George Grant Whitney Jr.

George Grant Whitney, Jr. age 81, of Laurie, passed away Saturday, March 31, 2012, at Lake Regional Health System in Osage Beach. He was born October 18, 1930, in Sioux City, Iowa, the son of the late George Grant, Sr. and Josephine Dirr Whitney. On August 29, 1954, in Allegan, Michigan, he was united in marriage to Patricia Ann Cook, who survives of the home. George was a national accounts manager for over 40 years for U.S. Gypsum. He was an Air Force veteran serving in the Korean Conflict, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. George was a member of the Ozark Chapel United Methodist Church serving on the Board of Trustees, the Osage Community Elks Lodge 2705 in Laurie where he was honored twice as “Elk of the Year” and served as Past Exalted Ruler, and the American Legion Zack Wheat Post 624 in Sunrise Beach. He served on the Board of Directors at the West Lake Clinic, was a board member for the Gravois Road District, and was active in the Cam-Mo Ambulance District. He was a master woodcraftsman. Each member of his family treasures the wood crafted gift they received from him. George’s dream came true when he was able to retire early and build his home at the Lake of the Ozarks. He was also known to have remodeled several homes in the lake area. In addition, he designed and built the West Lake Christian Church in Laurie, and designed and remodeled the Osage Community Elks Lodge 2705 and the West Lake Medical Center, both in Laurie. Especially proud of his work at the Elks Lodge, his family has over 125 years and three generations of Elk membership. In addition to Patricia, his loving wife of 57 years, he is survived by his children, Steve Whitney and wife Gwen of Sunrise Beach, Missouri, Karen Ann Benakis and husband John of Linn Creek, Missouri, and Sara Ann McElwee and husband Dale of Camdenton, Missouri; six grandchildren, Lauren Whitney Neal and husband Jordan of Maricopa, Arizona, Whitney Lyn Benakis of Columbia, Missouri, Joseph Cope of Camdenton, Missouri, Steven Whitney III of Lake Tahoe, Nevada, Andrew Whitney of Sunrise Beach, Missouri, and Nicholas Benakis of Springfield, Missouri; and many other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 6, at the Ozark Chapel United Methodist Church in Laurie with Reverend Rick White officiating. Graveside services and interment will follow in the Garber Memorial Estates Cemetery in Laurie with Curt Penney, Robert L. Cook, David Taylor, Al Vasey, Tom Schweiger, Kim Gilpin, Roger Sinclair, and Carrol Sinclair serving as casketbearers. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Friday, at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Osage Community Elks Lodge 2705. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Laurie/Sunrise Beach Chapel.

George Grant Whitney Jr.

October 18, 1930 - March 31, 2012

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George Grant Whitney Jr.

October 18, 1930 - March 31, 2012

About Us

What We Do

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Grief & Healing

Plan Ahead

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