BURLEY – Erman Jay Whittle, an 89-year-old longtime resident of Burley, passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2013.
Jay was born on March 10, 1924, in Oakley, Idaho, the son of Erman Lyle and Maude Zelma (Critchfield) Whittle. He received his education in Burley and graduated from Burley High School in 1942. He joined the United States Navy and served honorably during World War II. He married Maurine Hedman (Weeks) on Feb. 14, 1945, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.
Jay was a well-known cattleman and was the co-owner of Burley Livestock Auction. He was active throughout the community and enjoyed his association with the Civil Air Patrol, the PTA, and the Burley High School rodeo program. Jay was a charter and life member of the Burley Kiwanis Club and had served as president locally and of the Utah-Idaho District. He had 49 years of perfect attendance until ill health forced him to resign. Through his active service in the Kiwanis Club, hundreds of young men and women benefitted from the ideals and programs offered to the youth of our community.
He was an active member of the LDS Church and had served as president of the Young Men, high priest group leader, counselor and ward clerk in a bishopric, and with his wife, Maurine, served as workers in the Boise Idaho Temple.
Jay is survived by his wife, Maurine Whittle of Burley; his children, Donald Jay (Indie) Whittle of Rupert, Kenneth Lee Whittle of Burley, and Ferol Kristine (John) Herbert of Portland, Oregon; three grandchildren, Holly (Scott) Bond, Jenger Cole, and Amy Kathleen (Mike) Keller; five great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Clara Joyce Fenton and Zelma Sue Warr.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 18, at the Star LDS Church, 100 S. 200 W., of Burley, with Bishop Jeffery L. Harris officiating. Burial will be in Gem Memorial Gardens with military rites provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Organization.
Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, May 17, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:40 a.m. Saturday at the church.