Merle James Whitten, 89, died Friday, Sept. 20 of natural causes in Oakdale.

He was born in Sikeston, Mo.

He lived in Oakdale for 44 years.

Mr. Whitten was a veteran. He was retired.

He is survived by his son, Gary Whitten of Oakdale; brother, John Whitten of Tulare; granddaughter Aimy Miller; and great-granddaughters, McKenna and Erika.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Nona Ruth Whitten.

Services are pending and will take place at Veterans Cemetery in Santa Nella.