Obituary of Carl James Whitman

Carl J. Whitman of Lancaster, PA, passed away on Tuesday October 23rd after having just celebrated his 93rd birthday in his new residence of Las Vegas, NV. He was the loving husband of Joan Ruth Whitman née Gehman, with whom he enjoyed 67 years of marriage. He was the devoted father of Gail married to Bob Poll, Sandie married to Anil Malik, and Diane married to Rem Jackson. In addition to his wife and daughters, Carl's grandchildren, Abby, Emily, Annie, Iris, Kamron, Neil and great-grandchildren Kaleb and Hayes thought the world of him. He was the ideal father and grandfather, every time he saw one of his daughters or grandchildren he would be so excited and happy just to be with them. Carl was born in Rexmont, PA to parents Frank Whitman and Minnie Mae Whitman née Fisher. He graduated from Lebanon County's Cornwall High School in 1943. Shortly after, at the age of 18, he left for Europe to serve as a Staff Sargent and medic during World War II. Carl was discharged with three medals of honor and returned to work for the Veteran's hospital in Lebanon County before going to work at Olmsted Air Force Base in Middletown. Carl left his position at the base to spend the rest of his career as the quality control manager at Hamilton Technology (later Bulova). After his retirement from Hamilton in 1990, Carl spent several years working for the Manheim Auto Auction. In 1951 Carl married the love of his life, Joan. They met at the Mount Gretna roller rink and spent their youth roller skating, seeing big-band shows, and going to ice hockey games before settling down and having a family of their own. Carl knew how to enjoy the little things in life; a piece of cake, a new stuffed animal, a wrapped present, or a walk around the neighborhood. He loved blueberries and was always thankful when Joan would make him blueberry shortcakes on the weekend. Throughout his life, Carl enjoyed playing golf and was a long time member of a local bowling team in Manheim. If he could help it, he would never miss a football game, a baseball game, or a golf tournament on the television and was over the moon to see the Eagles win the Super Bowl. Carl and Joan attended the Salem United Methodist Church in Manheim every Sunday throughout his life serving as a finance committee member, an usher, and a valued player on the church softball team. These were the things that brought Carl joy every day. Carl loved traveling and took many vacations with Joan; he drove across the USA, took a cruise along the Mississippi, met Miss Hawaii in Honolulu, drank margaritas at the swim up bar in Cancun, and even drank a Guinness in Ireland. He was proud to have made it to 48 out of 50 states. Oregon and Washington really missed out as they never had the pleasure of having Carl visit. When Carl was around, there were endless possibilities for joy and happiness. If he knew the song on the radio he would sing along loudly serenading everyone nearby. If he was going for a drive in Pennsylvania he would take the back roads and discover something new. And man! did he love sweets, he would help himself to a big piece of key lime pie, or shoo-fly-pie, or whoopee pie and enjoy every last crumb. Carl was known for his infectious smile and his kind and compassionate spirit. He brightened up every room, made friends wherever he went, and was deeply loved by many. Carl was predeceased by his parents and siblings Alma, Ralph, Luther, Aaron, Doris and Robert. Corinthians 5:1 For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.