The Life of GORDON ALDEN WHITNEY
Gordon A. Whitney, 79, was born February 12, 1935, in Des Moines, the son of Clair and Iva (Rhodes) Whitney. He passed away February 17, 2014, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.
Gordon is survived by his loving wife, Beverly, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage; children, Brent (Terry) Whitney, Kurt (Susan) Whitney, Kimberly (Kim) Kingkade, and Rachelle "Shelley" (Terry) Coomes; brothers, Norman and James (Kathy) Whitney; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Chuck Randles; and sister-in-law, Mavis Whitney.
Gordon grew up in Norwoodville and then graduated from Des Moines Tech High School. He attended Iowa State University for two and a half years, and later went into the construction trade where he found his life-long passion. He worked as a commercial carpenter through the Carpenter''s Local 106 becoming known in his trade as a highly skilled finish carpenter. His love for building was passed on to his sons and family. Gordon could fix anything he put his efforts to and was always looking for the next project.
With Bev, they raised their four children and the family grew to include their spouses - that Dad considered his own. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were such an important part of his life and he treasured spending time with them. On any given day, he could be found going to his grandchildren''s school activities and sporting events. He welcomed every opportunity to gather with his family to share Grandpa-time and to create lasting memories that will live with his grandchildren forever.
He enjoyed go-carting in his early years, camping, family reunions, and traveling in their RV. He was truly at home on the golf course, rarely missing his weekly tee times with friends! His open, outgoing personality drew in a large circle of friends, with whom he spent many long hours just talking. Everyone who met Gordon loved him, and felt important and valued.
We celebrate his life and cherish the special legacy he left us. His church home was New Hope Assembly of God where each year he grew closer in his relationship with the Lord. Dad was loved and will be missed by all, but his spirit will continue...
The family will greet friends from 5 to 8 p.m., Friday, February 21, 2014, at Hamilton''s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, at New Hope Assembly of God, 4425 70th Street, Urbandale, with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Gordon''s memory to the family, who will later establish a fitting memorial.
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Gordon is survived by his loving wife, Beverly, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage; children, Brent (Terry) Whitney, Kurt (Susan) Whitney, Kimberly (Kim) Kingkade, and Rachelle "Shelley" (Terry) Coomes; brothers, Norman and James (Kathy) Whitney; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Chuck Randles; and sister-in-law, Mavis Whitney.
Gordon grew up in Norwoodville and then graduated from Des Moines Tech High School. He attended Iowa State University for two and a half years, and later went into the construction trade where he found his life-long passion. He worked as a commercial carpenter through the Carpenter''s Local 106 becoming known in his trade as a highly skilled finish carpenter. His love for building was passed on to his sons and family. Gordon could fix anything he put his efforts to and was always looking for the next project.
With Bev, they raised their four children and the family grew to include their spouses - that Dad considered his own. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were such an important part of his life and he treasured spending time with them. On any given day, he could be found going to his grandchildren''s school activities and sporting events. He welcomed every opportunity to gather with his family to share Grandpa-time and to create lasting memories that will live with his grandchildren forever.
He enjoyed go-carting in his early years, camping, family reunions, and traveling in their RV. He was truly at home on the golf course, rarely missing his weekly tee times with friends! His open, outgoing personality drew in a large circle of friends, with whom he spent many long hours just talking. Everyone who met Gordon loved him, and felt important and valued.
We celebrate his life and cherish the special legacy he left us. His church home was New Hope Assembly of God where each year he grew closer in his relationship with the Lord. Dad was loved and will be missed by all, but his spirit will continue...
The family will greet friends from 5 to 8 p.m., Friday, February 21, 2014, at Hamilton''s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, at New Hope Assembly of God, 4425 70th Street, Urbandale, with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Gordon''s memory to the family, who will later establish a fitting memorial.
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