Services under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel (816-657-4400). Memorial contributions may be made to the Drexel VFW. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.
Phil Blair Willhoite at the age of 87 of Junction City, Kansas passed away on July 13, 2020 at Kansas Soldiers Home in Dodge City, Kansas. He was born September 23, 1932 in Mount Sterling, Illinois, the youngest son of Wayne and Laure (Batsell) Willhoite. Phil gradutated from Drexel High School and went on to college at Missouri Valley prior to enlisting in the United States Navy. He was stationed in Sacramento, California from 1952-1954 where he served in Naval Intelligence. Phil received a ribbon for his service in National Defense. Phil sought employment with different implement dealers in sales before becoming the owner of Buick and GMC trucks and a John Deere dealership in Junction City, KS where he retired in 2006.
Phil was preceded in death by parents W.L. Willhoite and Laure Willhoite. Including one sister Clara Lou Cooper and three brothers, Wilbur, Gordon, and David. Two daughters survive him Rhonda (Jerry) Ryan of Salina, Kansas, Robin of Westminster, Colorado, and one son Kirt of Milford, Kansas. As well as two grandsons, Jeremy (Jessica) Ryan D.C. of Salina, Kansas, and Matthew (Melissa) Ryan of Edgewater, Colorado, two great-grandchildren, Tanner and Mazie Ryan of Salina, Kansas, along with numerous nephews and nieces.
Vera Evelyn Jackson Willhoite at the age of 83 of Junction City, Kansas passed away on December 14, 2010 at Kansas Soldiers Home in Dodge City, Kansas. Evelyn was born on January 25, 1937 in Elkland, Missouri the daughter of Silas and Mable (Arnold) Jackson. She received a GED equivalent in Drexel, Missouri where she attended Drexel High School prior to her marriage. Evelyn taught bible school in Drexel, Missouri and worked in Kansas City, employed by Sears and Roebucks while raising two daughters. Evelyn served as President of a local sorority and as secretary of the Republican Party for the state of Kansas in Junction City, Kansas. She exceeded in her talents of sewing, arts and crafts, cooking, gardening, and interior design.
Evelyn was preceded in death by parents Silas and Mable Jackson, and one brother Arnold Wayne Jackson. Survivors include one brother Glen, and one sister Nadine (Jackson) Smothers. She leaves behind three children, Rhonda (Jerry) Ryan of Salina, Kansas, Robin Willhoite of Westminster, Colorado, and one son Kurt of Milford, Kansas. As well as two grandsons, Jeremy (Jessica) Ryan D.C. of Salina, Kansas, and Matthew (Melissa) Ryan of Edgewater, Colorado, two great-grandchildren Tanner and Mazie Ryan of Salina, Kansas, along with numerous nephews and nieces.
Phil and Evelyn were married September 14, 1952 in Sacramento, California at the Baptist Church. Best man was Mervin Aurand and matron of honor Dorothy Aurand, lifelong friends!
Please join the family in celebrating the lives of Phil and Evelyn for an ice cream social at the Christian Church in Drexel, Missouri following the grave site internment. The address is 211 E Pine St, Drexel, Missouri 64742.
