Robert L. Whitman, 76, Motorcycle Enthusiast
Robert L. Whitman, age 76, of Amherst Township, passed away at the New Life Hospice Center of St. Joseph on the evening of Monday November 6, 2017 following an illness of eleven months.
Bob was born in Elyria on July 6, 1941 and attended Central High School in Amherst.
He later joined the International Operating Engineers Local # 18 in Cleveland; through a strong work ethic he rose to the position of master mechanic. His affiliation with the union local found him working for two years on the Alaskan Pipeline as well as on projects in a variety of other interesting venues including Saudi Arabia. For the last fifteen years of his career he worked on projects for Great Lakes Construction. Bob officially retired in 2001.
He attended Saint Peter United Church of Christ in Amherst and was a member of Knights of Columbus Council # 637.
In his earlier years Bob was a motorcycle enthusiast and was a member and past President of the Amherst Meadowlarks Motorcycle Club. In his later years he became well known for his prowess as a vegetable gardener.
Survivors include his wife of fifty-four years Joan (nee Hennes) and sons Robert L. Whitman, II (Theresa) of Amherst Township and Ronald J. Whitman (Diane) of Lorain. He also leaves four grandchildren, sister Laura Kimmel of Wellington and brother John Whitman of Oberlin.
Bob was preceded in death by his father Anthony Whitman, mother Laura Talbot (nee Nooney), and brothers Richard and Donald.
Visitation will be Thursday from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel – 3224 Broadway Avenue, Lorain. Funeral services will be Friday at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral chapel with Reverend Beverly Brummel, pastor of St. Peter United Church of Christ presiding. Burial will follow in Ridge Hill Memorial Park.
The family encourages contributions in his memory to Mercy new Life Hospice – 3500 Kolbe Road, Lorain, OH 44053.
To share your memories and condolences with the Whitman family, please visit www.gluvna.net.