CWO2 Linwood Clark Whitman passed away in his home after a brief battle with cancer, on September 22, 2020, lovingly cared for by his family. He was born June 28,1950 in Hartland Maine as the eldest son of Elwyn and Shirley (Tolman) Whitman.
Linwood grew up in Athens, Maine. As a teenager he enjoyed playing basketball and was active in the church of the Open Bible. Early on Linwood accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and remained steadfast in his devotion. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge through teaching. His heart served his Savior with a love for people around him.
After finishing Madison High school in Madison, Maine, he joined the US Army where he served from 1970 to 1974. This led him to meet the love of his life, Yasuko Ishibashi, in Misawa, Japan at a local church where he had volunteered to teach English conversations through the Bible. They were married in 1972. After leaving the Army, Linwood joined the Navy where he served for 18 years from 1976 until his retirement in 1994. He received many achievement medals and ribbons during his time in the Navy. He offered assistance to the ship's Chaplains and sought to help local churches where his ship docked.
During his naval career, he earned a bachelor's degree in History and Sociology through the University of New York. After retiring from the Navy, he earned a master's degree in Management from National University. He then worked for Circuit City, Makita, and Sears, retiring from Sears. He stood for fairness in the workplace.
A skilled marksman, he enjoyed shooting and honing his skills. He was a strong defender of the US constitution.
Linwood was a very devoted family man, protecting and loving his family, regularly staying in touch with friends and family that were thousands of miles away.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter Hiromi Lynn Whitman. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 50 years Yasuko Whitman , daughter Emiko and son-in-law Guillermo Castro; granddaughters Amelia, Amber, and Isabel Castro; brother Leonard and his wife, Bertha Gay (Tuggle), nieces and nephew April, Laura and Timothy; many cousins, aunts, and uncles.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at the Cornerstone Baptist Church, 7716 Sierra Avenue , Fontana CA 92336.
Chief Warrant officer Whitman will be buried at sea with full military honors.
Donations can be made to the Salvation Army in his memory.
Due to Pandemic limitations, please contact family direct for additional service information.