WHITELAW, John Oliver

Lamont Mortuary of Globe, Globe, Arizona - 2/27/2010 John Whitelaw (1926 - 2010) John Whitelaw, age 83, born Sept. 9, 1926 in Belle Vernon, PA to John and Hazel Whitelaw, passed away Feb. 23, 2010 in Globe, AZ. He was an automotive mechanic and he served his country proudly in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife. John is survived by his children Linda Carnes, Judith Diane Moss, John P. Whitelaw, Ginger Rogers(Larry), Byron Mills(Rayla) and Wayne Mills(Carrol) along with 15 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. The memorial service will be held Feb. 27 at 10:00 am at Trinity Baptist Church in Globe, AZ. --------------------- Arizona Silver Belt, Globe, Arizona Tuesday, Mar 9th, 2010 John Oliver Whitelaw was born at home on Sept. 12, 1926 in Bell Vernon, Penn. to John Schrum Whitelaw and Gladys Ora Hazelbaker. John had one sister, Margaret Grace, who was one year younger, who proceeded him in death. Even though John only obtained an eighth-grade education, he always said, “that never held me back.” Beginning at an early age, work became an important part of John’s life. At the age of 16 John began working in a glass factory until he began working in a local theater. The theater job provided him with the opportunity to begin earning a projectionist certificate which he ultimately obtained while in the Navy. John enlisted in the United States Navy a day after his 17th birthday and on Sept. 27, 1943 reported to boot camp at the Great Lakes Station. A year prior to this, John’s father enlisted in the U.S. Army and the two met up with each other at Lady Harbor in the Philippines. In the Navy, John became a third-class machinist mate and was also the ship’s movie operator. After two years, seven months and eight days, during the month of July 1945, John received an Honorable Discharge and left the Navy. After his discharge, John returned to Bell Vernon, Penn. In January 1945, John married Virginia Lee McMillan; their marriage produced five children; Linda, Judy, John Paul, and two sons who passed away within two months of birth. The young family lived in an unfinished house that John was in the process of building. Around 1960 John moved his family to Phoenix, where he purchased a home. John worked for a tire company for approximately two years until he got mad at the owner. He then went to work for Valley Tire Company, where he remained until his retirement at age 62. Virginia passed away on July 14, 1979 which left John widowed. Approximately two years later, John met Elwanda Mills at their church in Tempe, Ariz. One thing led to another and John and Elwanda were married in that same church. With that union, John’s family was extended to three additional children; Ginger (Larry) Rogers, Byron (Rayla) Mills, and Wayne (Carol) Mills. At the time of his death, John had a total of 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. John and Elwanda would later move to Globe, Ariz. where they would both live out the rest of their lives. John was a faithful member of the Trinity Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon and a Sunday school teacher. In the early morning hours of Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010, John Whitelaw went home to his Lord. Lamont Mortuary is assisting the family.