Glen Henry Whitbeck

Glen Henry Whitbeck, born 8-8-1916 in Dubuque Iowa, passed away peacefully on Advent Sunday 11-28-2010. He lived for his family and was selfless to all that knew him. Glen's formative years were spent at Holy Cross Abbey, a Catholic boy's school in Canyon City, Colorado. He enjoyed sports especially boxing and football. Boxing tournaments at the local prison gained Glen a reputation as a pugilist. His football team was very competitive as he led them to several victories at the quarterback position. After graduating from the Abbey in 1935, Glen entered the Navy and served aboard the USS Indianapolis. He left the Navy after one tour of duty as a radioman 2nd class and returned to civilian life to care for his widowed mother and start a new career. Hollywood drew his attention due to his interests in radio and sound but he later found his niche as an entrepreneur and engineer. Glen studied mechanical engineering and worked for Douglas Aircraft during WWII. He later traveled to Tulsa Oklahoma to setup a manufacturing facility for Douglas. He met his lovely wife of 63 years, Ann Marie Walker, in Amarillo Texas during a business trip. Glen eventually settled in Oklahoma City and worked over 15 years with the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center as a construction engineer and project manager, during an unprecedented period of expansion on the Oklahoma City campus. His sense of integrity was a gift he shared with family and co-workers. He would often inspect buildings at night and bring drawings home in the evening to correct and improve facilities for doctors and patients alike. Glen raised four children and emphasized the value of faith, family, and education. Glen is survived by his wife Ann and children: Frank Whitbeck and wife Christine, Gail Preble and husband Dennis, Mike Whitbeck and wife Emily, Craig Whitbeck and wife Ann; grandchildren Anita, Patty, Joe, Lauren, Brandon, Blake, Doug, Katie, Lizzy, Torie; and great grandchildren Kaitlen, Jake, and Michael.