Clive
Francis "Red" Whitehurst, 84, died Saturday, March 23, 2013 at Methodist West Hospital. Red was born March 26, 1928 in Commerce, Iowa. He grew up in Valley Junction and graduated from Valley High School. He served in the Army Air Force in Japan during the Occupation after the war. On December 30, 1949 he married Ruth Sayles, of Perry, Iowa.
Red worked several years in the Polk County Auditor's office and also served on the Polk County Board of Supervisors. He and Ruth worked together to build Whitehurst Construction Company, a successful homebuilding company. He was also involved in real estate development. Upon retirement Red and Ruth moved to San Diego and then Scottsdale before returning to West Des Moines.
Red is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruth; children Pam (Jeff) Flynn of Waukee, Mike (Deb) Whitehurst of San Diego and Saundy Joos of West Des Moines; grandchildren Nicki (Justin) Saiz, Dan (Courtney) Flynn, Amy and Melissa Whitehurst and Ashley, Alex and Bryan Joos; great-grandchild Merrick Flynn.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Valley High School athletic department.
