Robert E. WHITTMAN

News Death Notice

WITTMAN, Robert E. (Bob) 88, of Medway passed away peacefully at Emeritus at Fox Run on November 17, 2012. He is survived by his son, Mark Wittman (Libby Young) of Medway; his daughter, Lynn Fortune (Mark) of Cardale, Manitoba; sisters in law, Sondra Ingall (Walter) of Connersville, Indiana and Hazel Mercer of Chillicothe, Ohio; special friend, Maude Lobdell of Fairborn; his favorite companion, Skye; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, of 47 years, Jane Wittman (Dennison); his parents, Elmer and Bessie Wittman; his sister and brother in law, Jane and Art House; mother in law and father in law, Alpha and Millard Mercer; brother in law, Calvin Mercer; two nephews and a great niece. Bob was born in Omaha, Nebraska and raised in Sedalia, Missouri. He served in the Army Air Corps from 1942-1945 in the European Theatre during WWII. Upon his return to the USA, he graduated from the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy with a B.S. in Mining Engineering (Geology option) in 1950. He was recalled into active duty in 1951 during the Korean War and assigned to the Air Force Materials Research Laboratory at Wright Field. Upon is honorable discharge from the military he remained with the AFML in a civilian capacity beginning his 30 year career as a Materials and Aerospace Research Engineer at WPAFB. During his time at WPAFB, he was internationally recognized for his work in transparent materials and lightweight armor technology. Once retired in 1980 he worked as a consultant for Pilkington Industries for several years before he went to full time retirement. Bob was an avid golfer and bowler for many years. He was an active member of the Medlake Lions Club for 43 years, the Medway Area Historical Society, Sigma Nu Fraternity and the Lions Club Pin Traders. He loved his music, travelling the world, playing the organ, driving his Camaro, going to auctions, dabbling in antiques, collectibles and jewelry and took up ballroom dancing after the age of 80. He always enjoyed life and had a joke or a story to tell. Unfortunately, after 2009, his health began to fail and he eventually was unable to continue doing all the things that he loved. He was quite the character, a good Husband and Dad and a friend to all that he met. His family would like to thank a special and caring friend, Fran Friedlander, for everything that she did for Dad as his health declined, all of his neighbors in Medway , Rita Waln, his companion from Comfort Keepers, Acclaim Hospice, Dr. Robert Scott and all of the exceptional and caring staff at Emeritus at Fox Run. A gathering of friends and family will be held from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM, Saturday, November 24, 2012 at the TROSTEL, CHAPMAN, DUNBAR AND FRALEY FUNERAL HOME, New Carlisle, Ohio. Burial will take place at a later date. Since Bob was always a dedicated ambassador for Lions Club International, donations can be made in his memory to the Lions Club International Foundation at www.lionsclub.org/donate or Lions Club International Foundation, Dept. 4547, Carol Stream, IL, 60122-4547 or to Ohio Lions Eye Research Foundation c/o Norbert A. Peiker, FAIA BDB Executive Director, 127 Yorkshire Rd., Bellville, OH, 44813-1166.