March 11, 1927 – April 26, 2014
Robert James Whitfield, 87, of Sweet Home, died April 26, 2014.
He was born March 11, 1927 in Philomath to George and Maysel (Blanchard) Whitfield.
He grew up in a logging family. In his early childhood, they followed the work in the logging industry in Oregon. The family moved to Sweet Home in 1937, where he has since resided.
Mr. Whitfield had a strong belief in God and followed that throughout his life. He attended the Assembly of God Church since he was a young child.
He entered the Navy in May of his senior year of high school and served from 1945 to 1946. After his discharge from the Navy, he met Doris Stutzman and they married on March 13, 1948.
Bob’s aim in life was to own a logging truck. He bought his first truck in 1948 and owned several throughout his career. He remained active in the industry for many years.
He was involved in the Oregon Log Truckers‘ Association for several years and served as president for a year. The Whitfields also owned and operated an insurance agency for 25 years. Even after he became an insurance agent, Mr. Whitfield still loved trucking, often jumping in the truck and grabbing a load when the opportunity arose.
A Sweet Home city councilor for 10 years, he also served as Sweet Home mayor for two years. He always believed Sweet Home was a great place to live and wanted to do his part to make it better.
He loved fishing, hunting, and camping, especially as a young man. As he got older, he enjoyed RVing, going to Arizona several winters. He also loved going to his grandchildren’s sporting events and always looked forward to family gatherings.
He was known by all for his story telling and his silly jokes he loved to tell.
Mr. Whitfield leaves behind his wife of 66 years, Doris; son Jim, daughter Nancy and son Randy; four grandchildren; brother Bill; sister Evelyn and brother-in-law Ralph Miller of Alaska; and four nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and son David, who passed away in 2001.
A viewing will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 30 at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.
A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. Thursday, May 1, at Lebanon Assembly of God, 7th and Oak streets.
Memorial contributions can be made in his name to the Sweet Home Alumni Foundation.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.