Burl Lee Whitmer, 88, of Dunkirk passed away October 1, 2021 at his daughter’s home in Catonsville. He was born June 18, 1933 in Oakland, MD to Lory Aaron and Mamie Viola (Arnold) Whitmer. Burl grew up in a rural community in Oakland that did not have running water or electricity. After graduating, he received a scholarship to Strayer College and later graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Commercial Science. He joined the United States Army on September 9, 1954 and served as a sharpshooter until his discharge on September 7, 1956. Burl married Emma Hinson in 1956 and they lived in Washington, DC, after his discharge from the Army, during which time Burl found work at a local bank. They then moved to Hyattsville and later Forestville and Burl went to work for the Department of Assessments and Taxations for the State of Maryland and Prince George’s County. He retired as supervisor of assessments and taxation after 40 years. Burl was a former member of Calvary Baptist Church in DC, where he served as treasurer of the Church and Sunday School. Burl and Emma moved to Dunkirk in 1985 and he later became an active member of Mt. Harmony United Methodist Church. Burl enjoyed spending time and traveling with his friends from Calvary Baptist Church and going to Bob Evans with his friends from Mt. Harmony United Methodist Church. He also enjoyed shooting pool, watching Western movies, reading, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Burl had a connection to everyone, was loved by all, and will be remembered as everyone’s “Grandpa”.

Burl is survived by his loving wife Emma Whitmer, children Donna Biedzynski and her husband Joe and Tom Whitmer and his wife Andrea Garry, all of Catonsville, grandchildren Jeremy and his wife Shannon, Daniel and his wife Aimme and Nathan, and great-grandchildren Arwen. He is also survived by his siblings Elsie Hopkins and her husband Jim and Jack Whitmer and his wife Ginger, all of Pennsylvania, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.