Gilman City, MO: Billy Keith “Bill” Whitten, 75, Gilman City, MO passed into the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ on Friday, August 24, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born May 2, 1943 in Trenton, Missouri the son of Aaron Arthur and Willa Marguerite (Tourney) Whitten. Bill grew up in Gilman City and Trenton, Missouri which he enjoyed with fond memories. He enlisted into the United States Army on July 21, 1963. After serving his country, he returned home meeting his future wife, Barbara, and was married on December 16, 1966 in Kansas City, Missouri. From their union 4 children were born. In February 1968, a son was born, Brian Keith Whitten; a daughter, Julie Ann Whitten, on October 14, 1969; a daughter, Jeanna Lea Whitten, on October 30 1970 and a daughter, Sarah Jill Whitten on January 21, 1976.
Bill learned to play the guitar when he was in the service and always loved to sing. He and Barbara sang together almost always. Bill became a barber and moved to Gilman in 1970 where he barbered for 50 years. In 1986, he became a deacon of the First Baptist Church of Gilman City. Bill also had several different jobs over the years working for Justrite Dairy delivering milk, Modene Manufacturing, Home Exchange Bank of Jamesport and Gilman City as a loan officer and teller, American Family Insurance as an agent, Cameron Corrections as a security officer, W. W. Grainger as an officer where he retired and owner of Gilman City Grocery Store. Bill always had two or three jobs to provide for his family. He had a love for Gilman City and always wanted Gilman City to have the pride it once had. Bill was also a songwriter. He was always a loving son, brother, brother-in-law, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend to everyone. He never preached to others but hoped his life was a reflection of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Robert V. White; sister, Bonita Siercks; half-brother, Donald White and half-sister, Lucinda White.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara Joy Whitten, of the home; son Brian Keith (Michelle) Whitten, St. Peters, MO; daughters, Julie (Charlie) Ramsbottom, Maysville, MO, Jeanna (Jeff) Bridgman, St. Joseph, MO and Jill (Brian) Ward, Pattonsburg, MO; 15 grandchildren, Kelsey (Alan) Stratton, Kyler (Melissa) Edwards, Miranda, Gabriel and Mya Whitten, Emma Ramsbottom, Jeffrey (Hannah) Bridgman, Joseph (Becca) Bridgman. Brampton (Sarah) Bridgman, Hannah (Tyler) Pierson, Caleb and Sarah Bridgman and Maggie, Molly and Thane Ward; 5 great-grandchildren, Chloe Stratton, Emily Edwards and Elsie, Parker and Kesed Bridgman; brother, Dale “Bud” (Beverly) Whitten, Holt, MO; sister, Barbara Kirk, Independence, MO; brother-in-law, Tom Kirk; half-sisters, Linda (Jim) Jason, Lacon, IL, Cheryl McIntire, Independence, MO and Rebecca Lorance, Jacksonville, AR and several nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 29 at the First Baptist Church, Gilman City, MO under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, MO. Burial with Military Rites will follow in the Masonic Cemetery, Gilman City, MO. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the church. Memorials may be made to the Gilman City Masonic Cemetery in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Bethany, MO 64424. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.