Patrick A. Whitten, 61, of 502 Boone Road, passed away Monday evening, February 22, 2010 at Morehead Memorial Hospital. A brief memorial service will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, February 27 at Fair Funeral Home Chapel with Military Rites to be held in his honor on the front lawn of the chapel. Pat was born March 17, 1948 in Alabama, son of the late Allen and Lorraine Whitten. He was a US Army veteran having served as a medic during the Vietnam War and retired after 32 years of teaching at both Holmes Middle School and Morehead High School. For the past several years he has been active in the Preservation Society and as a powerful force behind the Eden Historical Museum. Surviving is his wife, Melissa Silk Whitten of the home; daughter, Jessica Travis Whitten of High Point; son, Allen Whitten of Mobile, AL; brothers, Ike Whitten, Tommy Whitten, Laverne Whitten, Randy Whitten; nephew, David White; and his honorary brother, Dean Haynes. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at Fair Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Eden Historical Museum, 656 Washington Street, Eden, NC 27288. Online condolences may be offered to the Whitten family at www.fairfuneralhome.com.
Melissa and family, I don't even know what to say or even where to begin to express my sympathy to all of you on the passing of Pat. He was a remarkable man and only one of the 3 teachers that my son Michael (MHS-Class of 00) still speaks of fondly. The other 2 are Bonnie Francis and Rachel Wright. The museum will never seem the same without his smile, wonderful disposition, hard work ethic that Pat showed all of us. He make us all better than we could have been without both you and him. May the thoughts and prayers of all who love and care for you substain you during this time. I wish I could take the pain away. I will always remember the WWII display with Pat's wonderful smile and work ethic. He made the town better and us better. He will never be forgotten and our love and sympathy to the entire Whitten family. Love and prayers, Vicki and Jacob Thomasson
Vicki Thomasson
I am so sorry to hear about Pat's death. My sympathy is with you. Aileen
Aileen Bourne
Melissa, I am so sorry to hear about Pat. Please know that my prayers are with you and your family. May God bless and keep you.
Wayne Knight
i was a student of mr.whittens at holmes middle schoolin the early 80's. he was a fine teacher and a great man. i am so sorry for your loss. he will be missed. i can honestly say that his class will be a great memory to me. may God watch over you all and give you strength in this trying time.
clarence cheshire
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Whittens passing. I to just lost my mom in November and my dad last week, so I know what you all are feeling right now. I was a student of his at Holmes Middle School and I thought he was the best teacher I had. I know he will truly be missed. You are in my prayers. May God bless you and give you strength during this sad time but think of his wonderful journey home.
Donna Smith
Melissa, I am so sorry to hear about Pat's passing. My thoughts and prayer are with you and the children at this hard time. You have so many happy memories that will help you get through this. May god wrap his arms around you and give you the strength you need at this time.
Debby Howard
Mr. Whitten A Gentleman and a Scholar I am so sorry for the loss of a Outstanding Husband and Terrific Dad,that had Sincere Love for the EACH OF YOU. Stories about a Rewarding Life, How Grateful I am that I was able to understand and to Remember to Kiss the Babies! I just couldn't get adjusted to calling him Pat. But I could call him a FRIEND to me and my FAMILY. With much sorrow Sincerely with Love Jerry Ellis
Jerry Ellis
To Melissa and Family, We were so sorry to hear of Pat's death. He was always so kind and interesting to talk to. The hard work you two put into the Historical Museum has been appreciated more than you will ever know. We're sure the memories of the time spent there will bring you comfort in the coming days. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Tim and Beth Shelton
Beth & Tim Shelton
Our own lives will be less for his absence. Melissa and Jessica, I send to you both my deepest sympathy and love. Knowing Pat was always a bright spot in my teaching day. His gentle humor made all of us enjoy life more. He was revered by his students and the faculty of Morehead High School. Precious memories of a kind, caring, gentle, talented, good man will remain with all of us as long as we live.
Fern Ragan
Pat was a special friend at both Holmes and Morehead Vocational Departments. I could count on him when needed. Thinking of you at this time.
Leola Meador
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Whitten. I was a student of Mr. Whitten at Holmes Middle School. He was such a wonderful teacher, I have to pass his house to take my daughter to school at LSE and I have told her many times about Mr. Whitten and how much fun we had in his class and how much he made learning fun. I graduated High School in 1989 and he is one of the few teachers that I can remember by name, he definitely left a lasting impression on me.
Donna Brown
To Melissa and Jessica, We are so fortunate to have had Pat as a dear friend for the past 30 years. We love you so much! Love, Ruth and Dan
Ruth and Dan Leeper
I cannot begin to express how sorry I am for the loss of Pat. He was such a wonderful person and like a father to me. I will never forget that smile, or his wonderfully peaceful disposition. I love both of you so very much and I am here in-case you need anything. I am very sorry.
Noel Dougherty
Melissa We were so sorry to hear of Pat's passing. He was such a special person-always a pleasure to talk to him. He was so full of interesting "facts and tidbits." It was a pleasure to work with him at MHS and he was our son Joseph's favorite teacher. He will be dearly missed by all. Know that you and your family are in our prayers.
David Price
Words are hard to come by my friend, you will be in my thoughts and prayers. together for almost a year & brothers for life, farewell , Melissa & Jessica take care our prayers are with you and if you need anything We are there the guys of the 10th Cav send their regards
James/Joyce McIntyre
Melissa, Jessica and the entire Whitten family. We were so saddened to hear of your loss. Mr. Whitten was an outstanding man to say the least. When I first started teaching at MHS he was my mentor and took me under his wing. He was there to lend a hand anytime he was needed. I remember the conversations we had about teaching and our other common interests, as well as ‚Äö?Ñ??Kiss the Babies‚Äö?Ñ??. It is often hard to find the appropriate words in these situations and most words would fall short of expressing how he will be missed. He will be dearly missed to say the least. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Max and Julie Dooley
Max Dooley
Melissa and Jessica, I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tammy Turner
I had the pleasure to meet Mr. Whitten. He was truly a fine man with a big heart and a passion for life. My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Whitten, his children and the entire family.
Gustavo Lanza
Melissa, I just got word of Pat's passing from Judy Mungle. I want you to know that you and Jessica are in my prayers for God to bring you comfort and to fill your heart every loving memories. Most Sincerely: Ann Page Tampa, FL
Ann Page
Pat was one of the first persons we met when we moved to Eden. He was a neighbor then and became a fellow educator and friend. The stories that man could tell were gifts to the listeners! We know he will be dearly missed by his family and the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the coming days as you grieve the loss of one you love so much.
David and Candy Smith
Melissa and dear sweet Jessica! I have so many fond memories of your family. You are so dear in my heart! My life has been blessed because you were certainly part of it! Pat was a wonderful Dad, husband and friend to all that knew him! Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers! Much love! Charlene Maresca
Charlene Maresca
Melissa and family, I was so sad to read of Pat's passing. We didn't have a lot of contact but I considered him to be a true friend. I remember times up in Ravenwood and his great personality, dry humor, and smile. I always will. I'm grateful for his service during Viet Naim. I loved his jokes. I regret that I have not been able to visit my true friends in Eden. You all are in my prayers.
Ed Guest
Dear Mrs. Whitten and family, I am very heavy hearted right now as I write this. I was a student of Mr. Whitten's back in Holmes Middle School in the early 1980's and I remember what a great teacher he was. In the last couple of years I have had the honor and privilege of calling him my friend. Even though we saw each other quite often I never could call him Pat either, he was always still Mr. Whitten to me. He and I attended woodcarving class together and he was always SO much fun to talk to. He and I would sit and talk about his Viet Nam days, our mutual love of history and we would also crack jokes. He told me one time that when I was at Holmes he taught us everything he knew in the first three days of class then reviewed for the rest of the year. I have a large wooden horse head proudly displayed on my desk that he carved and gave to me a year or so ago. I will cherish it always and will smile every time I see it and think of Mr. Whitten. May God bless and comfort you during your time of grief.
Scott Hall
MRS. WHITTEN AND FAMILY, MR. WHITTEN WAS A GREAT TEACHER AND SOMEONE WHOM STUDENTS THOUGHT WAS THE COOLEST TEACHER. NOT ONLY COULD HE TEACH, BUT HE WAS CONSIDERED BY MOST A FREIND, SOMEONE WHOM WE LOOKED UP TOO AND IF WE HAD A PROBLEM WE COULD TURN TO. OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL YEARS, HOLMES,(MID 80'S), GIVE MUCH THANKS TO MR. WHITTEN AND HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL. SINCERELY, MIKE & LISA TART RIGNEY
LISA TART RIGNEY
Melissa and Jessica.... I really do not know where to start for saying I am sorry for your and OUR loss. Pat came into "THe HAYNES" family in 1966. He came as hired help as a teenager for the farm. As you know dad, Sam Haynes, took to him as a son. I still remember the conversation while classing tobacco about his only way to go to college was to enlist in the Army. Also about his encounters with an "OLD Tom Turkey" that my grandfather had... Lots of funny stuff as I was growing up. As a youngster of about 10 years younger than him, he taught me the ways of being young and well as advice from an older brother. He became a real brother to me during those years. You have no idea how much he meant to "the "HAYNES CLAN". Even though he and I did't talk that much the last few years, I would hear about him from Dean and mom, "BETTY".... Another fond memory that you probably don't know is....About two years ago at Granny"s last birthday party, that morning as usual we all met at the Pioneer Restaurant for the annual 'MEN'S" breakfast. Participants were Dean Haynes, Pat,Joe Haynes, Sal Panzeca, my son Austin, and myself. As any person knows the Pioneer is full of characters..... Well the conversation turned to funny things like how poeple eat their biscuits and gravy. Like, do you put your eggs on top or to the side. Do you put your bacon on top or on the side. Do you just mix everything together or just plain or put jelly on top..... As you know Pat was full of stories and comedy. I will truly miss him at Granny's Last Birthday Party and family gatherings. He really meant a lot to the Haynes family. He was truly a brother and a friend.
Jeff Haynes
Becky and I were so sad to hear that Pat had passed away. We did not know that he was seriously ill until very recently, and we were just stunned at the news. We all get so into our own little worlds that we don't stay in touch as well as we should. We want you to know that we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers as you and your family go through this difficult time. Pat was a great guy, a gifted builder, and a dedicated teacher who was always there to help his friends and students when they called on him. There are a lot of folks in Eden who are forever indebted to him for all of those wonderful building projects he helped them with over the years. We have a very prominent beam in our den that he helped secure when we did some remodeling years ago - just a lttle example of his handiwork and how he was always there to help others.
Tim and Becky Newsom
Mrs.Whitten, Iam so sorry about your loss.I really enjoyed meeting and talking with you both.Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. Bridgett Snody (MMH)
bridgett snody
Ms. Whitten, I am so sorry for your lose, i did not have Pat as a teacher, but i had you in the seventh grade and i remember meeting him a few times and he was a really nice person and well liked by alot of students. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Just look to God and he will help you through.
Mandy Holt
I had Mr. Whitten for drafting in 11th & 12th grade. He was a great teacher and friend. He will be greatly missed.
Joey Price
Whitten family, I was so sorry to hear of the death of Mr. Whitten. He was such a kind man and my parents (Bonnie and the late Harold Francis) spoke of him with such admiration. He did so much for the museum in Eden and will be sorely missed. Although I know you all are missing him greatly, I'm sure my dad is enjoying his company in heaven. Thoughts and prayers with all of you during this difficult time. Rachel
Rachel Bradley
I am so sorry to hear of Mr Whitten's passing. I never had him as a teacher but during my senior year of high school I was a media assistant in the Library and every morning he would come in a drink his coffee and tell us some story or a joke. He was a interesting and funny person to be around and he will truly be missed. My God Bless his family during this time of loss.
Kevin Dunovant
Mrs Whitten, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Pat. I was a student of yours and his as well. He was a good man and will truly be missed. Please know that my prayers are with you and your family. May God bless and keep you. Roderick Cohen
Roderick Cohen
I am so sad to hear about the loss of Pat. Pat is one of those men that knowing makes me a better person! For five years we shared so many laughs at Morehead High and I just can't imagine him gone. Melissa and Jess you are in my prayers! I am still in WV and can't make it there for the funeral, but my love and condolences and prayers are with you. Pat is truly the funniest man I ever met! There were so many days his advice and luaghter got me through work and life. God bless and much love to you!
LuAnn Wright
Mrs. Whitten & Family, Please know that that your family is in my thoughts and prayers. There are teachers who you will always remember and he was one of mine. I had the privilege of having Mr. Whitten as a teacher and Mrs. Whitten when she was doing her student teaching. May God Bless your family.
Denise "Barker" Tuggle
Melissa and Jessica, I am saddened about the passing of Pat. From the moment I can remember about remembering, Pat was there. As far as I am concerned, Pat was a part of our family. Every time I go to my Mom's house, Betty Haynes, his drawing is proudly displayed on a main wall. Pat was always there for laughter and the "telling the stories or a funny joke" at our family reunion. Since my father's death four years ago, I got to know him better by the web. All of those things that I had going through my head, dealing with my father's death, he talked to me about. He gave me insight and consoled me through the hardest times. That to me, meant everything. That to me means family. Of course we all knew his sense of humor and that didn't end on the internet. I am so sorry for your loss. This cuts deep, knowing that another part of my family is gone. But I do take solice in knowing that Pat and Daddy are up there, looking down, saying, "Damn, what a nice ride"
Joye Haynes-Ganger
I'm so sorry to hear of Mr. Whitten's passing.He was a really nice person.I remember him when he was at Holmes.I'm praying for you and your family.
Martha Moore Gwynn
What a kind and gentle soul...he will truly be missed. He was one of my favorite teachers at Holmes and one who always remembered me. My prayers are with you and your family during this time. May GOD comfort and keep you.
Tanya Fargis
Melissa and Jessica, I was saddened to hear of Pat's passing. I enjoyed working with him and seeing him at the vocational meetings. He always remembered me and had that smile on his face. He would always joke with me and make me smile too. He was a good person and will be missed by all in the education community. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Marsha Roark
Leave A Condolence Below For The Family Of Patrick A. Whitten:Fill out the form below and Fair Funeral Home will forward this message to the deceased's family and post it on our website. All condolences are reviewed for content before being posted live.
