Jack Whitener

Jack Whitener, who lived in Pacific Palisades since 1957, died September 9. He was 104 years old.

Jack was born October 24, 1918, in Duncan, Oklahoma. While attending high school in Duncan, he met his future wife Alienne Akers. After high school, they attended the University of Oklahoma, where he received his undergraduate degree in engineering physics, and Alienne earned degrees in mathematics and English.

World War II began, and Jack served in the Army Air Corps, starting in 1941. The couple married on September 5, 1942. They spent the war years at Eglin Army Air Corps Proving Ground, where Jack was a test pilot.

When the war ended, the military sent Jack to University of Michigan, where he earned a master’s degree in physics. Alienne accompanied him to the university and received a master’s degree in mathematics.

Between 1948 and 1951, the couple had three children: Theresa, Michael and Paul.

Jack began his career as a nuclear physicist when he was assigned to the Air Force Special Weapons Command at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque. In 1950, they moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico, where Jack worked on nuclear development and testing. He participated in a number of tests—several in the South Pacific. In 1957, Jack was assigned as an Air Force liaison officer to the Rand Corporation in Santa Monica, so the family moved to Pacific Palisades.

Jack’s work as a nuclear physicist took him to tests at the Nevada Test Site, sometimes as test technical director. He retired as a Lt. Colonel from the Air Force in 1961 and continued his work with the Rand Corporation, later as a consultant.

Jack and Alienne often hiked Temescal Canyon to the waterfall bridge, backpacked through Yosemite, and traveled in their camper to Alaska, Canada, and Utah. Jack enjoyed their outdoor life and classical music at home. He continued his daily exercise regimen for the rest of his life.

Alienne passed away in 2008—the couple was married for 65 years. Jack is survived by two children, Theresa of Seattle and Michael of Redondo Beach. His son Paul preceded him in death.

Jack remained in his Palisades home of 59 years until his passing. He is interred at the National Cemetery in Los Angeles. He will be missed.