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Garland Lee Whitmer, 82, of Harrisonburg, departed this earthly life on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008, at his home.
Mr. Whitmer was born Oct. 12, 1926, near Mathias, W.Va., and was the son of the late William C. and Josephine S. Whitmer. The family moved to the Cherry Grove section of Rockingham County in 1927.
Mr. Whitmer was a 1944 graduate of Linville-Edom High School and a 1949 graduate of Bridgewater College with a B.S. degree in Economics and a minor in Business Administration. He was also a member of Bridgewater College Glee Club and the traveling Concert Choir. He had a lifelong love of music and participated in church choirs as singer and music director.
Mr. Whitmer served his country as a member of the U.S. Army and was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War.
On Dec. 25, 1947, Garland was united in marriage to Lois Jean Karicofe, of Linville. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Dec. 25, 2007. She remains along with two daughters, Diane Osmundson and husband, John, of Broadway and Sandra Stephenson of Timberville; four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by two brothers, Ivan Whitmer of Broadway and Jennings Whitmer of Waynesboro.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, Beulah Halterman and Wilma Whetzel.
Prior to his retirement in October 1986, he was employed for 21 years as Assistant Director, Bureau of Medical & Nursing Facilities Services for the State Health Department in Richmond, Va. During his last nine years of employment, he served as Administrator of the Hancock Geriatric Treatment Center in Williamsburg, Va. After retiring, he returned to the Valley to live and became a member of Dayton United Methodist Church.
A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008, at the Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg with the Rev. Rudy Smith and the Rev. Steve Bird officiating. Burial will be private at Rest Haven Cemetery in Harrisonburg with Pastor Wayne Wright officiating.
The family will receive friends this evening (Monday) from 7:00-8:00 at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Harrisonburg Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1477, Harrisonburg, VA 22801, or RMH Hospice, 235 Cantrell Ave., Harrisonburg, VA 22801.
Condolences may be sent to Mr. Whitmer's family at www.kygers.com.
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