Junior Lee Whitworth, Jr.

Junior Whitworth, 74, of Worthington, MO, passed away at his home, surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, August 14, 2018, after a brief battle with cancer.

Junior Lee Whitworth, Jr., was born in Worthington, MO, on November 26, 1943, the son of Junior Lee and Fern (Schoonover) Whitworth. His father was killed in action on May 7, 1943, five months before Junior was born. At the age of 14 months, Junior’s mother married Lloyd “Bud” Colton who raised Junior and was a profound influence on his life. Junior graduated from high school in Greentop, Mo, in 1962 and married Judith Cooper in Greentop on October 4, 1963. Three children were born to this union. Junior bought his grandparents farm in Worthington in July of 1970 and moved there from Greentop. He raised his family there. Junior started Worthington Ag Service in 1979 and owned it until 2015 when he sold out to Helena Corp.

Junior had a winning personality. He prided himself on keeping his word, even when it hurt. He appreciated his customers and many became close friends. Junior was involved in the agri-business, row crop farming, livestock and trucking and enjoyed running heavy equipment, which suited him fine as he was a very hard worker. He was a wonderful family man and above all else enjoyed spending time with his family. Junior loved his family immensely and that love increased with the arrival of his grandchildren. He also enjoyed spending time with friends who loved hearing his stories. Junior was baptized in 1974 in Wildcat Creek and was a member of Worthington Baptist Church.

Junior is survived by his wife Judy of the home and son Scott (Gayla) Whitworth and daughter Wendy (Allen) Tipton, both of Unionville, MO. Junior’s five grandchildren are Colton Whitworth, Chloe Tipton, Jaxon Whitworth, Claire Tipton, and Ransem Tipton.

Junior was preceded in death by his parents and step-father and by a daughter, Kelly Jae Whitworth, as well as paternal grandparents, O.D. and Olive Whitworth and maternal grandparents, Victor and Ethel Schoonover.

Funeral services for Junior Whitworth will be at Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO, at 1:00 pm, Saturday August 18, 2018 with visitation from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Friday, August 17, Interment will be at the family cemetery on the family farm.

Memorials are suggested to the Worthington Baptist Church or Hospice of Northeast Missouri and may be entrusted with Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.