John E. “Jack” Whitmer
John E. “Jack” Whitmer, 89, of Butler passed away peacefully on Nov. 19.
Born March 3, 1929, in Butler, he was the son of the late Merle J. and Elizabeth Mentzer Whitmer.
He was a 1947 graduate of Karns City High School. He also graduated from Westminster College in 1951, where he was a standout member of the golf team.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1951 until 1954, and owned and operated Petrolia Motor Co. from 1954 until 1976.
In 1961, he began his service on the board of directors of the Automobile Club of Butler County, was appointed manager in 1978, and retired in 1999 as president and CEO. He also served on the boards of directors of Pennsylvania AAA Federation, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, the Butler County Library Board and Butler Country Club.
Jack was a lifelong, avid golfer. He was the 1955 club champion at Butler Country Club, where he was a member for 63 years and had won numerous club championships at Ridgeview Golf Club. A highlight of his golf career was nearly defeating Arnold Palmer in the 1948 West Penn Amateur Tournament, only to lose on the final hole by one stroke.
He is survived by his five children, Lisa Brochetti of Kittanning, Mark (Jana) Whitmer of Waco, Texas, Leslie (Randy) Huey of Butler, Merle (Sandy) Whitmer of Slippery Rock, and Elizabeth (Greg) Bartoe of Medina, Ohio.
He also leaves behind 18 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Patricia Zillweger.
WHITMER — There will be no visitation for John E. “Jack” Whitmer, who died Monday, Nov. 19, 2018.A private family service will be held.Professional services have been entrusted to THOMAS M. SMITH FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, Blawnox.Memorial donations may be made to Butler Area Public Library or Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butler County.Please visit www.thomasmsmithfh.com.
