Dr. Joy Eugene Whitener was born February 8, 1919 on a farm near Marquand, Missouri to Lester and Norma Whitener and passed away on February 7, 2014 at Columbia, Missouri at the age of 94 years.
Throughout his life education was at the center. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree at Southeast Missouri State in 1942, a Master's degree in school administration at the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1952, and his doctorate at Washington University in St. Louis in 1965.

Joy's pursuit of education was paralleled by the progression of his career. He began as a teacher in one-room rural schools located in Madison County, Missouri. From 1940-1942, his was elementary principal in his hometown of Marquand followed by a year as principal in Chaffee, Missouri.

He became a commissioned officer in the Navy during World War II. After the war, he served as Superintendent of Schools in Marquand, Missouri; Alton, Missouri; Louisiana, Missouri; and Kewanee, Illinois; and as an assistant superintendent in Webster Groves, Missouri.

In 1965, he accepted the position of Professor of Education and Dean of the Evening College at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Upon retirement, he became professor emeritus and, in 1990, was awarded the university system's coveted Thomas Jefferson Award, which recognizes individuals who "rise above excellence and demonstrates clear distinction."

He is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years, Jean Lee Whitener, and two children: Joy "Doc" Jr. ( Mary) Whitener, and Judy (Richard) Rush; and a brother, Don Harold, Survivors also include 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Joy was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Don R. Whitener, brothers Milford, Ray, Floyd, and Gerald; his sister, Mildred; and his grandson, Tom.

At various times in his life, Joy
was active in the Masons, Rotary, Sons of the American Revolution, and was a long-standing member of the Methodist Church.

Visitation; 5:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. Friday, February 14, 2014 at the Follis and Sons Funeral Home

Funeral Services; 1030 A.M. Saturday, February 15, 2014 at the Marquand Methodist Church

Officiating; Pastor Pamela Ekey

Interment; Whitener Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Joy E. Whitener Scholarship Fund/University of Missouri – St. Louis/ University Advancement/ 1 University Blvd / 107 Woods Hall/ St. Louis, MO 63121, or the Joy & Jean Whitener Scholarship Fund/ Marquand – Zion School District in care of Great Southern Bank, Fredericktown, MO, or a charity of the donor's choice.