Obituary of Orville Milan Whitener

Captain O.M. Whitener of Lakeland, Florida, passed away peacefully with family by his side at The Manor at Carpenters Feb. 16, 2014, from complications of pancreatic cancer. He was 87. O.M. was born Oct 14th, 1926 in Hardee County Fl. He met his "angel on a wing", wife Gladys Coleman, in 1942 and their journey began. They were married on December 30th, 1944. He was in the Army Air Corp before becoming an airline Captain for Eastern airlines, where he enjoyed an adventurous and accomplished career of 30 years. He was a farmer and a craftsman. A hunter and fisherman. He was a boy scout leader and a true family man. A Godly man. He was a natural storyteller with an uncanny recall for details. He enjoyed boating and traveling with his sweetheart of 69 years. His world revolved around Gladys. Aside from his precious wife, O.M. is survived by his son, Mike, and his grandchildren Jeff, Stephen, MaryBeth, Hillary and Dorsey as well as several great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Earnest. He was preceded in death by his son, Milan. O.M. also leaves behind many dear friends that were also his caregivers at Carpenters. For their dedication and caring for his wife he is eternally grateful. "If you only knew, I'm just going home."