Hugh Tyler McWhorter was born on December 6, 1914 in Elkton, South Dakota the son of Leon and Frances (Schweikert) McWhorter. He graduated from St. Mary's High School in Elkton in 1932. Hugh was united in marriage to Avita Marie Bollig on May 1, 1939 in Comfrey. Mr. McWhorter joined the Civilian conservation Corps working throughout the Black Hills of South Dakota, including work on Mt. Rushmore National Monument. He was employed in the lumber business in Darfur, Minnesota, Onawa, Iowa, Ward and Elkton, South Dakota, retiring from Miltona Lumber Company in 1973. From 1974 to 1977 Hugh managed the Viking Motel and Restaurant in Alexandria. Mr. McWhorter was a member of the Catholic Order of Forresters, Miltona Volunteer Fire Department for 23 years, Miltona School Board member for eight years (assisting in the design of the Miltona Elementary school) and delivered "Meals on Wheels" for 13 years. Hugh died on Thursday, August 1, 1996 at the Douglas county Hospital. He is survived by his wife Avita; three daughters: Therese Linton of Washington, KY; Helen Zellmer of St. Paul; Patricia Harrison of Wadena; two sons: Hugh (Carl) McWhorter of Miltona; Paul McWhorter of Miltona; brother John McWhorter of Sleepy Eye; 18 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by an infant granddaughter, Stephanie Lynn McWhorter and parents. Parish Prayer Service was held on Monday, August 5, 1996, 7:30 p.m. with a Rosary following. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, August 6, 1996, 11 a.m. at St. Nicholas Catholic Church with Father Harold Barber and Father Jeff Ethen officiating. Honorary pallbearers were Jane Linton, Laurie Zellmer, Jeanne Zellmer, David Linton, Daniel Zellmer, Valerie Harrison, Debbie Stone, Matthew Stone and Andrew McWhorter. Pallbearers were Rob Linton, Greg McWhorter, Jim Harrison, Cory McWhorter, Michael Zellmer and Scott Zellmer. Interment was at St. Nicholas Cemetery in Belle River Township. Services were directed by Petermeier's Alexandria Funeral Home.
(Scho Press, 7 Aug. 1996)