JAMES RUSSELL WHITEMAN, 88, former Atlanta, Burden and Cambridge, Kansas resident, passed away Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at the Kansas Veterans Home in Winfield.

Born on July 31, 1925 in Atlanta, Kansas, he was the son of Albert and Cora (Smith) Whiteman. He was raised and received his education in Atlanta and graduated from Atlanta High School in 1943.

A veteran of World War II, Mr. Whiteman proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was wounded while stationed in Okinawa. He was honorably discharged in February of 1946.

Russell was united in marriage to Verla Sphar on December 10, 1945 in Winfield. The couple had lived in Atlanta and Cambridge. They moved to Burden in 1993. He was a farmer and rancher and enjoyed fishing and hunting. Russell was employed with the Winfield Police Department for 5 years, working in the animal control department.

He attended the Cambridge Presbyterian Church and was a member of the American Legion Post #10, Veterans of Foreign Wars #3544 and the Winfield Elks Lodge. Russell had served on the Atlanta and Cambridge School Boards as well as the Central of Burden School Board.

His family includes:
His wife: Verla of Burden, KS;
His son: Ronnie Whiteman and wife Dorothy of Cambridge, KS;
His daughters: Linda Bartel and Roger of Cambridge, KS; and Darlene Flegler and husband Bill of Ponca City, OK;
His brother: Earl Whiteman of Scottsdale, AZ;
His sisters: Eunice Mullin and husband Glen of Bethany, OK; and Arlene Otto of Burden, KS;
His grandchildren: Karen, Marty, Shawn, Brady and Halli;
His great-grandchildren: Melissa, Tyler, Lucas, Jasiah, Jeremy, Morgan, Harper, Dalin, Kaylie, and Austin; and
His 2 great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Amy Whiteman; his grandson, James Richard Whiteman; and brothers, Eldon and Raymond Whiteman; and his sister, Nina Schaad.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, August 24, 2013 at the Cambridge Presbyterian Church. Military committal honors will follow at the Cambridge Cemetery.

Memorials have been established in Mr. Whiteman's name for the Kansas Veterans Home and Central of Burden School District. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.