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Kenneth Whitney Obituary
Kenneth N. Whitney, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend passed away on April 5, 2012, at the age of 70 of esophageal cancer. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Susan and Oliver Whitney, his brother, Tom Whitney and his niece Kara Beth Whitney.
Ken graduated from Sam Houston State University with a degree in history. He taught history and government at Galena Park High School where he also coached football and baseball. He loved his students and rejoiced when he could instill in them a love of our country's history. He was a loyal friend and a loyal fan of the Houston Astros, Texans and Rockets...win or lose. He loved crossword puzzles, Jeopardy, old movies, hunting, and sports of any kind. Ken is survived by his wife of 44 years Sharon Whitney; sons Ken Whitney and wife Randi, Sean Whitney and fiancé Doria Wright; grandchildren Jake, Luke, Lauren, and Lane Whitney; brother, Glenn Whitney and wife Martha; sisters-in-love Julia Whitney and Becky Henderson; numerous nieces and nephews and special friends.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Heinz Hermann of Pasadena and Dr. Blum of M.D. Anderson for their compassionate care. The doctors, nurses and staff at M.D. Anderson were wonderful to Ken and our family throughout this journey.
Services were held on Friday, April 13, 2012, at 12:30 p.m. at Grand View Funeral Home & Memorial Park. Online memorial tributes may be placed at www.grandviewfunerals.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Whitney
Sponsored by anonymous.
Joe Hernandez
April 19, 2025
Mr. Whitney was, without a doubt, the best teacher I had at GPHS. Ignited my love for history that continues to this day.
Mary Kimbrough
April 18, 2025
Best history teacher ever. He is missed. Made history enjoyablé and relatable. Class of 1970.
La Wanna Gage
June 17, 2015
I'm very sadden by the passing of one of the best teachers at Galena Park. Coach Whitney was one of my favorite teachers, and he pushed me to always strive to do better. I remember when I first walked in his class I was taken back by his beautiful white hair and beard, with his glasses on the end of his nose and this blank stare on his face. I immedicately felt intimidated by his presence at first. Soon as the bell rang, he open his mouth and said (I'm sorry to say this but he asked the question "Why are boogers green?) Everyone looked and was like what, and he smiled and we all started laughing at that question. From that point I was no longer intimadated, I was interested in what he had to say..Bottom Line he had compassion for his students and he did not mind helping at all, I know he helped me because I was struggling a little bit and he pushed me to succeed in his class. I did just that making an A+ in his class. My prayers and sympathy goes out to his entire family.. Be Blessed!!
Mary Anderson
September 22, 2013
I am truly saddened to just now find out about the loss of Coach Whitney. My deepest sympathy goes to his family and friends. Coach was one of a kind, and will be missed by all his former students.
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Debbie Papp
January 22, 2013
My heart is very heavy and saddened by just now learning of the passing of my favorite teacher, Mr. Whitney. He truly was the "great educator" and was a role model in every aspect.
His love for the teaching profession was very evident as he really did engage you and made learning American History fun. He was a very extoverted person much like myself and had a "large personality"
After flying for 30 years with Continental Airlines and visiting so many countries, it made me reflect on what I learned from him about our Country and the importance of knowing history. He made you want to do your best and truly was proud of his students when they scored well on his tests.
He was a one in a million kind of person that left an lasting impression on you.
I so remember when one day I said to him in class......"Mr. Whitney you have been loosing weight" He remarked, 'I quit eating leftover cold pizza for breakfast". And we laughed.
His joy for life was bigger than life and I wonder if he realized how many students he impacted.
I must admit way back in 1970 I had a huge crush on Mr. Whitney. He lit up a room when he entered. Always kind, happy and so very positve. GPHS was lucky to have had him on staff.
Thank you Mr. Whitney for sharing yourself, your love of teaching, and for making this world a better place to live. There needs to be more Mr. Whitney's that others could model.
Thanks again for what you taught me.See you on the other side of the rainbow and every time I enjoy a pizza, I will think of you.
RIP Sir Whitney.....My eyes are tearing up as I continue to write this.
Love to your wife Sharon,children and grandchildren.
Our Lord is saying "WELL DONE, FAITHFUL SERVANT".LET ME GIVE YOU REST NOW.
Debbie Papp (Hand)
GP Class of '72
Kathy Shelton
April 21, 2012
Deepest sympathy for his family, Mr. Whitney is one of those teachers you will always remember if you were lucky enough to have him.
Martha Munoz-Villarreal
April 19, 2012
Coach Whitney taught me how to drive in Drivers Ed and also my History teacher!! One of the best teachers I had. I will never forget that voice. He was one the best. My condolences to his family.
Tim Dean
April 19, 2012
I had him both as a teacher and a coach and I can tell you that he had a style all his own, and it worked. He had a huge influence on students lives including my own. My deepest sympathy to his family. I also had the pleasure of having his wife as a teacher as well. Very few people have the gift these two had for teaching. (Class of 1983)
Bob Ruth - GP Class of 1973
April 19, 2012
Coach Whitney, you are one of the educators that really made a difference. I had you for history but carried much more than that from you through life. I'll never forget you. Condolences to al of your family, the loss is a great one.
Laurie Graves
April 19, 2012
Deepest sympathy for the family. He touched the hearts of many, and was loved by plenty. My thoughts and prayers be with you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kimberly "Cooter" Coates-Rhoden
April 18, 2012
Coach Whitney was THE BEST history teacher at GPHS!! Anyone who ever had him will never forget him and I thoroughly enjoyed his class both years I had him - Texas history and American history. I can't count the many times I jumped out of my skin from him banging that iron gavel - or his loud booming voice! He was kind and compassionate and I have to say that as much as he was a great teacher, he was also a friend! God rest your soul Coach Whitney, and we'll see you when we get there!
Dr. Richard Adair
April 18, 2012
My sympathy to the family of a wise educator, great story teller and sincere individual. He was a treasure.
Gaye (Welsh) Mackie
April 18, 2012
I haven't seen him in many years (GP Class of '80) but Coach Whitney was always loved by all the students. He was not just a great teacher and coach, but great role model. I am so sorry for your loss.
April 18, 2012
He was a great teacher that was loved all his students... So sorry for your loss. Joy Winchester( Princeton,TX)
Adrienne Schoppe
April 18, 2012
What a great teacher and friend to my parents. I hope Coach Whitney and dad are reliving some great GP memories..my thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and children
Adrienne
April 18, 2012
Coach Whitney did more than just teach or coach his students, he was the inspiration that made so many take the high road. A big man with a even bigger heart. Rest in peace my brother in Christ.
Sandra Dee Billings Roberson
GPHS Class of 81'
Wayne Stevens
April 18, 2012
Coach Whitney was a super teacher and loved sharing knowledge with his students. He was my favorite teacher in High School.
Suzie Tiqui
April 18, 2012
Coach Whitney was one of the GREATEST Teacher's ever. I am so sorry for your lose, but I'm sure you all have some wonderful memories, just like all of his students from Galena Park High School. May God bless you all.
Suzie Reno Tiqui class of 75
Tammy Malek
April 16, 2012
Sharon and Becky, keeping you and all of your family in my prayers. Love Tammy Malek
Kim Ashworth
April 15, 2012
My deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. Kenneth Whitney. I loved his stories and his attitude, and a better teacher would be hard to find. We love you, Kenny. Rest in peace.
Kim Ashworth
Galena Park High School Class of 1989
Kim Ashworth
April 15, 2012
My deepest sympathies to Mr. Whitney's family. I am very saddened by his loss; he was one of my favorite teachers at Galena Park High School, such a wonderful person, a joy to be around. He was much loved and I will miss his stories, and his wisdom, and the way he used to write "30.06" on the blackboard, in the hopes that we would get him such a gun for his deer lease. Rest in peace, Kenny--we will always love you!
Kim Ashworth,
Galena Park High School, Class of 1989
Dawn Davis Creason
April 15, 2012
I was very saddened to read about the passing of Coach Whitney. He was a great teacher, often speaking fondly of his family. It was an honor to be taught by him, and know that he lives on, as we share his teachings with our children. Class of 1992
Michele Elliott
April 14, 2012
I was so saddened to hear of Mr. Whitney's passing. He was one of my favorite GPISD teachers! He had such a knack for teaching; he was so gifted and had such a presence about him.
In reflecting, I'm not just real sure that I would have been all that interested in learning about Government back then, but he had his "style" of engaging everyone (or else!). Seriously, my Government class was educational, AND fun, because of him. I'm so thankful for that experience and for those wonderful memories.
One of my last memories of Mr. Whitney is of the day I was walking down one of the hallways of GPHS, near a teachers' lounge; I could see and hear him inside singing The Beatles old song, "Yesterday." I was taken aback...he sang so well!
What a great guy! My sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family at this very sad time.
Michele (Mate) Elliott
GPHS class of 1973
Terri Gunnels Martinez
April 14, 2012
Mrs. Whitney,
I'm so sad to hear of Coach Whiney's passing. He was one who made a difference in our lives as an educator but also one who taught us those important life lessons. He had a bold presence in the classroom; respected and loved by his students. So many fond memories are flooding my mind right now. I also had the pleasure of being taught by you at Pyburn Elementary. He spoke of you often in the classroom and we all knew how very much he loved you. I can only imagine how much you will miss him. My prayers are with you and your family. GP Class of '76
Amy Smith
April 14, 2012
We were truly blessed to have such a great man as our teacher...one of the best ever! CLASS OF 75
BETTY PHILLIPS
April 14, 2012
MRS WHITNEY, I HAVE READ THE MANY MESSAGES, BUT I DIDN'T HAVE TO KNOW HOW THE G.P. STUDENTS LOVED YOUR HUSBAND,KENNETH. MY CHILDREN KAREN AND GLENN PHILLIPS SPOKE OF HIM OFTEN. HE WAS WITHOUT A DOUBT THE KIND OF PERSON WHO LEFT A LASTING IMPRESSION ON HIS STUDENTS. I KNOW HE AND MY SON GLENN WILL HAVE A GREAT TIME CATCHING UP. GOD IS WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. MAY YOU FIND COMFORT IN HIS PRESENCE.
Rosalyn Puthey Thierry
April 14, 2012
Mr. Whitney taught me government. He will always be remembered fondly.
Judy Wright Elkins
April 13, 2012
Thank you to the Whitney family for sharing Coach Whitney with Galena Park ISD students and faculty! He was a great asset and will be truly missed!
Michele Pool
April 13, 2012
I'm not sure if I learned more about life or history in his class. I only know that Coach Whitney's class was always the highlight of my day. I can hear that gruff voice now..."Chebret, you still with Pool?" "Well yes Coach Whitney." I would reply. And I still am today. Somehow I think that would make him proud.
Mrs Whitney, thank you so very much for sharing your dear, dear husband with us. May he entertain the angels with his colorful stories.
Michele Chebret Pool class of 82
Troy Pool class of 81
Rene' Fleming
April 13, 2012
Dear Sharon & Family,
I just arrived back at school after attending the service for Mr. Whitney. You all honored God and your loved one so graciously! Sharon, you were amazing as you told stories about your sweet husband. It's so obvious that your strength and trust are in Jesus! The whole service (the songs chosen, the precious grandchildren sharing their love for their Papa) was a reflection of your love for Ken, each other, and your love for our Heavenly Father. Prayers, love and blessings to all!
Roland Hobbs
April 13, 2012
Great Teacher ! Mrs. Whitney ours prayers are with you.
Jack and Jo Anne Noel
April 13, 2012
Sharon and Family, We would like to extend our condolences to your family. Kenneth was truly one-of-a-kind. It was a true pleasure knowing him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
April 13, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Whitney. My wife and I were both students of Coach Whitney. We'll never forget his famous gavel or his stories about Mrs. Whitney. No one dared fall asleep in his class. He was a wonderful teacher and will be missed.
Ken and Hope Buck
C/O '84
Heather Goodman-Russell
April 13, 2012
My Condolences to the Whitney Family. The world lost a wonderful teacher who shared is love of teaching with his students. He will truly be missed.
Jamie Jackson
April 13, 2012
My condolences to the Whitney family. Coach Whitney was one of my favorite teachers. I remember a big test that he wanted us all to pass and we studied and studied as a class to prepare. He did prepare us so well. He had a great laugh and was a great man. He will be dearly missed.
Candace Cason-Rice
April 13, 2012
Condolences to you Mrs. Whitney and your family. Coach Whitney was one of a kind! Prayers and hugs sweet lady.....
April 13, 2012
My heart goes out to the Whitney family. Mr. Whitney was a teacher of mine. I graduated in 1986 and he was a great impact on my life. He was an awesome teacher and was always willing to listen to your side of the arguement even though he might not always agree. He will truly be missed!!
Julie Newton-Bissitt
April 13, 2012
This light is for you coach Whitney you will always shine in everyone heart
Janet
April 12, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the Whitney family. Mr. Whitney was a great teacher and an even better person. You will greatly be missed. Thanks for your life long impact in students lives.
April 12, 2012
Sharon, my prayers and deepest sympathy to you and your family. May you feel a strength and comfort that can only come from our Lord and Savior.
Marie Compton McCright, NM
Judy Mason Phillips
April 12, 2012
Condolences to Sharon and family. Kenneth will be remembered as one of the sweetest, kindest, most talented people I have ever had in my life. Memories go back to jr. high and high school choir events. He was such a precious friend. Rest in peace....
GPHS Class of 1960
April 12, 2012
My condolences and prayers go out to the Whitney family, I had the pleasure of being in Mr. Whitneys class. C/O 97
Danny Bravo
Leland Heuszel
April 12, 2012
To the family of Ken Whitney, my family and I will keep you in our prayers. Ken was my teacher, friend, and hunting partner. He was one of my mentors who help guide me through those tough teenage years into an adult. Ken even sang at our wedding. Ken was a very interesting man to talk to, had some intriguing stories, and loved his family. I wish I had stayed in contact with him in these later years.
My GOD be with each of you durring this difficult time.
Elizabeth Bravo
April 12, 2012
Mr. Whitney was always a great teacher! He was very dedicated to his students and made sure we were awake during class. My prayers go out to his family!
Laura Hilsmeier
April 12, 2012
My deepest condolences go out to Mrs. Whitney and the Whitney family. All of us GPHS graduates had the great pleasure of knowing Coach Whitney and feeling the impact of his (and Mrs. Whitney's - 5th grade) loving and passionate instructions on our very young lives. Mr. and Mrs. Whitney were the happiest teachers one could ever have the pleasure of knowing. My prayers are with the Whitney family at this very difficult time.
Laura Hilsmeier GP class of '79
on behalf of the Hilsmeier family
Jerry Hilsmeier class of '57
Donna Hilsmeier class of '59
Brett Hilsmeier class of '76
Darla Hilsmeier Rucka class of '78
Paula Hilsmeier Beaton class of '85
Mary Romo - GP C/O 95
April 12, 2012
I had the pleasure of having Mr. Whitney as my teacher in High School. I will never forget the great stories (and who can forget that hammer and steel plate). May you Rest in Peace.
Esmeralda Mtz-Vasquez
April 12, 2012
Peace, prayers, and blessings to the Whitney family.
C/O 95
Lorena Ramirez
April 12, 2012
:'( ... he was a great teacher ... he was my teacher in 10th grade and I remember him always happy ... cancer is a very ugly thing my prayers to the family ... God is good he is not suffering anymore or going thru treatments ...
Ansberto Gonzalez C/O '97
April 12, 2012
And to you Mr. Whitney, You taught me that "You don't mess with a man's woman, money, or his machine" I will miss you and you will always be one of my great memories. Thank you for teaching not just about history, but about life as well.
Brandy Whitehead
April 12, 2012
My condolences and prayers to Mrs Whitney and family. I had the pleasure of having Mrs Whitney in fourth grade at Pyburn. What a sweet, sweet lady. I never had Mr Whitney as a teacher but from the handful of encounters he was a very nice man. He had many stories and was eager to share them with you at any time. Always had a smile. May you Rest in Peace Mr Whitney. You will be missed by many. GP C/O 98
Ansberto Gonzalez
April 12, 2012
To the family, my deepest condolences. Mr. Whitney was one of two teachers that always stood out to me. I remember his stories. I remember his old school "rules to live by". He will be dearly missed. And the teaching community has lost a giant of a teacher.
Again to the family, My heart breaks for all of you and I mourn this loss with you. My prayers are with all of you and with this great man that I am able to call one of my teachers.
diana fields
April 12, 2012
Mrs. Whitney, As I told you before I was blessed to have had both of you as teachers. I will never forget the time Coach Whitney took my paperback book away from me and did not return it until the end of the semester....or his wonderful pop tests. Thanks to him I know what the Presidents plane is called. And you standing on your desk and singing when we all aced a test....What a blessing....and honor...May the peace of the Lord be with you and your family. diana fields (gphs class of '76), elizabeth fields (mom of the fields' clan), chester fields (gphs class of '78) and laurie fields (gphs class of '81)
Mike Ubias
April 12, 2012
Mr. Whitney, Thank You for your dedication to your students and to your profession. I will always remember that gavel you kept on your desk when we got out of line. Good Stuff. May you rest in peace.
Tomeshia/Monecia Eagelton/Johnson-Oneal '97 '96.
April 12, 2012
I love beening in Mr. Whitney class, when you fall alseep in the class he hit the desk with a judge gavel. You will be truly miss.
Monecia Johnson-Oneal C/O 96
April 12, 2012
Mr.Whitney was an awesome teacher, My thoughts and prayers are with his family. You will be missed.
April 12, 2012
To the Whitney Family,
I had Coach Whitney for Government and I also had Ms. Whitney in elementary. He was a great teacher and large presence at GP. He will be missed but never forgotten. God Bless your family. He is now your Guardian Angel and how lucky all of you are.
Arlla Phillips Nafegar, Class of '76.
Luis Gardea
April 12, 2012
Coach Whitney is one of those Teachers who's memories stick with you in your life. I always remember his great stories, his humor and his Gavel ! Which you should NOT dare fall asleep in his class ! He always used to sing before a test..." Are you ready....." then he expected us to respond with "yes...i'm ready....." . May God Bless him and His family. My Condolences.
Kimberly Washington
April 12, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the Whitney family for the loss of a great man I had the honor to know. He will be greatly missed.
Kim Washington (Mitschke) C/O 88
Alaina Farmer
April 12, 2012
Mr. Whitney was an awesome teacher and a great role model to his students. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. You will be missed and never forgotten.
Joseph Hernandez
April 11, 2012
Coach Whitney was one of the few teachers I had that had a lasting impact on me. Not only as a student, but as a person. A great man has passed. The world was a better place because of him and a lesser place without him. Rest in peace Mr. Whitney. GPHS Class of 1998.
Deborah Eaton
April 11, 2012
Sharon, I am so sorry for your loss. Ken was a wonderful man, an inspiring teacher and a great co-worker. Your relationship was an inspiration because your love and friendship was always visible to everyone who knew you. I know your heart is broken but take comfort in knowing that he is in his heavenly home. My prayers go out to you and the family and I know that God will give you the strength to endure the loss.
April 11, 2012
My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Whitney and the Whitney family. Yellow Jackets all over the country will miss Coach Whitney. He was a true friend and mentor to his students. He was a talented teacher and coach who made it fun for those who were lucky enough to be in his class. I know his smiling face and joyous laugh is being welcomed by his family who preceded him and those Yellow Jackets who have been waiting on him to hear more stories. RIP Coach. John Hutcherson - Class of '75
Angelina Moreno
April 11, 2012
Lots of prayers to the Whitney family! Mr. Whitney left a great impression on me. Learning the history of our great country was great coming from him. Thank God for a wonderful teacher & mentor!
Kimberly Haynes-Bell
April 11, 2012
Mrs. Whitney I too was a former student of Coach and yourself. My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. I also have told my sons a few stories of each of you because you both made an impact on my life. May you find peace knowing he was loved by many and forgotten by none.Both of you touched everyones lives in your teaching methods and I thank you for that. May he R.I.P. and you be comforted knowing that you will be together again someday. C/O '85
Sandra Ubias Rodriguez
April 11, 2012
Coach Whitney was my History Teacher. I always looked forward for 3rd period. He always made it fun and interested. He was one of the finest teacher I ever had. My condolences to the Whitney family. class of 1975.
Julie Fantini-King
April 11, 2012
Great guy with which to work! He loved his students and loved teaching. He will be missed!
Scott Martin
April 11, 2012
I was lucky enough to have Mrs. Whitney in fourth grade and Mr. Whitney in the 11th. You guys had an immense impact on my life and I thank you for everything. You guys have contributed to the success of so many. May Mr. Whitney rest in peace and God be with Mrs. Whitney and the rest of the Whitney family.
Scott Martin C/O 95
Olga Valdez
April 11, 2012
My prayers go out to His family. He will be missed but he left a great legacy to us all. The love of our country's history.
Dee Dee Derbonne
April 11, 2012
Sending love and prayers to Mrs. Whitney and the family. I was lucky enough to have both Mr. and Mrs. Whitney as teachers and loved the smiles and positivity they brought to the world. I will always remember Mr. Whitney's laugh when he told one of his stories!
Sissy Craft Spraberry
April 11, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the Whitney family for the loss of one of the greatest man I had the privilege to know. I had the honor of having both Coach Whitney and Mrs. Whitney as teachers. Coach will always be remember as one greatest story tellers and the man with the gavel. RIP Coach.
Wendy Duke-Lambright
April 11, 2012
My deepest condolences to Coach Whitney and his family. His class was my favorite. He would move me by his desk because I talked all the time, and he would bang his hammer on that steel plate to make me stop talking. And even renamed me, putting a Qwendy in front of my name, and sounding out the q long......Danny Wagner and I were just laughing about that the other day. Mrs. Whitney, he was a great man! He is banging that hammer in heaven. Class of 1984
Wendy Duke-Lambright
April 11, 2012
My dear hammer on a steel plate banger....I loved you the minute you made me sit up at the front because I was talking. You will always have a special place in my heart. Mrs. Whitney, you are so blessed and so was he for you two to be able to have the life that you did. He is in heaven singing away, and banging his hammer. Love Wendy Duke- Lambright
Beverly Breard Westermann
April 11, 2012
My prayers are to Coach Whitney's family. He was welled loved by all his students and will be missed. May God Bless you family Coach Whitney.
Lissa Calkins Shepard
April 11, 2012
Sharon, I am so sad to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Becky Ramirez
April 11, 2012
My deepest sympathies to the Whitney family. Coach Whitney was one of my favorite teachers and I have very fond memories of him. He will be missed.
William Simpson
April 11, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the Mrs. Whitney and her family. I had the honor of having both Coach Whitney and Mrs. Whitney as teachers. In 2009, I visited with them briefly when I saw them shopping at Krogers in Pasadena. I talked to them and thanked them for the lessons they had taught me. Rest in peace, Coach. William Simpson, Class of '82.
Kristi Sanchez-Joseph
April 11, 2012
Mrs. Whitney, my deepest condolences to you and your family. Coach will surely be missed.
Jennifer (Chastain) Ward
April 11, 2012
Condolences and prayers to the Whitney family. I was blessed to have been a student of both Mr. & Mrs. Whitney. Oh, the stories he would tell! Mr. Whitney was an amazing man and will truly be missed. May he rest in peace.
Class of '97
Rachel Kelly-Taylor
April 11, 2012
One of my favorite teachers of all time! His stories kept things in the classroom lively and fun. Mrs. Whitney, my heart goes out to you...you are one of the most cheerful and lovely people I know. May you feel the presence of God in the days, weeks, and months ahead. ~Rachel Kelly-Taylor c/o '95
Lela Prater
April 11, 2012
I'd like to extend my sincere condolences to Coach Whitney's wife and family. I loved him, his stories, his singing, and his American History class. What an amazing teacher. Truly one of a kind. RIP Coach Whitney. Class of 93
Tiffany Galvan
April 11, 2012
My condolences to the family, I am a former student of his, he was a great teacher and very memorable. God bless
Cathy Hamilton
April 11, 2012
My deepest sympathies to your family. I loved Coach,
He was an awesome teacher & life Coach!
Coach's real life stories were the best, truly 1
I'n a million.
Cathy Hamilton
Class of 1982
Greg Pickens
April 11, 2012
Coach, you were one Genuine man...You told it like it was, and respected others for doing the same...I'm very proud to have been a part of your wisdom and your knowledge...I know the folks up in Heaven will all enjoy the stories that you're going to be telling them....God speed Coach...Greg Pickens, Class of 83
Benjamin Martin
April 11, 2012
My family and I wish the Whitney Family our deepest sympathy for your loss. I was one of Coach Whitney's innumerable number of students that were touched, changed and inspired by his great influence and candid personality. He inspired me to be a Police Officer and I dedicated 20 years of my life to this noble profession. Coach Whitney had a God given GIFT to connect to his students like no one else could! We pray that God gives you that Perfect Peace that passes All Understanding right now in knowing that he is with God in his Heavenly Home. May God continue to Bless your Family and be with you always!
~ Benjamin "Benjie" Martin / Class of 1987
Roxie Lansford
April 11, 2012
Coach Whitney was an awesome story teller, and teacher! I will never forget what a great man he was, and GPHS was very lucky to have him teach history!!! My thoughts and prayers are with his family!!
Roxie Albritton Lansford
C/O 1987
Shaunna Duke Porter
April 11, 2012
Mrs. Whitney: You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers! You are two people I could never forget. I feel so blessed to have known you and Coach Whitney. May he RIP.
Lilly Reynolds
April 11, 2012
What I remember about Coach Whitney: singing our grades out, talking about your Yellow Canary, that picture of Bambi on your bulletin board, and that gavel! Great teacher and a great loss. Eat Em Up Kats!
Kristy Clifton-Madrid
April 11, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to the Whitney family. Coach Whitney was an incredible man and an awesome teacher! Praying for peace for the family. GP Class of 1990
Roberta Hotard
April 11, 2012
To Mrs.Whitney & family: I send my condolences to you all. I was taught by Mrs. Whitney in Elem and Coach told me some amazing stories @ GPHS. RIP Coach
Annabelle Garcia Ramirez
April 11, 2012
Mrs. Whitney, You must know by now just how much Coach ment to us all..... He will be missed but his memory will live on in us..... He was an awesome teacher and I was blessed to have known him. May God bring you peace during this time. Much love......
Annabelle Garcia Ramirez
April 11, 2012
Mrs. Whitney & family, I am so sorry for your loss, what a special man he was. I was blessed to have both of you for teachers & both of you shaped me into the person I am today. I am so very blessed to have been shaped & molded by both of you. Mr. K was always one of my favorite teachers & had a special way of bringing out the best & was very good at letting me know he was disappointed when I did not give my best. He was also the biggest jokester I ever knew & took real pride in messing with me. I respected him so much I always wanted to do my very best for him. Galena Park was blessed to have him for so long!
Stan Adams - Class of 76 (Houston, TX)
Marilyn Weatherly
April 10, 2012
There were two very special guys in my life during Jr. and Sr. high at Galena Park. I married one of them. The other one, Kenneth, my best friend. He was my protector when my dad died; my tutor in classes; my counselor when I need one and a true friend. I always referred to Kenneth as my brother. Rest in peace my very special friend. Thank you for teaching and coaching two of my children, you made such an influence on them and all of the students you taught. I will never forget your kindness to me. I love you, Marilyn
Richard & Lola Burnett
April 10, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to the family of Kenneth. My husband and I are former
classmates of Kenneth and both have fond memories of him. We always knew he would be successful in whatever his endeavor, and so it was.
Kathy Pratt
April 10, 2012
Mrs. Whitney, My family extends it's deepest condolences to you and yours. (Mrs. Dovie Hamilton's family) Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Laurie Fields
April 10, 2012
Mrs. Whitney, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. So many great memories of you and Coach Whitney for myself and my brother and sister. We will be praying for you during this time and the many days ahead.
The Fields Family,
Diana - GPHS Class of 76
Chester - GPHS Class of 78
Laurie - GPHS Class of 81
April 9, 2012
Peace Be with You.
Danny & Pat Gardner
Dana Watt
April 9, 2012
I had the honor of being taught by Mrs. Whitney in elementary school and by Coach Whitney in high school. Having been in her class made some of his stories really come to life! He was a great teacher who made learning fun & interesting. He has touched many lives and will be truly missed. RIP Coach. My prayers and deepest condolences to Mrs. Whitney and the family.
Rudy Ulloa
April 9, 2012
My condolences to the Mr. Whitney's family. He was my teacher in the mid-1980's at GPHS, and he will always be considered my favorite teacher of all. Other than the metal plate and hammer he kept on his desk, and would slam the hammer down to wake someone up lol, my other fondest memory will stay with me forever. During his lunch, he would have it delivered on a tray to his room. I sat right in front of his desk. He would take out his little pocket knife, and begin to slice up a jalapeno pepper into the soup. And never once did he stop verbally instructing the history lesson. I started doing it to my own soup. And to this day, every time I do this, Mr. Whitney comes to mind. He had a passion for giving students the BEST education. The best teachers are always remembered for a long time...the reason why I'm here telling my memories. Be at peace, Coach Whitney. We all still love you.
Julie (Newton) Bissitt
April 9, 2012
Mrs. Whitney and family my deepest condolences to a wonderful family. I am so sorry for your loss of our Coach Whitney he was one of my best teachers In high school. I will always remember him. We have one great angel looking over us.
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