October 14, 1925
Robert O. Whitlock (Bob) was born on October 14, 1925 in Castana, Iowa. His parents were F.M. Whitlock and Maude Ann (Archer) Whitlock. His siblings: sisters, Garnett (deceased), Jean, Pat, and brother Gary (deceased). They moved to Alliance, Nebraska when Bob was a toddler.
Bob married Patricial Copple on June 1, 1947 at Alliance. They have four children: Matt (Carlene), Lee (Jettie), Paula (Rex) and Gene (Diane).
Bob worked with his Dad and Uncles growing up. This included farming with a team of horses. After serving in WWII (U.S. Marine Corps) he returned to Alliance where he married Pat. He worked for the Jagger ranch and Ed and Dolly McMann before returning to the family farm to work, and later purchased it from his Dad. After several years of having the wheat crop hailed out he went to work on the railroad. He worked there for 32 years. He worked mostly in the railroad yard as a switchman, but he also went on the train as a brakeman (conductor) and rode in the caboose (they still had them then).
Bob earned the reputation of being a cowboy even on the railroad. He had such a work ethic and was a model of integrity that a section of track was named after him. It is called the “Whitlock Spur”.
After retiring from the railroad, Bob has continued to farm, put up hay, feed cattle and ride horses.
Bob held offices in the Alliance Roping Club, was the Superintendent of the 4-H horse division at the county level and was on the school board in his District for several years.