Memorial services for the Rev. Vernon W. Whitmore Jr., 88, Lawrence, will be at 11 am Friday at 360 Church, 3200 Clinton Parkway, with the Rev. Rick Burwick officiating. The family will receive friends following the service, and a private inurnment will be at a later date.
The Rev. Whitmore died Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014, at Medicalodges Eudora, where he had been a resident for the past year.
He was born Nov. 30, 1925, in Pittsburg, Kan., the son of Vernon Sr. and Velma May Whitmore. He graduated from Pittsburg High School, served honorably in the United States Navy, and later attended Central Bible Institute for 3.5 years. Rev. Whitmore was a senior pastor in the Kansas district of the Assemblies of God for over 55 years. He pastored in Beloit, Ness City, Kensington, Sedan, Coldwater, Haysville, Lyndon, Cheney, Edna, Anthony, Bethel-Wichita, Sterling, and Crystal Springs. Throughout his pastorates, he worked additionally at various grocery and hardware stores and schools.
He married Vera Helen Buford on June 23, 1946, at the First Assembly of God Church in Pittsburg. She preceded him in death in 2005.
Survivors include a son, Tim Whitmore and wife Ellene, Kansas City, Mo.; two daughters, Rebekah S. Rice and Deb Hall and husband Jim, all of Lawrence; seven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Roger Whitmore at age 6, a sister, Beulah Whitmore at birth, and a granddaughter, Kelsey Kaylyn Hall, at age 19.
Memorial contributions are suggested to 360 Church, 3200 Clinton Parkway, Lawrence, KS, 66047.
