WWII veteran Robert Whitney mourned

DOWNEY – Robert Paul (Bob) Whitney, who lived in Downey for most of 87 years, passed away March 4. He was born Nov. 10, 1925 in Long Beach to Paul and Marjorie Whitney, the middle child of three (older sister, Virginia, and younger brother, Edward). The family relocated to Downey when Bob was 1.

Bob married his high school sweetheart, Mary Thompson, and together raised three children: David, Denise and Daniel Whitney.

At his passing, Bob had seven surviving grandchildren and six great-granddaughters.

Bob graduated from Downey HIgh School and Cal Poly San Luis Obisbo as a mechanical engineer. After many years as an engineer, Bob changed careers and started his own cabinet business, continuing to work until his retirement shortly after his wife’s passing in 2003.

Bob was also a World War II veteran, serving overseas as a tail gunner.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; son, David; sister, Virginia; and grandson, Gary Whitney.

He is survived by a brother, Edward Whitney; daughter, Denise Whitney; son, Daniel Whitney; seven grandchildren; and six great-granddaughters.

Internment was March 14 at Rose Hills Memorial Park.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, March 22, at First Presbyterian Church of Downey at 11 a.m.

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Published: March 20, 2014 - Volume 12 - Issue 49