Robert Norman Whitmore

robert whitmore

July 29, 1929 ~ February 25, 2024

Born in: Columbus, Ohio
Resided in: Pueblo, Colorado

Celebration of Life:

Robert Norman Whitmore, 94, passed away on February 25, 2024. He is survived by his daughters, Cindy (Bill) Mihelich, Terryl Jensen, Danielle (Jeffry Johnson) Whitmore, Laurie (David) Polk; Twenty-eight grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Armond (Dick) and Marie Richards, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte J. Whitmore; his sons, William, Timothy, John Patrick; and his daughter, Michele, along with siblings, Richard, Patricia (Allsup), and Barrie Whitmore.
Bob was born on July 29, 1929, at a general store just off the highway in Ohio, garnering him the nickname “Highway Bob.” In his youth, Bob and his family lived in Berwin, Illinois, then moved to Pueblo, Colorado. He attended Thatcher Grade School where he met lifelong friends, Gene Spencer, Jerry Seavy and George Lowrance. Bob learned to roller skate and competed in roller dance competitions, crewed for Jack Steinfeld who raced midget race cars, and participated in a square dance group known as the Rough Riders. A proud Centennial Bulldog, Bob played football and broke his collarbone in a game. A graduate of the class of ’49, Bob did not receive a diploma due to an outstanding library charge from an overdue book. A false accusation in his account, as he never remembers going to the library. Bob started his career as an usher at Pueblo’s Main Theater, followed by a brief role with the Santa Fe Railroad in the civil engineering department. He ultimately landed a job at the Pueblo Ordinance Depot, where he worked his way up through the ranks as a civilian with the army, moving from a warehouse worker to a computer analyst, retiring in 1989. Bob’s work travels were many, including a TDY stint in Saigon, where he oversaw the safe delivery of troop supplies during the Vietnam War.
Charlotte and Bob married Oct 7, 1950, and had eight children. Raising eight kids, including two born with cerebral palsy, required extra everything. Bob took extra jobs – selling vacuum cleaners, shoveling fertilizer, ushering, parking cars, pumping gas, and sanding floors to help support the family.
Bob’s love of sports inspired him to referee football and basketball. He refereed for high school and college games throughout Colorado, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. He took particular delight when the boys on the team, many of whom went to school with his daughters, attempted to sack him on the field. Grandpa Bob also refereed games at Pueblo County High School while his grandkids attended. This activity brought him lifelong friendships with fellow referees many of whom are family now. He was an avid fan of the Broncos and Rockies, CSU-Pueblo, and Air Force football.
Bob led a life well-lived and well-loved. His legacy and stories are forever with us. The family extends their appreciation and heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Center at Park West and Gentiva Hospice for their loving care.
In lieu of flowers and food, the family requests donations to Colorado Bluesky, 115 W. 2nd St., Pueblo, CO 81003, or https://coloradobluesky.org/donate-now-1 or email your contribution to Centennial High School Scholarship Foundation centennial.foundation@pueblod60.org
Funeral service, 10 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2024, in the Montgomery & Steward Chapel. Interment, Imperial Memorial Gardens. Livestream and online condolences, www.MontgomerySteward.com.

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  1. Dear Cindy and all the family, What a beautiful story –an amazing life! Thinking of you as you are probably at the service or graveside about now. (Saturday, March 2nd).

  2. Uncle Bob will be greatly missed by the Whitmore/Allsup clan. I figure my dad, Uncle Bob’s brother, are already discussing the Broncos and Rockies. I remember trying to make sure I called Dad before he started to talk with him because if I didn’t I had to wait until the next night to try again. Go in peace Uncle Bob, you have many family members and friends waiting for you. Besides you’re scheduled to referee God’s next football game. Asking God to give support and comfort to Uncle Bob’s family. Love Pam and Ron.

  3. Dear Whitmore family
    I am so sorry for your loss. Terryl, I remember the times that we went with your dad out to the army depot for a dance. Your mom and dad were the sweetest people and they raised such an amazing family. My mom always admired your family. I miss you and I pray that you are doing well even during your loss. Love and prayers

  4. To the Whitmore family and close friends our deepest condolences. The Lucero and Whitmore families became friends when Bob and I worked at the Pueblo Army Depot in the early 1960’s. We managed to stay in close contact since that time and our families have shared many memories good and some not so good! Some of my family members and I visited Bob and his daughter, Cindy, this past September and had a great time rehashing the past. Bob will definitely be missed, and I will always remember that his nickname for me was
    “Frito Bandito”….and I am ecstatic that the nickname didn’t stick!

    Bob, rest in peace!!

  5. Cindy, Bill & Whitmore family:
    So sorry for your loss. Such a GREAT man! May GOD comfort and Bless your family.
    The Carara’s Rick, Vicki & Florence

  6. I worked with Bob at many various times, and throughout the country, since the early 1960s until he retired. His expetise in logistics was outstanding, as noted by the many times the US Army Material Command requested him to work on special projects. He provided a users view in developing logistic systems that frequently enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of the end product.
    As a gentleman and friend, he set an example that everyone looked up to. His smile, outgoing personality, and humor was infectious. His positive attitude in the face of a challange lifted all our spirits. I consideed him a best friend, and kept in communication with him over the last 60 years despite being 2000 miles away. I will miss our chats and visits. Rest in peace, Bob, for a life well lived..

    • Glen,
      Thank you for your kind words. I so appreciate you view of Dad from a coworker’s perspective. And, a great friend. He so enjoyed the phone calls you two shared. I am sorry you lost your friend. And so happy you shared decades of friendship
      Terryl

  7. Cindy and family,
    What a beautiful tribute to a life well lived. He sounds like a wonderful dad, coworker and friend, someone you would want for a father or friend. I’m so glad though that he had such a long life. But as I know, that doesn’t ease the pain of losing a father. Please know that you all are in my prayers as you adjust to this change. Keep the good memories alive. Love, Karen and Mike

  8. CandleImageWe are sorry for your loss. We will keep your family in our prayers. May God’s Spirit bring you comfort and your precious memories bring you joy.

  9. CandleImageDear Whitmore family. I was sad to read this today. May he rest in peace. He truly earned his angel wings. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

    Love,
    Billie Jean


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