OVERBROOK, Kan. – Karol “Jon” Wilhite, 86, of Overbrook, Kan., passed away March 19, 2022, at his home. Jon was born on May 19, 1935, in Emporia, Kan., the son of Karol A. Wilhite and Ruby (Loomis) Wilhite.
Jon 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 400th Signal Company, Topeka, Kan.
On Aug. 10, 1958, Jon was united in marriage to Wanda Schmidt, in Emporia. They celebrated 63 years of marriage this past year.
Jon worked for 32 years as a banker at Kansas State Bank, Overbrook, working his way up to vice president of the bank.
Jon was actively involved in the Overbrook community all of his adult life. He was a member of the Ridgeway Masonic Lodge for 62 years; the Scottish Rite for 50 years, earning his 33rd degree; the Arab Shrine, Topeka, for 50 years; the Overbrook United Methodist Church; and a 61-year, three-month member of the Overbrook Rotary Club, serving in 1975-1976 as District Governor. 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 “Jonisms” as the family referred to them. He loved his antique cars and working on his rental properties. He was especially fond of painting. Jon was also 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, his country, but especially to his family and loving wife.
Jon is preceded in death by his parents, Karol and Ruby Wilhite; brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Barbara Wilhite; sister-in-law, Kathy Wilhite; and son-in-law, Lance Freeman.
Jon is survived by wife, Wanda Wilhite, of the home; daughter, Terri Current and her husband, Curtis, Auburn, Kan.; son, Steven Wilhite, Overland Park, Kan.; daughter, Julie McMurphy and her husband, Dallas, Breaux Bridge, La.; six grandchildren, Erin Ward and her husband, James, Ryan Current and his wife, Grace, Caleb Current and his wife, 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 Overbrook United Methodist Church, 1005 Maple St., Overbrook. The family will greet friends for a visitation 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 1, at the church.
Memorial contributions can be made to Overbrook United Methodist Church, and sent in care of Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, PO Box 268, Overbrook, KS 66524. Condolences can be left at www.lamb-roberts.com.
