Last rites for Everett Benjamine Whitney, Osawatomie, were held last Wednesday in the First Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Whitney, 75, died Monday, May 1, 1995 in Independence Regional Medical Center, Independence, Mo.

Born Dec. 25, 1919 in Osawatomie, his parents were Wallace Jennings Demrist and Ethel Fay Cook Whitney. He grew up in Osawatomie, attended local schools and was a 1937 graduate of Osawatomie High School.

He worked in a filling station while attending high school. From 1937 until 1941, he worked for a car dealer. Mr. Whitney began working as a brakeman and conductor for Missouri Pacific Railroad. His career was interrupted by a tour of duty with the U.S. Army from 1942 until 1945.

His memberships included Osage Valley Lodge No.24, A.F.&A.M., Hanlin-Kelly Post No. 2258 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the National Association of Retired Veteran Railway Employees, all of Osawatomie.

Survivors include his wife, Fern, of the home; a son, Bruce Whitney, Roanoke, Va.; a daughter, Elaine Akin, Lee's Summit, Mo.; a brother, Wallace Whitney, Cassville, Mo.; three sisters, Trissie Diediker and Ila Diediker, Osawatomie, and Rosalie Whitney, Mesa, Ariz.; and four grandchildren.

The Rev. Leslie Murphy was the officiant. Wanda Stainbrook sang, accompanied by Susan Pease, organist. Pallbearers were Bruce Whitney, David Akin, Matthew Akin, Lara Akin, Christopher Akin and Stephanie Akin. Burial was in Osawatomie.

A memorial has been established in his name to the church.