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Justin Whiting Obituary
of Hancock
Justin R. Whiting, 27, of Hancock, passed away Saturday, January 19, 2008, in Iraq. He was born in Temple, Tex., on September 24, 1980 the son of Randy Whiting and Estelline Miller. Justin Whiting is survived by his father, Randall Whiting, Hancock; mother, Estelline Miller, Colorado Springs, Colo.; stepmother, Cindy Whiting, Hancock; one sister and brother-in-law, Amanda and John Stambach, Fort Lewis, Wash.; one brother, Nathan Whiting, Fort Campbell, Ky.; two stepbrothers, Phil and wife, Jenele Martin, Calif., and Greg Martin, Fort Campbell, Ky. Justin is also survived by his grandparents, Ralph and June Whiting, French Woods; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, many close friends; and his best friend, Paul Somers. SSG Whiting enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Track Mechanic in 1999. After completing Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training he was assigned to D Co., 4th Forward Support Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. In 2000 he completed the Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course as a PFC. Upon completion of Special Forces Qualification Course in 2004, he was assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He served as the Medical Sergeant for Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) 582, 3rd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). He deployed with ODA 582 in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF) II and OIF III. After serving his first enlistment, SSG Whiting was honorably discharged from the Military. Several months after being discharged, SSG Whiting again enlisted to be assigned with 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). SSG Whiting was reassigned to ODA 5322 due to the requests and exhaustive efforts of his teammates; a rare occurrence in the Special Forces community. Once again he was called upon to deploy in support of OIF V, where he gave his life on the 19th of January 2008 near the city of Mosul, Iraq.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2008, from 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Emory United Methodist Church in Hancock. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, January 27, 2008, at 1 p.m. at the Hancock Central School auditorium. Interment will follow in the French Woods Cemetery, French Woods. Arrangements by Henderson-Biedekapp Funeral Chapel, Hancock.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Justin Whiting
John Aloia
March 3, 2023
I don´t know where to begin , so I will start with I am sadden to just find out a few days ago about Justin , my condolences to the family The pain you feel every day is numbing , I was numb as I stood at the Cochecton mills and talked w the gentleman at the counter , telling him my story how I hunted at a farm in Hancock NY w my uncle Benny and cousin Rocko and we stayed in the house , I said the friends name was Randy , he said Randy Whiting ? I jumped YES ! That it , I said omg what a beautiful family we had such great times hunting there , so I asked him have u seen Randy he said no , and then dropped the bomb on me telling me he lost a son n the war , my knees buckled I filled up w tears - I knew it was Justin , don´t know why but I just did , I called my gf n Jersey to tell her why I just found out , I was numb I sat a few minutes be fire I drove back to Yankee Lake , I had lots of great memories w Justin , he would load your stove w wood n the kitchen so we had a warm house n the morning before we deer hunted, I remember Justin hunting w me he was like 15 , he was n high school. I was like 30 , he had a cast on his leg and hunted the snow w me , he was a tough young man , from what I read everything that friends and family wrote he was a soldier before his time .. not many people are sitting out in the snow all day never mind hunting w a cast ! I remember Nate being a cowboy fan , he was like maybe 11or 12 idk , remember Amanda she was very sweet , The farm is where I got my first buck ! Whiting rd , Now we all have a guardian angel looking over us, Justin thank you for your service my God hold you in his hand, again to the family and friends from my heart . I am so sorry ,I will always cherish the great times hunting the farm , Randy this is John Aloia , Yankee lake , I will stop up this spring to see you , till then stay safe again so sorry
B K
May 25, 2020
Miss ya buddy. May God bless. V/r B
Mary Fazio
May 28, 2018
Thinking of you and your Mom on this Memorial Day. I pray for you often. Your love and sacrifice for this country will never be forgotten.
Anthony Peetz
May 27, 2018
I miss you Red, you always were a man amongst men, even when we were kids in high school. I have four sons now, and my greatest hope for them, is that they grow up to be men of your character and fortitude. I am so sorry that I didn't enlist with you, as we talked about in high school. I let you down, I am truly sorry.
May you rest in eternal peace, for the Almighty loves His warriors.
Stephen Johnson
January 20, 2017
Justin, I miss you brother. I'll never forget our long days together at the med lab in Bragg. You were always a leader and one of the best in our class. You will always be missed but never forgotten.
Lawrence Dale
November 11, 2016
Justin, we are thinking about you this veteran's day. Thank you for being a great teammate! 5322
January 17, 2016
You are remembered each and every day. We love you.
November 24, 2015
Thankful for the memories, the love and the laughter.
September 24, 2015
We miss you even more on special days like your birthday. Our hearts are forever broken.
July 5, 2015
We love you and miss you more each day.
January 18, 2015
We love you and miss you.
November 27, 2014
I am thankful for the memories we have of you and how we still laugh at your funny stories. Your smile is forever in our hearts.
November 26, 2014
Thinking of you and the entire family at this Thanksgive Time. So wish things could have been different. How do they live without you in their midst. Nancy Erhardt
November 25, 2014
if only if only
May 25, 2014
Forever in our hearts.
May 5, 2014
miss you
January 18, 2014
Seems like yesterday instead of 6 years since we lost you. Always know that you are with us each and every day..always in our hearts and forever apart of our family.
January 18, 2014
Love you
January 17, 2014
Always on our minds. We love you.
January 6, 2014
? Miss that face ?
December 25, 2013
Justin, I was given a gift today that so shows how much you are a constant in our family and how you are still so alive in all of our hearts. This gift I will treasure always-it was my heart shown to me-the ones I love. We all love you so much and so wish you were here with us. Merry Christmas!
December 24, 2013
Merry Christmas...loving and missing you
November 29, 2013
Miss you so much especially this time of year. Love you always
September 25, 2013
Missing you and wishing you were here to raise a cold one to celebrate your birthday. Always in our hearts-Happy Birthday!
September 24, 2013
Happy birthday, Justin. You are remembered everyday and loved forever.
July 20, 2013
July 4, 2013
Thinking of you today with love. Happy 4th!!
May 24, 2013
Memorial Day-this used to be a weekend to just kick off summer, BBQs, end of winter...5 years ago the true meaning of Memorial Day hit home. A time to remember and honor all that have given everything in order that we can live our normal, everyday lives. So sad that it took losing you to realize what this day was meant to mean. It was always in the back of our minds, but with your lost it hit home hard. We will always honor and respect what you along with so many others have done to allow us to live our lives as we wish. You are all very special people who deserved to be honored beyond what you are. Always know that we hold you close in our hearts and love and miss you so much. They say time heals but the ache is still present and will never fade. We love you.
April 27, 2013
Even when there is a day when I don't think of you..somehow you find a way to sneak back into my thoughts. Always letting me know your there. I try not to cry, just because I know that would irritate you, but I miss you, dammit. I just miss you.
April 25, 2013
Hey Buddy, missing you today. I know you can look down on us, so I know you can see that he is doing better now. It is a wonderful thing to see. Love you
February 3, 2013
5 years to reflect on the amazing person we all lost. 5 years to relive the sweet memories of the red headed boy who came into our lives always with a smile. 5 years to cherish the memories made when this boy grew into an outstanding man. Soldier, hunter, guitar player and so much more...these are what made you who you were. One of these does not define who you were or how you will be remembered but together they define the man. We were blessed enough to know you and create memories through the years with you and we thank god every day that we have these memories of you for they are what sustain us until we meet again.
January 29, 2013
Has it really been five years. It doesn't seem possible it has been that long. What a tragic loss for all who knew and loved him. Thinking of him and his family at this time. May they all find solice in knowing how many adored and cared about Justin.
Peace to my friend Estelline until she sees him again. Nancy
January 28, 2013
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal..love leaves a memory no one can steal..
January 27, 2013
Five years ago today we laid you to rest. The stone at your grave represents the two sides of you. We knew the boy – these last five years we've learned about the man – the Soldier. What an amazing soldier you were. Phil was right when he said at your service everyone who you knew has a story. Thank you for guiding us through this journey so that we have so many more memories of who you really were. Everyone who knew you should be proud of that Soldier/Warrior. They All played a part in who you would become, from the lunch ladies in the cafeteria to your coaches, teachers, neighbors, classmates and best buds - All should walk a little taller knowing they had a part in making one hell of a soldier, son, brother and friend . To honor you and your fallen brothers has been a privilege. Thank you, Justin. Now rest easy son and as Joe told you – keep the high ground safe for us.
Peggy Childers
January 19, 2013
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Justin R. Whiting:
It has truly been my honor to sign Justin's guest book these past few years. Unfortunately, due to complications from my Multiple Sclerosis, this may be the last message I'm able to write. Please forgive me and know that Justin will always be remembered in my home.
With love and respect ~ Peggy
January 19, 2013
today you are in our hearts just as you are every day of our lives. we honor the soldier and his sacrifice, but we mostly remember and cherish the Justin we all knew. The Justin who loved hunting, trapping, and singing with his guitar..that is the Justin we all were privileged to have as a part of our family and those are the memories/stories that we will pass on so that you will always live on in our hearts and our family.
January 19, 2013
And He will raise you up on eagle's wings, bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of His hand.
Psalm 40
January 19, 2013
He still thinks of you all the time as do I. He is doing better now and not so angry anymore. I know he knows you are out there, making your rounds, checking in with everyone. One day we will see you again, hug you again and maybe you'll play another song for us. Love you so much.
December 12, 2012
missin you
DAVID WERNER
September 26, 2012
GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.
September 25, 2012
:(
September 24, 2012
Happy Birthday, Justin. We love and miss you.
January 22, 2012
Every time I look at my Brian, I think of you and your Mom. The Lord be with you.
Mary Fazio
Peggy Childers
January 20, 2012
January 19, 2012
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Justin R. Whiting:
Always remembering Justin. "Some gave all."
January 19, 2012
We love you and remember you today and everyday.
ricky tipton
June 2, 2011
Hi
May 2, 2011
We got em.
May 2, 2011
Cheers! To you and all your service brothers and sisters. A small victory for USA and to you. Your fight and sacrifice were not in vein. Keep smiling...we'll see each other again someday. Love you always and forever.
January 19, 2011
Thinking of you today as we do everyday. We love and miss you so much.
January 19, 2011
we love you and we miss you.
Peggy Childers
January 19, 2011
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Justin R. Whiting:
Please accept my remembrance of Justin on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
January 17, 2011
3 years have passed..sometimes it feels like 3 minutes. I'm not sure if it's gotten easier, or if I've just learned to live without you. All I know is that I would give anything to see you walk through that door. I miss you..& I still live every single day in honor of you. Until we meet again..I love you.
November 27, 2010
Thank you Justin...we love you.
September 24, 2010
Happy Birthday, Justin. We love you.
September 24, 2010
Happy Birthday Justin!!
Someone in Texas loves and misses you!!
September 24, 2010
Thinking of you today as always but especially today which would have been your 30th birthday. Happy Birthday!
August 25, 2010
Justin, watch over Nathan and his team. Bring them home safe.
August 25, 2010
My name is Nancy Erhardt, I live in Beach Lake, PA. I just found out about Justin's death from a former co-worker at Job Corps in Callicoon, NY. I worked there many years ago with Justin's mother Estelleen Miller. She and I became wonderful friends, and we both left the facility and she moved away. I am so deeply saddened by this tragic loss. If anyone could contact me with a phone number or email address
for Estelline, I would so love to talk to her. My home # is 570-729-8742, work 570-253-2634, email [email protected]. please help me fine my dear friends. Love Nancy
Jamie Jenson
June 1, 2010
Every day is Memorial Day for those who loved you, Justin. You have blessed my life in so many ways, and I'll never be able to thank you enough. We love you!
May 31, 2010
love and miss you
Rachel Tucker(Somers)
May 30, 2010
It's Memorial Day weekend and I am sitting here thinking of you...wishing I could see you again. Wishing that this weekend meant something different to me. But it's a wish that won't come true and the reality is that tomorrow morning I will go lower my flag to half staff and mourn, not only a fallen solider but a dear friend that can never be replaced...love and miss you
May 20, 2010
we love you
March 21, 2010
I think about you every day. I wish you were here. It's still so hard. Love you.
March 20, 2010
gonna see your mom and sister this weekend, makes us sad and happy at the same time--miss you
January 20, 2010
Wish you were here. I think about you everyday. Thank you for giving up your life to protect ours. You were always selfless..
Love you.
January 20, 2010
hey justin--even though you never would i coned your sister into coming for a sleepover!!! i couldn't get her into footie pajamas but we still had a good time and she kicked brians butt and video boxing--talked to your mom yesterday and nate, i emailed your dad, that time difference is hard to work around--we think of you everyday and brian misses you so much. we love you--
Jamie Jenson
January 19, 2010
Think of you today and always, Justin. Thanks for everything.
Peggy Childers
January 19, 2010
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Justin R. Whiting:
Remembering Justin on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
January 3, 2010
we love you!!!
December 14, 2009
Thinking of you and miss you so much-especially around the holidays. Love you...
November 12, 2009
I'm sorry I didn't get on here yesterday to say it, but I was definitely thinking of you all day. Happy Veterans Day, Justin. I love you.
November 8, 2009
I wish you were here...no matter how many years go by, that will never change.
October 26, 2009
Miss you so much as always. Wish you were here, I could use some of your advice!
October 21, 2009
hey justin--we miss you--still think of you everyday--and we love you
September 24, 2009
Happy birthday to you, Justin. You are a light that can never be extinguished. Love you.
September 24, 2009
Happy Birthday in Heaven. Hope you and all your comrades are having a big party. Miss you and know that I think of you daily. The Flag your Dad put up is just awesome. What a way to remember a beloved son and friend.
September 24, 2009
As I look to the sky today, I send thoughts and earthly birthday wishes to the most beautiful person I have ever met. I see you smiling with that gold aura around you that you've always had, saying, "quit yer cryin', I'm right here. But thanks for thinking of me." Thank you God for the gift of Justin Ryan Whiting. Until we meet again, I will always love you. Happy Birthday.
Flag near Justin's grave..
September 23, 2009
It seems kind of silly to wish you a Happy Birthday, but I want you to know that wherever you are..I'm thinking of you...And I miss you, terribly.
Justin Amanda and I at the Ryman
September 23, 2009
September 20, 2009
It seems as though we will never get over missing you and wanting you to be here to share our lives. So much has changed since you left us, but the one thing that will never change is that we love you and carry you in our hearts and thoughts every day.
September 12, 2009
Not much to really provide tonight, other than I miss you...So I guess it's safe to say, nothing has changed. We missed you at the class reunion. It wasn't the same without you. But then again, nothing is..
September 12, 2009
today i can't type what i think but we miss you and we love you
August 17, 2009
Not a day goes by...
August 7, 2009
Justin,
They say time heals all wounds, but I'm not sure that's true. I guess in time, you just learn how to live with the grief. I miss you and I love you.
July 30, 2009
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh i miss you we both do
emily
June 26, 2009
i was thinking of you today as i do everyday i miss you and we love you and i miss you
June 25, 2009
Hey there!!! Thinking of you today and everyday until we meet again....I am truly grateful for meeting you and sharing part of your life that noone else got to have. Keep that smile for me.....
April 29, 2009
I love you, my friend..not a day goes by..
February 24, 2009
Thinking of you and sending my love, always.
In Memory of Justin ~ (Debra Estep)
January 19, 2009
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Justin, but I am remembering
his service and sacrifice. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
Peggy Childers
January 19, 2009
To the family of Staff Sgt. Justin R. Whiting:
Justin gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
January 18, 2009
It's been a year my friend..and there hasn't been one day in the last 365 that I didn't think of you. You have taught me more in death, than I will ever learn in life. It's because of you that all of us are true friends again. On that awful day, you brought us all back together..only you, Justin. A lot has changed this past year, but many things remain the same. I still miss you like crazy. I still love you profusely...and yes, there will always be tears..but mostly, I smile now and remember the moments we shared. Moments that can never be taken from me. Memories that will last a lifetime..Thank you, for everything you gave. I hope you know that I would've followed you anywhere..Rest in peace, my friend.
January 18, 2009
Hancock's Hero!
We all miss you!
RIP xoxoxo
January 18, 2009
Hard to believe it has been a year. You are missed by everyone who knew you. Shine down and look after your family as it is so tough for all of them as well as everyone who knew you. YOUR ARE OUR HERO AND ALWAYS WILL BE. Know everyone is missing you especially on the anniversary of your passing. R. I. P.
January 18, 2009
A year tomorrow we lost a great person! Thinking of you everyday my friend!!
T Starman
January 17, 2009
I offer my deepest condolences for your loss
Jamie & Andy Bardeen
January 12, 2009
We miss you so much Justin. Andrew thinks of you all the time. Our son Rick Justin Bardeen was born on March 1, 2008. We look forward to telling him all about you one day. I'm sure Andrew will have plenty of great stories for him of the two of you. We miss you so! Love you.
December 8, 2008
I loved you from the moment we met, and I will love you till we meet again..
December 5, 2008
I know in my head you're gone..but almost a year later, I'm still trying to convince my heart..My heart is still broken, but my love for you will always hold true. I'll never be the same again..I'll never stop missing you..
Kenna Larraq
December 3, 2008
FREE OIL ON CANVAS PAINTING OF THIS HERO. COMPLETE FORM AT WWW.HEROPAINTINGS.COM
We love our Soldiers! This is a Nonprofit Organization to honor are Soldiers!
Please contact us! Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, God Bless You and we hope that your portrait is bringing you some peace!
Sincerely,
Kenna
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