NEW BERLIN – The Reverend George P. Whitman, 86, Pastor Emeritus of the Latham Bible Baptist Church in Latham, went home to be with the Lord on April 9, 2012.
Born in Broadalbin on Oct. 24, 1925, George was the son of the late George Frederick and Ada Louise Kissinger Whitman. He was raised in Broadalbin where he was educated in a one-room schoolhouse and later furthered his education at the Practical Bible Training School in Bible School Park. His 53 years of ministry included pastoring at churches located in Mosiertown, Pa., Edinboro, Pa., Carlisle, New Berlin and Latham Bible Baptist Church where he served for 27 years and from where he retired in 1999. In 1979, he led in the founding of the Latham Christian Academy. More recently, through his Pastoral Helps Ministry, he helped to renew a church in Sidney Center. Pastor Whitman was invited, on several occasions, to deliver the opening session prayer for the New York State Legislature in Albany. Many will recall his weekly radio broadcast called “Echoes of Faith” on radio station WLFH in Little Falls and “Moments With Your Bible” on WHAZ in Troy. A life dedicated in service to his Lord and Savior, he counseled many people to know Christ as their Savior. He will be lovingly remembered and missed by his beloved family, cherished friends and those whom he pastored.
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Jean (Wightman) Whitman; his much loved sons and daughters, Fred (Rachel) Whitman, Lois (Dennis) Murray, Duane (Jeanne) Whitman, Rebecca (Terry) Bice, James (Gaile) Whitman, Dorcas (Doug) McKinney and Dwight (Brenda) Whitman; his dear brother and sister, Leon (Jean) Whitman and Ruth (Ed) Richards and his 23 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings, John, Joyce and Lewis Whitman, Esther Farrell and Freda Frasier.
His funeral service will be held on Friday at 1 p.m. in the Latham Bible Baptist Church, Latham. Interment will follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery in Colonie. Friends are invited and may also visit with the family on Thursday, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Bowen & Parker Bros. Funeral Home, 97 Old Loudon Road, Latham.
Those wishing to remember Reverend George P. Whitman in a special way may make a donation to the Latham Bible Baptist Church or the Latham Christian Academy both located at 495 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110.
For directions and condolence book, please visit www.bowenandparkerbros.com.