Larry Whitener

FARMINGTON Larry J. Whitener of Farmington, Missouri passed away surrounded by his loving family at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis on October 20, 2017 at the age of 71. He was born on February 25, 1946 in Ironton, Missouri to the late C. J. Whitener and Mary Winifred (OBrien) Whitener.

Larry was a 1964 graduate of Fredericktown High School where he was an All American football player. On a football scholarship, he attended the University of Mississippi, "Ole Miss". While at Ole Miss, Larry was a member of Beta Theta Pi and began competing in Tae Kwon Do, receiving his first degree black belt. He quickly rose to success, competing at many national championships, including the World Wide Sports, and was recognized as one of the top heavy weight contenders. In 1969, Larry graduated from Ole Miss with a Bachelor of Arts in Business, but continued to support the martial arts through competition and instruction for over 30 years. In recognition of his service, dedication, and talent in the sport of Tae Kwon Do, he was bestowed an honorary eighth degree black belt by Master Jhoon Rhee and was admitted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame.

Larry was also a successful business man. He began his career as a purchasing agent for Trimfoot and went on to become a world importer/exporter in the shoe industry. His career took him many exciting places around the world, including India, Taiwan, Brazil, and China, to name a few. In 1989, Larry received a Certificate of Merit from the Chinese government in recognition of his service, contribution, and dedication to the development of the shoe industry in the Guangdong Province. Most recently, he managed his own medical supply company in Park Hills, Missouri helping many people in the surrounding area.

While Larry was a world traveler, he was still an active member in the local community. He was a long time member of the Arcadia Elks Club and served as a martial for the St. Francois Country Club. Throughout his life, Larry enjoyed coaching many basketball teams and especially enjoyed playing guitar in both gospel and contemporary church bands. He loved music and was a dedicated servant of music ministry for Memorial United Methodist Church and more recently, New Heights Church.

Among Larrys many accomplishments, he was most proud of his family. He is survived by the love of his life, Judy (Swink) Whitener, who he married on July 29, 1966; three treasured daughters, Debra (Mrs. Robert) Row, Angela (Mrs. Mark) Buckman and Elizabeth (Mrs. Aaron) Stegemller; ten adored grandchildren, Erika, Brittney, Garrett, Joshua, Madison, Joseph, Ruth, Adde, Jacob, and Lucy; and two cherished great-grandchildren, Carter and Abigail; his twin brother, Gary (Wanda) Whitener and his sister, Aurelia (Mrs. Jeffrey) Hartenberger. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, extended family and good friends. Larry was a generous, loving, and patient man who loved to kid around. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held Monday, October 23, 2017 from 5 - 8 p.m. at Cozean Memorial Chapel. Visitation will resume on Tuesday morning at 7 a.m. until the service beginning at 10 a. m. in the Cozean Chapel with Rev. Rocky Good officiating. Interment will follow at Libertyville Methodist Cemetery. Memorials, if desired, may be made to New Heights Church or the American Heart Association. View the tribute video and share your condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com

Visitation

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Monday, October 23, 2017 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, 63640 Directions Visitation Resumes

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Tuesday, October 24, 2017 07:00 AM - 10:00 AM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions Funeral Service

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Tuesday, October 24, 2017 10:00 AM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions Interment Service

Libertyville Methodist Cemetery

Tuesday, October 24, 2017 11:00 AM Libertyville, MO Directions