Robert Joseph Whitney was born December 16, 1965 to Sally Ann Demchak in Rapid City South Dakota. He made his way into heaven on June 15, 2020 following a short illness at McLaren Oakland Hospital in Pontiac, Mi. His given name was Bobby Joe Gottschalk. Sally later met Edgar Edison Whitney, they were married in January 1967, and immediately started the process for Edgar to adopt Bobby. His only request was to give him a proper name and would still be called Bobby Joe. Thus, Robert Joseph Whitney he was named, and he was set to be raised at the family ranch South of Newcastle Wyoming. He became a big brother in August 1970, to his little sister Sherry Ann, and the adventures as ranch kids were wonderful lifelong memories for the siblings. Sadly, on June 3, 1976 their Daddy lost his battle with cancer and they moved into Newcastle with their mother for a time. Ultimately going to live with their Daddy’s twin brother Elmer and his wonderful wife Auntie Florence. The Lord knew those kids would need someone special to stand in the gap and He chose the most amazing people. They were always so very grateful for being loved and cared for by them. Always embracing and including their mother so they did not suffer the loss of her as well. In 1978 he and his sister both went forward during an alter call at the Southern Baptist Church in Newcastle, WY. Charles McQuisten led them both in the sinner’s prayer and they were later both baptized. Neither ever had a worry of where the other would spend eternity. They knew the Lord was their Savior and provider. They spoke regularly of how He took care of them always. On May 31, 1980 their beloved Auntie Florence lost her battle with cancer. She spent a great part of her illness, with the support and assistance of her daughter Shirley Johnson, planning what was best for Bobby. Aunt Florence had fallen in love with Bobby at 13 mos. old, when he held his arms up to her. He loved her until his last breath. She found a place in Laramie Wyoming called the WYO Place. There was a satellite house with a house mother that was a smaller setting and the boys that lived there had a much more close-knit home. She made all the arrangements for him to be taken care of. He made lifelong friendships there and when he lived for a time at the main home. He was in FFA and was so proud. Some of his friends he reconnected with on Facebook and that was such a delight for him. During his high school years, he was in a horrific car accident that left him hospitalized with his jaw wired shut because it had shattered. His plans had been to serve in the military, as he was signed up in the Army before the accident. He attended basic training after high school graduation in 1984. But due to the injuries, to his disappointment, they gave him an honorable discharge. His dedication to his country stayed just as strong to the very end. After his discharge from the Army he moved to Lake Orion Michigan where his mother was caring for her mother. There he met Jackie Freeman. With delighted they discovered they were expecting a baby and Robert Paul Joseph Freeman was born November 22, 1989. He was so very proud of him. Later he met his love Tina McIintosh, they made their home in Pontiac, Michigan for 26 year and were together until the time of his death. Her family was his family and he was very proud to be a part of them. Tina’s brother Mike considered him a little brother. Robert also took comfort by Mike being with him during his stay at the hospital and was with him to the end.On Friday June 12, 2020 his son Robert and Lilly along with their daughter Lillie welcomed second daughter Izzabelluh. His response was “Look at that Beautiful Princess.” Lillie and Izzie were his princesses for sure. Dad and Grandpa were titles that made him so proud and happy! Robert was Whitney through and through and even though he left Wyoming, it was still his home. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Edgar and Sally Whitney. Grandparents Pearl and Elma Whitney, William and Esther Newman, Very special Uncle Elmer and Auntie Florence Whitney, Uncles: Kenneth, Walter, Orville, and Bill Whitney, Aunts: Irene Brown, Lois Breakiron, Muriel Kummerle, Julia Boghn, Ruby Whitney. And several cousins. He is survived by His Love Tina McIntosh, Son Robert Freeman (Lilly), Granddaughters Lillian and Izzabelluh Freeman, Sister Sherry Ann McFadden (Willis), Nephews Billy King-Dees (Ryan), Hayden Kline (Betty), Jonathan McFadden, Nieces Amelia McAdams (Phillip), Kelly McFadden, Jessie Mansfield. Numerous great nephews, nieces, and cousins. He is also survived by many extended family and friends whom he loved dearly. Robert's cremains will be taken to Newcastle, WY and buried at the Greenwood Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in his name, or planting anything in his memory would be appropriate, since he was so proud of his green thumb.
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