Robert J. “Bob” Whitacre, 88, of Saxonburg passed away at 12:45 p.m. Thursday at Butler Memorial Hospital.

He was born on Sept. 15, 1925, in Rural Valley to the late Walter Whitacre and Lula (Burley) Whitacre.

Mr. Whitacre was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in World War II.

He worked as a crane man for Butler Armco, retiring with 40 years of service.

Mr. Whitacre was a member of the First United Methodist Church, where he was a member of the Asbury Sunday School class. He was a member of the 3m's, Habitat for Humanity and the Armco Veteran Club. Mr. Whitacre was an avid golfer.

He is survived by his wife, Kathryn “Kay” (Smith) Whitacre; his daughter, Debbie Douglas and her husband, Rick, of East Butler; his four grandchildren, Andy, Joe, Christine and Stephen Douglas; his brother, William E. Whitacre and his wife, Bennie, of Biglerville, and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters and one brother.

WHITACRE — Friends of Robert J. “Bob” Whitacre, who died Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013, will be received from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, 124 E. North St., Butler. The funeral services will immediately follow at 6 p.m. with the Rev. Patricia Nelson of the First United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will take place in the Butler County Memorial Park.Memorial donations are suggested to the First United Methodist Church, 200 E. North St., Butler, PA 16001.Online condolences can be given at www.thompson-miller.com.