Marlin Whitney, Longtime Navy Veteran, Dies at 90

The 1953 Edgerton High School graduate served for 21 years and later worked as a sales technician.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:48am

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph depicting the warm, textured atmosphere of a woodworking workshop, with blurred tools and materials in the foreground and background, conveying a sense of nostalgia and craftsmanship.The vibrant memories of Marlin Whitney's lifelong hobbies of woodworking and winemaking will live on through the handmade items he left behind for his family.Defiance Today

Marlin Lee Whitney, a 1953 graduate of Edgerton High School in Ohio, passed away on April 11, 2026, at the age of 90. Whitney served in the United States Navy for 21 years, retiring as an ETCM(SS), and later worked as a sales and support technician for 3M products in Hawaii, winning the Grand Master Award in 1983 and 1985. He was an avid woodworker and home brewer, and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8628 in Pioneer, Ohio.

Why it matters

Whitney's life story reflects the experiences of many American veterans who served their country and then transitioned to civilian careers, maintaining active hobbies and community involvement in their later years. His passing is a reminder of the sacrifices and contributions of those who have served in the military.

The details

After retiring from the Navy, Whitney worked for Earle M. Alexander in Honolulu, Hawaii as a sales and support technician for 3M products. He won the Grand Master Award as one of 3M's top technicians in 1983 and 1985. In his free time, Whitney enjoyed woodworking, making cradles and a highchair for his grandchildren, as well as brewing beer and wine for special family events.

  • Marlin Whitney passed away on April 11, 2026.
  • He was a 1953 graduate of Edgerton High School.
  • Whitney served in the U.S. Navy for 21 years before retiring.
  • He won the Grand Master Award from 3M in 1983 and 1985.

The players

Marlin Lee Whitney

A 1953 graduate of Edgerton High School in Ohio who served 21 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring as an ETCM(SS), and later worked as a sales and support technician for 3M products in Hawaii.

Shirley Sue Collins

Marlin Whitney's wife of nearly 65 years, who passed away on March 15, 2022.

Earle M. Alexander

The company in Honolulu, Hawaii where Marlin Whitney worked as a sales and support technician for 3M products after retiring from the Navy.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8628

The post in Pioneer, Ohio that Marlin Whitney was a member of.

Community Health Professionals Inpatient Hospice

The facility near Defiance, Ohio where Marlin Whitney passed away.

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What they’re saying

“Marlin's hobbies included woodworking and making beer and wine.”

— Newspaper Staff

The takeaway

Marlin Whitney's life exemplifies the experiences of many American veterans who served their country, transitioned to civilian careers, and remained active in their local communities through hobbies and volunteer work in their later years. His passing is a reminder of the sacrifices and contributions of those who have served in the military.