Blair Whitman

GALVA – Blair E. Whitman, 71, of Galva, passed away peacefully with most of his family and friends by his side at 4:15 p.m., Saturday, June 3, 2023.

He was born November 20, 1951 in Kewanee, IL, the son of Dale B. and Betty Nelle (Massingill) Whitman. Raised in Galva, he graduated in 1969. Although he learned to play the saxophone at GHS, his best music was played on the air guitar, usually with the Beach Boys, oldies rock, or 70s country.

He married Betty L. Stoddard on September 26, 1981. Surviving is his wife of Galva; his children: Laura K. Warner (Matt) of Sherrard, IL, Stacy Whitman of Connecticut, Kenny (Athena) Whitman of Washington State, Tony Shappard of Galva, and Levi (Shanna) Herr of Galva; his grandchildren: Echo Marchbank of Chicago, Abram and Marshall Warner, both of Sherrard, Kaylyn Whitman, Joslyn (Curtis) Adamek, and Trent Zucati, all of Washington State, Beth (Jesus) Shappard of Kewanee, Rainah (Anna) Shappard of Galva, and Ana Belle Shappard and Sean Shappard, both of Eureka; a great-granddaughter, Rosa Ana Marie Carral of Kewanee; his siblings, Becky (Bob) Sipes of Hudson, IL, Dr. Ray (Brenda) Whitman of Jasonville, IN, Kevin (Sharon) Whitman of Derby, KS, Randy (Terry) Whitman of Champaign, IL, Paul (Teresa) Whitman of Lakeview, OR, and Tom (Liz) Whitman of Beavercreek, OH; his special friends, Doug (Sue) Carlson of Galva, his sisters-in-laws and brothers-in-laws and many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and so many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, Walter (Vivian) Massingill, mother-in-law, Catherine Bohannon, a brother-in-law, Don Stoddard, a grandson, Aiden Allen Shappard, and his beloved horse, Charmin Cherry.

Blair was a farmer, a truck driver, and had worked at LMT in Galva until his retirement. He thoroughly enjoyed gardening, riding horses, and camping.

Cremation will be accorded and a Celebration of his Life will be held from 3:00-7:00 p.m., Sunday, August 6 at the Galva American Legion. Memorials may be directed to his family for a memorial to be established. Rux Funeral Home in Galva is in charge of arrangements.

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