In loving memory of

Ray Palmer Whitman,
December 31, 1969 - December 31, 1969

Ray P. Whitman Jr., 80, passed away suddenly at his Indianapolis home Monday October 3, 2011. Ray was born February 24, 1931 in Buffalo, NY to Ray Palmer, Sr. and Edith (Martyn) Whitman.
A graduate of Oberlin College, he served his country in The United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. On September 27, 1975 he married the former Constance Smith. Ray was formerly employed (Benton Harbor, MI) with the Whirlpool Corporation as General Manager of Sales to Sears. He most recently was employed in sales and marketing with h.h. Gregg in Indianapolis. Ray was a student of history, and aviation. He collected firearms and custom knives. A proud charter member of the NRA. He especially enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was the Master Griller on his Weber grill.
Ray is survived by his wife, Connie; four children ? Lee (Tony) McManus of Mount Pleasant, SC; Carol (Ken) Vieregge of New Bern, NC; Matthew Whitman of St. Joseph, MI, and Ray P., III (a.k.a. ?Trey? [Brooke]) Whitman of Indianapolis. Six grandchildren: Andrea Whitman of St. Joseph, MI; Stephanie McConahy of Mount Pleasant, SC; Jesse Whitman of St. Joseph, MI; Sarah, Mary, and Caroline Vieregge all of New Bern, NC; and one great-granddaughter, Leigha Whitman of St. Joseph, MI. Mother-in-law: Margaret Smith; sister-in-law Shirley Karlowsky. Brothers: Paul (Lori) Whitman of St. Petersburg, FL; Marcus Whitman of Charlotte, NC. Cousins: Trish (Martyn) Glasgow of Gambrills, MD; John P. Martyn of Alexandria, VA; Patsy (Harper) Art of Walton, KY; Nancy (Harper) Morgan of Kensington, MD. Nieces and nephews: Beth (Tom) Hulse of Walhalla, SC; James (Cindy) Gilfillan, of Gaithersburg, MD; Chad, Tyler, and Kyle Whitman of Jacksonville, FL; Jennifer and Andrew Whitman of Charlotte, NC; Deborah Potter of Columbus, OH.
His funeral is scheduled for Saturday, October 15, 2011 at St. Paul?s Episcopal Church. Visitation from 12 ? 1 pm, Holy Eucharist & Burial Rite at 2 pm, reception immediately following in the church?s Lilly Room. Leppert Funeral home is assisting with arrangements. You may share memories and sign the guestbook at www.leppertmortuary.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in his memory to:
St. Paul?s Episcopal Church, 6050 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208; Indianapolis Chapter Order of St. Luke the Healer, c/o Karen DeBruler, 531 E. Vermont Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202; or Indy Episcopal Cursillo, c/o Beverly Badgley, 238 South Street, Chesterton, IN 46017

Tributes

Matt Whitman wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Dad, I Love You So Much! I miss you and wish I could laugh with you again! I know you are at peace and in a better place. My earliest memories are of going to Minnesota Viking games with you and freezing, watching our beloved Vikings. I remember going to our father-son fishing trip to the boundary waters, when I was 11. Our pheasant hunting trip to Iowa in 2002 was one of the greatest moments of my life. The Trooper Tourette trip with Aunt Nancy to the Antietam National Battlefield was one of the hardest laughs we ever shared together. I could always call you with any gun or history question and you would help me out. You are truly the smartest man I have ever known. You have impacted so many lives in a positive way. I miss cleaning our guns and drinking a beer,eating caviar and just talking. I will go to The Rusty Bucket and talk to you again soon. I enjoyed every second I spent with you and thank you for being such a Great Man! Love, Your son Matt"

Jim & Midge Piecyk wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Dear Whitman familyAt this difficult time, we would like to extend our deepest sympathy. May the fond memories and special times be a constant reminder of a father's love and help to ease the pain of grief.With our love,The Piecyk's"

Kathy McIntosh wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Connie I am so sorry for your loss. I know that your faith is strong and that right now the Lord is carrying you through this. I hope you can feel his loving arms wrapped around you. Please know that you and your family have been and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless "

Julia Davis wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Connie, I am sorry to hear the loss of your husband. My prayers go out to you and your family. Know that GOD is with you."

Sonia McClain wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Connie, my deepest sympathies to you and your family. I met Ray when we all took the financial class together, and I got such a kick out of his sense of humor! Hold on to those memories as tight as you can, and may God be with you."

Keith and Kathleen Hubbard wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Dear Whitman family: Please accept our condolences for the loss of your loved one. You are in our thoughts adn prayers. "

Gaynel wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Dear Connie, I'm sorry to hear about your husband. I know he meant the world to you and his absence will be a great loss to you and many others, I'm sure. My prayers are with you and your family."

Jim and Beth Horan wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Dear Whitman family, We are very sorry to learn of your Dad death. We send our sincere love and sympathy to you at this time of your loss. Reading about your loss makes me realize how much I miss and care about all of you. Your in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all."

Connie Whitman wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Love of my life. I miss you does not even come close to describe the hole in my heart. Blessed by God, I treasure our 36 years together. Blessed to be a part of the Whitman, Martyn, Harper tribe. Blessed to be the motherof your child, stepmother to your wonderful children. Blessed to be Grandma Connie, and a Great Grandma too. I hope they realize how much we loved each of them, how proud we were of the fine men and women they are. Until we meet in heaven, and the kids toss our ashes on Niagra Falls, QBVII."

Brooke Altmann wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Dear Dad,I love you and miss you, but I give you some gaurantees; We will always cook meat on a weber grill, we will make sure the lights are turned off when no one is in the room, we will load the dishwasher properly, we will make sure mom still shops at Orvis, and I am going to plan a quirky hat party in your honor in the future. Love you always and forever. I know you will always be looking out for the family as you always have and we, as an extended family , will make sure we stay in touch as a group.Love, Brooke"

Rhoda Israelov wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Dear Connie and family,My sincerest condolences to you on the loss of your husband, father, and friend. Ray always cared about his neighbors at Kings Cove and about the neighborhood. He will be missed by all.Rhoda "