Ralph F. Whitney, 81, of Horton, died Thursday evening, September 18, 2003, at the Horton Community Hospital where he had been a patient since August 12. Ralph Franklin Whitney was born at Horton, June 11, 1922, the son of Frank Perry and Lena Mae Crum Whitney and had lived in Horton many years. He grew up here where he attended schools prior to graduating from Horton High School. Ralph was an Army veteran, of World War II, serving from 1940-45, discharged at the rank of sergeant. In 1942, he met his future wife, Emmaline Viola Davidson, who was attending nursing school in Effingham. Ralph and Emmaline were married May 25, 1944 at Troy. While living in South Carolina, their daughter Mary Lorraine was born. They returned to Horton where he was co-owner of a hatchery and owned Ralph's Grocery, downtown. In 1947, a son Ralph Francis was born. In 1949, they moved to Tilton, IL where he worked for General Motors. They lived at Danville and Catlin prior to moving to Topeka, KS where he worked for Meadowgold as a milkman. Then again, they moved to Catlin. In 1954, a son David Lee was born. In 1960, a daughter Deann Gayle was born. Easter 1954, Ralph, daughter Lorraine, son Ralph were baptized at the First Church of Christ. In1962, the family moved to San Luis Obispo, CA before living at Fremont. In 1963, they moved to El Sobrante, CA where he worked for FABCO. The spring of 1964, they moved to 30th street in Richmond, CA. In 1966 they moved to 35th street where he was working for Trailmobile in Fremont, CA. In 1972, the family located to Fremont as the commute was hard for Ralph. In 1977, they moved to Matteson, IL where he worked for Pullman in Chicago. In 1983 they moved to Kewanee, IL where he worked for Pines. In 1985, they returned to Matteson where he retired. In 1989, wanting to be closer to family, they returned to Horton . Ralph was an incredible man, a Christian, devoted father and grandfather. He will be missed by all. Emmaline died December 15, 1993. He was also preceded in death by his parents; a brother Oliver Whitney, a sister Alice Whitney. Mr. Whitney was a member of the First Baptist Church of Horton where he was very active through the years serving in various capacities such as trustee, deacon, and usher. He was also a lifemember of VFW Post No. 4820 of Port Neches, TX. He later married Margaret Sinclair Massey, March 12, 1994, at Horton She survives of the home Other survivors include three sons Ralph Whitney of Austin, TX David Whitney of Atchison Melvin Massey of Denton Three daughters Lorraine Pennala of Richmond, CA DeAnn Kotlarz of Plano, TX Lisa Boeschling of Waterville A brother Elmer L. Whitney of Horton Two sisters Ora E. Higley of Wichita, KS Jean Bryan of Colorado Springs, CO 11 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and a great-great granddaughter. Celebration of life services are planned at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 27, at the First Baptist Church of Horton. Pastor Richard Crooks will officiate. Interment will be at the Spring Hill Cemetery, Whiting. Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Horton after 10 a.m. Thursday. The family will meet with friends from 7 until 8:30 Friday evening. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Ralph Whitney Memorial Fund which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 1720 First Ave E, 66439