Theodore E. Willmarth

Theodore Emory Willmarth born May 17, 1906 in Detroit Michigan passed away Wednesday March 9, 2005 in Harriman, Tennessee. Preceded in death by his parents George W. and Maude Willmarth. Graduated in 1930 from Michigan State College. Captain of unbeaten cross country team in Central Collegiate Conference 1929 and receive six major varsity letters. During the Great Depression he worked for the City of Detroit Dept. of Public Works, Recreation, Welfare, and Tax Dept. Interviewed at Minneapolis for duty on the secret Manhattan Project in New York. There he established microscopy and photographic laboratory for studies of materials, items, and products essential to nuclear research at Columbia University in New York. Assisted in closing down New York phase of Manhattan Project then hired by Union Carbide to establish an optical and electron microscope facility at Oak Ridge. With a group of amateur photographers he started the original Oak Ridge Camera Club and became the president of the same. Active participant in Oak Ridge hobby festivals and Knox County Fair. Served on the Kingston Sanitary Committee and the Public Works Commission. Served as officer and coach of the Roane County Bowling Association. Helped organize and became charter member of the Southeastern, Appalachian, and Alabama Electron Microscopy Sociaties. Member of Oak Ridge Miniature Society, Member emeritus of the Microscopy Society of America, the Appalachian and Southeastern Microscopy Socities. In 1955 the Appalachian Regional Microscopy Society established and award in his name The Willmarth Research Award for excellency in the use of microscopy for scientific research. Survivors wife Phyllis L. Willmarth. Children Sandra Lee Willmarth. Barbara Jean Higdon. Richard Viner Willmarth. Grandchildren Mike Higdon and Pamela Clark. Great Grandchildren, M. Logan Higdon, Brittany Clark, Megan Higdon, and Mason Higdon. Memorial service 2pm Saturday March 12, 2005 in the Kyker Chapel with Patricia Harvey officiating. The family suggest memorial donations to the Bethel Presbyterian Church 203 South Kentucky St. Kingston TN 37763 or the Kingston City Library 1004 Bradford Way Kingston TN 37763. Kyker Funeral Home Kingston in charge of arrangements