Franklin Rogers Whitmer 

Whitmer, Franklin Rogers, 57, business owner and referee passed Friday, September 2, 2011. Frank was born May 1, 1954 in Los Alamos, N.M., where his father was employed as an Electron Physicist for the Atomic Energy Commission. In 1956, the family moved to Los Altos, CA, where he lived until his move to Wichita in the late 1980s. Early days in Wichita were spent in the hospitality industry prior to involvement in media advertising with KNSS and Channel 12. His talents in hospitality led to the acquisition of Mort's Cigar Bar where for over ten years he experienced the ultimate joy in hosting. This was only exceeded by fulfilling his passion for sports by officiating both basketball and football statewide with the greatest group of guys whom he admired. Frank is survived by his mother and step-father, Flora and Jack Nessly, of Wichita; sister, Joan Dawson (Bill), of South Bend, IN; brother, John (Marlena), of Wichita; cousin, Doug Rogers, of Seattle, WA; niece, Christine Hall, of Livermore, CA, nephew, Mark Hall, of San Francisco, CA, niece, Janelle Baker, of South Bend, IN, and niece, Melissa Daniels, of Wichita. Frank's memorial service will be 12:00 noon Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. A memorial has been established with Officials Against Cancer, Inc., c/o Central National Bank, P.O. Box 969, Manhattan, Kansas, 66505. Downing & Lahey Mortuary East. Tributes may be sent to the family via www.dlwichita.com