Douglas Jerome Whitnell

Douglas Jerome Whitnell passed away on May 8, 2023 in Ridgecrest, CA after a series of illnesses.

Doug was born October 21, 1935, in Flagstaff, AZ, growing up in Phoenix. He attended the University of Arizona, receiving a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering in 1957.

After service in the Army, achieving the rank of first lieutenant, Doug moved his family to Fullerton, CA in 1962 to start a position with Hughes Aircraft. He frequently volunteered for political campaigns, and he was particularly active with the California Jaycees, including the honor of being named Outstanding State Chairman. His work history-with companies such as Hughes, ARINC, Librascope, PRC Technical, Comarco, and others-took him all over the world with longer sojourns in Hawaii and Vietnam in the early 1970's and San Diego in the late 1970's.

Doug found himself in Ridgecrest in 1980 as a civilian contractor for work at China Lake, and he never left. Working with several firms, he transitioned to logistics both as a practitioner and a trainer before his retirement.

Doug enjoyed the Ridgecrest life greatly, being a frequent patron of the Hideaway restaurant and many other places around the city. He met both his second wife, Mary, and his third wife, Kay, in Ridgecrest, and he enjoyed wonderful years with both of them.

In retirement, Doug turned to volunteer work. Kay and Doug worked with Police and Community Together (P.A.C.T) for a number of years together. Doug later turned his interest in history and genealogy to work with the Historical Society of the Upper Mojave Desert, spending many hours researching newspapers, taking pictures, and otherwise helping to chronicle the history of Ridgecrest and China Lake. He found a sense of purpose in Ridgecrest that helped him enjoy a long and satisfying life.

Doug is survived by his sons with their mother, Gale: Jerome Douglas of Jacksonville, FL, Robert Michael (Anne Glenn) of Greensboro, NC, and Patrick Charles of Sacramento, CA; his stepdaughter, Katie Shaughnessy of Knoxville, TN and her partner Darren Hoyt, his sister, Gwen McAdams (Dick) of Rydal, PA, his niece Julie Graham (Bill) of Chalfont, PA, and his nephew, Brian Egleston (Paul Roundtree) of Philadelphia, PA, and many stepchildren and step-grandchildren. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome Douglas Whitnell and Ethel Cardon Whitnell Heldt, his wives, Mary Whitnell and Kay Whitnell, and his niece, Natalie Egleston. The family particularly wishes to thank Brian Hoyt for the friendship and care he provided Doug over the last few years.