Richard Charles “Doc” Whitens, 76, Hermansville, Michigan

[KJ1110]

HERMANSVILLE — Richard Charles “Doc” Whitens, 76, of Hermansville, died Sunday evening, April 15, 2007, at the Pinecrest Medical Care Facility in Powers following a brief illness.

He was born Jan. 3, 1931, in Hermansville, the son of William and Theresa (Arduin) Whitens, and graduated from the Hermansville High School.

On Oct. 21, 1961, he married the former Barbara Oelke in Loretto. She now resides in Las Vegas, Nev.

Doc served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War and was stationed in Japan for eight months. He was honorably discharged in 1954.

He formerly worked as a welder and a pipefitter at the Furblo Company and Brothers Manufacturing in Hermansville, Harnischfeger Corporation in Escanaba and for Rust Engineering.

Richard was a member of St. John Neumann Parish in Hermansville and the American Legion Post 340.

Doc took great pleasure in music; he began playing guitar and singing with his brothers at a young age.

He spent most of his life as the bass player for the Whitens Brothers band, playing at weddings, dances and festivals.

When not playing music, Doc found life most enjoyable when he had a fishing pole in his hand. He spent many years fishing with his good friend Eddy Arnold; he loved the opportunity to pass on his hobby to his children and grandchildren.

In the end, Doc’s greatest passion in life was his grandchildren, Jordan, Jason, Cody, Ryan, Macy and Katelyn; a passion for which he would gladly set aside all other interests in life — they became his ‘everything.’

Mr. Whitens is survived by his mother, Theresa Whitens, Hermansville; one daughter, Peggy Whitens, Long Beach, Calif.; two sons, Brian (Patti) Whitens, Hermansville and Mark (Renee) Whitens, Hermansville; five brothers, Roger Whitens, Bob Whitens, Don Whitens and Eugene Whitens, all of Hermansville, and Bill Whitens of Fulton, N.Y.; and six grandchildren, Jordan, Jason, Cody, Ryan, Macy and Katelyn Whitens, all of Hermansville.

He was preceded in death by his father, William, in 1969, and a sister, Kathy Menard, in 1987.

Friends called Tuesday at the Allo Funeral Home in Spalding between 4 and 7 p.m. (CST). American Legion rites were conducted in the Allo Funeral Home Family Center at 6 p.m.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Richard C. Whitens will be celebrated at St. John Neumann Church in Hermansville today at 11 a.m. (CST) with the Rev. Michael Vichich officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church hall. Internment will be in the Meyer Township Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are in the care of the Allo Funeral Homes.

[HMCFMFWife]

I an so sorry for your loss.
My husband Paul Helms was in Korea in 1951 and in Japan from July 1953 to 1954 as a "doc"
He passed away after we had 52 years of marriege last Oct. 23, 1006
Marge
HMCFMFWIFE