Richard Albert Whittington, 90, Hope

One of Hope’s hardest working men, Richard Albert Whittington, passed away peacefully at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana on Friday, March 14, 2025.

Born on December 10, 1934 in St. Louis Crossing, IN, Dick was the son of Forrest Whittington and Dorothy Dailey Whittington. Dick graduated from Hope High School in 1952. Before joining the Navy in 1955, Dick worked at Clouse’s Grocery and Meat Locker as a butcher.

Upon returning from the Navy, he met his beautiful wife, Shirley Smith in 1958. After three months, they were married and went on to celebrate 50 years of marriage. In 1958, he went to work for the Hope Post Office for 22 years, then became a postmaster in Hartsville, Indiana. He returned in 1989 at the age of 58.

Dick, along with his wife Shirley, opened Whitt’s U Store It in 1979, one of the first storage facilities in the area, as well as a car wash and spa. In 1981, they opened Whitt’s Pizza and it is still operating today by family.

Always there to lend a helping hand, Dick spent most of his after-hours remodeling houses he bought for rentals. It wouldn’t be surprising to find Dick either on the top of a house he was remodeling, tearing out walls, or replacing toilets in several of the rentals he owned. Some of his happiest times were working on something at home or on his rentals.

His pastimes were camping with the family at Starve Hollow State Park, watching IU basketball, and riding his three-wheeler motorcycle. He enjoyed traveling the country and going to postal conventions. During his retirement, Dick enjoyed being in Ruskin, Florida in the winter. Always ready to try something new, he received his pilot’s license in the mid 70’s and flew the family to Florida. Dick had a love for his wife, Shirley’s good cooking.

He was a member of Hope United Methodist Church in Hope. He was a member of Hope Masonic Lodge for over 60 years and was Master Mason in 1972. Dick was also a past member of Hope Lions Club.

Dick is survived by children, Jeff (Vicky) Whittington, Julie (Charlie) Seavers, and Joe (Janice) Whittington, all of Hope; grandchildren, Rhett Whittington, Kalee Eversole, Wesley and Wyatt Whittington, and Josh, Doug, Matthew, and Jacob Burbrink; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Alice (Thelbert) Mings, and brother, Mike Whittington.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; parents, Forrest and Dorothy; sisters Betty Whittington and June Green; and brother, Dan Whittington.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Hope United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 12 p.m. until time of service at the church. Burial will follow at Hope Moravian Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or ALS Foundation.

Online condolences may be sent to the Whittington Family at www.normanfuneralhome.net.

Dick never met a stranger. He will be missed by family and many others.