John Richard Whitson

The most important things to him were his faith and God, his family and singing for which he had a real talent, but mostly he just enjoyed it. His father had taught him to sing harmony and at 15, he and 4 friends loaded a model A, put a sign on the side of it, “Touring America on a Song” and that’s what they did, stopping at cafes and literally singing for their supper.

He joined the Navy during the Korean war and served on a destroyer but his wonderful voice, speaking as well as singing, earned him the assignment of Captain’s Talker. He stood by and when the captain gave information or issued orders, he relayed them to the rest of the ship via the PA system.

His voice also led him to his career. He majored in journalism at the University of Texas, then added broadcasting courses and worked on the campus radio station. He spent over 28 years in television news, most of which as the News Director at various stations including KTVT channel 11 here locally. It was an independent then.

The last few years of his career, he worked as the Supervisor of the Learning Resource Center in the School of Nursing at the University of Texas Arlington and was in the position of Assistant Director of Public Information when he retired. He loved working with and around the students.

Fulfilling his desire for several children, John is survived by his two daughters, Laura Crudup, Amy Cade and his son, Mike Whitson and a son-in-law, Steve Crudup and daughter-in-law, Cynde Whitson, nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. He also is survived by his number one fan and wife of 40 years, Kathleen Krebbs Whitson.

Celebration of Life Services will be Monday, July 12, at Keller Church of Christ. A Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. and Services at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Lymphoma Research Foundation in honor of John Whitson who battled variations of this cancer for 33 years.