Roll Call Tribute
Jere Whittington '46 May 31, 2016 8:55 AM updated: May 31, 2016 8:58 AM
Published in (San Antonio) Express-News from May 28 to May 29, 2016
Jere Otis Whittington(1925 - 2016)
March 18, 1925 - May 12, 2016
Col. Jere O. Whittington, US Army, Retired, died peacefully on May 12, 2016 in San Antonio, Texas, leaving a legacy of adventure, travel, diplomacy, humor, optimism - and organization. Jere was raised in Kilgore, Texas during the Oil Boom years and met future wife, Peggy Hendricks, in junior high. Jere attended Texas A&M then received an appointment to the US Military Academy at West Point, New York, graduating in 1946. He served with honor in the US Army until he retired in 1976 in San Antonio.
Jere and Peggy married in 1947 following Airborne School then left their small town life behind for world travel beginning with Japan. Their 56-year marriage ended with Peggy's death in 2003. Further stations took him, often with family, to Puerto Rico, Alaska, Spain, Mexico, Germany, Ethiopia, Congo, two tours in Viet Nam, and Rome, Italy. Jere experienced unusual circumstances in his travels including involvement in African coups d'états, monitoring war criminals, and surveillance safaris.
Jere's military career included Infantry and Airborne School, attachment to the American Embassy in Madrid, teaching at West Point, USA Language School, and Army Attaché in Ethiopia, USA Strategic Intelligence School, Army War College, and NATO Defense College. He was Sector Advisor at Tuy Hoa, Republic of Viet Nam, C.O., 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, and C.O., Long Binh Post. Through his years of service, Jere earned numerous decorations including a two Legion of Merit Awards, Meritorious Service Awards, and the Air Medal for meritorious achievement.
Until he was 87, Jere played and competed in tennis everywhere he traveled. Among the highlights of his tennis life were playing exhibition games with US Davis Cup team Arthur Ashe and Stan Smith, and standing on Centre Court at Wimbledon during a family trip. He won medals in the Texas Senior Olympics and competed into his 80s.
In later years, Jere coached the tennis 'careers' of son John and daughter Anne. Upon retiring, he taught at St. Mary's Hall while helping Peggy and daughter Katy raise and show Arabian horses, a favorite activity.
After Peggy's death, Jere began traveling again to visit old friends, including Barbara McBryde, widow of his West Point roommate. Jere and Barbara sparked a relationship that resulted in their marriage and shared happy years living in Gainesville, Florida. In 2015, Jere returned to San Antonio for health reasons.
Jere was predeceased by wife, Peggy Hendricks Whittington; parents, Otis and Mary Whittington; sister, Marianna Gallaway (Eddie). He is survived by wife, Barbara McBryde Whittington, of Gainesville, Fla.; daughters: Jere Whittington DePratt (Al, Jr.); Anne Whittington (Greg Stieben); Katy Whittington Gembarowski (Paul); son, John Whittington (Denise); grandchildren Al DePratt III; John, Mike and Alex Gembarowski; Faith and Athena Whittington, great granddaughter Taylor DePratt; and extended family.
The family would like to express their gratitude for the tremendous care Jere received during the past year from the entire team at Autumn Leaves of Stone Oak. A special thank you also to Heart-to-Heart Hospice.
GRAVESIDE SERVICE
TUESDAY
MAY 31, 2016
1:30 P.M.
FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
1520 HARRY WURZBACH
In lieu of flowers, charity of choice .
You are invited to sign the guestbook at www.porterloring.com
Arrangements with
Funeral Home
Porter Loring Mortuary - North Location
2102 N. Loop 1604 East San Antonio, TX 78232
(210) 495-8221
Jere Otis Whittington(1925 - 2016)
March 18, 1925 - May 12, 2016
Col. Jere O. Whittington, US Army, Retired, died peacefully on May 12, 2016 in San Antonio, Texas, leaving a legacy of adventure, travel, diplomacy, humor, optimism - and organization. Jere was raised in Kilgore, Texas during the Oil Boom years and met future wife, Peggy Hendricks, in junior high. Jere attended Texas A&M then received an appointment to the US Military Academy at West Point, New York, graduating in 1946. He served with honor in the US Army until he retired in 1976 in San Antonio.
Jere and Peggy married in 1947 following Airborne School then left their small town life behind for world travel beginning with Japan. Their 56-year marriage ended with Peggy's death in 2003. Further stations took him, often with family, to Puerto Rico, Alaska, Spain, Mexico, Germany, Ethiopia, Congo, two tours in Viet Nam, and Rome, Italy. Jere experienced unusual circumstances in his travels including involvement in African coups d'états, monitoring war criminals, and surveillance safaris.
Jere's military career included Infantry and Airborne School, attachment to the American Embassy in Madrid, teaching at West Point, USA Language School, and Army Attaché in Ethiopia, USA Strategic Intelligence School, Army War College, and NATO Defense College. He was Sector Advisor at Tuy Hoa, Republic of Viet Nam, C.O., 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, and C.O., Long Binh Post. Through his years of service, Jere earned numerous decorations including a two Legion of Merit Awards, Meritorious Service Awards, and the Air Medal for meritorious achievement.
Until he was 87, Jere played and competed in tennis everywhere he traveled. Among the highlights of his tennis life were playing exhibition games with US Davis Cup team Arthur Ashe and Stan Smith, and standing on Centre Court at Wimbledon during a family trip. He won medals in the Texas Senior Olympics and competed into his 80s.
In later years, Jere coached the tennis 'careers' of son John and daughter Anne. Upon retiring, he taught at St. Mary's Hall while helping Peggy and daughter Katy raise and show Arabian horses, a favorite activity.
After Peggy's death, Jere began traveling again to visit old friends, including Barbara McBryde, widow of his West Point roommate. Jere and Barbara sparked a relationship that resulted in their marriage and shared happy years living in Gainesville, Florida. In 2015, Jere returned to San Antonio for health reasons.
Jere was predeceased by wife, Peggy Hendricks Whittington; parents, Otis and Mary Whittington; sister, Marianna Gallaway (Eddie). He is survived by wife, Barbara McBryde Whittington, of Gainesville, Fla.; daughters: Jere Whittington DePratt (Al, Jr.); Anne Whittington (Greg Stieben); Katy Whittington Gembarowski (Paul); son, John Whittington (Denise); grandchildren Al DePratt III; John, Mike and Alex Gembarowski; Faith and Athena Whittington, great granddaughter Taylor DePratt; and extended family.
The family would like to express their gratitude for the tremendous care Jere received during the past year from the entire team at Autumn Leaves of Stone Oak. A special thank you also to Heart-to-Heart Hospice.
GRAVESIDE SERVICE
TUESDAY
MAY 31, 2016
1:30 P.M.
FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
1520 HARRY WURZBACH
In lieu of flowers, charity of choice .
You are invited to sign the guestbook at www.porterloring.com
Arrangements with
Funeral Home
Porter Loring Mortuary - North Location
2102 N. Loop 1604 East San Antonio, TX 78232
(210) 495-8221
505 George Bush Drive
College Station, TX 77840
(979) 845-7514
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