Dr. Norman Whiteman Jr.

Dr. Norman Richard Whiteman Jr., 82, of Cape Girardeau, formerly of Victoria, Texas, died Oct. 3, 2010, at Life Care Center under hospice, from complications arising from chronic illness since January.

He was born to Norman and Cleio Whiteman on Feb. 5, 1928, in Owensville, Ind. His early childhood was one of poverty, and his zeal to learn was a way out to a better life. He received both his bachelor's and master's degrees with honors from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He received his Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Ill. His devotion to "improving his mind," as he used to say, was ever-constant, and when his mind began to fail him, he was devastated. His most prized possession was his collection of books. He spent most of his professional life as a psychologist helping others lead a better life. He was married 26 years to Margaret Whiteman.

He leaves behind his wife; a daughter, Norma Sedlock and her husband Mike of Cape Girardeau; two sons, Martin Schnipper of Denver and Steve Schnipper and his wife, Lin, of San Antonio. He also has two grandchildren, Liisa and Geoff Schnipper of Chicago; his remaining grandchildren, with whom he had an ongoing relationship with, Lanny Schnipper, his wife, Jenny, and their daughter, Audrey, of St. Louis, Zaelin Swann of Cape Girardeau, Hanah Swann Nelson, her husband, Tim, and their daughter, Paige, of Doniphan, Mo; and one sister, Jean Villardi of Lompoc, Calif.

Suffice it to say, he was loved in spite of his idiosyncrasies and dour outlook on life and will be missed by those who sought to understand his peculiarities and love the man he was.

A private family service will be held at a later date to put to rest a man who no doubt marched to the beat of a different drummer.

Cremation, per his wishes, is being handled by Crain Funeral Home, 829 N. West End Blvd. in Cape Girardeau.

To leave online condolences, visit www.crainsonline.com.