UNIONVILLE, MONTANA – Walter Leon Whitman Sr. died in his home on Sunday, April 24.
Born March 7,1943 in West Brookfield, Massachusetts, to Charles L. and Isabel E. Whitman, he lived and worked in the Brookfields and Warren (having served in the U.S. Army from 1964 – 1966) until moving to his Rocky Mountain home in 1978. There he worked for the City of Helena until retirement in 2006.
In his spare time, he joined with his sons in hunting, fishing and the restoration of antique and classic automobiles, along with enjoying the lifestyle of the cowboys he’d admired since early childhood. In those adventures involving horses and cattle drives he was most joyful when accompanied by his grandson, Dustin.
He leaves Walt Jr and his wife, Carri, and granddaughters Danielle and Devynn Whitman of Rockford, Washington; son Adam Whitman of Salmon, Idaho; and grandson Dustin Whitman, who lived and grew from his grandfather’s knowledge while lovingly assisting him throughout his final illness.
Besides his children and grandchildren, he leaves brother Charles L. Whitman Jr. and sister Ruth M. Lyon of West Brookfield, and sisters Shirley A. Wilk, Thorndike, MA and Claudia L. Kenady of Orange, CA. He was predeceased by brothers Elwin H, Eltheron L, John T, and Claude E. Whitman, and sister Barbara M. Groves, Blue Anchor, New Jersey.
He was well known for his knowledge of automobiles and firearms and enduring interest in Western lore and history; all of which he would enthusiastically share with others.
Additionally, he developed a notable skill as a maker of custom spurs which he would give to his favorite friends.
He was a devoted friend, brother, father and uncle, and a man of wit and wisdom.
Celebration of life will be held at the Baptist Church hall on the corner of Green Meadow and Sierra Road Saturday April 30 from noon to 3pm. In lieu of flowers, please donate to hospice.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Darnesha says
Kewl you shulod come up with that. Excellent!
Stacey Curey-Johnson says
Adam and Walt,
So sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. What fond memories I have of him. He was a great man that loved life. He has left his mark here on earth and he will not be forgotten.
Thinking of you and your extended family.
Kent Whitman (cousin) says
Damn if the good ones don’t go to soon. Ride well! Cousin Kent
Michael G. Hoffman II says
My condolences to the family. Walt will be remembered fondly as an honest, hardworking man who gave his boys a solid up-bringing. He had a knack for automobiles that most guys can only dream of and his sons have carried on that tradition. My family has known Walt since our first years in Montana and as kids we tagged along as our fathers chased deer and elk, gathered fire-wood, explored the back-woods and the like. Walt was there when my father killed his first bull-elk; I can remember taking the back-straps out of that bull right there in the woods and starting a fire and cooking fresh steaks on the hand-saw we used to quarter it up. Now that’s elk hunting “cow-boy” style, and Walt wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s hard to lose a good man here, but Heaven couldn’t wait longer to have him. God Bless Walt, and keep watch over his family.
Peggy Hoffman says
Walt has been my dearest friend since 1978. We hunted,rode horses and motorcycled together. He was always there for me no matter what the trouble was. His passing has left a hole the size of Montana in my heart. He left two wonderful sons and 3 grandchildren that I know he loved dearly. He was always so proud to talk about any of them. Walt, you may be gone but you will never be forgotten. I loved you and will cherish the memories of our friendship always.
Kimberly Gibbs ( Hoffman ) says
I have fond memories of Mr. Walt. As I was growing up, I spent a lot of time at his house, along with my brother, Mike and my Mom and Dad. Our families were best of friends and I personally will miss Mr. Walt. I always sent him a Christmas card over the years, even though we lost touch when I moved away to New Mexico, just so he would know that I was thinking of him and loved him.
He would call me Ms. Kim… I have never forgotten that and I will always have a special place in my heart for Mr. Walt.
God bless the family….
Janet and Tim Bramblett says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Rosebud says
Going to miss you buddy. Your chinks, spurs and picture hang on the wall and they will forever hold a special place in my heart. Still have the pocket knife you gave me – “cuz every cowgirl needs one.”
I have been blessed by your friendship, generosity, and wisdom. Happy trails my friend…tell Mom & Darrell I said hello…
Maxine Karlyn says
My sincere sympathies for Walt Whitman’s family. He was a very good friend to my husband Jon Lokowich who died in 2000 and me. He always had a smile for me.
Terri Fetty Wall says
Your family is in our prayers during this time of great loss. Peace be with you all. May the wonderful memories come to mind as you reflect on a life well lived.
Eric Whitman says
I appreciate Walt’s memorial being kept up online. I hadn’t seen him since I was a kid, but the stories about him being a “mountain man” from my grandfather (his brother Eltheron) were wonderful and how I remember him. I’m sorry for your loss.