Submitted by: Dan Rich

Edgar Robley Witner

June 12, 1918 - Jan. 8, 1999

South Bend Tribune 1/14/1999

Edgar Robley Witner, 80, formerly of Whitcomb Avenue, South Bend, passed away on Friday, Jan. 8, in his home in Dearborn, Mich., of an apparent heart attack. He was born in Valparaiso, Ind., where he attended school and was a member of the basketball team.

He was married on May 20, 1945 to Jane Love in South Bend, after his discharge from the United States Air Force in World War II, where he served in the China, Burma, India Theater. While living in South Bend, he worked for the Studebaker Corporation for 18 years. He was a designer/draftsman and was one of the seven designers of the Avanti. He was also one of the four designers of the "hide-a-way" headlights. He is survived by his loving wife, Jane. He was the loving father of Carol (Phil) Sparrow of Atwood/Warsaw, Ind., Marcia Ulrich of Southgate, Mich., Patti Witner of Dearborn Heights, Mich., and Christopher (Maureen) Witner of Fremont, Mich. He was also the proud and happy grandfather of 13, and the great-grandfather of 12. He is also survived by a sister, Irene Greig of Valparaiso, Ind. A son, Douglas, died at birth in 1951. The close knit family was able to celebrate a birthday every month for at least one family member. After retirement from Ford Motor Company in 1983, his hobbies were bowling, golf and fishing. Until recently, he enjoyed deer hunting with his son. Many summers were spent at their cottage near Hisperia, Mich., a family gathering spot. He will be deeply missed by his family as well as his many friends.

Funeral services were held Sunday, Jan. 10, in Dearborn, Mich. Memorial services will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, in the Riverview Cemetery Chapel on Portage Ave. Howe Peterson Funeral Home handled arrangements in Dearborn.