In Lieu of Flowers, the family has requested memorial donations to one of Bill's favorite organizations. Please click here to make a memorial donation to GuideStone or click here to make a memorial donation to the Annie Armostrong Easter Offering

William E. "Bill" Tritten, 94, of Oklahoma City, went to be with The Lord on Friday, March 1st, 2024.

Bill was born in St. Joseph, Missouri on January 6, 1930, to Herman and Bessie Tritten, the oldest of 3 boys. Bill was raised and attended school in St. Joseph and graduated from Benton HS in 1947. By the time Bill entered High School, WW II was well under way and Bill became the man of the house as his father, an excellent sheet metal worker was moved around the country by the Defense Department building airplanes for the war.

After high school, Bill continued to work, adding financial support for his family and then began his college studies in 1949 at Southwest Baptist College. Bill gained his associate degree in 1951 from SBC and continued his studies at California Baptist College where he became a member of their first graduating class in 1954 with a bachelor's degree in Bible & History.

During his college career, Bill began to date a young lady from St. Joseph, often by long distance. On June 20, 1953, Bill married the love of his life, Rose Ann Parrish. Together they shared nearly 62 years of marriage. They were blessed with 3 children, a daughter, Angela, and 2 sons, Stephen, and Philip. Bill was a wonderful husband, father and a great example of a family man.

At the age of 18, Bill put his trust in Jesus as his Lord and Savior. About a year later, Bill felt the call from God to enter the ministry. Throughout Bill's life, he was on a mission to do the Lord's work. He served as a minister in different capacities across the U.S. Immediately after their marriage, Bill and Rose Ann moved to California for Bill to finish his last year of college. Immediately upon arriving back in California, God opened the door with a small group of 3 families to begin a new church in Monterey Park, CA. The congregation grew into the First Southern Baptist Church of Monterey Park. The church is still an active church today in this suburb of Los Angeles. After 9 years with this church, Bill and his family returned to the St. Joseph area where Bill intended to resume his seminary studies. Raising and supporting his family of 5 resulted in a secular job along with pastoring 2 country churches for several years. Desiring to return to full time ministry, Bill accepted a call to Bethel Baptist Church in Scottsbluff, NE in 1970. During his ministry at Bethel, Bill and Rose Ann were appointed as missionaries with the Southern Baptist Home Mission Board. After approximately 14 years in Scottsbluff, the work with the Home Mission Board led Bill and Rose Ann to relocate to Wichita, KS as Southern Baptist church planters where God used them to start several new churches and influence countless lives.

After retirement, Bill and his wife relocated to Oklahoma City, to be near family in 1999. He became a member at Southern Hills Baptist Church in South Oklahoma City. Not content to be on the sidelines, Bill and Rose became involved with the group from Southern Hills that was beginning a new church a few miles South of their primary location. Bill will always be remembered for his zeal to share the Gospel, his infectious smile, and his chuckle at the end of each sentence as he spoke. He loved to share stories with family and friends, and it didn't bother him a bit if he'd shared it before.

Bill was preceded in death by his

Parents, Herman, and Bessie Tritten;

His loving wife, Rose Ann;

His daughter, Angela (Angee) and son in law Joseph Warfield;

Brother, Ernest;

Brother, Don;

Several brother and sister in laws.

He leaves cherished memories with his

Son, Steve Tritten and wife Brenda;

Son, Phil Tritten and wife Suzy;

Grandchildren: Alicia Thompson, Brian Warfield & wife Misty, Amanda Radovcic & husband, Michael, Rebecca Walker & husband Zack, Mollie Brewer & husband Andrew, Geoffrey Tritten & wife, Lacy; Stephen Tritten & wife, Jessica; 16 great grandchildren; as well as loving extended family & friends.