Whiteside, Robert Granville 1949-2006

WHITESIDE, SORENSON, WEST

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 7/29/2006 at 21:07:28

Robert Granville Whiteside was born on March 7, 1949, in Keokuk. He was one of 13 children raised by Virginia Augusta Sorenson and Robert Granville Whiteside. Bob or R. G. graduated from Keokuk High School in 1967. He received his BS degree in Sociology from the University of Iowa and attended Drake University. While at Drake University, Bob worked as an advocate for veterans who were attending school there.

Bob served in the US Marine Corp in Vietnam from 1968 to 1972 where he was a 1st Forward Observer and 2nd Cannoneer. Bob received the Rifle Marksmen Badge, Pistol Marksman Badge, Good Conduct Medal, Letter of Appreciation (2nd Award), Vietnam Service Medal with 3*, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, Combat Action Medal, Navy Unit Commendation and the National Defense Service Medal. He later served in the US Army in 1985 and finished his service in the US Army Reserves in 1991. While in the National Guard, he was Company Commander and had just been promoted to Major prior to his retirement. He was ordered to active duty in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

On October 4, 1996 Bob married Amy Beth West in Nashville, Tenn.

Bob had a variety of interests. He was an accomplished woodworker. Bob made various pieces of furniture such as cedar chests for the nieces and a china cabinet for Freda. Bob always made something special for Christmas gifts such as a cutting board, butterfly house or game board. Bob was also an excellent cook. One year he and Beth made 52 apple pies and 40 mini pies to freeze. He made excellent pasta sauce, bread and chicken potpies. Bob enjoyed cars and had a Corvette and new Harley bike. He was always generous and let the nieces and nephews use the car for special events. Bob was a big Nascar fan.

Bob loved Beth's family. He treated Freda as if she were his own mother, always greeting her with a hug and kiss. Bob affectionately referred to her as "his Darlin'." Bob loved Beth unconditionally. He just wanted to make her happy and showered her with attention, love and gifts.

Robert Granville Whiteside died on May 1, 2006, at the VA Medical Center in Knoxville at the age of 57.

Preceding him in death were his parents and daughter, Samantha Whiteside.

Survivors include his wife, Beth West of Knoxville; one daughter, Ericka Ann Augspurger of Knoxville; two sons, Adam Lee and Isaac Wallace Augspurger of Knoxville; his mother-in-law, Freda West of Harvey; two sisters-in-law and their husbands, Janet and Wayne Westberg of Harvey and Mary Ann and Ron Sterling of Pella and 12 brothers and sisters: Jack Shultz of Texas, Dick Shultz of Florida, Jo Anne Pryor of Texas, Joan Whitman of Montrose, Ruth Ann Scott of Illinois, Robert Gundy of Keokuk, Sandra De Pew of Farmington, Pam Cicciliano of Ft. Madison, Barbara Glassgow of Ft. Madison, Joan Huston of Keokuk and Nancy Riddle of Keokuk.

Funeral services were held on May 4, 2006, at the First Presbyterian Church in Knoxville with Pastor Kirk Erwin officiating. Interment was in Breckenridge Cemetery, rural Marion County. Military Honors were provided by Baty-Tucker American Legion Post #168, John Myers VFW Post #3519 and the U.S. Marine Casualty Assistance Corp. Memorials may be made in memory of Mr. Whiteside to his family.

The Knoxville Journal Express, June 2, 2006