LeRoy “Papa” Whitmer

February 9, 1938 – March 31, 2026

LeRoy Whitmer, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed peacefully after a short illness at the age of 88, surrounded by his loving family. Known to those who cherished him most as “Papa,” LeRoy was a man whose belly laugh could fill any room — and any heart — with pure joy.

Born February 9, 1938 in Indiana, LeRoy made his way to the California Central Coast in 1941, settling in Pismo Beach, where he would grow into the man his family and community would come to deeply admire.

At just 17 years old, LeRoy answered the call to serve, enlisting in the United States Navy as a Communication Technician from 1955 to 1963. His dedication to service did not end there. He went on to build a distinguished career in law enforcement, beginning as a Deputy with the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Department before joining the Cal Poly Police Department — where he rose through the ranks and proudly retired as Chief of Police. His career stood as a testament to his lifelong commitment to integrity, justice, and protecting his community.

But it was at home where LeRoy truly shone. He was a man of extraordinary character — kind, compassionate, and overflowing with genuine joy. He loved his family with his whole heart, and he had a gift for finding exactly the right moment to land a perfectly timed zinger. No one was safe, and no one would have had it any other way.

LeRoy is survived by his loving wife, Lee Whitmer; his sister, Barbara Hughes; his daughters, Jetta Jeter (Lin), Erika Cota (Eddie), and Jackie Diaz (Melody); as well as his numerous grandchildren and great-grandchild. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings.

Papa, you leave behind laughter, love, and a legacy that will echo for generations.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in LeRoy’s memory to one of the following organizations:

🐝 Bumblebee Foundation — Supporting pediatric cancer families

bumblebeefoundation.org

💛 Lumina Alliance — Supporting survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence in San Luis Obispo County

luminaalliance.org

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