Extracted from The Monroe Morning World (Monroe, LA)
Sunday, December 17, 1961

Man Drowns In Automobile Accident Near Columbia

A car went out of control on a rain-slick highway near Columbia and flipped over a bridge resulting in a man drowning to death Saturday.

The body of Vester H. Whitten, 43 of Route Two, Grayson was recovered from his completely submerged car in a creek on the old U.S. Highway 165 around 1 p.m. yesterday by Caldwell Parish sheriff's officials and a state trooper.

RULED DROWNING

Caldwell Parish Coroner Dr. E. L. Carroll said death was due to drowning. Investigating authorities said Whitten apparently lost control of his car in a curve at the Black Bayou Bridge on the Kelly Cutoff, smashed into the bridge and went into the water. His vehicle was completely submerged in the water when found.

Funeral services for Mr. Whitten will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday in the chapel of Riser and Son Funeral Home of Columbia with the Rev. Dr. W. M. Causey Sr. and the Rev. Gandy officiating.

Burial will be in Adams Cemetery near Kelly under the direction of Riser and Son.

He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Maureen Whitten, Grayson; one son, Sylvester L. Whitten, Grayson; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Whitten, Grayson; two sisters, Mrs. Virgie Jones, Clarks, and Mrs. Willie Blue, Vicksburg, Miss.; and three brothers, Trowley and Gorden Whitten, both of Grayson, and Randolph Whitten, Bastrop.