September 29, 1940 - February 4, 2024
He was preceded in death by father Brigadier General Hugh Whitt and mother Annie Jewel Burnett Whitt and beloved wife Susan Brailey. Hugh, Professor Emeritus of Sociology at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln was born in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas into a military family. During World War !! his father was a general in the Army Air Corps and was an integral part in the transition of the Air Corps to the United States Air Force. In 1944, while stationed at Fort Crook, the families of the officers were housed at the Blackstone Hotel. It was then that Hugh contracted polio. His parents supported and urged him to “use the abilities you have.” He credits his mother and her strength in guiding him in his recovery.
Hugh was always an outstanding student and eventually earned AB from Princeton University, MA and PhD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Professionally, he was a member of the Board of directors Lincoln-Lancaster Pre-Trial Division Program, 1978. Member American Sociological Association, American Society Criminology, Society for Scientific Study of Religion, Southern Sociological Society, and Midwest Sociological Society. Hugh and his wife Susan shared an interest in travel, collections, and a great love for Beagle's, especially Hugh’s favorite rescue Sadie. He was also a great master of sabermetrics, the analysis of baseball statistics that measure in-game activity. That love for analysis and behavior also fed his love of criminal mysteries, especially those that were based on Sherlock Holmes.
Hugh is survived by numerous cousins and many professional colleagues and friends.
A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 10:00am at First Central Congregational Church, 421 South 36 Street, Omaha, NE.
Braman Mortuary & Cremation Services / 1702 N. 72 St. Omaha, NE 68114 / 402-391-2171
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