John Vernon Whittle was born July 8, 1931 in Montgomery, Alabama. He died on Aug. 15, 2015 at 12:12 p.m. related to complications of Alzheimer’s in Bossier at the Northwest Louisiana War Veteran Home. He was preceded in death by wives, Marian “Mickie,” and daughter of Mickie, Sharma Stephens, and Jean L. Stivender. He is survived by sisters, Claudia and Mary of Florida; son, Don Whittle and wife, Gaylyn, of Toledo Bend; daughter, Debbie Sands and husband, Mark, of Delaware, Ohio; former wife, Ingeborg Mehr, of Germany; step-children, Jerry, David and Jenine Stephens; 6 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. At the young age of 16, John was so eager to serve his country, he fibbed about his age just to get enlisted. He was stationed at Camp Polk (Fort Polk), but served overseas in many different countries. During his two tours of the Vietnam War he earned the Bronze Star, and after 25 dedicated years of service, he retired in 1974 from Ft. Hood and moved to Arlington, Texas. There he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Logistics. He traveled throughout the country managing several national companies. He retired for a 2nd time in 1993 from Hart Marks, only to begin a lawn-care business and also build intricately beautiful bird houses. In 2006 after wife, Mickie, passed away, he moved to Toledo Bend, where he enjoyed his remaining life on the lake. John Whittle was a wonderful person, a giver, and always willing to help. He never met a stranger. John will be truly missed by many. Funeral Services were held in Many, at Rose Neath Funeral Home on Aug. 18. A military burial was held in Arlington, Texas on Aug. 19 at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery. Pall Bearers were Debbie Sands, Gaylyn Whittle, Erin Wilson, Brenda Sanders, Gayla Roberts, Darlene Beard and Patsy Lucci.
July 16, 2026
