John 'Papa' Whimpey

John Papa Whimpey, 81, of Danville passed away on February 10, 2008 at Heritage Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Urbana. John was born August 10, 1926 in Alpha, Illinois son of Lemuel and Eva Whimpey. He married Carol Root on October 12, 1956. She preceded him in April of 1985. He is survived by two children: David Whimpey, and Cheryle Lynn Holt, one granddaughter: Allison Nicole Whimpey, brother: Harry (Betty) Whimpey, sisters: Leona (John) Lagowski, and Rachel (Richard) Thomas. Several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, a brother, a daughter, and a granddaughter. John worked as a millwright at General Motors, retiring after 27 years. He enjoyed trout fishing, hunting, traveling, woodcarving, leatherworking, and making lead soldiers, bead working and making latch hook rugs. John rode Brahma Bulls in the rodeo for several years. He was a member of the Civil War Club and loved doing the re-enactments, which he did for almost 30 years. A Celebration of Johns Life will be held at 10:30 am Thursday, February 14, 2008 at Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center 3940 N. Vermilion St. Danville, IL with Pastor James Blue officiating. Visitation will be held from 5-8 pm Wednesday evening at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com