Joyce and Family - We all enjoyed Dr. Whiteman so much, as a student at Taft he was always the good cop; we also looked forward to seeing him at the end of school year assemblies. My mother Leta was his co-star in many productions at TCR and she thought the world of Gene and Joyce. His kind words and leadership will be greatly missed.
Doug & Robin Wall and Family
March 11, 2017
I inadvertently spelled our name wrong in our message. It should be Earl and Judy Lockhart. I apologize.
Earl and Judy Lockhart
March 10, 2017
Our sympathy goes out to the Whiteman family at the death of Dr. Whiteman. Our two sons attended Taft when he was the energetic, fair, and understanding principal. I knew him from my years with the Cedar Rapids Community School District, including Taft, although I didn't work at Taft when he was principal. Many students benefitted from his years of leadership at Taft. He was also a wonderful showman and many enjoyed his years with the Follies. He will be missed.
Earl and Judy Lockkhart
March 10, 2017
The Driscoll family would like to extend our condolences to the Whiteman family. Our boys Bob and Tim both attended Taft when Gene was there. He was a great principal and leader. I also enjoyed hearing him sing every year in the Follies! He will be missed. Blessings, Kathy Driscoll
The Dave Driscoll Family
March 10, 2017
Jim and I would like to extend our condolences to the Whiteman family. I came to Taft from Wilson Middle School. Gene was such a warm welcoming principal. Jim and I always felt a part of the Taft Family. Gene was always an example of fairness and kindness. He will surely be missed. Lynda and Jim Ruzek
Lynda and Jim Ruzek
March 10, 2017
The Santee family sends our deepest condolences. Gene was a great man. He was my principal, a friend, and a mentor. He will
not be forgotten. Les and Diane Santee
LESLIE SANTEE
March 9, 2017
I was fortunate to know Gene as a Taft student, Westfield Tennis Club buddy and Follies cast member. He never had a bad day and I always felt better about myself when I was around him! The last time I saw Gene was at my dad's funeral in 2013. I was so glad to see him.
Love to Joyce and the entire Whiteman family.
Joel Duffy
March 9, 2017
To the Whiteman family:
Please accept our condolences on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. We hope that comfort and peace come to you. Gene was pillar in the school district and in the community and I am sure he will truly be missed by many.
May God bless all of you.
Jim and Carol Voss
Jim Voss
March 9, 2017
It is with heavy hearts that we say so long to the leader of "Taft Independent School District"! (As it was know in some circles.) Gene was the principal of Taft when we both started our teaching careers. We were fresh out of college and had a lot to learn about the teaching profession! He promptly made us part of the Taft family! He treated us with fairness and respect as we grew roots so deep, we never wanted to leave for another school. We will always appreciate his guidance, support, and friendship.
Linda and Terry Brecht
March 8, 2017
I was a student at Taft when Dr. Whiteman was our principal. He ran a first class school that provided many opportunities for students. He was an outstanding member of our community from a professional standpoint as well as a citizen standpoint. He spent his life dedicated to improving our community through his educational leadership.
With smiles and fond memories of an outstanding man!
Jim Dostal
March 8, 2017
With deepest sympathy. Elaine Fulton and family.
Elaine Fulton
March 8, 2017
I was a teacher at Taft when it became a middle school. Gene was the epitome of kindness, to every student, teacher, and parent. All could
trust that he would listen and be fair. As a teacher I felt his full support
and leadership. He was an intelligent educator. Every student ,teacher,
staff, and patron of the arts has lost a friend. I first heard Gene sing at
Washington High School in a summer production of Man of La Mancha. He was the man, of course, and I can hear that sweet voice now. What a legacy! Myrna Cooney
Myrna Cooney
March 8, 2017
Gene was a tremendous talent and delightful to know. Our most sincere sympathy to the entire family.
Sue and Ron Olson
March 8, 2017
Mr Whiteman was such a great Principal at Taft. Always friendly and always took time to provide guidance in such a nice way. My family sends our prayers to his family.
Lynn Mulherin
March 8, 2017
I join his family and friends in celebrating the life of a great educator, a talented musician, and a good friend. It was my privilege to work with Gene my whole career in the Cedar Rapids Schools. He served Taft when I was at Jefferson. We helped each other in many ways. After retirement I observed him in the production of Guys and Dolls at TCR. He sang a solo that still resonates in my memory. He was a positive influence in Cedar Rapids in many ways. Thanks for all you did Gene.
William C. Jacobson Jefferson Principal 1970-1990
William C Jacobson
March 8, 2017
Prayers and condolences to Joyce and all of Gene's family. He was an incredibly special man whose smile warmed the hearts of many. I still recall tears in my eyes when I first heard him sing "More I Cannot Wish You" in Guys & Dolls, the last show in which I had the chance to work with him. He will be sorely missed but always remembered.
Michael Harrington
March 7, 2017
RIP Mr. Whitman. Thanks for making Taft a fun place to learn. May sweet memories of your husband,Dad, and Grandfather provide you comfort in the days ahead.
Patty Dietz Haag
March 7, 2017
Such a beautiful life and someone that will be dearly missed by so many. Mr. Whiteman was my husband's Principal at Taft Middle School so many years ago. In the past few years, we were fortunate to know Gene because our son was a Follies Kid when Gene continued to perform with The Follies even just last year still. We are so sorry to learn of Gene's passing and lift up his family in prayer.
The Lowder Family
March 7, 2017
Thoughts and prayers to all of Gene's family. I had the privilege of working with him as a fellow administrator and Cedar Rapids School District employee. He always had a joke to tell or something to lighten the discussion. Rest In Peace Gene!
Carol Lensing
March 7, 2017
?My prayers and most sincere condolences go out to Joyce and the Family, and Friends of Eugene Clarence Whiteman....May God bless you all and grant you His loving strength, peace and mercy at this your time of loss...
I came to know Gene through working with him at Theatre Cedar Rapids and the Follies. He was a wonderful, talented, intelligent and delightful person to know and work with. He will truly be missed by all who knew him....
In Gene's honor and to offer some small solace for the Family, I offer the following verse...I hope that it helps even a little....
THE STRONGEST MAN...(By Michael M. Kelly Sr.)
There never was a man so strong.
That the earth trembled as he walked about,
There never was a man so strong,
That the mountains shook when he would shout,
There never was a man so strong,
That the oceans would overflow if he wept,
But there was a man so strong,
That all that knew him will not soon forget.
Michael M. Kelly Sr.
March 7, 2017