John Henry Whitworth

John H. Whitworth of East Lansing passed away suddenly on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the age of 79. Born in Detroit, he attended Pershing High School and Michigan State University. He graduated from MSU in 1967 with a major in Humanities and was a proud member of the MSU football team. After graduation, he worked for the Ingham County Juvenile Court and the State of Michigan Bureau of Aeronautics before co-founding Whitworth Borta Airport Engineering, where he worked for 20 years. As a volunteer, he was a member of the East Lansing Library Board of Trustees for 10 years, President of the Mid-Michigan MSU Alumni Association and was always available as an active volunteer at Trinity Church. In his retirement, he was a substitute teacher for Lansing Public Schools.

He is survived by his wife, Carol of 48 years; sons, Shannon (Kathleen) and Jeremy (Jen); daughter Kristen Duke; grandchildren, Ford, Reagan, Ryleigh, Grace, Olivia, Alexander; sister, Dr. Sandra Whitworth; nephew, Robert (Terri) and nieces, Susan (David) and Tamblyn. He was predeceased by his parents, Susie and Charles Whitworth; sisters, Charlene Babcock and Melvina Whitworth; and brother, Michael.

John enjoyed attending or watching MSU football and basketball games, playing golf, fishing, and listening to audio books. His friends remember him as a competitive card player with his own distinctive style of dealing. He traveled widely, to Europe, Asia, and Africa, and throughout the United States in his motor home. He and Carol made many friends during their travels.

John’s Christian faith was very important to him and how he lived his life. His monthly bible study group was instrumental in helping him throughout his life.

A memorial service will be held on May 16, 2025, at 11:00 am at New Hope Church located at 1340 Haslett Road, Haslett, MI. In lieu of flowers, if so inclined, the family suggests that memorial contributions can be made to the East Lansing Public Library at 950 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI 48823 or to a charity of your choice in memory of John.