Rev. Charles Whittamore, 98, Berea

Rev. Charles Whittamore, 98, of Berea, passed away Friday morning , January 3, 2025, at the St. Joseph Hospital in Berea.

Charles was born on March 10, 1926, in Richmond, Kentucky, the son of the late Arthur Whittamore and Mary Ballinger Whittamore Crane. Charles went to work at the age of 13 during the construction of The Blue Grass Army Depot in Richmond. Later he worked and learned carpentry at EKU. After working in construction and at Sander’s Cabinet Shop, he went to work at Berea College. There he spent 38 years, retiring as the physical plant supervisor. In 1985 he was presented with A Kentucky Colonel Certificate.

Charles was a Holiness Pastor serving at Bearwallow Holiness Church for 80 years.  He loved the Lord and his people. He preached many revivals in Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana. When he was younger, he would travel great distances to preach in revivals, return home late in the evening and be at work the next day

His hobbies were going to church and spending time with his many, many friends. He played a rousing cymbal at church, and he loved to sing. He wasn’t shy about asking for everyone’s participation in church. He also loved to spend time outdoors.

Survivors include one brother: J.B. Crane and wife Jean; daughter Carolyn Johnson and husband Emory with grandchildren: Shane Johnson (Kristi) and Kim Cashin (Alan); seven great-grandchildren: Cordell, Micah, Raelyn Shayna, Kristopher, Adriana and Kacey; two great-great-grandchildren: Oaklyn and Memphis;  his son: Kenny Whittamore and wife Tammy with grandchildren: Alyssa and Katie as well as a host of other relatives and friends, including his dear friend, Darrell Combs.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Edna McHone Whittamore; his stepfather: Steve Crane; granddaughter: Joy Johnson Ritchey, his siblings: Jewell Evans, Beulah Brock Willis, Eula Combs, Azlee Whittamore, Bessie Whittamore, Albert Crane and Steve “Speedy” Crane.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9 at the Combs, Parsons & Collins Funeral Home, with Rev. Dwight Northern, Rev. Charley Wilson and Rev. John Isaacs officiating.  Burial will follow at The Pilot Knob Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m.  Wednesday evening,  January 8, at the funeral home.

Pallbearers are Shane Johnson, Cordell Ritchey, Scott Crane, JR Scenters, David Jones and Allen Tuggle. Honorary pallbearers are Darrell Combs and John Isaacs.