Gary Eugene Whitener was born October 19, 1935 to Floyd & Dorothy Whitener of Marquand, Missouri.  His family also included a younger brother, Larry and a younger sister, Susan.  Gary graduated from Marquand-Zion High School in 1953.  He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1954 – 1956.

On October 19, 1957, Gary married the love of his life, Nancy Ann Nichols.  In 1960, Nancy and Gary's first child was born, a daughter Laura Ann.  In 1964, daughter Lana Sue was born followed by son, Kerry Eugene completing the family in 1966.

Gary applied and was accepted to the Missouri State Highway Patrol in 1960.  After graduating from the Patrol Academy in 1961, Gary started his career at Troop D in Springfield, Missouri.  A long successful career in the MSHP led to promotions of Sergeant at Troop D, Lieutenant at Troop E in Poplar Bluff, Captain at Troop I in Rolla and then Major at GHQ in Jefferson City, Missouri.  Gary retired from the MSHP in 1993 after 32 years of distinguished service.

Gary is survived by his wife of 61 years, Nancy Whitener; his daughter Laura (Steve) Jamrozy of Washington D.C.; his daughter Lana (Brant) Deason of Lee's Summit, MO; and his son Kerry (Kim) Whitener of Rogersville, MO.  Gary & Nancy were blessed with six grandchildren – Katie Jamrozy, Emily Deason, Rachel Jamrozy,  Keegan Whitener and step grandsons, Nick Hurshman and Nathan Hurshman.

Additional survivors include his brother Larry (Sandra) Whitener and sister Susan (Doug) Settle; niece Andrea Whitener; nephews Rodney Whitener, Wes Settle and Brandon Settle; many great nieces, nephews, cousins and his Uncle Tuck Homan, his life long buddy.  He was preceded in death by his parents Floyd & Dorothy Whitener.

Gary was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan and because of this, red was his favorite color.  He could tell you large amounts of St. Louis Cardinals baseball facts.  He was also a coin collector.  His family believes there is a penny shortage in the United States due to his extensive penny collection.

Gary passed away on July 10, 2019 at the age of 83.  Thank you to the caregivers of Centerpoint Medical Center and Crossroads Hospice for the love and care given to Gary.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Whitener Cemetery               OR                   The MASTERS

C/O Susan Settle                                            5287 Hwy 67 North

P.O. Box 238                                                  Poplar Bluff, MO  63901

Marquand, MO                                               or www.themastersmo.org

Click Membership/Donations