In loving memory of

Gerald "Whitey" Whitmore
February 14, 1928 - January 22, 2019

Gerald "Whitey" Whitmore, 90, of Hampton, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, January 22, 2019, at Franklin General Hospital in Hampton. He was born February 14, 1928, at the Old Stone House in Geneva, to Lloyd and Henrietta (Bodecker) Whitmore.

Whitey attended Maysville School until the eighth grade. He worked on the Ed O'Brien farm in Geneva and at Farmers Hybrid, where he met the love of his life, Joan Marie Stayner. They were united in marriage on February 18, 1950, at the Methodist Church in Chapin. To this union, two children were born: Dean and Barbara. On October 8, 1951, Whitey joined the US Army and served during the Korean War. After the service, he worked at John Deere, Trico Lanes Bowling Alley and was the first truck driver for Solar Transport. Whitey was named the 1996 Truck Driver of the Year and drove for 40 years before his retirement.

Whitey was a member of the American Legion, Hampton Senior Center and the Hampton United Methodist Church. He enjoyed bowling, trips to Branson and his annual gatherings with two other Army buddies and their families. Whitey loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Family members left to remember Whitey are his son Dean (Ginger) Whitmore and daughter Barbara (James) Quasdorf of Hampton; brother Terry (Bonnie) Whitmore of Olympia, Washington, sisters Rosemary Hermans of Mountlake Terrace, Washington, Diana Sharpe of Waipahu, Hawaii, Betty Walsh and Frances Douglas of Mason City; grandchildren Shawn (Terri) Whitmore of Ankeny, Amy (Joe) Smith of Ankeny, Kyra (Evan) Babcock of Jefferson, Sarah Baird of Hampton, John Quasdorf of Hampton, Jackie (David) Schott of Mason City; great-grandchildren Alexis Smith, Kasey Smith, Jack Whitmore, Giana Whitmore, Wyatt Babcock, Benjamin Baird, Noel Baird, Nicholas Quasdorf, Patrick Quasdorf and Sully Schott; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Joan Marie Whitmore, brother Edward and sisters Viola and Bonnie.

Tributes

cynthia wrote on Sep 10, 2019:

"I was sorry to read about the passing of Mr. Gerald . Death was never part of God's plan for mankind. Please accept my deepest sympathies. May the God of comfort give you peace during this most difficult time. Sincerely, Cynthia "

Les Yaw wrote on Jan 27, 2019:

"Whitey was one of the best! I first met him in the Penaluna Transfer shop (former REC garage, then Hampton Distributing store and currently Coconut Grove). His stories and laughter and ever present smile are my memories of him. My friends at Solar still speak highly of his days with them. Thank you, Whitey, for your strong work ethic and wonderful family."

Valerie Borseth wrote on Jan 24, 2019:

"One off the great men I had the pleasure to call dad in my teen years and beyond. You will be missed dearly by all that meet you, Dad. Valerie Quintus Borseth"

Annie Sotendahl wrote on Jan 24, 2019:

"I will remember my dear friend Whitey. In just a few months we grew very close. I was delighted to have the pleasure of taking care of him. He will always be dear to my heart. I will remember the late night beef jerky and coffee we shared as he told me about the many trips he has taken with his wife. "

Denny Wessels wrote on Jan 24, 2019:

"A very nice kind person. I was lucky to know him since my early days in the transport business. "

Bill Wilkinson wrote on Jan 24, 2019:

"Joan, Dean, and Barb, so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing, He was a special man, so enjoyed forth of July at the lake in earlier times. First driver for Solar. All the Whitmore family will be in our prayers."

Rick and Julie Salvesen wrote on Jan 23, 2019:

"Joan and Whitey were our wonderful neighbors at Beeds Lake and our daughter's first babysitters. The Whitmore family holds a very special place in our hearts.....you will be missed! Rick and Julie Salvesen"

Sandy (Smith) Ward wrote on Jan 23, 2019:

"Barb, So sorry to read about your Dad's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sandy (Smith) Ward"