Life story Mr. Robert L. "Whitey" Whiteford, age 78, of Madison, passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at his residence. He was born on October 13, 1929 in Greensburg, Indiana, the son of Ralph and Jessie Schafer Whiteford. Mr. Whiteford moved to Madison in 1955, after serving in the United States Navy from June 23, 1947 until April 27, 1952. He had served aboard the USS Bairoko. After moving to Madison, he met Arvenia Bladen. They were married on November 21, 1959 and she passed away on July 9, 1988, a few months short of their 30th wedding anniversary. He worked as a concrete finisher all of his life, working for several unions, the Dunlap Construction Company, and the City of Madison, from where he retired in 1992. His memberships included Jefferson Post #9, American Legion, VFW Post #1969, both in Madison, and the Indiana District Courier Laborer's Hod Carrier. Mr. Whiteford enjoyed fishing, hunting, and playing cards. His favorite place to visit was Japan, and he wanted his family to remember him for being honest. He said his greatest inspiration in life was marrying Arvenia. Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law: Angela and Phillip Lobb of Madison; one son Robert D. Whiteford and his fiancee, Sherry Huff, both of Madison; two step-sons: Nicky Turner and his wife, Patricia Hereford of Marion, Indiana, and Garry Turner of Madison; five grandchildren: Arvenia Jane "AJ" Lobb and Cody Turner, both of Madison, Felicia Lobb of Columbus, Ohio, Julie Cronk of Ohio, and Mark Turner of Carmel, Indiana; three great grandchildren: Coleman, Ethan, and Owen Cronk; several nieces and nephews; and his dog, Rosie. "Pops" will also be missed by his many friends who saw him daily, who brought joy to his days, and who supported him after "Vennie's" death. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; one brother, Donald Whiteford on June 18, 1999; one sister, Lois Hood on October 11, 1994; and one daughter-in-law, Linda Turner on January 31, 1997. Funeral services will be conducted by Markt L. Lytle at 1:00 PM on Sunday, September 28, 2008 at the Lytle Funeral Chapel, with interment to follow in Springdale Cemetery. Friends may call at the Lytle Funeral Chapel from 4 to 8 PM Saturday, September 27, 2008 and from 12:00 Noon until services on Sunday. The family has requested memorial contributions be made to the Hospice of Jennings County or the Jefferson Post #9, American Legion. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Lee Whiteford, please visit our floral store.