LARRY JAMES WILHITE

Larry James Wilhite, 61, of New Bloomfield, died Thursday, April 23, 2009, at his residence. He was born on April 22, 1948, in Marshall, Missouri, the son of Marvin Franklin and Lena Elizabeth Pope Wilhite. His mother survives in Houstonia, Mo. He was a United States Army veteran serving during the Vietnam War with the 1st Infantry Division, Military Police. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart, Two Oversees Bars, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and Marksman award. He was united in marriage on June 5, 1970, in Marshall Junction, to Shirley Jean Agans who survives at the home. Larry worked for Con Agra, ABB, Burns Security, Jefferson City Dept. of Corrections for 25 years, and Wal-Mart for 18 years. He was a member of New Salem Baptist Church, Marshall Junction, Mo. Larry was a volunteer with the Callaway County Sheriff Department for 11 years and with the Holts Summit Volunteer Fire Dept. Larry had a host of cousins and friends. To have known him, you had a loyal friend for life. He never met a stranger and always found good in everyone he met. Many thanks to loyal friends and family members who traveled near and far away in his hours of need. Special thank you for his two special friends Fluffy and Lady. Other survivors include: one daughter and son-in-law, Gayla and Stephan Jenkins, New Bloomfield; one son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Pamela Wilhite, Centralia, Mo; three grandchildren, Jordan Wilhite, Megan Jenkins, Andrew Jenkins; one sister and brother-in-law, Linda and David Houston, Higginsville; four brothers and sisters-in-law, Marvin and Dorothy Wilhite, Houstonia; George and Marilyn Wilhite, Clinton; Raymond and Beverly Wilhite, Marshall; William and Janet Wilhite, Houstonia; mother-in-law, Loretta Pratt, New Bloomfield; sister-in-law and spouse, Karen and Ed Hagerman, Creighton; sister-in-law, Mary Agans, Jefferson City; brothers-in-law and spouses, David and Wilda Agans, Meredosia, Il.; Ronald and Nancy Agans, Garden City, Mo; 11 nieces; 19 nephews; and uncle and aunt, John and Josephine Wilhite, Marshall, Mo. He was preceded in death by his father, 2 nephews, and 3 great-nephews. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday, April 27, 2009, at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home with Pastor Joe Skiles, Sr. officiating. Burial with full military honors will be in Hazel Grove Cemetery, Herndon, Mo. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Missouri River Hospice, 1410 Heriford Drive, Columbia, Mo 65202. Those wishing to email condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.