Robert E. Whitmer

Mr. Robert E. Whitmer, 74, of County Road 49, Kill Buck, New York, died early Saturday morning, December 12, 2015 at Olean General Hospital following a short illness.

Born August 23, 1941 in Salamanca, New York, he was the son of the late Robert and Gaithel Bargy Whitmer. He was married June 14, 1968 in Salamanca, New York to the former Mary Bowley, who survives.

Mr. Whitmer was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in Honolulu, Hawaii and Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.

He had been employed as an automobile mechanic for over five years with the former LB Hartman Inc in Salamanca. He had also been employed with the former Fancher Furniture Company and Wilbert Vault Company.

Mr. Whitmer enjoyed the outdoors, especially bird watching and fishing, and being with his faithful dog companion, Joy.

Surviving besides his wife are: two daughters, Mary (Gary Griffin) Yaw, Portville, NY, Elsie (Raymond) Green, Jackson, TN; two sons, Wayne (Judy) Yaw, Mt. Holly Springs, PA, Charles (Theresa) Yaw, Salamanca, NY; a sister, Vivian (Doug) Fuller, Kill Buck, NY; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a son, Thomas Yaw, a brother, Wayne Whitmer, and a sister, Janice Brown.

There will be no visitation. A private memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, SPCA, or the donor’s choice.

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.