Born 5 August 1929 in Myra TX to the Rev. Charles Stanford and Bessie Peay Wilhite, Wilhite graduated from Dallas High School and Hendrix College. He earned a masters of music from Southern Methodist University, a masters of sacred music from Union Theological Seminary (NYC), and a Ph.D. in musicology from the University of Iowa (1968). He did summer study at Boston College, Brown University, Eastman School of Music, the Royal School of Church Music (UK), and universities of Kansas, Michigan, and Vienna. He with wife Ann spent spring semesters in London (1972) and as a University of Kansas guest fellow (1983).
Among the "pioneers" rediscovering American music, the Wilhites found and performed American music for one piano, four hands. Wilhite's publications include entries in the New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians and New Grove Dictionary of American Music.
At Midland he taught music history, theory, organ, and piano. Always innovative and willing to expand his knowledge, which included learning from students, Wilhite as music department chair reorganized the curriculum to fit a comprehensive musicianship model and taught courses in the new fields of American and global music. He also taught in the interdisciplinary Odyssey program, was a freshman advisor, and headed Midland's first assessment council.
He was Midland's chapel organist and successively organist at Fremont's First Methodist, St. James Episcopal, and First Congregational churches. He served on the Nebraska Diocesan Liturgical Commission, the joint Episcopal/ELCA Leadership Program for Musicians in Small Parishes, and was among those trained to introduce the Lutheran Book of Worship.
An avid reader, Charles in later years was never without his Kindle. He enjoyed travel, hiking in the Rockies, cooking, wine tasting, word games, and opera.
Services are 2 p.m. Thursday February 8 at Sinai Lutheran Church, Fremont (950 E 8th ) with The Rev. Sarah Miller of St. James Episcopal officiating. Instead of flowers memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(10)
Gilbert Zimmerman, MD
Riverside, CA Monday, March 19, 2018 We have lost a good and gifted man. I offer my belated condolences to my cousin Ann. I've lost my own Maria in recent months. We can both reflect on the assurances of the approaching Easter.KARLA BENTON
FREMONT, NE Friday, February 9, 2018 Dr. Wilhite was my Odyssey professor that first year, I loved him! He was very down to earth. I am sorry for your loss. Peace be with you.Karla J. Benton
Eileen Thornburg
Fremon, NE Wednesday, February 7, 2018 Ann,Our sympathy at this time of loss. What fond memories I have being a Midland staff member while Charles was teaching. What a creative musician who loved his career.
May your memories and faith sustain you.
Eileen & Bob Thornburg
Virginia Snyder Shoberg
Fountain Hills, AZ Wednesday, February 7, 2018 How many many times I have smiled remembering the Midland organ class trips to concerts, workshops around Neb.; the hours spent working on the installation of the chapel organ; attending Ann & Charles wedding; loads of practicing for weekly organ lessons. What a great foundation set to continue organ/music studies @ University of Missouri Kansas City to earn a masters degree. Yes, I'm still playing and have loved every minute. Thank you Dr. Wilhite!!Tammy Sayers
Fremont, NE Wednesday, February 7, 2018 Ann I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Though I did not know Charles or you very long I loved both of you! Charles always had something nice to say to me and made me laugh other times. I have also enjoyed all of our talks and friendship. I know God will get you through this time of sorrow, but Charles is up in heaven directing all the music departments for the Lord!Love ya, Tammy Sayers
Scott Peterson
Yakima, WA Wednesday, February 7, 2018 Saddened to hear of the passing of Charles Wilhite. Our condolences to Ann and the Wilhite family. He was my first contact with a college professor in theory and history and he always wanted students to understand and appreciate the art. Later, he was always interested to hear what we were doing in music and how things were going professionally. I will miss seeing him at the Midland Choir Reunion in April. Rest in peace, Charles.Bill Rucker
Frederick, MD Tuesday, February 6, 2018 I remember Charles Wilhite fondly. I had him as a piano teacher in 1965. He always cared for the student and told the truth, he told me I should not play the piano, which was very true. I have often thought of him over the years, especially when I saw or heard a piano. RIP...Bill RuckerMary Teel
Fairbanks, AK Tuesday, February 6, 2018 Our sincere sympathy to Ann and all who mourn the loss of Charles. He was a wonderful man who made the most of the talents God gave him, using his gifts to serve others. May God bless you as you remember him.Rex Morris
Gilbert,, AZ Monday, February 5, 2018 Dr. Wilhite was an outstanding musician, teacher and scholar. I had the honor of studying piano under his guidance when I was first beginning. There are scores of former students who will greatly miss him.Rex Morris
Gilbert, Az.
Gregg Kupfer
Omaha, NE Monday, February 5, 2018 Giving campus tours with a stop in Dr. Wilhite's office was always a pleasure. Very kind man. Unbelievable that he and Jim Elsberry are gone. You were the Midland music department. Say hi to my brother Pud. Much love-Gregg Kupfer