Robert L. "Bob" Whitehouse

Robert L. “Bob” Whitehouse was born on June 7, 1928 to Irvin and Celena Whitehouse in Louisville. Bob graduated from Male High School in 1945 ½, attended the University of Louisville, and took over control of the company his father Irvin started in 1923, the Irvin H. Whitehouse & Sons Company. Under Bob’s leadership, he grew the Irvin H. Whitehouse & Sons Company into the largest single-craft painting company in the United States at one time.

He remained Chairman and CEO of that company until its sale to investors in 1997.

Bob also received national recognition for his lavish Kentucky Derby Parties. His parties, commonly thought to be the precursor to the Barnstable-Brown Parties of today’s era, were three day affairs and included admission for his hundreds of guests to the Derby Festival Parade, Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby. His guests at those parties, known as the Whitehouse Derby Festival, included national celebrities, notable politicians, public figures and too many friends to name.

Bob loved his hometown of Louisville and participated in numerous civic engagements. Bob has served as Chairman of the Jefferson County Parks Board, and served on the Jefferson County School Board and the Louisville Regional Airport Authority Board. Bob also founded and chaired the IPC, the Industrial Painting Council. Bob became active at Southeast Christian Church, and served there as an usher and honorary chaplain of the communion servers.

Bob is survived by his wife, Donna Whitehouse, his two children, Pamela Whitehouse Zielke and Judy Whitehouse Kessinger, his brother Albert, his sister Joyce, and four grandchildren, Larry, Krista, Gina and Kelly, as well as six great grandchildren.

Bob’s wife Donna and his family remained lovingly by his bedside until he passed peacefully at the Sam Swope Louisville Masonic Home. Bob was a longtime Freemason and member of the Royal Order of Jesters.

Guests are invited to attend a visitation on Monday, April 26, 2021 from 11am-12pm at Southeast Christian Church Chapel in the Woods, 1407 Moser, Louisville KY 40299, with a funeral service to follow at 12 noon.

Interment will take place at 11:30am CST on Tuesday at Serenity Hills Cemetery, Hawesville KY. Arrangements under the direction of Arch L. Heady & Son at Westport Village, 7410 Westport Rd. Louisville KY 40222.

Contributions in Bob’s honor can be made to Southeast Christian Church 920 Blankenbaker Pkwy. Louisville KY 40243

Please visit us on our website at www.archlheadywestport.com to leave online condolences.