Earl Wayne Whitmer, 88, of Covington, Virginia, died Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at Lewis Gale-Alleghany Hospital in Low Moor.

Mr. Whitmer was born on February 24, 1933 in Covington, a son of the late Linwood E. Whitmer and Ruby Rae Whitmer.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Karren Slayton Whitmer in 2018, and a sister, Pat Matheny.

He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and was employed at General Electric for 32.5 years.

Surviving are his children; Robbie and Jeff Horn, Gary Whitmer, Jackie and Jeff Baker, and Robert Alan Whitmer, all of Covington; grandchildren, Jennifer and Matt Lodge of Covington, Jason and Kelly Persinger of Roanoke, Neil Horn, Jessy and Brad Hise, both of Covington, and Meagan Whitmer of Roanoke, Jeri Hinebaugh and husband, Dwayne; great-grandchildren, Heidi, Maddie, Aiden, Doc, Mila, Kellan, Gemma, Layla, Trevor, and Kember; one brother, Larry Allen and Pat Whitmer of Covington; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at Arritt Funeral Home from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family would donations in Mr. Whitmer’s name to be made to the Mountain Regional Hospice at P.O. Box 637 Clifton Forge, VA 24422. Arritt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.