MENTONE – Ralph “Whitey” R. Wideman Jr., 85, of Warsaw, and formerly of Mentone, died at 4:35 a.m. Dec. 25, 2013, at Millers Merry Manor, Warsaw, where he had been for two weeks. He was born Nov. 24, 1928, in Mentone, to Ralph and Alma Gail Miller Wideman. On April 23, 1949, in Mentone, he married Mary Ann Jacks, who preceded him in death May 28, 1985. He worked for Arnolt Corporation, Warsaw, for more than 40 years as an engineer and he was a farmer. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Warsaw, as well as Scottish Rite, Fort Wayne, and the Mizpah Shrine, Warsaw. He was an avid IU basketball fan and he also enjoyed fishing. Surviving are three daughters, Myra (and spouse Mike) Barnett, and Sheryl (and spouse Dan) Poston, all of Leesburg; and Robin (and spouse Ken) Adams, Warsaw; a son, James (and spouse Penny) Wideman, Warsaw; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann Wideman; a grandson, Jason Rodgers; a granddaughter and three sisters, Pauline Cochran, Marie Rathbun and Maxine Horn. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at King Memorial Home, 101 N. Tucker St., Mentone, with Pastor Woody Burchett officiating. Burial will be in Mentone Cemetery. Calling is from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. ***** Memorials may be made Shriners Hospitals for Children. Condolences may be sent via www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com
