Alan Elroy Witham

July 20, 1937 – October 31, 2025

"Eternal Father, strong to save,

Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,

Who bid'st the mighty ocean deep

Its own appointed limits keep;

Oh hear us when we cry to Thee,

For those in peril on the sea."

— The Navy Hymn

Alan Elroy Witham, 88, passed away peacefully at his daughter's home on October 31, 2025.

Alan was born in Britton, South Dakota, on July 20, 1937, to Arden and Irene (Benzie) Witham. Named after both grandfathers, Alan J. Benzie and Elroy J. Witham, he spent his early years in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Some of his favorite childhood memories were of summer days playing catch with professional baseball players who rented rooms in his mother's and grandmother's homes. He often recalled, with pride, the time he played catch with future World Series pitcher Don Larsen.

In 1950, the family moved to the Witham farm near Amherst, South Dakota, where Alan attended Amherst High School—the only boy in a graduating class of five—earning his diploma in 1955. That fall, he enrolled at Northern State University in Aberdeen and earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. Over the years, Alan continued his education, earning three master's degrees: in Strategy Management and Naval Operations from the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island (1977); a Master of Business Administration from Oklahoma City University (1980); and a Master of Arts in Urban Development from Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma (1989).

Even before college, Alan dreamed of seeing the world. After meeting with Navy recruiters on campus, he began his journey in 1959 with his first-ever airplane flight—to Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island.

While home on leave, a local girl named Bonnie Sue Brown caught his eye and quickly won his heart. They were married on May 23, 1964, in Britton, South Dakota. Less than two weeks later, Alan was deployed to Vietnam.

After returning from his early assignments overseas, Alan and Bonnie settled for a time in Honolulu, Hawaii, where Alan was stationed at Pearl Harbor. In 1966, they welcomed their first daughter, Alison, a joyful milestone that brought warmth and family life into the rhythm of Navy service.

Alan served honorably in the United States Navy, achieving the rank of Commander during a distinguished 21-year career.

Naval Service Highlights:

•           1960 – Assistant Communications Officer, USS Bon Homme Richard (CV-31)

•           1962 – Communications Watch Officer, NAVCOMUNIT, Seattle, WA

•           1964 – Coastal Advisor to the Vietnamese Junk Fleet, NAVADGRP, Vietnam

•           1966 – Operations Officer, USS Fletcher (DD-445), Pearl Harbor, HI

•           1968 – Executive Officer, USS Phillip (DD-445), Pearl Harbor, HI

•           1969 – Operations Officer, COMDESFLOT 5, Pearl Harbor, HI

•           1972 – Commanding Officer, USS Claude Jones (DE-1033), Pearl Harbor, HI

•           1974 – Commanding Officer, USS Richard S. Edwards (DD-950), Pearl Harbor, HI

•           1976 – Naval War College, Newport, RI

•           1980 – Commanding Officer, Navy Reserve Center, Oklahoma City, OK

Among his many Naval accolades, Alan was awarded a Bronze Star, The Navy Commendation Medal, and The Navy Achievement Medal.

In 1980, shortly before retiring from active duty, Alan and Bonnie celebrated the joyful and unexpected arrival of their second daughter, Kendall, who completed their family. Her birth marked the beginning of Alan's transition from Navy life to a new chapter on land.

Following his Navy retirement, Alan embarked on a second career with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, where he continued serving his community with integrity and leadership.

Alan and Bonnie built their dream life in Oklahoma—settling on five peaceful acres with a pool, celebrating their daughters' weddings, and cherishing the arrival of four beloved grandchildren. They shared nearly five decades together until Bonnie's passing in 2011.

Alan is survived by his sister, Carol; daughters Alison and Kendall; grandchildren Deven and Ian Chakraborty, and Orion and Wylie Palme; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He will be laid to rest beside his beloved Bonnie at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Fair winds and following seas, Sailor.