Hal Whitworth

Harold “Hal” Gene Whitworth

Harold “Hal” Gene Whitworth, 88, passed away peacefully at his home in Liberty, Missouri, on November 9, 2025. During the last week of his life, Hal was surrounded each day by his entire family, who sang hymns, read Scripture, and prayed with him. His beloved wife held his hand in his final moments on this earth.

Born in Maramec, Oklahoma, on December 12, 1936, Hal was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose life reflected loyalty, hard work, and love of family.

Hal was the son of Roy Eugene Whitworth and Myrtle Mae Hoskins Whitworth. Growing up during the Great Depression, Hal endured his own Grapes of Wrath story, traveling Route 66 numerous times between Yale, Oklahoma, and Glendale, California. He was proud of his Native American heritage and often reminded his family that his grandmother was a full-blooded Cherokee. Some of his fondest memories were of time spent on the Oklahoma farm, swimming in the creek, and riding horses.

Hal loved to reminisce about his childhood, often sharing stories of winning a best actor award at the California Youth Shakespeare Festival for his portrayal of Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, performing in his high school plays, and even earning the title of yo-yo champion.

Hal was known as a creative problem-solver and quick learner who excelled in every field he entered. In his early years, he worked as a corner newsboy, a pressman for a newspaper, and a tool-and-die operator. His ingenuity showed early; while working on a punch press, he developed a way to increase productivity by more than 100 percent.

Hal proudly served in the United States Army, completing basic training at Fort Ord, California, and was later stationed in Huntsville, Alabama, where he taught electronics and worked on the Nike missile system, even solving a complex problem with the missile launcher. Late in life, Hal rarely left his home without his Army Veteran hat. He was proud of his service and always grateful when someone stopped to thank him or ask about his experiences.

In September 1963, Hal met the love of his life, Carol. He always said it was love at first sight. They were married on May 16, 1964, in Rancho Santa Fe, California, and shared 61 beautiful years together. Hal loved his wife dearly and often said the best day of his life was the day he married Carol. They were inseparable. Together they raised their only child, Kimberly Beth Whitworth Turner, which Hal was quick to say was the second-best day of his life.

Hal had three distinct careers: engineering, real estate, and tax preparation. As an engineer at Librascope, he helped develop one of the first airborne navigational computer systems, the ASN 24, and later worked with Kearfott and Linton Melonics before transitioning to real estate.

He obtained his real estate broker’s license and founded C&H Realty, where his tireless work ethic was unmatched. He lived a life of integrity and became a trusted expert in his field. After retiring from real estate in 2000, Hal and Carol moved to Liberty, Missouri to spend more time with their daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren. It was not long after moving to Liberty that Hal began an entirely new 20-year career as a tax specialist with H&R Block. He continued working until the age of 84.

Hal was a faithful member of Liberty Christian Fellowship and a constant presence in the lives of his three beloved grandchildren: Jenna Chapman, Kellan Turner, and Shae Smith. Grandpa rarely missed a school event, a sporting game, or an opportunity to tell one of his stories. He loved nothing more than sitting in the stands or at the field, cheering them on, and was fondly known as a concession-stand connoisseur. His grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he delighted in sharing their achievements with everyone he met. His love for family and encouragement extended to his great-grandchildren as well.

Hal was known for his quick wit, generosity, and endless stories. As condolences poured in, nearly everyone who knew Hal said that he was an incredibly generous man who always had a smile on his face. He gave freely of his time, talents, and treasures to anyone in need.

Hal lived a life marked by grit, perseverance, and fierce love for his family. He often said, “When it gets too tough for everyone else, it gets just right for a Whitworth.” He modeled hard work and a positive attitude in everything he did.

Hal is survived by his beloved wife, Carol Erhardt Whitworth; his daughter, Kimberly Whitworth Turner (Tom); his grandchildren, Jenna Chapman (Brandon), Kellan Turner, and Shae Smith (Tyler); and his great-grandchildren, Isla, Judah, Zion, Titus, and Bennett Chapman.

A celebration of Hal’s life will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Liberty Christian Fellowship, 1815 W. Liberty Dr., Liberty, Missouri 64068. Kerry Broyles will officiate. A luncheon for friends and family will follow in the church gymnasium.

Hal will be interred on December 12, 2025, at Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Liberty Christian Fellowship Benevolence Fund. This fund provides assistance to those in need within the community and honors Hal’s lifelong spirit of generosity.

Hal’s life was a testimony to integrity, loyalty, faithfulness, and love. His laughter, stories, and steadfast spirit will be deeply missed but forever remembered by those who knew and loved him. Hal is reunited with his mother and father in the presence of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. Psalm 27:4