Charles Whitney, Jr.

Charles L. Whitney, Jr., 88, died Thursday (7/26/07) in Aurora. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Charles was a practicing attorney for 61 years, known for his service to the Aurora community.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, July 30th at the Aurora United Methodist Church. Visitation to be held from 5-7 p.m., Sunday, July 29th at Higby-McQuiston Mortuary. Memorials: Aurora United Methodist Church and Prairie Plains Resource Institute, c/o the family, 40 Rosewood Circle, Aurora, NE. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through the mortuary website at www.higbymortuary.com.

OBITUARY: CHARLES L. WHITNEY, JR.

Upon graduation from York College, York, Nebraska, in 1940, he entered the University of Nebraska Law College until WWII intervened. Partly because he loved the water and boats, Charles enlisted in the United States Navy in 1941 and received his commission as an ensign following midshipman training at Notre Dame and Chicago.

On November 17, 1942, Charles married Emily Louise Rothman at his parents’ home in Aurora. The newlyweds moved to Seattle, where he was stationed initially and served briefly on a mine sweeper. Later he served on a patrol ship and an anti-submarine vessel in the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Pacific, and attained the rank of Lieutenant. In the Navy Charles formed lifelong friendships and gained experiences that influenced him throughout his life. He was proud to have served his country in WWII.

When he returned to Nebraska in 1946, he resumed law school, then passed the bar and joined his father, Charles L. Whitney, Sr., in practice until the next year, when his father died suddenly. He continued practicing law, building a successful partnership, until three weeks before his death.

In addition to dedicated service to his community, as Aurora City Clerk, as Hamilton County Veterans’ Service Officer for 30 years, and with the Chamber of Commerce and the American Legion (announcing midget and junior league baseball games for several years), Charles was a long-time member of the Aurora United Methodist Church, a member of the Nebraska Bar Association, and Director of the Heuermann Foundation and Trust. He also served on the Board of Directors and as Legal Counsel to Prairie Plains Resource Institute from its founding in 1980.

Actively pursuing outside interests in photography, wood carving, history, and music, Charles enjoyed playing his trombone in the Community Band for numerous events over the years. Throughout his life he also took great pleasure in the outdoors, spending time boating and fishing. His annual fishing trips with friends to Lac La Ronge, Saskatchewan, are well recorded in numerous photo albums.

Charles is survived by his loving wife, Emily Louise Rothman, their children and partners: Chuck Whitney and Valorie Walker of Anchorage, Alaska; Anne Whitney and Scott Thompson of Lincoln, Nebraska; Mary Whitney of San Francisco; Bill and Jan Whitney of Aurora, and grandchildren: Sarah Whitney Thompson, Lewis Whitney Thompson, Erin Jean Whitney, Laura Brown Whitney, and special cousin Eleanor Stromberg of Polk, Nebraska.

Charles will be remembered for the pride he took in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. His special fondness for pets Lady and Cleo will also be remembered.

Preceded in death by his father, Charles L. Whitney, Sr., and mother, Leona Entrekin Whitney.