William Alleman Whitney Obituary (1932 - 2017)

William A. Whitney 1932 - 2017 William Alleman Whitney died Sept 24, 2017, peacefully, while at home. "Uncle Bill" is survived by his sister-in-law, Carla Hendricks Whitney (Orem, UT), his nephews (Joseph) Tyler Whitney (Sammamish, WA), (William) Ryan Whitney (Vineyard, UT), Matthew Todd Whitney (West Jordan, UT), and his niece Stacey Whitney Jolley (West Jordan, UT). He was preceded in death by his sister LeJeune and brothers Earl and Joe. Uncle Bill was born December 28, 1932 in Springville, Utah to Lewis and Jesse Alleman Whitney. He graduated from the University of Utah in 1956 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He later served his country in the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of 1st Lieutenant on Active Duty between 1957 and 1959. After leaving Active Duty in the Air Force, he went to work for Marquardt and subsequently Williams International, lending his considerable engineering talents to high-profile projects such as the design of rocket engines used in the D-21 Drones attached to the now retired SR-71 Blackbird aircraft; as well as other important military systems. Extending his love of aviation, he was renowned for his considerable knowledge and skill in authentic reproductions of historic aircraft through numerous model airplanes, as well as his expertise in historic air missions, specifically the Ploesti Raid of World War II. He was a member of various aviation associations. An avid historian and history enthusiast, our Uncle Bill dove into American history, visiting and extensively documenting historic events such as the Battle of Wounded Knee, Custer's Last Stand, the Trail of Tears, and the Lewis and Clark Trail, among many others. He could engage in captivating conservation for hours at a time on any of these subjects and more. An active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Uncle Bill derived tremendous joy and satisfaction from serving as Ward Clerk and Ward Historian. We love our Uncle Bill for the sacrifices and support he made for our family. We will miss you, Uncle Bill. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 27, 2017, at the Evergreen City Cemetery, 443 South 200 East, Springville, Utah. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery, Springville, Utah. GravesideEvergreen Cemetery 443 South 200 East Springville, Utah 84663 September 27, 2017 2:00 PM