Carlyle Otto Witherell, III's Obituary
Carlyle (Carl) Otto Witherell III was born on December 31, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois, to June and Carlyle Otto Witherell Jr. He had three sisters-Maryann, Eileen, and Roberta-and one brother, Wayne.
His family later moved to Minnesota, where his father managed a factory, Hudson Manufacturing. Due to changes in his parents' lives, Carl's mother moved the children to Michigan, and she later divorced Carlyle Witherell Jr.
Carl graduated from high school and attended Tri-State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. He later moved to Gary, Indiana, after receiving an opportunity to work at U.S. Steel. During an economic downturn, U.S. Steel dismissed its union employees to avoid paying benefits and overtime. As a result, Carl found himself without a job and decided to further his education. He attended Indiana University and earned a degree in Computer Programming.
Carl later went on to work for Lake County, Indiana, where he served as a supervisor handling residential and commercial real estate processing. He took great pride in his work and felt truly valued there. He retired from Lake County Processing in 2012.
Carl married Iris in 1973, and in 1977 they welcomed their son, Carlyle Otto Witherell IV. Carl often said that his wife and son were the heart of his soul, and that the best decision he ever made was sharing his life with his family.
Carl and his family traveled to state parks throughout the United States with Carlyle IV, Karen, Claire, Hattie, Abbie, and Marcella. They rode countless miles together on bicycle trails whenever possible. Hiking was Carl's greatest enjoyment.
In 2021, Carl and Iris moved to Oklahoma as his health began to decline, so he could be closer to his son. They settled in Bixby, where they found a wonderful community. Carl was happy and content there, though he found the extreme summer heat unbearable.
Time has slipped through his hands. His family, especially Iris, will miss him dearly. They find comfort in knowing that someday they will all be together again in God's Kingdom
Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 AM, Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at St. Clement's of Rome Catholic Church, Bixby, Oklahoma.
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