A private service celebrating the vibrant life of Clayton Whitaker will be held Wednesday, May 6, 2026, on the ridge in Medicine Park, Oklahoma.

Following the service, the family invites you to join them for a continued celebration of Clayton's life at the Medicine Park Music Hall at 11:30 a.m. Your presence would be an honor.

Burial will follow at Noble I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Noble, Oklahoma, at 3:30 p.m.

Clayton Whitaker went to be with the Lord on Friday, May 1, 2026, in Lawton, Oklahoma, at the age of 45. He was born October 10, 1980, in Norman, Oklahoma, to Charles Clayton and Mary Yvonne "Piper" Whitaker.

Clayton graduated from Lexington High School in 1999. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in rhetorical communications from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, where he was a proud member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. He later earned a master's degree in business administration from Cameron University.

On May 15, 2015, Clayton married the love of his life, Angel Heinen, in a beautiful ceremony in Maui, Hawaii. Together, they built a life filled with love, adventure, and deep friendships. While living in Lafayette, Louisiana, Clayton developed a true passion for cooking Cajun food and was lovingly embraced by the Cajun community as one of their own. Years later, wanting to be closer to home and family, Clayton and Angel happily made their home in Medicine Park, Oklahoma.

Clayton built a highly successful career in banking and automotive lending. His passion for the industry began early, working alongside his father in the automobile sales business. He launched his professional journey with First United Bank in Pauls Valley and went on to hold leadership roles with Capital One in Shreveport, Louisiana; Drive Financial in Oklahoma City; BancFirst; and Western Funding, where he served as regional vice president.

A true entrepreneur at heart, Clayton founded Dealer Capital Service Group, where he served as CEO. With his visionary mind, entrepreneurial spirit, and deep passion for helping others, he developed innovative solutions that helped countless dealerships grow and thrive. He also found great joy in mentoring young entrepreneurs, generously sharing his knowledge, encouragement, and belief in their dreams.

Clayton was a proud member of Great Plains AMBUCS and a devoted Oklahoma State Cowboys fan whose love for his Pokes was far more than a pastime. He was a Poke at heart. Whether cheering from the stands, watching every game with unmatched enthusiasm, or talking Cowboys sports with anyone who would listen, Clayton carried his orange and black pride everywhere he went. He was also an avid outdoorsman who found pure happiness on the water, fishing, hunting, and enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.

Clayton loved with a deep and fierce devotion. His love was bold, loyal, and unmistakable-the kind of love that made his family and friends feel protected, valued, and deeply cherished. When Clayton loved someone, he loved them with his whole heart, and there was never any doubt where they stood with him.

Clayton is survived by his loving wife, Angel; his devoted mother, Mary Whitaker; his brother, Mike Whitaker, and wife, Ashley; his nephew, Ace Whitaker, with whom he shared an especially deep and joyful bond; his godchildren, Kynslie Keesee, Jeter Keesee, Vivian Killmer, and Karsten Killmer, whom he loved deeply as his own; his sister-in-law, Alaina Bird, and Duane Benfield; and his brother-in-law, Marcus Bird, and Arron. He was also a proud "uncle" to many of his friends' children, loving them all as family.

The family encourages memorial contributions in Clayton's memory to be made to Foster the Love Louisiana, 113 Jared Drive, Broussard, LA 70518. Foster the Love's mission is to encourage and support foster and adoptive families. Donations may also be made online at https://fosterthelovela.org/donate/.