(1953 Graduate Of Edgerton High School)
Marlin Lee Whitney, age 90, of Edgerton, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Community Health Professionals Inpatient Hospice near Defiance, Ohio.
Marlin was a 1953 graduate of Edgerton High School, Edgerton, Ohio. ETCM(SS) Whitney retired from the United States Navy after 21 years of distinguished service.
He later worked for Earle M. Alexander, in Honolulu, Hawaii as a sales and support technician for 3M products. In 1983 and 1985 Marlin won the Grand Master Award as one of 3M’s top technicians. Marlin’s hobbies included woodworking and making beer and wine.
He used his woodworking skill to make cradles and a highchair for his grandchildren, which have now been passed down to his great-grandchildren. He also made wine and beer for special family events.
He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8628 in Pioneer, Ohio.
The son of Leon Edward and Thelma Marie (Ansley) Whitney, Marlin was born on December 25, 1935, in Amboy Township, Michigan.
He married Shirley Sue Collins on June 5, 1957, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. They enjoyed nearly 65 years of marriage that included travel around the world during and after Marlin’s Navy service. Shirley passed away on March 15, 2022.
Surviving Marlin are four daughters, Tamera (Gary) Schopbach, of Florence, Arizona; Kathryn (Eddie) Salinas, of McAllen, Texas; Lura (Troy) Shuman, of Butler, Indiana; and Marla (Adam) Chesler, of Alexandria, Virginia; seven grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and his close friend, Regina “Jeanie” Strock, of Edgerton.
Along with his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Richard “Red” Whitney and Junior Whitney.
Visitation for Marlin will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Krill Funeral Home, 114 East Hull Street, Edgerton, Ohio, from 2 to 4 p.m. Services will begin at 4 p.m. Marlin will later be interred at Arlington National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Community Health Professionals Inpatient Hospice or Friends of the Edgerton Public Library.
To sign the online register or to send condolences, please visit www.krillfuneralservice.com.
