E. Mills Whitney

E. Mills Whitney passed away in Newhall, CA on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 after a long and productive life. Mills was born in Mesa, CO on Oct. 15, 1918 and grew up there with his parents, Olive and Kelber Whitney. He was the oldest and last living of 5 children. His musical family entertained on weekends in Mesa. His saxophone skills took him on the road with the big bands as he played in the Ray Hummel band.

He became an electrical engineer and served in the Navy during WW II repairing instruments on Destroyers out of the San Diego Naval Base. Later he changed occupations and became vice president of a national chain, Mode O Day, moving with his family to Walla, WA and Kansas City, MO before returning to Los Angeles.

Over the years Mill has served as Bishop in Walla Walla and Kansas City. He was in the Stake Presidency and was the Patriarch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Valencia Stake.

Survivors include his wife of 10 years, Bessie "Beth" J. Philllips-Whitney. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Lois Miller Whitney, of Riverton, Utah. He leaves his daughter, Kay Whitney Young of Superior, CO and his son, Terrence Mills Whitney of Valencia, CA He has eight grandchildren, John O Young IV, Duff Russell Young, Marc Aaron Young, Ryan Alexander Young, Brett Asa Young, Brandee Whitney Herrick, Samantha Whitney Coe and Randee Whitney. He has 8 great-grandchildren. He also leaves three stepdaughters, Judy Phillips Hanks, Chris Phillips Myers, and Dena Phillips Callahan.

Services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 24915 Peachland Ave, Newhall, CA 91321 on Saturday, May 2. Viewing will be from 10-10:45am and the service will follow at 11am. Interment will be on Monday, May 4, at the Riverton Cemetery in Riverton Utah.