September 23, 1923 –  June 24, 2016 Bells—Joe Henry “Buddy” Whiting, 92, of Bells died June 24, 2016.Buddy is survived by his wife of 68 years, Bettye Sims Whiting; children Jo Lynne Whiting & husband Frank Nelson, Steve & Sharon Whiting and Molly Jan & Mike Weger; grandchildren and families Sammi & Brian, Rylee, Landri and Macy Hicks, Josh & Kristin, Kinley and Jace Weger, Hadley & Monica, Miranda and Hayes Whiting, Ashley & Justin Reiter, Ryan and daughter Sadie Weger, Lyndsi & Josh, Cruz and Cash Martinez; sisters Marinan Washburn and Jeanne Stroud and sister-in-law LaVerne Bledsoe and very special relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Claude & Audrey Whiting, sister Lora Byrd Tindall and grandson Blake Richardson.
Joe Whiting graduated from Bells High School. On June 26, 1948, he married Bettye Sims Whiting, the love of his life, who he met while she was teaching in Denison. They ranched the land that has been in his family for more than 175 years. Through hard work and frugality, they were able to not only preserve the inherited land but to add to it. Joe was still riding his tractor and horses until his eighties, and was very gratified to see his son Steve continue to ranch the land and many family members make their home on it. He was happy to see his ranching legacy continue through his heirs.
Buddy and Bettye and many of their family members are long-time active members of the First United Methodist Church of Bells where they especially enjoyed the fellowship of their Sunday School Class.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday at 10:30 am at the Bells First United Methodist Church. Pastor Steve Martinez will officiate. Their grandsons will be pall bearers. The burial will follow at the Dugan-Whiting family cemetery.
A family visitation will be held Monday from 6 to 8 pm at Mullican-Little Funeral Home in Savoy. Arrangements are under the direction of Mullican-Little Funeral Home in Savoy.
Memorial donations can be made to the Youth Division of the Bells First United Methodist Church.
You may sign the online guest book at www.mullicanlittle.com