Robert Eugene Whitman

Robert "Bob" Whitman completed his journey in the life on April 27, 2016. He was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa to the late Theodore and Martha Whitman on February 19, 1925. He grew up in the country and after completing high school, entered the U.S. Navy and served most of his three years aboard the USS LST 739 in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Most significant were the re-invasion of the Phillipines, Easter Sunday invasion of Okinawa and the subsequent occupation of the Japanese mainland. Following discharge from the Navy, he earned his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. While still in college, he and Beverly Hemmingsen were married at the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ in Council Bluffs, Iowa on November 29, 1947.

After graduation from college, he was employed by an engineering firm in Omaha, Nebraska and for two years was responsible for all the "on- site" contracts for several municipal power plants from generation, switch gear to outside transmission to include all service electrical equipment. He then joined IBM and held assignments in Omaha, San Jose, California, and Raleigh, NC. While in San Jose, he was very active in the Boy Scouts program as both Cub Scout Leader and Scout Master. Robert served three terms as president of elementary school " Home and School". (California version of the PTA).

He was also one of the initiators of the largest "Little League" baseball organizations in the state to include; fund raising, acquiring playing fields, scheduling and managing a team. Bob retired from IBM in 1980. The following 15 years were spent in wood working, kitchen and bath remodeling, building unique furniture and repairing antiques. All this in conjunction with his wife, Beverly. He would often say "he built it and she made it look great with her finishing skills".

Robert is survived by his wife of 69 years, Beverly, their son, Ralph and his wife, Karen of Apex, NC, granddaughter, Carmen, great-grandchildren, Dante and Giada, children of Adam and Carmen Dilorenzo, their daughter, Denise of Raleigh, brother, Rodney of Council Bluff, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his two brothers; Raymond of Van Nuys, CA and Richard of Omaha, Nebraska.

A graveside service to celebrate his life will be held on Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at 1:00 p.m., Raleigh Memorial Park, 7501 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC. Naval military honors will be present.