Anderson Odem Whitener

ANDERSON ODEM WHITENER It is August 25, 1919, as the small town of Harrisburg, Okla. and George and Annie Whitener welcome into this world a son. For the rest of his lie the world will know him as Anderson Odem Whitener – we call him daddy. When Andy was around eight years old, the Whitener family, including two sisters, Reta and Ruth, (both deceased) and Waldo (who currently lives in Cortez) moved to Dove Creek. The family quickly settled into the area and started farming the land. When not helping out on the family arm, Andy walked the two miles each way to attend school at Peel School. It was during these formative years of his life that he developed his love for working the land and for exploring the mountains and the canyons of Southwest Colorado. When World War II broke out, Andy volunteered for the army and became part of the 10th Mountain Division serving in Italy. His time overseas left a lasting impression and throughout his life Andy shared funny, sad, and moving stories of his experiences while serving his country. After the war, Andy returned to Dove Creek where he met and fell in love with Zena Hatfield. The two of them were married in May of 1948. Zena was the love of his life. She was his soul mate; help mate, and his best friend. Through sickness and health, in good times and bad, their love for each other never wavered. To this marriage were born four daughters, Andrea Reeder of Challis, Id., Sandy Odette of Apache Junction, Ariz., Barbara Lewis of Dallas, Tex., and Rebecca Martinez of Durango. Because Andy never had sons of his own, his son-in-laws became precious sons to him as each of his daughters married young men Andy grew to love, and who grew to love him as well. David Reeder, Doug Odette, Greg Lewis, and Steve Martinez were the sons of Andy. Andy was blessed with six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Andy actually has two birthdays. About the time he turned 30 he was “born again” when he became a believer and follower of Jesus Christ. From that point on Andy’s entire existence centered on the God he loved. During the course of his life, Andy worked at many occupations including farming, mining and logging. The occupation he loved the most though was always the farm. He loved every aspect of it and with the help of the farm raised his daughters to be hard workers and to have a love for the land, recognizing it as the awesome handiwork of God. Next to his God, Andy’s family was always the most important thing in his world. There are many happy memories of family hikes, camping trips and picnics. Even the work on the farm was made fun by the promise of a wiener roast at the end of the day. And many a winter night was spent listening to a good book being read or best of all singing along with daddy as he played the guitar or the fiddle. Andy dedicated a lot of his time and energy to the First Baptist Church in Dove Creek. He was instrumental in the building of the church, taught Sunday school and served as a deacon for many years. His Bible was always open in the family home – oh how he loved reading and teaching others the Word of God. So now he’s gone home. Those of us who loved him will miss him. But can’t you just see him right now – he is setting at Jesus’ feet. And he has just heard those words we believers long to hear “Well Done, Thou Good and Faithful Servant, Enter…” Services for Andy Whitener were held on Saturday, June 26, at the Dove Creek First Baptist Church at 3 p.m. Interment followed at the Dove Creek Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made in Andy’s memory to the Dove Creek First Baptist Church.