Wesley Harvey Whitman Jr.

College Station, Texas – Wesley Harvey Whitman, Jr. finished his earthly life on Saturday, March 15. He was the epitome of a life well-lived and we rejoice in the assurance of his faith in Jesus that he received his rich welcome in heaven. Family and friends will gather at Callaway-Jones Funeral Center in Bryan, TX on Saturday, March 22 for a celebration of his life beginning at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, consideration of contributions to Blinn College Foundation in his memory is suggested.

Wes was born in Sweetwater, Texas in 1937. The family lived in Ballinger, San Angelo, and Fort Stockton where he completed his last two years of High School. It was here in a church youth group that he met the love of his life, Beverly Bob Cleveland. 

Wes and Beverly married December 27, 1958 while both were students at Baylor University, where he earned his bachelors and masters degrees in physics. He started his career at Naval Ordnance Laboratory in Riverside, CA and began raising a family. With three young children they moved to San Diego where he worked at Naval Electronics Laboratory Center (later NOSC) leading projects to develop the first infrared periscope surveillance system for submarines.

After 33 years in civil service and with their children grown, they moved back to Texas, settling in Brenham. Wes had enjoyed teaching as a graduate student and at night school in Riverside, so he began teaching Physics and Astronomy at Blinn College as a second career that lasted 21 years.

He was a long-time active member in Magnolia Ave Baptist (Riverside), 1st Southern Baptist (San Diego), and 1st Baptist (Brenham) churches where he sang in the choir, served as director of Sunday School, and was an ordained deacon. He enjoyed photography, woodworking, electronics, history and reading. All those who knew him remember his patience, devotion, integrity, and good humor.

Wes was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley H. and Ledy Poteet Whitman, and sister Joan Whitman Ligon. Wes is survived by his wife of 66 years, Beverly, and his children, Mark (Carrie) of Grapevine, TX, Roger (Beth) of Greensboro, NC, and Serena Hajdik of Spring, TX. Also ten grandchildren: Emily of Grapevine, Matthew (Hannah) of Mansfield, TX, and Andrew (fiancee Eva) of Grapevine; Charlie (Brooke) of North Wilkesboro, NC, Jessica Jones (Neil) of Randleman, NC, Justin, of Seagrove, NC, and Erin Cardwell (Shawn) of Abingdon, MD; Amanda Hajdik of Brenham, Kayla Hajdik of Spring, and Daniel Hajdik of Conroe; plus 2 great-grandchildren.