inspired me to travel; and he encouraged me to do so.
He spoke of his family and friends on how much he loved them. I will miss him dearly. He was a rare gem.
Mike wrote to me once about his life's biggest surprises:
"Going from no-where North-side Tulsa to having a career, travel, and in general doing okay financially. Moving to rural Oklahoma was the big assist to my development. Never expected how living in the country would help me grow as person.
Enjoyed so many relationships over the years. Made Friends in Construction, especially those who were family before federal service. All the folks I met and worked with in the corps, Tulsa, Europe, Walla Walla, Kingstown (Alexander, VA), Portland, Afghanistan, Camp Zama Japan, and Phoenix.
Biggest surprise to me was my time in Camp Bagram (Afghanistan). Felt like it was the best fit of my career, it just seemed odd. Made so many friends, we were tight very quickly hardly an argument, except Transatlantic Division & District. 2 of my best years.
Basically learned while traveling, no unhappy tourist, how congenial the world was and will offer to assist. 18 months in Japan went on about 20 one-day trips sponsored by the MWR. Saw more of the real Japan that living locally you can never see as a normal Tourist. Stay local!"
I am Gwen Robertson. I am a caregiver with Comfort Keepers, Tulsa, OK. I had the pleasure and honor to assist David Michael Whiten for the past year. As I visited, I met some of his friends and family who told stories of the kind, caring, thoughtful, generous man I know as Mike. As I was helping Mike, he daily asked me "what can I do for you " and "is there anything you need " This was his unselfish, giving spirit that I admired. He always was looking for a need someone had and taking the initiative to assist. He was in tune with the beauties of nature and his surroundings. I can't count the number of times he told me he was blessed in many ways. Together we enjoyed the sunrises, sunsets, rain, walking outside in the sunshine, driving route 66, gathering place, Riverside parks, KFC, Coney Island, hamburgers, tacos, and bar b q ribs all with conversation and humor. I have learned a lot and will always remember David Michael Whiten....one of a kind.
