David R. 'Dave' Whitman, Hays
July 9, 1941 - November 17, 2023
David R. “Dave” Whitman, 82, Hays, passed away peacefully, Friday, November 17, 2023, at Ellis Good Samaritan Society after a short stay in hospice.
He was born July 9, 1941, in LaRue, Ohio, the son of Carl and Lenora (McWade) Whitman.
He graduated from LaRue High School in 1959 then attended The Ohio State University.
In 1963, Dave enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Morocco and Guam, then from 1966-1969, he was in the U.S. Navy Reserves.
For 17 years, he was a realtor in Denver then became a real estate appraiser until his retirement.
On September 2, 1967, he married Jeanne Lindow in Reese, Michigan, they later divorced. On August 16, 2003, he married Kathy Gearhart in Grand Lake, Colorado. Dave and Kathy lived in Colorado until moving to Hays in March of 2023.
He was a member of the Glenwood Springs, Colorado Elks BPOE #2086, and the Hays VFW Post #9076.
He enjoyed snowmobiling, rafting, crossword puzzles, Budweiser beer, and trips with friends and family. Dave never knew a stranger, had a unique sense of humor and wit, and liked to have fun.
Survivors include his wife Kathy of the home in Hays, two sons, Mark Whitman and wife Joyce of Parker, CO and Michael Whitman and wife Eurie of Aurora, CO, five grandchildren, Karl, Liam, Romaro, Sophie, and Liliana Whitman, two stepdaughters, Alisha Parkhurst and husband Kent of Blackhawk, CO and Christine Stewart of Aurora, CO, two brothers, Robert Whitman and wife Carol of Marysville, OH and Charles Whitman of Hesperia, MI, and two half-brothers, Steve and John Whitman of Columbus, OH.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Kenneth “Pete” Whitman, a sister, Mary Jane Burton, a brother-in-law, Howard Burton, and two sisters-in-law, Marilee and Ruth Whitman.
Graveside services with military honors by the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 15, 2023, at Fort Hays Memorial Gardens, with Pastor Brenda Rodger officiating.
Memorials are suggested to HaysMed Hospice, BPOE Elks Lodge #2086 Glenwood Springs, Colorado or to the Hays VFW Post #9076.
Services are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences and memories of Dave may be left for his family at www.haysmemorial.com.