Hollis Dale Whitton

Services for Dale Whitton, 88, of Tyler are scheduled for 2pm, Friday, January 17, 2014 in Lloyd James Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Sherman Mayfield officiating. Burial will follow in Cathedral in the Pines with grandsons serving as pallbearers. Visitation will be from 1-2pm, Friday before the service. Arrangements are under the direction of Lloyd James Funeral Home.

Mr. Whitton passed away at Hospice of East Texas from Parkinson’s. He was born on March 2, 1925 in Canton to Lawrence and Verd Whitton.

Upon graduating from Canton High School in 1942 he joined the Marines and served on the island of Tinian and was discharged in 1945. In 1945 he enrolled at Tyler Commercial College and married Ann Barnett. That same year he also joined the Texas National Guard and attained the rank of 1st Lieutenant in the U. S. Army Reserves. He joined Brookshire Grocery Company in 1960 and retired as senior vice president of grocery purchasing in 1993. In his retirement years he fed and cared for feral cats and he and his dog Callie worked with the Therapet Group.

He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Jerry Whitton and grandson, Andrew Whitton.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ann; daughters, Carol Martin and husband Warren, Sharon Baker both of Tyler, Regina Speaks and husband Ron of Plano; grandchildren, Lee Roach and wife Christy of Lindale, Matt Roach of Troup, Jon Roach and wife Shawn of Neches, Brian Martin and Jen of Ohio, Robert Martin and wife April of Tyler, Ashley Whitton and Matt of Tyler, Adam Whitton of Tyler, Elisha Costilow of Tennessee and Alex Clingan of Plano; 12 great grandchildren and his fathful dog, Sammy.

In lieu of flowers, in keeping with his desire to help other, the family suggests that memorials be made to Hospice of East Texas or Pets Fur People.

A special thanks to Kim Edwards for being the perfect caretaker.