Robert “Bob” Whiteside local inventor and founder of Whiteside Manufacturing in Delaware passed away Monday, October 5, 2015 following a two week illness at the age of 87.
Best described by his family “what set Robert apart was his fundamental attitude toward business and life. He believed in quality, working hard, and never being satisfied. His handshake was trusted just as his word. He was the picture of the American Dream.”
Now in its third generation his family business was started by him and his wife Mary Lue in a two car garage with $800 in 1954. Their first product was a wooden creeper which has been used by every mechanic. Over the years he learned his ideas and creations required protection, today Whiteside holds over 79 patents and the innovative company offers a selection of over 150 models of creepers and seats used by the mechanic trade.
Bob was born in Ostrander on May 23, 1928 to the late Franklin and Hildredth (Davis) Whiteside. Graduating from Magnetic Springs High School in 1946, he went on to attend Bliss Business College and The Ohio State University. He also served 8 years in the US Navy Reserves.
He married Mary Lue (Wilcox) in 1950, together as mentioned they lived the “American Dream”. Raising their children who became men; they made a home, supported the Delaware community and built a successful company.
His love of family and friends is surpassed only by his love of God. He was an active member of New Beginnings (Grace) United Methodist Church. Over the years Bob was a past member of the Delaware Chamber of Commerce and served as President of the Kiwanis Club and on the Delaware City School Board.
He enjoyed a passion for harness horses and all sports. For 33 years he officiated high school and college basketball and was an interpretor for basketball. A commissioner of the former Central Ohio Buckeye League for 12 years, Bob was also a member of the Ohio High School Officials Association and the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association.
Evolving through life Roberts traits changed from the driven mentor, achiever, and perfectionist, to enjoying the lighter side of life being entertaining and fun loving.
Bob and Mary Lue’s greatest achievement was working to “raise men”.
He is survived by his beloved wife of Mary Lue, sons Kirt (Karen) of Marion, Jeff (Tracy) of Powell, and Terry (Cindy) of Delaware, 8 grandchildren Tenille (Matt) Schoonover, Cortney (Chad) Mays, Sheleah, Cara, David (Lindsey), and Robby Whiteside, Lauren and Will Wright, 6 great-grandchildren Mia, Liam, Alia, Leia Schoonover, Kajsa and Kai Mays, siblings Margaret (Paul) Anderson of Coshocton, Pat (Jim) Lathrop of FL, sisters-in-law Pat Whiteside of Delaware, and Judy (Ray) Ferguson of TX, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was also preceded in death by son Gary in 1962, brothers James, William, Donald, sisters-in-law Eunice Whiteside, Bette Zimmerman, Jeane Brokaw, brothers-in-law Ray Ferguson and Paul Anderson.
Friends may call 1-4 p.m. on Sunday at the Snyder-Rodman Funeral Center, 1510 W. William St. at Valleyside Dr., Delaware where services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday with Rev. David Carter officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to New Beginnings United Methodist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 1268, Delaware, Ohio 43015
To share a condolence or a fond memory with the Whiteside family visit SnyderFuneralHomes.com
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