JOHN E. WHITELEY, JR., age 88, of Hobart, passed away Monday, September 16, 2013 at home. John was a longtime Hobart resident and formerly of Gary. He was a WWII Army Veteran serving in the famous Merrill's Marauders in the Burma Campaign. John also was a member of the 75th Rangers Association, Burma Star Assoc. of England and China Burma India Club Veterans Association. He was a life member of Hobart VFW Post #5365 and Hobart Legion Post #54.
He is survived by his son, John E. (Patricia) Whiteley III of Kouts, IN, 2 daughters, Karen (Thomas) Rainford of Taswell, IN and Deborah Standish of Hobart, 9 grandchildren and 1 great grandson. John was preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years, Thelma. In lieu of flowers contributions to either Trinity Lutheran Church or the Lutheran Home would be appreciated.
Funeral services will be held Friday, September 2013, at 1:30 pm at Rees Funeral Home, 600 W. Old Ridge Rd., Hobart, with Rev. Gary Nagy officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery in Hobart. Visitation will be Thursday from 4-8 pm with a joint VFW/Legion service at 7:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 219-942-2109 or online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.