Robert R. Whited

Robert Ray Whited, 92, of St. Ann, MO, passed away on Friday, October 28, 2016. Robert was born at Aurora, Illinois. He was the eldest son of the late Truman Trail Whited and Hazel (Martin) Whited.

Robert lived his early years at Streator, Illinois. In 1942, he graduated from Streator High School, where he was active in athletics and music. After graduation, Robert entered the United States Navy, seeing action aboard the cruiser Topeka in the Pacific Theater during World War II. After the cessation of hostilities and until his discharge, he was assigned to the aircraft carrier Philippine Sea, where he was assistant band director of the North Atlantic Fleet.

Robert received a Bachelor and Master Degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois. He taught music and directed bands at Allerton, Illinois, and Lansing, Michigan. He then served fourteen years as band director at University High School and taught music harmony and theory at Illinois State University. His final teaching position was as band director in the school system at St. Charles, Missouri.

While a music student in college, Robert met Wilma Jean Myers, a talented vocal student from Jacksonville, Illinois. After graduation, they were married and were together fifty-six years until her passing in 2011. Surviving from this union are two sons: Neil (Elaine) Whited of St. Louis, Missouri and Daryl (Cheri) Whited of St. Louis; grandsons Christopher Whited and Aaron Mitchell. Robert is survived by brothers Martin (Helen) Whited of Cayuga, Indiana; Keith Whited of Champaign, Illinois: Wayne (Linda) Whited of Savoy, Illinois. One brother, Glenn Whited, is deceased.

The family is being served by the Baue Funeral and Memorial Center, 3950 West Clay Street, St. Charles, MO. A service commemorating Robert’s life will be held on Thursday, November 10, 2016 from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm with a Funeral Service to follow at 2:00 pm at the Funeral Home. Interment Robert will be laid to rest with his wife Jean at St. Charles Memorial Gardens. Memorials in Robert’s name may be made to the donor’s choice.