Palestine High School Alumni Association

Palestine High School Alumni Association, Palestine, Texas

Barnes Lee Witt 1958

Barnes Lee Witt
09 Nov 39 ~ 17 Mar 03

Barnes Lee Witt - 1958

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barnes Lee Witt Passed away on March 17, 2003. He was born December 9, 1939, the youngest of 3 sons born to Carmen and Ernest Witt of Houston, Texas. His father was a Church of Christ preacher for 54 years, mostly in South Texas.

Barnes graduated from high school in Palestine, Texas in 1958. He then attended the University of Texas on a football scholarship and in his freshman year was coached by Darrell Royal.

He spent the next year in the Louisiana oil field returning to college his sophomore year at Abilene Christian College, Abilene, Texas. His junior year he “defected” to Norman, Oklahoma where he worked on the Norman Police Force while earning a degree in government as a prerequisite to law school, but instead changed his major to pharmacy. He ran a service station across for Owen Stadium to finance his pharmacy degree earned in 1968.  He was married to Pat McAlester in December of 1969 and moved to the “Prettiest part of Oklahoma” to live here for the rest of his life except for 3 years in Colorado. While residing here Jason, his only child, was born. Witt’s Pharmacy was also established and run for 20 years. He received national recognition as Jaycee of the year in 1976 chairing a project resulting in 2 new ambulances for Latimer County Hospital. He worked for many pharmacies in Southeastern Oklahoma.  He was song leader for many years in the Church of Christ, sang for numerous weddings, funerals and community functions. His only grandchild, Emily Lynn Witt, was born March 23, 1993 and has been the joy of his life.  In December 2000, he was stricken with paralysis and since that time has struggled courageously with all the accompanying miseries.

Barnes loved life, his family, his many friends and nature. He will be truly missed.

Barnes is survived by his wife Pat Wit of the home, son Jason Witt, daughter-in-law Marnie and granddaughter Emily of the Panola, OK area. Meyer Witt of Houston, Texas is his only remaining sibling, many nieces & nephews and hundreds of friends will also miss his wonderful smile.

Services were held Wednesday, March 19, at Church of Christ on Hwy. 270 South.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society would be appreciated.