Barney Blevins Whitesell, 66, formerly of El Dorado Springs, passed away Jan. 4, 2010, in California. He was born at home Sept. 7, 1943, into a farming family in Filley.
Barney learned early the ethics that would define his life. After graduating from El Dorado Springs High School, he continued his education in southern California at Pasadena City College where he was Student Body President and at USC where he earned his Masters in Finance.
In 1966, he married Wendy Rockwell, his beloved wife of 44 years. They moved to Corona Del Mar where his two daughters, Shawn and Gaelen, were raised. Being a loving husband and father was what he considered to be his greatest achievement.
His second love was his career which began at Allstate Insurance and continued at Xerox. In 1972, he founded Whitesell and Company, providing financial planning and insurance services to his clients with all of his heart and soul for 37 years.
We will remember him for his character, integrity and commitment to the things for which he stood as well as his good heart, sense of humor and the helping had that he so often extended to others.
He is survived by his wife, Wendy; daughters, Shaw Hadfield (Kevin), Gaelen Yannetti (Joe): grandchildren – Julian and Ari Hadfield and Kate Yannetti; sister, JoyAnn O’Neal; brother, Gary Whitesell; and many nieces and nephews. We can’t imagine life without him.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hoag Hospital Foundation, 500 Superior Ave., Suite 350, Newport Beach CA 92658-6100 or www.hoaghospital foundation.org.
Services will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 23, in Sheldon Funeral Home in El Dorado Springs. Burial will follow in the El Dorado Springs City Cemetery under the direction of Sheldon Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs.
