Obituary

Vincent Miller Whitman PhD, age 71, passed away unexpectedly in Tulsa, OK on January 29th, 2023.

Vince was born in Charleston, IL to John and Mary Ruth (Miller) Whitman and grew up in Alton and Marion, IL. He graduated from Marion High School in 1969. He received his BA and MA degrees from Sangamon State University in Springfield, IL. He achieved his PhD in English Literature from the University of Connecticut, and was a professor there for many years.

Besides his lifelong love of literature and being a voracious reader (he left behind an extensive library of English and American volumes), Vince also had a lifelong love of music. His musical tastes were vast and varied. His playlists were eclectic mixes of rock (all kinds), classical, American country, jazz, blues, Big Band, etc. with both well-known and obscure artists represented.

He had a beautiful singing voice. He was active in school choirs, had roles, including the lead, in high school musicals, was the vocalist in several rock bands, and performed solos in his parents’ church. Even the day before he died, he joined our mother in a rousing version of Teddy Bears’ Picnic!

He was preceded in death by his father and his younger brother Martin. Left to mourn his loss are his mother, for whom he was a loving and dedicated caregiver the past several years, sister Lauren, sister-in-law Shelley Curtiss, brother-in-law Gene Christianson, and one very special friend.

He will be cremated and services will be private.