Colonel Robert L. "Bob" Whitman (USAF, Ret.), 81, of Port Tobacco, MD passed away on November 27, 2014 at his home after a fall. Bob was born on August 24, 1933 in Cumberland, MD. He was the son of the late Evermont and Minnie V. (Ware) Whitman.

He was the husband of the Sally Jill Whitman of Mouth of Seneca, WV. They were married November 19, 1960 and had been married for almost 54 years until her death September 29, 2014.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his siblings Pauline (Whitman) Tedrick, Charles Leo Whitman, and Raymond O. Whitman.

He graduated from Allegheny High School and went on to the University of Maryland, College Park where he earned a Bachelors and Master's Degree in Economics. He joined the Air Force and retired as a full colonel in 1985. After the Air Force, he worked in high-ranking civilian posts for the Department of Defense until 1988.

Bob was an avid animal lover. He loved horseracing and enjoyed his time watching the horses. In his heyday, he and his wife liked to square dance. He also aspired to be an author and wrote one book named "The Backstreets of Heaven" published in 2006. He loved working in the yard and fishing for rockfish in the Port Tobacco and the Potomac Rivers. Bob was a long-time member of the Masons. Bob was never seen without one of his favorite cigars.

Bob is survived by his son Greg Whitman and his wife Lisa Lupis of Hollywood, MD. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews, as well as his dog Scooter and his cat Baby

The family will receive friends on Friday, December 12th from 5 to 8pm at the Arehart-Echols Funeral Home, 211 St Mary's Ave, La Plata, MD. where Funeral Services will be held at 7pm Rev. Sheldon Reese will preside over the services. The burial will take place at 1:00pm on Saturday, December 13th at the Hillside Memorial Park in Cumberland, MD.

Donations can be made to The Fisher House Foundation at 111 Rockville Pike, Suite 420, Rockville, MD 20850 and are suggested in lieu of flowers. Arrangements provided by Arehart-Echols Funeral Home. Thank you to Bernice and Bobby Houchin for all your assistance in our most difficult times.