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- [S927] Obituary.
ROBERT FRANCIS WHITMAN, SR. quietly entered eternal life on the 8th day of August, 2011 at the age of 86. He was the devoted husband of Miriam Benson Whitman for over sixty years and the beloved father of eight children: Robert, Jr. (Sharon), Judy, Michael, Gerry (Serena), Wayne (Diane), Ken "Murphy" Whitman, Joan Abadie (Keith) and Laura Waguespack (Chris – deceased). He was also the cherished grandfather of sixteen: Shannon, Jessica, Melissa, Lauren, Patrick, Leigh, Chris, Ashley, Greg, Katie, Robbie, Michele, Jaclyn, Matthew, Austin, and Jared and great-grandfather of nine. He was the son of the late Harold Whitman, Sr. and the late Clara Schott Whitman and the brother of five: Harold, Jr., Melvin, Marcel Whitman, Evelyn Wagner and Winnie Jacob.
At the age of 18, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Marines and proudly served his country during World War II in the Pacific at Guadalcanal, Guam, and Iwo Jima. That experience shaped his character and integrity for the rest of his life. At war's end, he entered Tulane University, participated on both football and baseball teams and served as captain of the baseball team his senior year. During his senior year, he also coached the freshman baseball team. He graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree in 1950, intent on a lifelong career in his true passion, football.
He lived his dream, first marrying his "girl" Miriam and moving to St. Francisville to teach and coach high school and then up to Perkinston Junior College, MS. After a year of each, he was called to coach at his beloved alma mater, Tulane, for nine years. Opting not to move his then-family of nine out of town, he again taught and coached at another level: East Jefferson High School. When the New Orleans Saints came to town, he worked for them part time until accepting a position as Pro Scout, eventually becoming Head Scout. Leaving the Saints in 1983, he had five job offers from the NFL and college teams, which he credited to his deep faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. After 15 years with the Saints, he took a scouting position with the Division-rival San Francisco 49ers, garnering three Super Bowl rings in four years and then retiring in 1994.
In his later years, he was a member and past president of the "Good Ole Metairie Boys" and helped his son coach girls' basketball and softball at De LaSalle High School. He was a lifelong member of St. Benilde Catholic Church, serving as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister for many years. He enjoyed spending most of his time with his family, as they were his greatest achievement.
Family and friends are invited to attend visitation from 9:30 a.m. until 12:00 Noon at ST. BENILDE CATHOLIC CHURCH. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at the church, 1901 Division St. in Metairie, LA on Thursday, August 11, 2011. Interment will be in Garden of Memories Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested in Bob's name to East Jefferson High School, c/o Principal Jim Kytle, 400 Phlox Avenue, Metairie, LA 70001.
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1924 - 2011 (86 years)