Milton Leon Whitesell

Milton (Miltie) Leon Whitesell lost his long and hard-fought battle with stage 4 liver cirrhosis, end stage kidney disease, congestive heart failure, and myriad of other major medical conditions, on Friday May 16th. He died at home, with his daughter Stacey bedside. He was 79.

Milton Leon Whitesell was born on March 11, 1946 in Liberty, Mo to parents Daisy Whitesell and Milburn Whitesell. Milton had 4 siblings, Claudine, Shirley, Milford, and Raymond who was still born. Milton grew up in a custom house his father built in Liberty on Water Street that had a separate apartment upstairs. He there until he left for college.

Milton grew up idolizing his dad, watching closely for cues on how to be a man. Milton recalled a situation with a family that lived upstairs. Milton said there was often lots of noise, yelling, and banging at night. When Milburn went to confront the family for the excessive noise, he saw first-hand the nightmare this bruised woman had been living. Milburn grabbed the gentleman by throat and asked him how he liked it and now he could pick on someone his OWN size. Milton recalls his dad being quick to jump into ANY fight where SOMEONE, ANYONE was being treated unfairly.

Milton enjoyed playing cowboys and Indians with his brother and buddy Milford. Milton ALWAYS wanted to be the cowboys, and thus, his love for westerns was born! Milton loved going to the movies and remembered THIS is where you could get an ice-cold soda, and air conditioning!!

Milton’s dad worked at the GM Fairfax plant while he was growing up, but the family often returned to the country where his grandparents were still very active farmers. Milton later brought his own family to Eldorado Springs to the yearly picnic. Folks came from miles around to attend the picnic and get the mineral rich, and heavy iron-laden mineral spring water. The family farm was located outside of Eldorado Springs and Milton would often spend weekends there alone helping his grandpa. Milton was always very proud that his family’s farm was one of the most successful in the area. Milton recalled they were the first to have indoor plumbing. The first to own a car, and also the first to own a television. Milton kept a picture of his grandparents on a shelf in his line of sight until he died.

Milton attended Liberty Jr. High, then later Liberty Senior High and played the trumpet/coronet in the band. Milton talked fondly of high-school and made life-long friends there at Liberty High like David and Cheryl Gray. Milton continued attending his High-School reunions every year they were held and went to lunch once a month at Conrad’s in Liberty with his high-school buddies until his wife Barbara died. Milton worked at Begg’s Pharmacy on the square as a soda jerk until college. Milton also drove an ice-cream truck to help earn extra money in college.

After high-school, Milton decided he wanted to be a Math teacher and attended the University of Central Missouri, at Warrensburg, MO. Milton later decided teaching was not for him and changed his major to business. Milton would often come home on the weekends, and it was on one of these weekend visits that he met Barbara, the love of his life. They met in NKC at the bowling alley while Milton had the back-up of his wing man brother, Milford. They locked eyes, (he liked her legs) and they agreed to a double date. Milton was a college boy when they met, so Barbara insisted on double-dates most of the time for a full year until they were engaged. He would often have his girl Barbara by his side while driving the ice-cream truck. They were engaged for another year until Milton graduated with a degree in business from Central Missouri State University. (later named UCM). They were married May 11, 1968 at the 2nd Baptist Church in Liberty, Mo. Milton would soon be drafted to Vietnam.

Milton was drafted in January of 1969 and stationed at Fort Eustis, Virginia and Barbara went with him. Together they lived in Williamsburg, VA where Barbara took a secretarial position with the prestigious College of William and Mary. Milton was later sent to Vietnam, and Barbara moved back to KC to live with her parents.

Milton was stationed at Long Bin in Vietnam and investigated helicopter crashes during the war. Milton bought an 8mm camera and took extensive video all over Vietnam. Milton felt blessed his war experiences were radically different than that of others. Milton earned a Bronze Star while serving in Vietnam

After spending nearly 2 years in the Army, Milton was honorably discharged, and they moved to an apartment in Gladstone and began building their lives post war. Milton took his civil service test and took a job with the Federal Government working for the Social Security Administration as a Claims Authorizer, and Barbara took a job working at the State Building as a Clerk Typist for the Division of Family Services. They worked directly across the street from each other for 30 years and often ate lunch together as well. Milton bought a motorcycle and the two rode off at sunset to another drive-in-movie.

Barb and Milt enjoyed double dating with Ruth, his brother Milford, Donna and Brenda, hanging out with friends. The enjoyed dancing and going camping and traveling. The group often went to concerts and live music shows. The two then welcome their first child Stacey Lynn in October of 1975, and later their son Damon Eugene born in November of 1978.

The family bought a house in Pleasant Valley directly across the street from Pleasant Valley Baptist Church where the family were long-time members. The children grew-up here where they attended school with the North Kansas City Public School system. The kids were active in sports, music and scouting. Milton was a long-time scout master with his son Damon who went all the way to Eagle Scout!

MILTON LOVED HIS MOVIES!!! At home the family watched TONS of movies and communicated using lines from various movies. The family often spent time together AT the movies or on vacations, ALWAYS DRIVING, and never flying. The scene often resembling the move National Lampoon’s Vacation. (Which can be recited word for word by the entire Whitesell family). Vacation was extremely important to Milton, and no expense was spared. Not a word about money was spoken during “vacation” which was a true get away for the family. When his son Damon was old enough and got his license, he did most of the driving. Damon was even trusted to drive in Moab Utah, in a Jeep, in the mountains on TINY gravel roads with a stick shift. His kids remember how carefree and fun “vacation dad” was, always excited, laughing, and willing to try anything!

Milton and Barbara sold their house in Pleasant Valley and moved to Smithville where they met some wonderful neighbors! Donnie and Sandy, the entire Nabor family, and the Culley’s next door. Milton and his wife enjoyed traveling and going on cruises with Ruth, Donna, Brenda, and the entire Florida family.

Milton was also an avid wood-worker and made some beautiful pieces of furniture for his house and even did some projects for his friend Donnie who is a builder. Milton also worked on cars, never taking vehicles to the shop and often using creative ways to solve issues. One of his son Damon’s favorite creative fixes was at the behest of Barbara. She noticed a rattle in the back door of her beloved cherry red Pontiac Grand-Pix and asked her husband Milton to fix it. He was so pleased he had isolated the noise and was so excited to show his handy work. Milton had drilled a hole in the new leather door panel and inserted a screw in the middle and “tightened her down.” Milton never understood WHY his wife wasn’t as excited about the fix as he was……Milton always included his kids when he worked on cars, or other projects. His children could often be found “holding the light”.

Milton was later blessed with 2 grandkids from his son Damon, and 3 grandkids from his daughter Stacey. Milton would often be caught bragging about his grandkids and family. He thought his grandson Cole was by far the most handsome and beautiful baby he’d ever seen, (and would tell everyone interested or not, he thought so). He bragged about his oldest granddaughter Christina being so smart and so well educated, and how his grand-daughter Anne Marie was so beautiful, and so misunderstood. Milton was also very proud of his family and their military accomplishments and took a particular interest in his nephews Chris and Brian Finter.

Milton was later diagnosed with congestive heart failure, both end stage kidney and liver disease, A-fib, and diabetes and later went on hospice care. Milton lost his wife Barbara by a surprise massive brain tumor, sold his house in Smithville, and moved into a retirement community.

Milton got involved in some activities there and showed a new western genre movie every Wednesday for Western Wednesdays (which he loved being a part of). He enjoyed his Cranberry juice, talking with friends at the table and going on outings to hear music, and attending theme parties at the community. His daughter Stacey later moved in to help fill days with countless movies and fudge bars!

Milton is preceded in death by both his parents Daisy and Milburn Whitesell, and all of his siblings including his sisters Shirley, Claudine, Milford, and baby Raymond and many uncles aunts and cousins.

Milton is survived by his children Stacey and Damon. He is further survived by grandchildren Christina, (and her husband Sebastian) Ryan, Anne Marie, Cole, and Natalie, and one great-granddaughter Raymi. He is also survived by 3 grand puppies, 3 grand kittens, and yes, one grand pig named Alexander.

Milton loved talking politics. Milton had a great big loud laugh, a great sense of humor, (that was often irreverent, and slightly inappropriate), and fantastic witticism about him that will be truly missed……..

------The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to KC Hospice North Care Team comprised of nurse Rockin’ Robin, Social Worker Michael, Chaplain Ralph, and Anna Lee. A big thanks also to hospice nurse Cappi who made his lifetime wish of riding in a one-horse open sleigh a reality!! Milton was on Hospice care for over 3 years and became especially close to the team. Thank you also to neighbors here at Riverstone for your condolences and for reaching out.