Oliver Whitmarsh
May 06, 2011
Oliver Zenas Whitmarsh, 96, went to his Lord on Friday, May 6, 2011.
Oliver was last born to Joseph Whitmarsh and Margaret Love Clark Whitmarsh on January 20, 1915, in rural Mocane, Oklahoma and was graduated valedictorian from Greeno High School. During WWII, he served as WOJG in the military post office at Camp Campbell, Kentucky, where he met and married the love of his life, Mary Evelyn Harvey at Macedonia Presbyterian Church, Clarksville, Tennessee on Sunday, October 29, 1944.
Following military service in the European Theatre, Oliver returned to his pre-war position at Post Office in Des Moines and he and Evelyn settled in to raise their family. Oliver was a man of strong faith, devoted to family and lived a life of moral conviction. His love and personal character endeared him to many. As a member of Park Avenue Presbyterian Church, he was an elder serving as leadership in Christian Education, Stewardship and Parish Life, VBS design, and enjoyed fellowship groups. From his military enlistment through postal changes and into his retirement, Oliver’s life was chronicled in the Des Moines Register and Tribune newspapers. After nearly 40 years of postal service, Oliver retired in 1977. Later he started Commercial Lighting Ltd., with his son, Alan. He was a Chartered Member of the National WWII Memorial. Other memberships include: The 20th Armored Division Assoc., American Legion Post 374, National Association of Letter Carriers, Branch 352 [70+ year award] and Mid Iowa Wood Carvers. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, drafting/building, and creating beautiful wood carving treasures for families and friends.
Oliver is survived by his sons: Donald (Sue) and Alan (Cyndy) Whitmarsh and daughters, Margaret (Buddy) Thomas and Lisa (Dan) Peterson, seven grandchildren, one great-granddaughter and a brother, Harold Whitmarsh. Preceding him in death, his wife of 65 years, Evelyn, his parents and infant siblings Vera, Paul, Esther and Jesse, and brother, Byron Whitmarsh.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 10 a.m. at Park Avenue Presbyterian Church, 3120 SW 9th Street, Des Moines. Visitation begins at 9 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to his church or Iowa Health Foundation. The family wishes to thank his hospice team: Laura, Garland, Sharyl, Pam and Jean. Heartfelt gratitude is given to his doctor, Michael P. O’Conner and nurse, Amy Dace, for years of superlative, holistic care of Oliver. Inurnment with military honors will be at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery. Hamilton’s Southtown handled arrangements.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Alan Whitmarsh
05/06/2014
The Chet Atkin song "Still can't say goodbye" says it all. Missing you & Mamma much every day. Hope this is a good link to Heaven for my message to you both.
Alan Whitmarsh
05/05/2012
You know Daddy, it's been a year since losing you already. I can't begin to tell you how much I miss you and Mamma each & every day. Thanks for all you did for all of us and would have traded either of you for anyone or anything!
Love
Alan
Charles and Brenda Hooper
05/15/2011
Don,Margaret,Alan and Lisa,
Please know our thoughts and prayers will be with you. You loss is heavens gain and you were blessed to have had him so long. Uncle oliver was a very kind soft spoken man and I have such fond memories of your summers in Tennessee. We love you.
James & Lynda Whitmarsh
05/09/2011
We are so sorry on the loss of your dad. We loved him very much.