WHITCHER, F.E. (Gene)

F.E. "Gene" Whitcher, a resident of Phoenix and Sun City since 1954, passed away November 25, 2002. Gene, as he was known to all, moved to Phoenix in 1954 from El Centro, California. Representing the Southern Pacific Railroad, he quickly became a well-known figure throughout the Valley with his infectious smile and involvement in many charitable and civic activities and organizations. Born in Farmington, Minnesota November 24, 1915, Gene's family moved to Los Angeles, California in 1927. Following his graduation from Los Angeles City College, Gene began his career with the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1936 as a yard clerk in Los Angeles, California. He married his school sweetheart Ruth Early on February 22, 1941. During World War II, Gene served with the Beverly Hills, California police department attaining the rank of Sergeant while still working for the railroad. In 1943 he was promoted to City Freight and Passenger Agent and in 1948 was transferred to El Centro, California as the District Freight and Passenger Agent. Gene arrived in Phoenix January 1, 1954 and in 1962 took over the top position for the railroad in the southwest as Traffic Manager with Headquarters in Phoenix. He had responsibility for all operations and sales from Los Angeles, CA to El Paso, TX. Gene had additional responsibility as the President of the Southern Pacific's subsidiary throughout all of Mexico. His civic involvement included The Rotary Club, Elks Club, Knights of Columbus and Institutional Representative for the Boy Scouts of America. Gene served on the Brophy College Preparatory Board of Regents, including President, and also was a member of the Dad's Club. He was an instrumental supporter and innovator in Brophy's rebuilding in the 1960's. In addition, Gene served as a Director with the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce. Gene retired from the Southern Pacific in 1979 after 44 years. He quickly engaged in his favorite hobby of gardening and their home was known for its beautiful flowers throughout the year. Gene's life with us will be remembered and celebrated in a Mass of Christian Burial at Brophy College Preparatory Chapel, 4701 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ on Saturday November 30, 2002 at 12:30 PM. Internment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Whitney and Murphy Funeral Home will handle the arrangements. Gene is survived by his wife, Ruth, and his sons Bill of Coconut Grove, Florida and Bob of Stratford, Connecticut. He has five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He also has a sister, Donna Dickenson of Sherman Oaks, California. In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund has been established at Brophy College Preparatory, 4701 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85012. Published in the Arizona Republic from 11/28/2002 - 11/29/2002.