Edwin L. Whitmer, Sr.

Edwin L. Whitmer, Sr., 91, of Lawrenceville, Illinois, passed away Friday, December 30, 2016 at Good Samaritan Hospital. He was born on October 13, 1925 in Lawrenceville, Illinois, the son of Kent Orlando and Sylvia ‘Hazel' (Chronic) Whitmer. He married Jane Ann Edmiston on September 3, 1950 and she preceded him in death on April 29, 1996. Edwin was an oil producer in Illinois, Indiana, and Kansas since the 1950's. He served as vice president of Wabash Energy Corporation, which is located in Lawrenceville, Illinois; and as an insurance agent for many years with New England Mutual Life. He owned several businesses on the square in Lawrenceville; including Ada Lee Candy Shop, Hazel's Dress Shop, and Montgomery Ward. Ed was a member of Central Christian Church, the VFW, the American Legion, the Elk's, the IOGA, and was bestowed the honor as a Kentucky Colonel. He served his country as a World War II Navy veteran. Being an avid sports fan, he enjoyed attending Lawrenceville High School basketball games and following his son-in-law's basketball coaching career. His hobbies included playing golf, bridge, and pool. Preceding him in death were his parents; wife; and sister, Dorothy Pipkin. Survivors include his son, Edwin ‘Larry' Whitmer, Jr. and wife, Deborah, of rural Lawrenceville, Illinois; daughters, Debra Ann Sparks and husband, Dan, of Vincennes, Indiana and Laura Jane Whitmer-Buher of rural Lawrenceville, Illinois; five grandchildren, Evan Whitmer, Neal (Audra) Whitmer, Scott Sparks, Zachary (Brandi) Buher, and Chelsea (Jeremiah) Peek; and six great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 4, 2016 at 2:00 PM CST at the Emmons-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, Illinois. Visitation will be Wednesday from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM CST at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Lawrenceville City Cemetery with military rites. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Edwin's memory may be made to the Lawrence County Senior Citizens or the LHS Sports Hall of Fame. The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Edwin's caregivers, which include Carolyn, Jo, Jody, Kate, and Polly.

Visitation

JAN 4. 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM (CST)

Emmons-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home 1303 12th Street - P.O. Box 564 Lawrenceville, IL, 62439

Funeral Service

JAN 4. 2:00 PM (CST)

Emmons-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home 1303 12th Street - P.O. Box 564 Lawrenceville, IL, 62439