J.D. Whistler, 88, of Overland Park, Kansas passed away February 13, 2020. His visitation will be 9:00 am - 10:30 am, with his funeral service at 10:30 am, Friday, February 21, 2020 at the McGilley & Hoge Chapel. His entombment will follow in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, Lenexa, Kansas.
J.D. is survived by his wife of 67 years, Norma Jean Glenn Whistler; a daughter, Connie Blake and her husband, Sandy; a son, Ron Whistler; a brother William G. Whistler Jr. and his wife, Jacqueline Jean Whistler; grandchildren, Mandy Danforth and husband, Phil, Megan Hedberg and husband, Jon, Katie Parton and husband, Lucas, and Travis Whistler; great grandchildren, Kirsten Hedberg, Blake Danforth, Mason Blake, Lilliana Whistler, Avery Hedberg, Ashlynn Whistler, Kennedy Parton and Harmony Whistler. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and dear friends.
J.D. was a graduate of Norton, Kansas Community High School, attended Anderson College, Anderson, Indiana, and graduated from Kansas State University, where he received degrees in Architecture and Architectural Engineering. Norma worked to finance his schooling by working as a secretary.
The young couple moved to the Kansas City area where J.D. worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for 30 years and retired in 1988.
The Whistler family enjoyed traveling and touring the country in their motor home.
J.D. was truly a “Jack of All Trades.” He designed the family home before having it built, added a large garage to shelter the motor home and kept both in tiptop shape. He was a self made vehicle mechanic, made wooden toys for family member and was very particular at whatever he was doing.
If he had a fault, he was a picky eater, amusing family with his eccentricities.
Growing up in the depression years, J.D. knew what hard times were and made an extra effort to be a good provider for the family he didn’t have as a child.
He will be deeply missed by those who knew him. We will remember his thoughtfulness, his quiet ways and his deep love for his family.
We will love him forever.
