Robert L Whitford

Robert L. Whitford, 82, of Springfield, died at 9:04 pm, Saturday, August 6, 2011, at Memorial Medical Center. He was born September 17, 1928 in Bond County, Illinois to Dallas P. and Hazel Royer Whitford. He married Opal Baker and she preceded him in death in July, 1998. His parents; one brother, William Whitford, one son, Danny Whitford; one step-daughter, Delores Brewer Kane; two stepsons, Fred & Michael Brewer and one granddaughter, Lori Guthrie also preceded him in death.
Survivors include one daughter, Cheryl, (Bill) Coston of Bridgeport, TX; one daughter-in-law, Charlotte Brewer; four sons, Robert R. (Kathleen) Whitford of Mascoutah, IL, Ronald Whitford; Dallas (Laura) Whitford and Harold (Carol) Guthrie all of Springfield; seven grandchildren; nine great grandchildren and several cousins.
Robert enlisted in the Navy at age 17 on November 6, 1945. He served on the USS Kishwaukee during WWII. He was a boxer in the Navy and Golden Gloves. He was a former coach for the Ty Cobb little league; was an avid Cardinal fan and card player. He cherished his grandchildren and his best friend was his son, Ron. Robert was a member of Calvary Temple Christian Center.
He was a senior ticket agent for Ozark airlines from 1957 and retired in 1986 from TWA, where his co-workers dubbed him “The Bear.”
Visitation: 9 – 10 am, Friday, August 12, 2011 at Calvary Temple Christian Center.
Funeral Service: 10 am, Friday, August 12, 2011 at Calvary Temple Christian Center with Pastor Mark Johnson officiating.
Burial will at 12 noon at Camp Butler National Cemetery, where Sangamon County Interveterans will conduct Military Honors.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Calvary Temple Benevolence Fund.