Bennett V. Whiteson passed away peacefully, at the age of 93 on April 21, 2022. Ben was born in
Chicago, IL to Leo and Sara Whiteson. Ben's first summer job at the age of 17 with Douglas Aircraft
sparking a lifelong interest in engineering and the aerospace industry. He received a Bachelor of Science
degree in Metallurgy from Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). Upon completion of college, he enlisted
in the US Air Force and served for 4 years. After discharge in 1954, he returned to work for Douglas
Aircraft, later McDonnell Douglas, where he had a long and successful career until retirement in 1997.
Among his many interests, Ben was an avid pilot, photographer, musician, and loved travelling with his
wife Jillian.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Jillian Whiteson (nee Drury), daughter Melinda Thompson, son
Charles Whiteson, step-son Michael (Kathleen) Tully and step-daughter Anne Mestres. He was preceded
in death by his son, Steven Whiteson. Ben has 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Visitation at the Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home, 12444 Olive Blvd., Fri., April 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Service at 10 a.m. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.