Ben Whited

Ben Eugene Whited, 84 of Higginsville, Missouri passed away on Monday, April 3, 2023, after a brief and difficult battle with mesothelioma. He was born July 11, 1938 in a farm house located in Burlington Junction, Nodaway County Missouri, to the late Cecil Whited and the late Ruby (Poe) Whited. He was a Christian and believer in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, faithfully reading the bible and baptized in 1985. He was also a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge. He was a 1957 Class President, “H” Club Vice President, Honorable Mention All-Conference Football, and graduated from Higginsville High School. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Army Reserves and served his country proudly until 1963. Ben started his adult work career in February 1963 as a proud pipefitter in Local Union 533, retiring in 2000. He paved the way for both his son Aaron (Tony), and grandson Garrett, both members of Local Union 533. Ben was a feisty, intelligent and ambitious man, always pursuing a project or venture. He was an auctioneer and certified land appraiser. Ben also owned and operated a farm raising and selling hogs. He was an avid gardener, loved hunting, fishing, trapping and collecting arrowheads. He was very talented making handcrafted bow and arrows. He remained active and industrious up to his cancer diagnosis. Ben left a huge footprint on numerous lives, and will never be forgotten. Surviving are his beloved twenty year companion, Katherine Keaton of Higginsville; two sons, Tony (Sherlyn) Whited of Leawood, KS and Michael Whited of Columbia, MO; one daughter, Monica Whited of Warrensburg, MO; four grandchildren, Garrett (Brianna) Whited of Warrensburg, Heather (Bryce) McMillin of Warrensburg, Matthew and Mark Harbaugh of Olathe, KS; and two great-grandsons. He is also survived by Marjorie Joan Whited, his former wife and mother of their children. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Carl and Lester Whited. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 7, 2023 at the Higginsville City Cemetery with Pastor Ed Pearson, longtime friend and classmate, officiating. Casket bearers will be his sons and grandsons.

Ben Whited

July 11, 1938 - April 3, 2023