Alvin Max Whitfield, age 90 of Purcell, passed away on January 17, 2023.

He was born on February 10, 1932, the youngest of six children, to Hugh and Beulah Whitfield. He grew up in Rosedale and attended school there, graduating valedictorian of the Cardinals class of 1951.

While in school, Max was a talented athlete and played basketball. In high school, he noticed a girl from Byars named Pat Deaville at the basketball games. Max and Pat were married on September 28, 1956. They made their home in Purcell and raised their son Michael there.

Max was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean war and was stationed in Panama. After he left the service, Max went to work for Tinker Air Force Base. He retired after 35 years at Tinker in 1987, ending his career as the Director of Engine Test. Max loved the outdoors: he enjoyed boating, RVing, fishing, gardening, and spending time at Lake Texoma. He was an avid Sooner sports fan, and also loved cheering on the Oklahoma City Thunder and the St. Louis Cardinals. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Max was preceded in death by his wife Pat Whitfield; his parents Hugh and Beulah Whitfield; and his siblings Richard Whitfield, Lucille Klepper, H.T. Whitfield and Nelce Lancaster Whitfield.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Michael and Mary Brett Whitfield of Columbus, Ohio; his grandchildren Max Whitfield of Chicago and Kevin Whitfield of Denver; and his sister Hazel Yoakum.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Tuesday January 24, 2023, at Little’s Chapel, Wilson-Little Purcell with burial to follow at Hillside Cemetery. Send online condolences at www.wilsonlittle.com