Franklin Joel Whiting was born September 24, 1920 in Harrison County, Missouri to Vadna Louise Peek and Benjamin Franklin Whiting. Joe’s father was a telegraph operator for the railroad. Joe had four siblings and spent most of his school years in Saint Clair County, Missouri where he attended and graduated from Osceola Missouri High School. Joe’s father owned a skating rink in Vista, Missouri and Joe recounted many fond memories of his time working in the skating rink with his siblings.
He moved to Kansas City after graduating from high school and went to work for Manor Bakery. It was there that he met his wife of 69 years Marjorie Ellen Boulware. They were married in April of 1947. Joe and Marge had two daughters Katherine Sue and Debra Jo. Joe and his brother Bob owned and operated Empire Oil Company on Forty Highway in Independence, Missouri.
Joe and Marge retired to Osceola in 1976 where they lived for 38 years. Joe and Marge owned and operated the Western Auto Store in Osceola, Missouri for several years after they moved to Osceola.
He enjoyed living in his childhood community of Osceola after he retired. He was able to hunt, fish, garden and reconnect with friends and family in the area. Joe’s gardens were always abundant producers of good things to eat. Joe was a member of the Vista Methodist Church, NRA, and a 50 year member of the Swope Park Masonic Lodge of Kansas City, Missouri.
Joe and and Marge lived in their home on highway T until November of 2014 when ill health forced them to move to assisted living in Springfield, Missouri. Joe’s health continued to decline and in January of 2016 h moved to Quail Creek Skilled Nursing Facility where he passed away July 16, 2016.
He was preceded in death by his wife Marjorie; brother, Robert Whiting and his sister Maxine Foote.
He leaves behind two daughters, Katherine Lewman of Blue Springs, Missouri and Debra Cates of Fair Grove, Missouri; 3 grandchildren Lyndsey Dunn of Overland Park, Kansas, Jeremiah Bridges of Marshfield, Missouri and Lizabeth White of Lee’s Summit, MO; 6 great grandchildren, Thomas Dunn, Nicholas Dunn, Joseph Dunn, Caroline Dunn, Gabrian Bridges and Sirion Bridges.
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