Kent Lee Careathers

Kent Lee Careathers peacefully passed away on May 3, 2026. He fought a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Kent was born on Nov. 5, 1950 in Edmond, OK to Billy Dean and Audie Lee Careathers. He graduated from Duncan High School in 1969. He married Debbie May of Marlow, OK on April 16, 1976, they spent an incredible and loving 50 years together. Kent worked his entire career in the oil business; he knew everything there was to know about drilling a well. He started his career at Halliburton in the 1970s and met his wife there. After Halliburton he wore many hats in the industry and retired in 2015 as Superintendent of Operations overseeing many operations all over Texas. He and his wife decided to spend their retirement years back home in Duncan, OK, where they enjoyed traveling and spending time with their grandchildren.

Kent was a zealous golfer. He was known as “Superman” on the golf course and, even with his Parkinson’s, he managed to continue to hit the ball a long way. Kent taught his son, Shane, and daughter, Julie, to play golf and love the game as much he did. He won many tournaments with both of his kids. He also enjoyed fishing and spent many beautiful times with his wife, son, daughter and grandchildren out on the lake. Kent’s favorite car was the Corvette; he owned quite a few throughout his life. He and his wife enjoyed cruising around the town with the top down. Kent was a lover of life. He was always up for a good time and a laugh, and he cared deeply for his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Billy Dean Careathers and Audie Lee Careathers; and his grandson, Clinton Chisolm.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie Careathers; their daughter, Julie Byrd (Charles) of Colorado; grandchildren: Wesley Byrd and Nikki Byrd; his son, Shane Careathers (Alicia) of Duncan; grandchildren: Brandon Careathers (Desirea) of Duncan, Rebekah (Amber) Dunn of Duncan; great grandchildren: Bradon Careathers, Daxton Careathers, Rosie Dunn and Scarlett Dunn. He is also survived by his sisters: Nancy Headrick of Haslet, TX, and Dr. Sherry Martin (Al) of Edmond, OK; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many friends.

The family will receive visitors between 1:00-3:00 PM, Monday, May 11, 2026, at Whitt Funeral Home.  A graveside service will follow at 3:00 PM at Resthaven Memorial Gardens with Rev. Randy Southerland officiating.

 In lieu of flowers, kindly consider making a donation to the Parkinson’s Foundation (mailing address:  Parkinson’s Foundation, Attn: Donor Services, 5757 Waterford District Drive, Suite 310, Miami, FL 33126 or online at www.parkinson.org) in Kent’s honor.

Online condolences can be made at www.whittfh.com.