[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 153 (Thursday, September 28, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1852]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  NOTING THE PASSING OF ELMER J. WHITING, JR., FIRST BLACK CPA IN OHIO

                                 ______


                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 27, 1995

  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I am saddened to report the recent death of 
Elmer J. Whiting, Jr., a respected member of the Cleveland community. 
Mr. Whiting passed away on September 15, 1995, at the age of 72. I join 
his colleagues, family, and friends in mourning the passing of this 
distinguished individual. I rise today to share with my colleagues some 
biographical information regarding Elmer J. Whiting.
  Elmer Whiting, Jr., was a graduate of John Adams High School and 
Howard University. He received from Case Western University a masters 
degree in business administration, and later earned a law degree from 
Cleveland-Marshall School of Law. During his lifetime, Elmer Whiting, 
Jr., achieved a number of important firsts. He made history in 1950 
when he became the first black certified public accountant in the State 
of Ohio.
  In 1971, Elmer Whiting earned another first, by becoming the first 
African-American to be named a partner when he merged his practice with 
Ernst & Ernest. He was an individual who was admired by his colleagues 
throughout the Cleveland business community. During his career, he was 
elected to the presidency of the American Association of Attorneys-
CPAS.
  In addition to is professional career, Mr. Whiting maintained an 
outstanding record of service to civic organizations throughout the 
greater Cleveland area. He was the longest standing trustee and 
treasurer of the Eliza Bryant Center. Mr. Whiting also served on the 
boards of the Cleveland Playhouse, Karamu House, American Institute of 
Certified Public Accounts, and Blacks in Management, just to name a 
few.
  Mr. Speaker, I first met Elmer J. Whiting, Jr., when we were both 
students at Cleveland Marshall Law School. He was 2 years behind me and 
attended classes with my brother, Carl. Elmer and I got to know one 
another and became good friends. He was an individual whom I greatly 
admired and respected. I recall that everyone was very proud of Elmer 
when he became the State's first black certified public accountant. I 
also recall that both Elmer and his wife, Carmel, were active in Carl's 
first campaign for mayor of Cleveland.
  Shortly after coming to Congress, I had occasion to work with Elmer 
and the trustees at the Eliza Bryant Center. I supported their efforts 
to obtain additional funding to expand the facility. This facility was 
a real work of love for Elmer, and he devoted many hours to its 
operation.
  Mr. Speaker, the passing of Elmer J. Whiting, Jr., brings to a close 
a life committee to serving others. Those of us who had the privilege 
of knowing Elmer will always remember him as a pioneer and champion. I 
take this opportunity to extend my deepest sympathy to Carmel. I also 
extend my sympathy to Elmer's sons, Elmer J. III; David; Steven; and 
other members of the Whiting family. We hope that they will find 
comfort in knowing that our prayers are with them during this difficult 
period, and that others share their loss.

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