Mr. David Lee Whitton, of Blue Springs, Missouri was born January 4, 1944 in Smithville, Missouri the son of Wilbur Wilson “Jake” Whitton and Pauline A. (Spencer) Whitton. He departed this life and went to be with the Lord on June 19, 2025 at the Independence Manor Care Center at the age of 81 years and 5 months.
He lived in Kansas City, Lee’s Summit, Grain Valley and Blue Springs at different stages of his life.
On December 31, 1966, David was united in marriage to Martha Janice (Goodhue) Whitton at National College Chapel in Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri. They lived together 58+ years in Kansas City, Lee’s Summit, Grain Valley and Blue Springs, Missouri.
David graduated from Lee’s Summit High School and enlisted in the United States Army thereafter. He served overseas in Korea, in Vietnam (TDY) and back home in Colorado. He served for a total of six (6) years active and inactive duty. He was very patriotic and had great pride in his service to the country. After receiving an honorable discharge he worked for the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant. He then started a thirty (30) plus year career at the Ford Kansas City Assembly Plant located in Claycomo, Missouri as an assembly line worker and tow driver.
He loved the outdoors, camping, deer hunting and catfishing. He was also a skilled woodworker. He built many items from scratch and stained/refinished furniture.
In the later part of his life, he began giving away wintergreen mints for free just to try and spread a little joy. He was known to some as the “mint man” or “candy man” for this kind gesture. He was outgoing and made friends easily and helped whom he could.
He was a faithful husband that provided and protected.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
David is survived by his wife, Martha Whitton of Blue Springs, Missouri; son, Steven Whitton (Kirstin) of Grain Valley, Missouri; grandchildren: Taylor Whitton and (fiancé Dr. Joshua Santoli) of Chicago, Illinois; Tyler Whitton (Ashton) of Grain Valley, Missouri; Trey Whitton of Grain Valley, Missouri; Tristin Whitton of Grain Valley, Missouri; great-grandchildren: Parker and Owen Whitton of Grain Valley, Missouri; his sister, Melody A. Wilson (Steve) of Blue Springs, Missouri, nephew, Brent Thompson of Kansas City, Missouri and niece, Stephanie Morris (Shane) of Grain Valley, Missouri.
The family will have a private memorial service.
David will be laid to rest on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Garden City Cemetery, Garden City, Missouri with full military honors and motorcycle escort (Warriors’ Watch Riders – Greater Kansas City Area).
The family suggest that memorial contributions be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) or Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
Obituary submitted by family
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64075 816-847-4441