In Memory Of
Herbert Gene Whitlow
1926
2015
Herbert Gene Whitlow
September 15, 1926 — November 16, 2015
Herbert Gene Whitlow
September 15, 1926-November 16, 2015
Herb didn't just live his life, he embraced it. He was born in Tecumseh, Kansas and was a descendant of Potawatomi Indian, Louis Vieux. His Indian name was Pee Paw.
He was raised on a Guernsey dairy farm, E.H. Whitlow and Sons, Dairy. He milked the cows and began delivering milk at age 14. They participated in a Kaw Valley Breeding Association program affiliated with Kansas State University, to attempt in-vitro fertilization on one of their dairy cows. Dairymen from across the country and many foreign nations visited their farm to see the "artificial" heifer that was the daughter of one of America's outstanding proved dairy sires.
Upon graduating from Highland Park High School, he was drafted into the U.S. Army artillery and entered radio school. He served in Germany at the Nuremburg War Crimes Trials where he maintained the equipment and recorded the trials. He came home with many pictures and stories. He spent his weekends and days off (R&R) at Berchtesgaden, Germany, one of Hitler's many Hide-a-Ways.
When he came home he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Shackle on October 29, 1949. They had two daughters, Christine and Lucinda.
With a partner he started Latta-Whitlow Plumbing Company in 1956. He taught trade school two nights a week for 13 years. He gave many young men, and one woman, a good start in life at a good trade. In 1986, he was named plumbing contractor of the year by Delta Faucet Company and the National Association of Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors.
He learned to fly gliders and then light aircraft. His passion was "old tail-draggers" of which he restored two: a Piper PA-12 and a Stinson Voyager. When his heart doctor said he had to stop flying, he joined the Topeka Region Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA). He restored a 1929 Model-A Ford Tudor, a 1930 Model-A Ford Coupe, and a 1949 Plymouth. He served as a judge of early model Fords at numerous national AACA meets for many years.
He gave of his time and presence to Tecumseh United Methodist Church, the Tecumseh Kiwanis Club, the Topeka Rescue Mission, and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years Barbara, daughters Christine and Lucinda, nieces Karen and Elizanne, and nephews Stanley, Herb, Mike and Ron.
While he will be sorely missed by his family and friends, we know that he is now embracing his new life in heaven.
To share your memories of Herb or leave a special condolence message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
September 15, 1926-November 16, 2015
Herb didn't just live his life, he embraced it. He was born in Tecumseh, Kansas and was a descendant of Potawatomi Indian, Louis Vieux. His Indian name was Pee Paw.
He was raised on a Guernsey dairy farm, E.H. Whitlow and Sons, Dairy. He milked the cows and began delivering milk at age 14. They participated in a Kaw Valley Breeding Association program affiliated with Kansas State University, to attempt in-vitro fertilization on one of their dairy cows. Dairymen from across the country and many foreign nations visited their farm to see the "artificial" heifer that was the daughter of one of America's outstanding proved dairy sires.
Upon graduating from Highland Park High School, he was drafted into the U.S. Army artillery and entered radio school. He served in Germany at the Nuremburg War Crimes Trials where he maintained the equipment and recorded the trials. He came home with many pictures and stories. He spent his weekends and days off (R&R) at Berchtesgaden, Germany, one of Hitler's many Hide-a-Ways.
When he came home he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Shackle on October 29, 1949. They had two daughters, Christine and Lucinda.
With a partner he started Latta-Whitlow Plumbing Company in 1956. He taught trade school two nights a week for 13 years. He gave many young men, and one woman, a good start in life at a good trade. In 1986, he was named plumbing contractor of the year by Delta Faucet Company and the National Association of Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors.
He learned to fly gliders and then light aircraft. His passion was "old tail-draggers" of which he restored two: a Piper PA-12 and a Stinson Voyager. When his heart doctor said he had to stop flying, he joined the Topeka Region Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA). He restored a 1929 Model-A Ford Tudor, a 1930 Model-A Ford Coupe, and a 1949 Plymouth. He served as a judge of early model Fords at numerous national AACA meets for many years.
He gave of his time and presence to Tecumseh United Methodist Church, the Tecumseh Kiwanis Club, the Topeka Rescue Mission, and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years Barbara, daughters Christine and Lucinda, nieces Karen and Elizanne, and nephews Stanley, Herb, Mike and Ron.
While he will be sorely missed by his family and friends, we know that he is now embracing his new life in heaven.
To share your memories of Herb or leave a special condolence message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Herbert Gene Whitlow, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Thursday, November 19, 2015
5:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel Southest Chapel
Service
Friday, November 20, 2015
Starts at 10:30 am (Central time)
Tecumseh United Methodist Church
Guestbook
Visits: 0
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