Mr. Lindsey Knox Wilhite

*****A VISITATION & MEMORIAL SERVICE IN LOVING MEMORY FOR MR. LINDSEY KNOX WILHITE WILL BE HELD SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2024, AT OUR FUNERAL HOME. ****NOTE: PLEASE SEE THE SERVICE TIMES LISTED BELOW ****MASKS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. WE WILL PROVIDE HAND SANITIZER WHEN ENTERING OUR BUILDING. ***If you have any questions, please contact us at: (269) 342-1000 ______________________________ ****THE DVD TRIBUTE WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON ___________________________ Scroll Of Life Our beloved Lindsey Knox Wilhite, 84, of Kalamazoo, MI, passed away peacefully at home on March 21, 2024. Lindsey was born on September 30, 1939, the son to parents William Franklin and Willie Mae Wilhite in Lexington, Kentucky. He graduated with honors from Benton Harbor High School, Benton Harbor, Michigan in 1957. Following his great love and aptitude for foreign language, he went on to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in French from Western Michigan University in1961. He then enjoyed teaching French and Spanish at Muskegon Central High School. In 1965 Lindsey became an M.A. candidate and instructor in French at Western Michigan University receiving his degree in 1967. By virtue of his excellent performance in his graduate work as well as his teaching, he became an Assistant Professor of French in the then Department of Language and Linguistics at Western Michigan University. With a great thirst for language, literature, music, and travel, he began the pursuit of his doctorate in French while studying at the University of West Virginia, Howard University, Michigan State University, and Université de Grenoble Alps in France. This brilliant man went on to study and learn seven languages, acquiring fluency in French, Spanish, German, Dutch, Italian, Latin, and English. Lindsey distinguished himself through his love of teaching, becoming one of the French Language Department’s most beloved and influential professors. He became known for his rapid delivery of the French language in beginning, intermediate, conversation, and advanced literature courses, along with his ability to draw out students through his vibrant and engaging teaching style. Lindsey especially enjoyed teaching French literature, including analyzing literary language, and discussing the philosophical and psychological questions raised by the works in his courses. He was the department’s main professor of French literature in translation, introducing many students from across the University to the excitement of reading French novels, drama, and poetry, and exploring their cultural context. Lindsey’s main research area was Creole French in Louisiana, which informed his teaching in the foreign languages department and, later on, was the subject of classes that he gave through continuing education and Elderhostel. He also taught courses on opera, his passion. Lindsey served as head of the French Section of the Foreign Languages Department and was a member of Western Michigan University Black Caucus. Lindsey led several WMU study abroad programs. He worked tirelessly to impart his love and knowledge of the French language and culture by taking many students to study abroad to his favorite city—Paris, France with his wife, Jonnie Crawford Wilhite, whom he married in 1968, a French Professor at KVCC. They had two children Lisa Nicole and Marc Lindsey who took many family summer trips when the kids were young to France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Mexico, Canada, Louisiana and all throughout the United States. Lindsey shared his love of language, music, food, culture, and travel with his children who continue to travel the globe thanks to parents who gave them the precious gift of travel. Fondly known as “Le Professor Wilhite,” he was greatly loved by many students, friends, and colleagues while teaching for over 42 years at Western Michigan University before retiring. Lindsey enjoyed his retirement years traveling, reading, attending concerts, theater, and opera performances. A great dog lover, he adored his dogs, a Scottie Heather and boxers Brutus and Rebel. He especially loved spending holidays and summer vacations with the lights of his life his precious grandchildren Mason and Madison. Lindsey enjoyed spoiling his grandkids watching movies, going to amusement parks, the zoo, kids’ museums, fun dinners, and telling funny stories with them. Lindsey was preceded in heaven by his mother, father, aunts, uncles, his brother William “Billie” Wilhite and his sister Marcia Harmon. He is survived by his ex-wife Jonnie Crawford Wilhite, of Portage, MI and their children daughter, Lisa Nicole Wilhite of Alexandria, VA and son Marc Lindsey Wilhite and his wife Lasagne of Alexandria, VA, and two grandchildren Mason and Madison. As well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Lindsey was a deeply beloved Father, Grandpère, Uncle, Cousin, and friend. His passing was peaceful and at home, just as he always hoped it would be. While we have lost our most beloved dad, many have lost a friend and loved one in him. He was kind, giving, loving, intelligent, funny, insightful, creative, generous and thoughtful. We invite you all to share stories and memories. It was his wish that we laugh, smile, and reminisce together during this time.

Mr. Lindsey Knox Wilhite

September 30, 1939 - March 21, 2024