Wayne Thomas Whitworth was born on July 16, 1948, in Fredericksburg, Texas to parents, Thomas Whitworth and Cleora (Miller) Whitworth. He passed away at his home in Plato, Missouri, on February 2, 2024. He was 75 years, 6 months 17 days of age.
Wayne grew up on a ranch in Harper, Texas. He graduated from Harper High School in 1966. Shortly after graduating, he moved to Missouri with his parents and sister, where they established a 250 acre farm in Texas County that connected to the Roubidoux River.
Wayne graduated from Missouri State College in Springfield, Missouri in January of 1971. He earned a degree in Agriculture. In 1973, he married Sharon Painter and to this union one daughter was born. Wayne went on to teach agriculture in Richland for a short time at their vocational program. He had various jobs and raised hogs on a small rented farm in Lebanon, Missouri.
In 1982 he moved back to Texas and resided near Boerne, outside of San Antonio. There he met Sherry Groff and her two daughters and son. They were united in marriage in 1987. They made a home in Texas while he continued to work in various trades, but mostly welding as a career.
In 1989, they moved back to Plato, Missouri. He helped his dad and mom with the farming, while working his own welding shop, contracting for travel welding companies and driving trucks for various construction projects. He thrived with hard work and very rarely did he spend a day idle. As he aged it became very difficult for him to lose his ability to take care of the animals and chores around the property. Even upon retirement, he never really wanted to be retired. He was always looking for something to fill his time and use his talents.
In his life, Wayne was active in sports and clubs in high school. He had various hobbies such as calf roping, coon hunting, fishing, gigging, deer hunting and reading westerns. He truly loved everything outdoors and loved weekends where he could relax on a river bank, camp near a lake, or take a ride on his horse.
Wayne was preceded in death by his father and mother.
He is survived by his wife, Sherry of the home; his sister, Sharon Ichord and her husband, Bill of Springfield, Missouri; his daughter, Valorie Hopkins and her husband, David of Lebanon, Missouri; his son, Corey Groff and wife, Stephanie of Houston, Missouri; stepdaughters Donna Williams and Tanya Smith, and their spouses in Texas; five close grandchildren, Braedin Groff and wife, Mindy, Tyler Hopkins, Katie Hopkins, Korye Groff, and Emily Hopkins. One great-grandchild, Rinley Groff; one nephew, Clint Ichord and one niece, Julie Blauvelt and husband, Ben. Along with many other friends and neighbors.
The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Embree Community Church (Dutch Chapel), State Highway AH, Plato, Missouri.
Arrangements are under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Mountain Grove. Sign guest book at www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
