Collis Dewitt Whaley was born in Opp, Alabama, on 05/11/1943. His father was in the USAF and the family spent time living in England as well as in several regions of the USA. Collis lost his parents Labor Day weekend, 1960, in an automobile accident that also took the life of his grandmother. He attended Mississippi College in Clinton, Ms. After various odd jobs in his early 20s, Collis attended ‘Computer School’ and became an accomplished programmer/analyst. He worked for the US Postal Office Warehouse in Topeka, KS, an oil company in Tulsa, OK, and retired from a communications company here in Kansas City. During this time, he attained a Bachelor Degree from Columbia College in Missouri. He was a member of Birchwood Baptist Church since 1991 (now Life Connection Church).
Collis married Joyce Anne O’Dell-Fernald on 01/21/1977. These two were best friends from the start and throughout 40 years of marriage, while raising three sons after Collis took on a ‘package deal’ when marrying JoyceAnne. Collis participated in activities with the boys; the local soccer club as a referee and leadership in the Awana Youth Association, as well as driving kids to many sports/school activities, and attending sports activities when the boys were playing. He was an active member in the National Model Railroad Association and he and JoyceAnne enjoyed attending several Model & Garden Railroad Conventions as well as many other travels. Collis was active in church activities wherever he lived.
Collis was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother. He is survived by his wife and best friend, JoyceAnne, three sons, seven grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. Being called, “Grandpa”, thrilled his heart.
Collis’ life will be celebrated Tuesday, May 30, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. at Life Connection Church, 3883 Blue Ridge Boulevard, Independence, MO. 64052. Memorial contributions may be made to Life Connection Church in his honor.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO 816-847-4441