Elmer C. Whitman

Elmer C. Whitman was born Dec. 25, 1917, in Oakesdale, Wash., to Harold and Ethel (Hodgson) Whitman. He was 101 years old when he died on March 6, 2019, at his home in Plummer, Idaho.

He started school in Rosalia, Wash., and when the family moved to Worley, Idaho, he completed his education at Worley High School, graduating in 1935.

Elmer worked hard all of his life — as a logger, a farmer and as a rancher — to provide for his family. He was an expert cattleman and horseman and was happiest while in the saddle riding his horses.

Elmer married Wilma Chappell on Oct. 25, 1945. They made their home in Worley until moving to the Minaloosa Valley near Plummer in 1958, where they raised their five children. They were married 58 years until Wilma’s passing in 2004.

He was an active member in the community, serving on the Plummer school board, as a lifetime member of the Worley Grange, with the Plummer Gun Club, the Worley Historical Society, ASCS Farm Service, Cenex board of directors and as a member of the Benewah Cattlemen’s Association.

Elmer married a longtime family friend, Carol Smith, in 2005. After Carol’s death, he lived with his friend Reba Seigel of Spokane, Wash.

He is survived by his children, Joyce (Bill) Fletcher of St. Maries, Idaho, Jean Whitman of Plummer, John (Sue) Whitman of Washtucna, Wash., Janet (Pat ) Helmer of Clinton, Utah, and Jenell (Byron) Talbott of Kennewick, Wash.

He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, his brother, Dean (Peggy) Whitman of Ritzville, Wash., and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma; his parents; his brother, LaVerne; his sister, Frances and brother-in-law, Howard LaShaw and his grandsons, Aaron Way and Jason Helmer.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2019, at the Plummer Bible Church in Plummer.

The family suggests memorial donations to Hospice of North Idaho, 2290 W. Prairie Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815.