Palestine High School Alumni Association

12 / 14 / 1921  –  03 / 14 / 2004

Funeral services for Harry W. Whitehurst, 82, of Brushy Creek were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 17, at the United Methodist Church of Frankston with Rev. Kevin King and Rev. Mark Pedersen officiating.  Burial followed in Olive Branch Cemetery at Brushy Creek with arrangements under the direction of Bailey & Foster, Palestine.

Mr. Whitehurst died Sunday, March 14 in a Jacksonville hospital.  He was born December 14, 1921 in Ranger to Harry Boyd and Kate Dean Whitehurst.

Mr. Whitehurst graduated from Palestine High School and from Texas A&M with a degree in animal husbandry. During World War II, he served in the Marine Corps as a First Lieutenant. He was a commander of a Tank Corps in China. He later joined the Texas National Guard and attained the rank of Captain.

On August 27, 1950, he married Evelyn Newell. In 1953, they moved to Brushy Creek and were in the dairy business for more than 22 years. After retiring, Mr. Whitehurst continued to be active in cattle production. Mr. Whitehurst was a member of the United Methodist Church of Frankston.

Mr. Whitehurst served as president of the board of directors of the New Era Electric Cooperative from 1974 to 1997. He also served on the board of directors for ASCS and Anderson County Farm Bureau.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Evelyn; his sons and daughters-in-law Bob and Diane Whitehurst of Frankston, Bill and Kathie Whitehurst of Tyler; his daughter, Becky Whitehurst McDonald of Benbrook; and his eight grandsons.

Pallbearers were his eight grandsons,Travis Whitehurst, James McDonald, Preston Whitehurst, Matthew McDonald, Jacob Whitehurst, Benjamin Whitehurst, Zachary McDonald, and Caleb Whitehurst.

The family suggests that donations be made in the name of Mr. Whitehurst to the United Methodist Church of Frankston.

Source: Frankston Citizen 03-18-2004