OVERBROOK — Karol “Jon” Wilhite, 86, died Saturday, March 19, 2022, at his home in Overbrook.
He was born May 19, 1935, in Emporia, the son of Karol A. and Ruby (Loomis) Wilhite. He grew up in Emporia, graduating from Emporia High School with the Class of 1953. In 1957, he graduated from Emporia State University, and then graduated from the Madison, Wis., School of Banking.
From May 1953 until 1961, Jon served his country proudly in the United Sates Army Reserves as a member of the 622nd Transportation Company, Emporia, and the 400th Signal Company, Topeka.
He was united in marriage to Wanda Schmidt Aug. 10, 1958, in Emporia.
Jon worked for 32 years as a banker at the Kansas State Bank, Overbrook, working his way up to Vice President.
He was actively involved in the Overbrook community all of his adult life. He was a member of the Ridgeway Masonic Lodge for 62 years; a member of the Scottish Rite for 50 years, earning his 33rd degree; a member of the Arab Shrine, Topeka, for 50 years; a member of the Overbrook United Methodist Church; and a member of the Overbrook Rotary Club for 61 years and three months, serving as District Governor in 1975-1976. Jon also led a Rotary group study team to Australia in 1968, and was a Paul Harris Fellow.
Jon never met a stranger. He could instantly envelop a stranger in a conversation as if they were long lost friends and make them feel as if he had known them for years. He was always a jokester, and had his own unique “Jon-isms,” as the family referred to them. He loved his antique cars and working on his rental properties. He was especially fond of painting. He was a talented singer and a member of the men’s choir group Sons of the King, performing at several area churches and rescue missions over the years. He was devoted to his community and his country, but especially to his family and his loving wife.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Karol and Ruby Wilhite; his brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Barbara Wilhite; his sister-in-law, Kathy Wilhite; and a son-in-law, Lance Freeman.
Jon is survived by his wife of 63 years, Wanda Wilhite, of the home; three children, Terri Current (Curtis), Auburn, Steven Wilhite, Overland Park, and Julie McMurphy (Dallas), Breaux Bridge, La.; six grandchildren, Erin Ward (James), Ryan Current (Grace), Caleb Current (Tatum), Colby Current, Emily Freeman and Levi Freeman; three great-grandchildren, Bailey, Isaac and Addison; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, April 2, at the United Methodist Church, Overbrook. The family will greet friends for a visitation 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 1, at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Overbrook United Methodist Church and sent in care of Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 268, Overbrook, KS 66524.
Condolences may be left at Lamb-Roberts.com.
