Carl Robert (Bob) Whiting, 90, was born to Benjamin Franklin and Vadne Louise (Peek) Whiting on October 19, 1924, one of five children: Maxine, Joe, Bob, Marilyn and Dixie. Born in Robertsville, Ohio, Bob spent his young life in Vista, MO, and graduated from Osceola High School in 1942. He passed away November 12, 2014 at Golden Valley Hospital in Clinton, MO.
He was a member of the Clinton United Methodist Church, the Weslaco Texas Elks (#2057) and was a 50 year Mason belonging to St Clair #273 AF & AM, Osceola, MO.
As a young man he was united in marriage to Audrey Elizabeth Gover. To this marriage one child, Karla Joy was born. After the death of his wife and infant daughter he was united in marriage to Myra Glynn Hawley. To this marriage two children Robert Kevin and Janet Kay were born. Following Myra’s death, Bob was united in marriage to Joann Mouse Wilson on February 19, 1982.
He began his career at a young age mowing the Osceola Catholic Cemetery for 5 cents an hour. This included a round trip from Vista pushing the lawn mower both directions up-hill. His family owned several skating rinks, where he was a member of the racing and hockey teams. At 17, he moved to Kansas City. He said, “I left Osceola the day I graduated.” In Kansas City, he first worked for Montgomery Ward, spending most of his money on clothes. He worked various odd jobs prior to entering the petroleum business. Bob worked for Skelley and Champlin Oil Companies before he and his brother purchased Empire Oil. They owned and managed 27 stations in the Kansas City Metropolitan area until retirement.
He was preceded in death by Audrey, Karla Joy, and Myra, his parents, and oldest sister Maxine.
Bob’s wonderful family includes: his wife Joann, son Kevin Whiting, daughter Janet Hanshew , stepson Barry Wilson and wife Gayle, stepdaughter Cindy Wilson, grandchildren Aaron, Alex, Shane, Kyla, Ethan, and Aric, brother Joe Whiting and wife Marge, sisters Marilyn Zink and Dixie Martin, his best buddy Sammy, and many other relatives and friends.
Bob never lost his optimism. He loved puppy dogs, cats, and little babies.
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