Rex Marion Whitton, Jr.

Rex Marion Whitton, Jr., left this earthly life on Wednesday, September 6, 2017. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm, Saturday, September 16th at John Knox Presbyterian Kirk, 11430 Wornall Rd, KCMO, followed by a Celebration of Life from 2:00-4:00pm at Kingswood Manor, 10000 Wornall Rd, KCMO. The family suggests memorial contributions to KUEA-Parkinsons P. D., c/o Dr. Kelly Lyons, KUMC Neurology, 3599 Rainbow Blvd, MS 3042, KCKS 66160 or John Knox Presbyterian Kirk. Condolences may be expressed at www.MuehlebachChapel.com.The ravages of Parkinsons disease are over. He was born on April 19, 1931, to Rex Whitton and Callie Maud Lowe Whitton, in Jefferson City, Missouri. He lived an idyllic early life. An only child, he found close companions in the many neighborhood children a group who became his beloved "Lee Street Gang." As he grew older, his life centered around Scouting and being on the high-school swim team. He earned his Eagle Scout award and also became a Sea Scout, which provided adventure at the Lake of the Ozarks. He loved a summer spent at Philmont Scout Camp in New Mexico. Toward the end of high school, he began to plan for his college education at the University of Missouri School of Engineering. He was very honored to receive an NROTC scholarship in the U.S. Navy. During those college years, he received many awards, and he was very proud to be tapped for QEBH, an honor society for the top ten senior students. He also enjoyed his days in his fraternity, Beta Theta Pi. But, he wrote in his personal diaries, "My greatest honor was when Doris agreed to marry me." In 1953, Rex married Doris Butler, who would be his beloved wife and best companion for 64 years. Their marriage was the joy of his life. As a young married couple, they enjoyed spending their days with many other Navy friends based in San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Coronado, California.He went on to a career with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, a rewarding 25 years spent in managerial positions all over the state of Missouri. During this time, Rex and Doris made many wonderful lifelong friends. They were also blessed with a family of three children, Rex M. Whitton III, Julie Whitton Weedman (Charles), and Katie Whitton Finkle (Greg), and seven grandchildren, Rex M. Whitton IV, Ryan Whitton, Ross Whitton, Callie Troutman, Claire Finkle, Meredith Weedman, and Spencer Weedman (who preceded Rex in death). Rex was an active member in his church, John Knox Presbyterian Kirk, for many, many years. He especially loved singing in the choir. His retirement years were spent traveling with Doris and playing golf all around the world. He enjoyed participating in various community-service organizations and cherished in particular his work with Habitat for Humanity. Rex was a true gentleman, and we will all miss his quick wit, warm smile, and gentle, loving spirit. "When it is dark enough, you can see the stars." Ralph Waldo Emerson


SERVICES Memorial Service
Saturday, September 16, 2017 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
John Knox Presbyterian Kirk 11430 Wornall Road Kansas City, Missouri 64114
Celebration of Life
Saturday, September 16, 2017 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Kingswood Retirement Complex 10000 Wornall Road Kansas City, MO 64114