Lieutenant General Orren R. Whiddon

1935 - 2016

Lieutenant General Orren R. Whiddon obituary, 1935-2016, Lufkin, TX

FUNERAL HOME

Gipson Funeral Home

1515 South Chestnut

Lufkin, Texas

Lieutenant General Whiddon Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 21, 2016.

Lieutenant General Orren Ray "Cotton" Whiddon passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord, March 20, 2016 surrounded by family and friends after fighting the good fight. He was born March 10th, 1935 to the late Cynthia Betty Cockrell Whiddon and Orren Cox Whiddon in Joaquin, TX as a fifth generation Texan.

General Whiddon graduated from Stephen F. Austin University with a BA in Chemistry in 1955 and was drafted into the US Army as a Buck Private. Upon completion of Officer Candidate School in 1956, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, Field Artillery. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Management from the University of Southern California. His military education includes completion of the Field Artillery School Basic and Advanced Courses, The United States Army Command and General Staff College and the Naval War College, Newport, RI.

General Whiddon served in a variety of career building assignments including Ft. Sill, OK; Vicenza, Italy; and Ft. Leavenworth, KS. His first tour in Vietnam was as a Subsector Advisor in the Mekong Delta and later as the Intelligence Briefing Officer to General Westmoreland. Upon returning to the US, he was the Operations and Plans Officer, Joint Reconnaissance Center, Operations Directorate, J3, Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington, DC. In his second tour in Vietnam he served as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence, G2, 101st Airborne Division and later commanded 3d Battalion, 82d Artillery, 196th Infantry Brigade. Upon return to the United States, General Whiddon served as a staff officer in the Current Operations Division, Operations Directorate, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans, United States Army, Washington, DC.

Following his studies at the Naval War College, General Whiddon commanded the 2nd Battalion, 92nd Field Artillery, 42nd Field Artillery Group in Giessen, Germany. He then served as a Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium. General Whiddon commanded the Division Artillery, 5th Infantry Division, Fort Polk, LA, after which he served as the Deputy Director of Training in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff of Operations and Plans, United States Army, Washington, DC.

Other key assignments held include Assistant Division Commander, 3rd Armored Division in Europe; Commanding General, United States Army Training Support Center, Fort Eustis, VA.; Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Intelligence, Allied Forces Central Europe (AFCENT), The Netherlands; Commanding General, 8th Infantry Division, United States Army Europe, Bad Krueznach, Germany; and Deputy Commander in Chief for Joint Plans and Operations Forces Command, Fort McPherson, GA. General Whiddon retired in 1990 as Commanding General, Second United States Army, Fort Gillem, GA.

Awards and decorations General Whiddon received include the Distinguished Service Medal (two Oak Leaf Clusters), Defense Superior Service Medal (one Oak Leaf Cluster), Legion of Merit (three Oak Leaf Clusters), Bronze Star Medal (two Oak Leaf Clusters), Meritorious Service Medal (four Oak Leaf Clusters), Air Medal (five Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Commendation Medal (two Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Good Conduct Medal (one Oak Leaf Cluster), National Defense Service Medal (one Oak Leaf Cluster), Vietnam Service Medal (three Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Service Ribbon (one Oak Leaf Cluster), Overseas Service Ribbon (five Oak Leaf Clusters), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Unit Citation, Vietnamese Staff Honor Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry (with Palm), Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry (with Gold Star) and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry (with Silver Star). General Whiddon is authorized to wear the Combat Infantry Badge, Parachutist Badge, Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge, and Army General Staff Identification Badge.

General Whiddon was inducted into Stephen F. Austin University's Alumni Hall of Fame in 1988, awarded the Angelina Rotary Club's Paul Harris Fellow Award and "Service Above Self" Award in 2005 and the Angelina Award by the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce in 2014. He was a longtime supporter of SFA's ROTC program and the Howitzer fired at SFA home games, Ol' Cotton, is named in his honor.

After retiring in 1990, Cotton and the love of his life, Harriot McKinney Whiddon, began the second adventure of their lives in Lufkin, Texas. His leadership and ability to inspire others led to his work with and development of the PineCrest Retirement Community and Salvation Army Adult Day Care Center. His work in the community also included serving on the City's Planning and Zoning Board, the St. Cyprian's Episcopal School Board, the Methodist Retirement Communities Board and the Methodist Retirement Trust Board. He was a Senior Warden for St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church. Cotton loved Lufkin, and Lufkin loved him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Cynthia Betty Cockrell Whiddon and Orren Cox Whiddon, and brother Richard Abner Whiddon. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Harriot McKinney Whiddon; son, Orren Prentice Whiddon of Artemas, PA; daughters, Laura Whiddon Shortell and husband Joe Ross Stutts of Dallas, TX; Barbara Whiddon Chandler and husband James B Chandler of Allen, TX; four grandchildren, Orren Anders Whiddon, Pittsburgh, PA; Joseph Henry Shortell III, Dallas, TX; Catharine Theodosia Whiddon, Artemas, PA; Skylar James Chandler, Allen, TX; sister, Susan Karen Whiddon, Joaquin, TX; sister-in-laws, Susan Prentice McKinney of Nacogdoches, TX and Jean Tyler Whiddon of Hideaway, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.

We'd like to thank "Cotton's Angels", Norma, Evia, Bonnie, Brenda, Crystal and Ruth; LTC Francis Jackson; the staff and caregivers at Hospice in the Pines; Memorial Home Health; and all the doctors who cared for him, especially Dr. Kyle Krohn.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10am, Saturday, March 26, 2016 at St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church, Lufkin and burial with full military honors at 3pm at The Joaquin Cemetery, Joaquin, Texas. Visitation will be held on Friday evening, March 25, 2016 in the Gipson Funeral Home, Lufkin, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice in the Pines, 1504 W Frank Ave, Lufkin, TX 75904 or The Salvation Army Adult Day Care Center, 412 S 3rd St, Lufkin, TX 75901 or the charity of your choice.

Funeral Services are under the direction of Gipson Funeral Home, 1515 South Chestnut Street, Lufkin, Texas 75901. For additional information, call 936/634-4411.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Lieutenant General Whiddon

What is your first memory of Lieutenant General?

Share a favorite memory you have of Lieutenant General.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Lieutenant General.

Describe a time when Lieutenant General made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Lieutenant General?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Lieutenant General.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Lieutenant General.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Lieutenant General.

What is something you learned from Lieutenant General?

Not sure what to say?

October 16, 2017

Military

Howard Wilcox

I worked for General in 1983 at US army Element in AFCENT, Netherlands. He was a truly great officer and human being.

June 18, 2016

Terry Powers

I had to brief the big guy several times as a staff officer at 8th ID in BK. I was new to the HQ and was not sure how it would turn out the first time. He was great!!! So sorry to hear of his passing, he was a true southern gent.

April 12, 2016

George Stone

Dear Whiddon Family (and Laura),

Ironically, I was looking to see if a friend of mine was still teaching at Stephen F. Austin and for whatever reason, I googled your dad---which is when I saw this announcement.

Although I only met him twice (I think), I was always immensely impressed, not only with what he'd achieved in the military, but what he'd achieved as a man. I only wish I had gotten to know him better because (most likely) we were on the same wavelength in many many ways. His passing thus makes me very sad---at the loss (for this country) in terms of his leadership and heroism---and, because he was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather.

You can thus be forever proud of the esteem with which everyone else held him---and that is generally the best indication of the quality of a person. I haven't read any of the other threads but I can just imagine that most echo a similar sentiment.

Laura, I remember how absolutely devastated I was when my father passed away, rather suddenly, 30 years ago. I will never forgot the kindness and compassion you showed me then, at what was surely the lowest, most disconsolate point in my life. Indeed, I have (rather thankfully) not experienced such a stinging loss since. Nonetheless, I just want you to know that my prayers are now with you and your family.

In closing, I am grateful to be able to pay my respects, particularly since the occasion of my discovery of your dad's passing was "purely a randomly assigned event." Actually, I don't believe that at all. The guiding hand of God is at play here somewhere and I believe He led me here.

God speed to all of you.

March 30, 2016

Al Jones

What a great soldier! And what a wonderful wife and Lady. It was my honor to serve with him when he commanded the 2nd US Army and to be a part of the Methodist Retirement Communities Board. He lead by example with unequaled integrity. Al Jones

March 30, 2016

Mike Parker

An American treasure and great man in my life. One of the biggest men I knew... and he was tall too. He will be missed.

March 28, 2016

Ronda Rollins

Harriet I am so sorry for your families loss. You both always showed what real love was suppose to be.He was a gentle man and I will miss him. Ronda Rollins

March 28, 2016

Harriet, I am so very happy to have had the pleasure of meeting you and Cotton! He was a wonderful, down to earth man who loved people, and who loved giving back to his community. It was a true honor to have served him, and God bless you and your family!
Love, Joi D. Ham

March 26, 2016

Jim McDaniel

From those who served with you in Giessen, Germany, Rest in Peace. Jim McDaniel, LTC (Ret)

March 26, 2016

Rita Redd

A great man who will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers with the family.

American Legion Auxiliary Unit#113

March 24, 2016

Bill and Kathy Baker and Family

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

March 24, 2016

Lynn Garrison Sibley

Harriet, So sorry to hear of your husband's death. Haven't had touch with you for so many years...loved all your family and of course was so close to Ditty. Enjoyed reading about all the children and grands. Easter will be a great encouragement to you and for me as well. Much love

March 24, 2016

Terri Manor

The many,many lives that General Whiddon touched will miss him greatly and remember him with love and respect. He was truly, a man of great stature. My sympathies to the family.

March 24, 2016

John Hicks

A true patriot. I was saddened to hear about Cotton. He was very supportive during my tenure with Methodist Retirement Communities. I will truly miss his friendship and advice.

John C. Hicks
Past Chairman MRC

March 24, 2016

Robin Folsom Andrews

Sympathy and prayers for your family. God bless .

March 23, 2016

Peggy Jane Barfield

I am so devastated to learn of this wonderful man's passing. I have been Blessed to have known him since the day he and Harriot got married. He was truly the epitome of "An Officer and A Gentleman". Such a truly fine human being. Harriot and Cotton were the Perfect Couple. A better team you will not see. God Bless Harriot and the whole Whiddon Family. All my love to all of you. Sincerely - PeggyJane Barfield

March 23, 2016

Mary "Liz" Johnson

General "Cotton" Whiddon was a great American, an outstanding representative of our State, and a loyal friend to those who knew him. He had a dynamic personality, presence, and confidence that commanded attention. Yet, he also had the ability to make you smile and he enjoyed life. I know he loved his Country, family and friends. He was "one of a kind." Even though he was not perfect, to most of us, he seemed to be literally and figuratively someone who was "larger than life." We extend our heartfelt prayers to Harriet and the Whiddon family.

March 23, 2016

PeggyJane Barfield

This was truly a "Special" man. I remember the night that Cotton and Harriot ran away and got married..those many years ago. Cotton was truly a wonderful man and a shining example of dedication to his fellow man. He was such a special Gentleman. God Bless Harriot and his Family.. Love and Hugs to all.. PeggyJane Barfield....23 Mar.,2016

March 23, 2016

Don & Wilma Gaylor

Dear Harriet, Prentice, Barbara, Laura,& Family. Our world is smaller- a giant leader, the soldier's General has departed us...The sorrow and pain created by the death of Cotton is deeply shared at our house...Sincerely Don & Will Gaylor

March 23, 2016

Charlotte Keyser(Langham

Hariot and family,
I was so sorry to hear about Cotton and wish I could be there as you both were there for Mom when Dad died. God Bless you all as you go through this difficult time. Charlotte (Langham) Keyser

March 23, 2016

Linda Broadus

Thank you for your service! May God bless your family.

March 22, 2016

he was a year older than me, grew up with him. he always picked on me and my friend, would chase him with sticks, he was always kind and sweet. I loved all his family, prayers for all , he was always one of the good guys

March 22, 2016

Donald and Gail Jones

Our sincere condolences to Harriet and all the family. Cotton will be missed by so many. It is difficult to imagine how many lives he has influenced during his service to our country as well as in his family life and community responsibilities! Prayers for Harriet and family.

March 22, 2016

Charles Millikan

What a fine, fine example of Christian discipleship and leadership, coupled together in such a magnificent way! I will forever be grateful for the opportunity that was mine to be in his presence and to be shaped by his character. His service to the Board of Directors of Methodist Retirement Communities in Lufkin will be forever cherished and remembered. Thanks be to God for his life and ministry!

March 22, 2016

We are so sorry to learn of Cotton's passing. We do know how very sad & difficult it has been for a long time for you all. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are out of town until middle of April, dear Harriet. Take care, please give your precious family our condolences. Pat & Jim Brasse

March 22, 2016

Barbara Edwards

"Cotton" was a very large force in our lives as you children in Oklahoma. He was a dear friend to my parents Carl and Della Langham. I remember Cotton at my brother Bill's funeral when we lost hi in Viet Nam and again when my Dad passed he did such a wonderful job with his service. I know if he had been able he would have been here for Mom in Sept. last year. All my love to Harriot, I know she will miss him so much. Rest in Peace.

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results

Make a Donation
in Lieutenant General Whiddon's name

Memorial Events
for Lieutenant General Whiddon

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Gipson Funeral Home

1515 South Chestnut, Lufkin, TX 75901

How to support Lieutenant General's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Lieutenant General Whiddon's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more