Robert Allen Whitney

Mr. Robert Allen "Al" Whitney, of Auburn, passed away peacefully on Tuesday afternoon, October 27, 2015 at his residence, age 85. He was born on July 5, 1930 in Bay City. Al proudly served in the U.S. Army as a Master Sergeant in the Engineer Corp during the Korean War. He was a member of the V.F.W. Post 6950 in Kawkawlin. Al retired as a Millwright from Bay City Chevrolet in 1981 with 31 years of service. He was a member of Zion Beaver Lutheran Church. Al enjoyed car shows, snowmobiling, playing cards, family vacations, camping, hunting and fishing. He took pleasure in the simple things in life, petting his dog, watching a tractor in a field, seeing a motorcycle drive by and listening to a Tiger's ballgame. Al had fun bowling and golfing. He always looked forward to his monthly "friend's night out" for dinner. Al lived and died on land owned by his family for over 78 years.
On August 14, 1954 Al married JoAnn M. Gallagher and they spent 60 years together until her passing on December 5, 2014. He is survived by his children, Dr. Robin Whitney, Randi (Walter) Phillips and Robert R. Whitney; his dog, Buddy; and family friend, Tom Moulton.  Al is also survived by a sister-in-law, Margie Whitney; a brother-in-law, Russ Gallagher; and sister-in-law, Jackie (Dave) Petrat; his nieces and nephews, Sue (Dave) Cell, Sherry (Mark) Walkowiak, Calie (Dan) Chichester, Jim (Sandi Schwartz) English, Rick Gallagher and Sherry (Mike) Stater; his honorary grandchildren, Haley, Arik and Katie Bickham; and his Godchildren, Sue Cell, Mel Stieve, Jr. and Alex Markert. He was predeceased by his wife; JoAnn M. Whitney; his parents, George and Bertha (Hillman) Whitney; two brothers, (baby) George Whitney and Del Whitney; two sisters-in-law, Mary Ann English and Sharon Gallagher; and a nephew, Mike English.
The Whitney Family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Al's caregivers, Tiffany, Judy and Megan for everything they have done.
The Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2015 at Zion Beaver Lutheran Church, 1557 Seidler Rd., Auburn, MI 48611. Officiating will be Rev. Michael G. Buchhorn and Rev. Seth R. Hemme with the Committal Service in Zion Beaver Cemetery followed by Military Honors conducted by the U.S. Army and V.F.W. Post 6950. Friends may call at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. on Friday from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. Mr. Whitney will lie instate at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression sympathy may wish to consider donations to Zion Beaver Lutheran Church. www.gephartfuneralhome.com