Alvin Whisenhunt

Alvin (Cotton) Whisenhunt, known by many as Al the Barber, age 79, of Plymouth, died Saturday afternoon at the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital, Wilkes-Barre, due to complications of severe COPD. He was surrounded by his loving family until the end.

He and his twin, Calvin, were born on New Year's Day, 1934 in Texanna, Okla., a son of the late Garrison and Etta Thompson Whisenhunt. His twin died as an infant. He later moved to Eufala, Okla., with his family and attended the Eufala public schools. Al met his wife of 53 years, the former Elizabeth (Libby) Reese, as pen pals when he was 17 and she was 13. They were married on June 27, 1959.

Al had been a barber in Plymouth for more than 49 years before retiring in December of 2011. He loved his job and appreciated the time he spent with his customers, many of whom he was happy to call his friends.

He loved country music, was an avid Oklahoma Sooners fan, enjoyed fishing and attending sporting events – including horse racing at Pocono Downs and boxing matches. He loved animals and was blessed to be able to care for several dogs and cats over his lifetime. In his later years, he loved to read Westerns, solve word searches and visit with friends and family.

He was a member of the First Welsh Baptist Church of Plymouth.

He was preceded in death by brothers, Howard, Hubert, Jack, and sisters, Dorothy and Mary.

In addition to his wife, Libby, Al is survived by a son, John G., of Telford, Pa.; and a daughter, Janice L. Zimmer, and her husband, Gerry, of Red Lion, Pa.; a brother, Grady, Mustang, Okla.; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. from the William A. Reese Funeral Chapel, rear 56 Gaylord Ave., Plymouth, with Rev. Anita J. Ambrose officiating.

Interment will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery, Wilkes-Barre.

Friends may call Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the SPCA of Luzerne County, 524 E. Main St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.

Published in Times Leader on March 17, 2013