Clyde R. Whitledge

Clyde Raymond Whitledge was born in Henderson, KY on March 5, 1922 and moved to Detroit as a child. He passed away July 4, 2012 at the age of 90. He was a proud WWII veteran and served honorably in the Army Air Corps. He belonged to the VFW Post #1519, American Legion, Eagles, Elks Club and the Masonic Order. Clyde retired in 1972 as a Detroit Police Officer where he was a patrolman, harbor master and on a pistol team. He then retired again in 1989 from Norfolk & Western Railway as an excellent tug boat captain, even being featured on Channel 4 News for his expertise as a captain. His interests were varied, owning and piloting his own plane at 19. He loved motorcycles; they remained his passion for all his life. He obtained the level of black belt in Karate, was a Martial Arts Master and taught Tai Chi. He was proficient at roller skating and at ballroom, tap and line dancing. He performed at the Macomb Performing Arts for 20 years with “Best of” shows for seniors, was a member of the “Sophisticates” dancing and skating group and the “Heart of the Hills” Players of Rochester. He built his own cabin in Hubbard Lake, MI for his family and for his hunting that he LOVED! He never liked to miss opening day. Clyde traveled all over the U.S., Egypt, Germany, England and even backpacked in China for 6 weeks at the age of 74. A Master in Tibet honored Clyde by naming a Dojo after him called BáitóuTadezhŭ, which translates to “The White Haired Master”. Clyde will be missed by his loving family and friends for always being ready to help when needed. He had a great sense of humor and a special way with all women, any age! He will especially be missed by his devoted companion, Pepper, his black lab. Clyde is survived by his loving fiancée and partner of 28 years, Betty Groner. Loving father to Kathy Lu, Glenda (Frank) Ochs, Lola Whitledge, Susan (Richard) Kwiatkowski and Clyde (Sandy) Whitledge. Grandfather of 11, great-grandfather of 8 and great-great-grandfather of 2. Brother of Jean (the late George) Raymond and Alice Jane (Joseph) Murray. Also survived by Betty’s children, David (Colleen), Michael, Kathleen (Grace), Alan (Janice), Steven (Theresa) and Paul, who considered Clyde as a loving Step-dad who was always there for them. He was predeceased by his parents, Grace Cheatham Whitledge and MacFarland Whitledge, his wife Lillian Krus Whitledge, his sister Sara (Ed) Pettis and his brother, MacFarland Whitledge, II. Visitation Saturday 4-9 pm and Sunday 2-9 pm at Kaul Funeral Home, 27830 Gratiot Ave., Roseville. Funeral Service Monday, 11 am at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations in Clyde’s name are appreciated to the Police Widows and Orphans Fund, Disabled American Veterans, and the Michigan Humane Society. Please share a memory of Clyde at his online Guest Book at www.kaulfuneralhome.com