Longtime Lexington board member, defense attorney Whitney dies

Mark Caudill, Mansfield News Journal
Updated ·2 min read

LEXINGTON ― Longtime Lexington Local Schools board member and prominent defense attorney Robert Whitney died Monday.

He was 88.

Whitney was the longest-serving board member in the history of Ohio. He joined Lexington's school board in April 1964, interviewing for the position after another board member resigned.

"He is an icon in the legacy of our school system," Superintendent Jeremy Secrist previously told the News Journal.

Lexington School Board President Robert Whitney was honored in 2021 by the Ohio School Boards Association Central Region. Pictured, from left, are Robert Heard, Sr. president OSBA; Robert Whitney; Kevin Archer, OSBA Central Region president; and Rick Lewis, CEO OSBA.
Lexington School Board President Robert Whitney was honored in 2021 by the Ohio School Boards Association Central Region. Pictured, from left, are Robert Heard, Sr. president OSBA; Robert Whitney; Kevin Archer, OSBA Central Region president; and Rick Lewis, CEO OSBA.

In recognition of his service to Lexington Local Schools, the performing arts center in the new building for grades 7-12 was named after Whitney, a Lexington native and graduate.

"His leadership has helped shape some of the opportunities that our students have in the arts," Secrist previously said. "That beautiful new facility should be a reflection of his service to the district."

In 2017, the board named its meeting room after Whitney, but there was no such room in the new building, which opened in September 2022.

Keith Stoner, school board vice president, served with Whitney for more than 20 years.

"He's a pretty humble guy. He doesn't like being called out," Stoner previously told the News Journal. "I don't think he ever would have initiated naming the performing arts center around him. If he doesn't exemplify what an honor like that is about, I don't know who could."

Whitney previously recognized for 50 years of service

In the spring of 2014, the Ohio School Boards Association recognized Whitney for 50 years of service to the school district.

"It's probably in the top 10th of 1%," said Rob Delane, then deputy executive director. "We have a fair amount of people who make it 20, 25 years, but 50 years is a milestone that very, very few people will reach.

"He is to be commended."

In addition to his time on Lexington school board, Whitney was perhaps best known for his work as a prominent defense attorney for 61 years.

Whitney handled a number of high-profile cases including the trials of Dr. John Boyle and serial killer Shawn Grate.

Arrangements are pending at Snyder Funeral Homes.

mcaudill@gannett.com

419-521-7219

X (formerly Twitter): @MarkCau32052951

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Whitney served school board for 60 years, along with being an attorney