June Brice Willhite

June Brice Willhite was born June 2, 1934, at Hymer, Kansas. He was the son of Desmond Robert and Lena Mae (Blackburn) Willhite. June has been a rural Franklin County, Kansas resident since 1936, moving to Ottawa in 1962, where he made his home until his death Sunday, July 21, 2002, at the age of sixty-eight years. He attended rural grade schools and graduated from Ottawa High School with the class of 1952. June worked thirty-eight years, from 1964 until the present, as a machinist for Ottawa Truck in Ottawa. He was a member of Aerie Lodge #2700, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Ottawa, and Ottawa Bowling Association. He was an active person who enjoyed bowling, fishing, golfing and playing tennis with his many friends. He also enjoyed playing cards. June was a loving husband and father who greatly enjoyed spending time with his family. On January 26, 1957, June was united in marriage with Mattie Lee West at Ottawa, Kansas. She survives of their home. He is also survived by two daughters, Brenda S. Yohe, of Ottawa, Lori A. Hays, of Ottawa; son, James B. Willhite, of the home; two brothers, Glenn Willhite, of Wellsville, Lynn Willhite, of Ottawa; eleven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two sisters-in-law, Maxine Willhite, of Ottawa, Karen Poggemeyer, of Ogden, Utah. He is preceded in death by his parents; son, David R. Willhite; two brothers, Dale Willhite, Merle Willhite; grandson, Joshua Hays; two granddaughters, Holley Lambert, Kassey Hays; and father and mother-in-law, Lewis Boyd and Nina Lee (Sharp) West. SERVICES: Memorial services will be held from First Baptist Church, Ottawa, 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 25, 2002. OFFICIATING CLERGY: Rev. Herman Van Arsdale. IN STATE: Mr. Willhite has been cremated. The family will meet with friends from 7 to 8:00 Wednesday evening at Dengel & Son Mortuary. CEMETERY: Hope Cemetery, Ottawa. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials to Franklin County Cancer Foundation or Midland Hospice, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.