Kenneth ‘Don’ Willhite, 90, Festus

Kenneth “Don” Willhite, 90, of Festus died May 8, 2023, at Crystal Oaks Nursing Center in Festus. Mr. Willhite served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and served aboard the USS Philippine Sea. He earned a master’s degree from Western State College in Gunnison, Colo., and he retired from the Festus R-6 Schools where he taught fifth grade and was a counselor at the junior high. He was a member of Elks Lodge 1721, the Mississippi River Eagles Lodge and the Festus-Crystal City Conservation Club. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing and playing pool. Born Aug. 13, 1932, in Fraser, Colo., he was the son of the late Hattie (Clark) and Joseph Willhite.

He is survived by his wife: Donna (Buehler) Willhite; two daughters: Kelly Willhite of south St. Louis County and Jill (Julia Showmaker) Willhite of Festus; a sister-in-law: Babe Elizabeth (the late Butch) Pratt of Festus; his grand-dog: Moose; and many other family members.

He was preceded in death by nine siblings: Estelle Smith, Alma Arnold-Chisenhall, Thelma “Irene” Pyatt, Theodore “Ted” (Darlene survives of Hayden, Idaho) Willhite, James “Corky” Willhite, William “Bud” Willhite, Alvin Willhite, Virgil Willhite and Arthur Willhite.

Mr. Willhite gifted his remains to the Washington University School of Medicine. A memorial service with full military honors will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 19, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 221 Brierton Lane, in Festus, officiated by the Rev. Kyle Castens. Memorials may be made to the Festus-Crystal City Conservation Club Scholarship Fund or the Plattin Rock Boat Club, P.O. Box 262, Festus, 63028. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus.