Obituary of John Evan Whitman

SILVER LAKE - John passed away on April 8, 2011. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harriet Swentzel Whitman and Woodford Grady Whitman, and brother, Woodford Grady Whitman Jr. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Louise Thomas, brother Robert, daughter Jayne, sons John Evan Jr. and Gregory and son in law, David Baker.  John had two grandchildren, Sara Jane Whitman and Aidan Whitman Baker. John Evan Whitman, Sr., was born in Elkins, West Virginia on January 29, 1928. He graduated from Elkins High School in 1946, received a BS in Business from Davis and Elkins College in 1950 and a MBA from the University of Pittsburgh in 1951. He served in the US Armed forces in 1951 and 1952.  John married Louise Thomas 1952. They would have been married 59 years on Tuesday, April 12, 2011. John’s career spanned 47 years in the furniture industry beginning at JL Hudson Company of Detroit, MI moving on to Thomasville Furniture and at the age of 60,  beginning his own retail store in Canton, OH. John finally retired in 1999. Besides a professional career in furniture, John’s passion for life included traveling with Louise as well as a zest for basketball, golf, fishing and the company of friends.   After retiring in 1999, John began researching the history of his ancestors which awarded him and his descendents membership into the Mayflower Society and Sons of the American Revolution. John never strayed too far from his roots as he remained an active alumni of Davis and Elkins College in Elkins, West Virginia.  His devotion and efforts to the university awarded him the  Tower Award in 2001 and Lifetime achievement Award in 2008. John’s dynamic character and passion for life will be truly missed. Calling hours will be held at Redmon Funeral Home on Friday April 15th from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM.  Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Church on Saturday April 16th at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Akron General  Visiting Nurse Service Hospice Care, 3358 Ridgewood Road, Akron 44333  in John’s name or to the charity of your choice. Mr. Whitman's video tribute may be seen here.