Ray Whiteaker , September 25, 1928 — January 15, 2019

OBITUARY Ray Whiteaker September 25, 1928 – January 15, 2019 Raymond Eads Whiteaker, born in Campbell, Missouri on Sept. 25, 1928 to Ryland and Edna Hall Whiteaker, passed away on January 15, 2019 at St. Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri. Ray earned his L.L.B. at the University of Missouri Columbia School of Law in 1953.

Upon graduation he entered the Army and served as Captain in the Artillery at Fort Sill, Oklahoma until 1955; with an honorable discharge from the Reserves in 1964. Ray began his legal career with the firm of Allen, Woolsey and Fisher (later becoming Woolsey, Fisher, Whiteaker and McDonald) in Springfield, Missouri and remained in Greene County until his retirement in 2013. His practice was devoted to Litigation, while always keeping busy serving in the organizations which strengthened the integrity of his profession.

Taking an active interest in his community, as well, Ray served on the Springfield Airport Board and with the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. In 1989, the Defense Research Institute honored Ray with the Exceptional Performance Citation, and he later was accepted as a Fellow in both the American College of Trial Lawyers and the American Bar Foundation. After a career spanning 58 years, Ray and his wife, Leah, retired and moved to Overland Park, Kansas.

He is survived by his wife, of the home; three daughters and sons-in-law, Betsey and Ted Streuli (Edmond, OK), Janie Whiteaker-Poe and Matt (Waco, TX), and Tammy and Eddie James (Kansas City, MO); seven grandchildren, Whit, Annie, Charlie, and Oliver James; Raymond and Ryland Streuli and Eben Poe; his sister, Marceline Riggs (Phoenix, AZ); and many nieces and nephews. Ray was predeceased by his brother, Ryland; and three daughters, Jean Louise, Jennifer Elizabeth and Sara Jo. A visitation will be held starting at noon on Friday, January 18th at McGilley Midtown Chapel, 20 W. Linwood Blvd, Kansas City, MO, with a celebration of Ray’s life starting at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to St. Luke’s Hospice House or the University of Missouri Columbia School of Law or the charity of your choice.

Condolences may be offered at www. mcgilleymidtownchapel.com. Arrangements through McGilley Midtown Chapel, Kansas City, MO, 816-753-6200.

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