Willis James Whitney, the only son of John and Maggie Becknell Whitney, was born August 10, 1891 at Farnam, Nebraska. His death came on October 8, 1957 at the St. Mary’s Hosptital in North Platte at the age of 66 years and 2 months.

On April 20, 1916 he was united in marriage to Dora Baker of Farnam. They resided in the Farnam community for many years, coming to Cozad in 1940 where he was engaged in farming.

Those who survive his death and will cherish his memory are his wife, two sons, Gerald of Hay Springs, Nebr., and Marvin of Central City, Nebraska, six grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, his mother and four sisters.

During his youth he committed his life to Christ and joined the First Baptist Church of Farnam. First as a youth, then as a husband and father, he was always loyal to the service and activities of the church. Upon coming to Cozad they joined the Evangelical United Brethren Church where they continued to manifest their Christian concenrn and loyalty. At the time of his death, he was class leader and teacher of the Careful Builders Sunday School class and an active member of several committees of the church.

Services were conducted from the Evangelical United Brethren Church on October 11 with the pastor, Donald C. Miller, officiating. Burial was in the Cozad Cemetery.

The Farnam Press 18(3):1 Thursday, October 24, 1957