Charles K. Whitten
March 31, 1944 - May 30, 2024
Celebration of Life
A celebration of life will be held at Parker United Methodist Church, 45-211 Waikalua Rd.,
Kāne`ohe, on Saturday, June 29, with visitation beginning at 3:00 pm and the service at 4:00
pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Parker United Methodist Church’s
scholarship fund or to Windward Community College through this link:
https://giving.uhfoundation.org/funds/20444403.
Charles Whitten, 80, passed away peacefully at his home in Kāne`ohe on May 30, 2024, in the
loving care of his husband. Charles was a retired counselor and academic advisor, having served
at Windward Community College for 42 years, where he received the 2015 Chancellor’s Medal
for Excellence in Teaching. Prior to his time at Windward, Charles was an educator at Hawai`i
Baptist Academy, where he served as a Bible teacher, counselor, and academic dean. He was
also a chaplain in the U.S. Army Reserve, attaining the rank of major. He served in both the
442nd Regimental Combat Team and 411 th Engineer Battalion.
Charles graduated from Punahou School, Baylor University, and Southwestern Theological
Seminary. He was an ordained minister and took great joy in serving God. He worked in various
churches and officiated at many of his colleagues’ weddings.
Charles is preceded in death by his father, Charles E. Whitten. He is survived by his mother
Imogene K. Whitten; siblings Mary Wildman, Michael (Beth) Whitten, Janey (Keith) Sabel,
Susan (Larry) Harris, Christopher (Kim) Whitten, and Carol Rauccio; nieces and nephews Tad
(Laura) Wildman, Charlie Wildman, Michelle (Matthew) Adams, Rebecca (CJ) Miller,
Kayla Harris, Cody Harris, Allie (Brad) Boyd, Shelby (Kevin) Beck, and Roman (Brooke) Rauccio;
and several grandnieces and grandnephews.
Charles is also survived by his husband Jonathan M. Gillentine, hānai sister Barbara Soel, plus
many colleagues, friends, and former students.