Dr. Robert H. Whitten, 88, of McCandless Township prayerfully and peacefully entered into eternal life Friday, Jan. 11.

Robert was the beloved son of Robert Harry and Elizabeth Shepard Whitten and both preceded him in death.

Loretta F. Schmidt Whitten, dear mother of his four children, and their adored daughter, Georgann Whitten Carpenter (William), are mourned by three surviving sons, Robert C. of South Carolina and Cass W. (Edith) and Eric G. of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Whitten also is survived by his loving wife, Marian Auld Whitten, who cared for him through an extensive struggle with illness. He welcomed the families of her children, Jacquie Ballesteros and Thomas Auld (Suzanne) of Texas.

Bob took great pleasure in his grandchildren, Grant of California, Julia of South Carolina, Alex of Pittsburgh, Nicholas (Cyndi) of Oklahoma, Elizabeth (Stephen) of Texas, Taylor (Amy) of Colorado and Parker and Emily of Texas.

Five great-grandchildren, Hazen, Nathan, McCaslin, Abby and Jayden, were known to Bob through precious photographs.

Dr. Whitten served our country honorably in World War II in the U.S. Army Air Force. His love of music included mastery of the violin, saxophone and clarinet as he played and organized several bands as a young man.

Graduating from Stowe High School, he pursued higher education at Penn State. World War II interrupted his stay at Penn State, where he had hoped to follow his father's love of civil engineering. However, upon his discharge, he entered dentistry at the University of Pittsburgh.

A member of the Butler Country Club, he became an avid golfer. In later years, he joined the Masonic Order and enjoyed adventures with Syria Harige Unit of clowns. Bob was known as the Cowboy Clown who marched in many parades and loved entertaining children. Support for Shriners Hospitals for Children burn units derive from Syria's effort.Before his health prevented travel, Bob and his wife explored Europe, Africa, China, Mexico, Canada and much of the United States together. Missing travel, he adopted the television habit of the “Price is Right,” “Andy Griffith” and “Jeopardy.”Dr. Whitten believed his 50 years of dentistry in his welcoming office on Peebles Road in McCandless was a service to his community. Former patients may remember him as he recently recalled many who he had assisted. Many times patients called for emergency help on weekends when the office might be closed and Bob invariably opened the door to respond to their pain.Dr. Whitten's family is grateful to St. Barnabas Hospice.

WHITTEN — Dr. Robert H. Whitten entered eternal life on Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. A memorial service in honor and celebration of his life will be announced later.In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.Arrangements are being handled by the Thomas M. Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, Blawnox.