Franklin Rogers Whitmer
May 1, 1954 ~ September 2, 2011
Whitmer, Franklin Rogers, 57, business owner and referee passed Friday, September 2, 2011. Frank was born May 1, 1954 in Los Alamos, N.M., where his father was employed as an Electron Physicist for the Atomic Energy Commission. In 1956, the family moved to Los Altos, CA, where he lived until his move to Wichita in the late 1980s. Early days in Wichita were spent in the hospitality industry prior to involvement in media advertising with KNSS and Channel 12. His talents in hospitality led to the acquisition of Morts Cigar Bar where for over ten years he experienced the ultimate joy in hosting. This was only exceeded by fulfilling his passion for sports by officiating both basketball and football statewide with the greatest group of guys whom he admired. Frank is survived by his mother and step-father, Flora and Jack Nessly, of Wichita; sister, Joan Dawson (Bill), of South Bend, IN; brother, John (Marlena), of Wichita; cousin, Doug Rogers, of Seattle, WA; niece, Christine Hall, of Livermore, CA, nephew, Mark Hall, of San Francisco, CA, niece, Janelle Baker, of South Bend, IN, and niece, Melissa Daniels, of Wichita. Franks memorial service will be 12:00 noon Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. A memorial has been established with Officials Against Cancer, Inc., c/o Central National Bank, P.O. Box 969, Manhattan, Kansas, 66505. Downing Lahey Mortuary East.
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To the family of Frank Whitmer , My prayers are with you as you get through the passing of a great friend and fellow official. I had the pleasure of working alot of games and some were tough ones, but Frank kept things smooth. Call on God and he will do the same for you in this tough time. Will miss you Frank! Terrance Williams-Bey Kansas City, KS
TO: Flora & Jack Nessly and family You surely know that loving thoughts are with you always and especially now. Peace be with you.
My Dear friend, Frank. I will always cherish the memories, laughs and all the renditions of Sinatra’s; ‘New York, New York’ sung at Mort’s in the wee hours of the morning.. You will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace, brother. Love, MOE, Susan and Mathew
I lost track of Frank years ago. Can you please let me know more about him. Did he ever marry, have any kids? It sounds like he was a very well liked, good all around guy. I wish I had stayed in touch.
Frank, I did not make it to your service today, but you were never far from my thoughts. Instead, I went to school and told each of my high school classes about your greatness. Related to them how you were one of the very best sports officials and that you always treated others as equals on and off the playing floor. I hope my kids will strive to do the same. What I remember about you the most is . . . being a genuine heartfelt individual. Thanks for the time you shared with all of us.
I will miss Frank. We shared a lot of car rides to games. We shared a lot of sticky intense situation, but we also enjoyed everyone one of them. The laughs, the stories, the good times will always be remembered. The country concerts, the fashion shows and the evenings on the patio will be ever cherrished. Sandra and I will truley miss him. We know he is in a better place and hope to see him again.
For Frank’s family, I didn’t know Frank as well as many in the officiating community, but I’ve known him for years and worked some games with him. Frank was a one of a kind great guy, and you should remember that with great pride. He will be missed. With prayers of support, Roger Anderson
So sorry to learn of Frank’s passing. We will remember him as a good friend and neighbor in Summerfield at Tallgrass. We are saddened by his untimely passing and our prayers are with him and family. Sincerely, Frank and Anne Sisson
Today would have been Frank’s 63rd birthday. I just learned two months ago of his passing in 2011. I still can’t believe it. I owe Frank for my love of jazz and big band music. I hope he is with Maynard Ferguson in heaven.