Ronald J. "Ron" Whitman Sr.

Moreau Ronald J. "Ron" Whitman Sr., 64, of Lamplighter Acres, Moreau, passed away June 1, 2008 at Glens Falls Hospital after a long illness. Born November 11, 1943 in Glens Falls, he was the beloved son of Elfia (Clute) Whitman and the late Walter Whitman. Following Ron's graduation from Queensbury High School in 1962, he entered into the U.S. Navy in 1963. Ron served two years of active duty, working aboard the USS Springfield during Vietnam before being honorably discharged in 1965. Ron was also a member of the Queensbury Masonic Lodge No. 121, where he was the former Master. Ron worked with his father for Walt Whitman and Son for years. Ron enjoyed camping, scratch-off lottery tickets, old Western movies, watching the Yankees and Dale Earnhart, classic cars, especially his '47 Chevy Coupe, and above all, spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Ron was predeceased by his father, Walter Whitman, and one cousin, Buzz Clute, both in February of 1998. Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Barbara (Howe) Whitman, of Moreau; two sons, R.J. Whitman and his wife, Brenda, and their three children, Caitlin, Ronald III and Zachary, all of South Glens Falls, and Rusty Whitman and his wife, Wendy, and their two children, Josh and Nikki, all of Queensbury; two daughters, Jennifer Kelly and her husband, Ray, and their two children, Caleb and Kaiden, all of South Glens Falls, and Stephanie Weatherwax and her husband, Merton, and their two children, Kevin and Corey, all of South Glens Falls; his mother, Elfia Whitman of Queensbury, who passed 18 hours after Ron; one sister, Karen Whitman of Queensbury; three lifelong friends, Harold Weller, Mike Mabb and Bill Doner Sr.; also several nieces, nephews, cousins, an aunt and many dear friends. Friends may call upon the family today, June 4, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury. The Queensbury Lodge No. 121 Free and Accepted Masons will perform a Masonic service at 7 p.m. during the evening calling hours. A funeral service will be held Thursday, June 5 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home, with the Captain Michael Knepp, Chaplain of the Salvation Army, officiating. Burial will follow at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville. Ron's family asks that donations, in his loving memory, may be made to the American Cancer Society, 959 Route 9 Mount Royal Plaza, Queensbury, NY 12804, or to the American Diabetes Assoc., 7 Washington Square, Albany, NY 12205-5512. Condolences may be e-mailed through www.baker funeralhome.com or mailed to Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804.