Robert E. Whitson

Anderson...Robert E. ""Bob"" Whitson, 81, passed away June 2, 2008 at home after a sudden illness. He was born in Chattanooga, TN, August 18, 1926, the son of Addison and Audie Spall Whitson.He resided in Anderson all of his life.He retired from Hayden's Anderson Transit after 20 years of service driving a school bus for special needs children. He worked at Eastside Lanes for many years and was an avid bowler. He owned and operated Whitson's concessions and was known as ""Santa Claus"" becoming the first Santa at the Mounds Mall. He enjoyed communicating with his friends on the CB radio.He is survived by his wife of 60 years as of June 23, 2008: Elsie M. (Baldwin) Whitson of Anderson, 3 daughters: Judi (Dannie) Thompson, Trudy (Bill) Kwalik and Naomia (Hubie) Gooding all of Anderson, step son: Glen Wilson of Kentucky, 7 grandchildren: Tammy (Willis) Milburn, Karrie (Scott) Milburn, Dannette (Jack)_ McPhearson, Wendy (Scott) Harless all of Anderson, Chris Kwalik of West Virginia, Alicia (Jerome) Little of North Carolina and Robin (Mike) Plumridge of Michigan, step grandson: Dwight Wilson of Kentucky, 16 great grandchildren, a special friend: Bill Romine and precious neighbors: The Hopkins family.His wife and family were his most treasured gifts on this Earth and he cherished each one of them. His grandchildren were the light of his life.Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a son: Robert E. Whitson, Jr., 2 sisters: Gertie Whitson and Alma Whitson, 3 brothers: Braxton, William and Milburn (MIB) Whitson and great granddaughter: Morgan Milburn.Funeral services will be Saturday at 2:00 PM at Ballard and Sons Funeral Home, 118 South 5th, Middletown with Dr. Philip C. Rogers officiating.Burial will follow in Bronnenburg Cemetery in Chesterfield.Friends may call from noon until the time of the services on Saturday.Memorials may be made to the family through the funeral home.Online Guestbook at: www.ballardandsons.com