Longtime retailer, rep John Evan Whitman Sr. dies at 83

Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, April 19, 2011

STOW, Ohio — John Evan Whitman Sr., who had a long career in the home furnishings industry in retail and in sales, has died. He was 83.

Whitman got his start in the business as a furniture buyer for JL Hudson's in Detroit in 1952. Starting in the late 1960s, he worked for Thomasville Furniture as a manufacturer's representative.

At age 60, he opened Whitman's Furniture in Canton, Ohio, and ran the store for 10 years before retiring in 1999.

He is survived by his wife, a daughter, two sons, two grandchildren and a brother.

Memorial contributions may be made in Whitman's name to the Akron General Visiting Nurse Service Hospice Care, 3358 Ridgewood Road, Akron, Ohio 44333, or to a charity of your choice.