John Whitehurst

John W. Whitehurst PORTSMOUTH - John William Whitehurst, 81, formerly of Portsmouth, passed away Aug. 5, 2008, in Whitesburg Gardens, Huntsville, Ala. Mr. Whitehurst was a graduate of St. Joseph's Academy Class of 1944, Indiana Technical College, and Catholic University of America receiving a B.S. and M.S. degree in aeronautical engineering. He worked 40 years in the aerospace industry, 10 years at Martin and 30 years at IBM. At retirement he was manager of GPS Space Vehicle Engineering. He was a pilot and very active in the EAA Young Eagles Program. He was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church and was very active in the Knights of Columbus being past grand knight of Council 4080 in Huntsville. He is survived by his wife, Lucia Morlino Whitehurst; six children, John Jr., Michael and wife Teri, Paul and wife Beckey, Anne Marie Roop and husband John, Rosemary Baker and Elbert; eight grandchildren; one great-grandson; and two brothers, Frederick Whitehurst and Frank Whitehurst and wife Margaret Rose. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Knights of Columbus Charity Fund, Council 4080, 3053 Leeman Ferry Road SW, Huntsville, AL 35801.