Beloved local pastor and long-time Sandlake resident, Linton J. Whittles, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, September 9th, 2025.
Linton Jonathan Whittles was born May 16, 1943 in Bridgeport, Ct. to Ray and Harriet (Carley) Whittles, and passed into glory September 9, 2025, surrounded by his family in Sandlake, Oregon. He was 82.
Linton graduated from high school in Bridgeport and then attended Baylor University in Waco, TX, completing a BA in Biblical Studies.
After graduating from university, he became an officer in the Marine Corps. He served as an artillery officer and forward observer in Vietnam. Linton married his wife Wynne, in June of 1967.
After leaving the Marine Corps, Linton and Wynne used their last military move and shipped all their belongings to Tillamook, OR, “sight unseen” at the behest of a Marine Corps buddy. In the 1970s, they purchased the former Sandlake Creamery Company property, and made it into their home. Some of Linton’s first jobs included helping to build and manage the chum salmon hatchery in Sandlake. He also had a small business cutting lumber with several different sawmills.
For many years, Linton was a chaplain for the Tillamook County Sheriff’s Department and also the Nestucca Fire Department. He enjoyed participating in the annual ‘Blessing of the Fleet’ ceremony for the Pacific City Dorymen, and he was a beloved and faithful pastor for 50+ years; first in Oretown, then at Blaine Community Church. It was the utmost priority in his life to share the good news of Jesus Christ and he loved every opportunity he had to do so.
Linton had many unique hobbies. He was interested in many things and had a great love of learning! He was a falconer; caring for many birds of prey. He enjoyed the entire process of trapping, training, and hunting with various hawks and falcons. He loved pistol/target shooting, tree climbing, diving, bowhunting, hang-gliding, duck hunting, razor clamming, and all kinds of fishing especially in the marsh. Lastly, and loved most deeply, was his life-long studies of the Scriptures.
Linton is survived by his wife Wynne Whittles of Sandlake, OR.; their son Jonathan Whittles of Sandlake, OR., and daughter Amy Block of Lansing, MI.; 10 grandchildren: Kali Villarreal of Lansing, MI., Torin Lowdell of Redmond, OR., Hunter Block of Cincinnati, OH., Rebekah Jerschina of Sandlake, OR., Jordan Whittles of Orlando, FL., Nolin Lowdell of Fresno, CA., Dawson Block of Grand Rapids, MI., Rachel Whittles of Bozeman, MT., Weston Block of Grand Rapids, MI., Jacob Whittles of Bozeman, MT.; and 8 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Samaritan’s Purse – Disaster Relief: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/nam/#volunteer-now
Events
Celebration of Life
Saturday, September 20, 2025
1:00PM
Nestucca Valley K-8 School
36925 U.S. 101 S
Cloverdale, OR 97112
All are welcome. For those unable to attend in-person, please email thewhittlesfam@gmail.com for information about the live-stream.