Whitmarsh, Oliver Zenas 1915-2011

WHITMARSH, CLARK, HARVEY, THOMAS, PETERSON

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 5/13/2018 at 11:57:42

Oliver Whitmarsh
1915-2011

Oliver Zenas Whitmarsh, 96, went to his Lord on Friday, May 6, 2011.

Oliver was last born to Joseph Whitmarsh and Margaret Love Clark Whitmarsh on January 20, 1915, in rural Mocane, Oklahoma and was graduated valedictorian from Greeno High School. During WWII, he served as WOJG in the military post office at Camp Campbell, Kentucky, where he met and married the love of his life, Mary Evelyn Harvey at Macedonia Presbyterian Church, Clarksville, Tennessee on Sunday, October 29, 1944.

Following military service in the European Theatre, Oliver returned to his pre-war position at Post Office in Des Moines and he and Evelyn settled in to raise their family. Oliver was a man of strong faith, devoted to family and lived a life of moral conviction. His love and personal character endeared him to many. As a member of Park Avenue Presbyterian Church, he was an elder serving as leadership in Christian Education, Stewardship and Parish Life, VBS design, and enjoyed fellowship groups. From his military enlistment through postal changes and into his retirement, Oliver’s life was chronicled in the Des Moines Register and Tribune newspapers. After nearly 40 years of postal service, Oliver retired in 1977. Later he started Commercial Lighting Ltd., with his son, Alan. He was a Chartered Member of the National WWII Memorial. Other memberships include: The 20th Armored Division Assoc., American Legion Post 374, National Association of Letter Carriers, Branch 352 [70+ year award] and Mid Iowa Wood Carvers. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, drafting/building, and creating beautiful wood carving treasures for families and friends.

Oliver is survived by his sons: Donald (Sue) and Alan (Cyndy) Whitmarsh and daughters, Margaret (Buddy) Thomas and Lisa (Dan) Peterson, seven grandchildren, one great-granddaughter and a brother, Harold Whitmarsh.

Preceding him in death, his wife of 65 years, Evelyn, his parents and infant siblings Vera, Paul, Esther and Jesse, and brother, Byron Whitmarsh.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 10 a.m. at Park Avenue Presbyterian Church, 3120 SW 9th Street, Des Moines. Visitation begins at 9 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to his church or Iowa Health Foundation. The family wishes to thank his hospice team: Laura, Garland, Sharyl, Pam and Jean. Heartfelt gratitude is given to his doctor, Michael P. O’Conner and nurse, Amy Dace, for years of superlative, holistic care of Oliver. Inurnment with military honors will be at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery. Hamilton’s Southtown handled arrangements. ~ The Hamilton Southtown Funeral Home, Des Moines, Iowa May 06 2011.