Obituary of Robert "Putt" R. Whitman , 78

Robert R. “Putt” Whitman, 78, of Centre Hall, passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2011 at Centre Crest Nursing Center in Bellefonte after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Dementia.

Born on April 8, 1932 in Reedsville, he was a son of the late Ray and Frances (Wagner) Whitman.

On February 22, 1955, he was married to Barbara H. Struble, who survives at home.

He was a 1950 graduate of Centre Hall-Potter High School.

Putt was a member of the 115th Air National Guard, which was activated during the Korean War from December 1, 1951 through May 30, 1953.

He had been a member of St. Lukes Lutheran Church and the American Legion Post 779 in Centre Hall.

Mr. Whitman was employed at Cerro Metals until his retirement in 1994.

Putt was an avid fisherman and hunter and also enjoyed photography, especially landscapes.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Brett Whitman and wife Linda (Gephart) Whitman and Craig Whitman, all of Centre Hall; two granddaughters, Mindy Tracy and her husband John of Natick, MA, and Erika Whitman of South Bend, IN; two great-grandsons, Matthew and Ryan Tracy of Natick, MA; one brother, Richard E. Whitman of Centre Hall; three brother in laws, Philip Ronald Struble, Jeffrey Struble, and Timothy Struble; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Marlan Whitman.

All Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Putt’s memory can be made to the Centre Crest Nursing Center’s Auxiliary, 502 E. Howard St., Bellefonte, PA 16823.

A guestbook can be signed and condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.