Vestel Whitus

Vestel B. Whitus, 90, of Battle Ground, died at Home Hospital Emergency Room 8:50 AM Friday March 27, 2009. He had been in ill health the past 6 months. Born in Nancy, Kentucky, September 27, 1918, the son of the late Ethel and Mamie Ball Whitus, he was raised in Benton County, Indiana, and attended Fowler Schools. Mr. Whitus was a veteran of the Army, serving during World War II. He married Mamie B. "Penny" Pennington August 18, 1973 in West Lafayette, and she survives. Mr. Whitus worked for Goris Tire Company for 30 years, and after his retirement from Goris, worked for the West Lafayette Street Department. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and flea markets with his best friend, his wife. Surviving beside his wife are 2 step-daughters, Shirley Duncan of Lebanon, KY.; Virginia Lee of Camden, IN.; a step-son, Tom Pennington (wife Elaine) of Cherry Hill, North Carolina; 2 brothers, James Whitus of Monticello, IN. and Delnoe Whitus of Georgia, and 2 sisters, Louise Wells (husband Weller) and Joanne Vessals, both of Fowler, IN. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by 2 brothers, Estel & Emery Whitus; a sister Jean Wagner; 2 half brothers Junior & Bill WHitus and a half sister, Deanne Thurston. Friends may call at the HAHN-GROEBER FUNERAL HOME, 1104 Columbia St., Lafayette from noon until the service at 1:00 PM Tuesday, Pastor Justin Wagner officiating. Interment Battle Ground Cemetery. If friends desire, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. www.hahngroeberfuneralhome.com