Glade Felix Whitworth
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Glade Felix Whitworth died peacefully December 8, 2023, at his home in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.
A service celebrating his life will be held Saturday, December 23, at 11:30 am with visitation prior at 9:30 am at Maywood Baptist Church, 10505 E. Winner Road, Independence, Missouri 64052.
Glade was born in 1929 at his Macks Creek, Missouri home to Opie and Ruby Whitworth. He graduated from Camdenton High School in 1946, then served in the United States Army for two years. After his military service, he attended Southwest Baptist College, graduating in 1950. Glade then proceeded to Southern College of Optometry, graduating with a Doctor of Optometry degree in 1953. He entered private practice shortly thereafter and treated thousands of patients until his retirement in 1998. He received numerous professional recognitions in his career in caring for the vision of others. He made multiple international trips to care for underserved people groups. Glade’s example of service to others continues to impact his family and those that knew him well. His zest for life was infectious, his humor contagious, and affirmation of others unfailing. Glade provided a healthy and robust example of how to be a husband and father. His simple faith walk was clearly evident in word and deed. Active throughout his life he thoroughly enjoyed golf, running, hunting, travel, and being outdoors especially in the company of his friends and family. Glade attended hundreds of sporting events and school programs over the years to support his children and grandchildren as they performed.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ann Whitworth, his brother James Whitworth, and son, the Honorable Matt Whitworth.
Glade was a loving husband to Ann Whitworth for 64 years, a father to five, a grandfather to thirteen, and a great-grandfather to eleven. After Ann’s death, he found love and companionship with his college sweetheart, Roberta June Whitworth who he married in 2017. He is survived by her, his children Kirk (Leigh Anne), Mark (Linda), Stacy (Clayton) O’Connor, Patrick (Lee Anne), daughter in law Jeanie Whitworth, sister Judy Werner (Ray) and sister-in-law Pat Whitworth.
In lieu of flowers, please make any donations in his name to:
In the Name of Grace at 118 N. Conistor Lane, Suite B, Box 25, Liberty, Missouri 64068 Donate Here in Memory of Glade;
Epilepsy Foundation of Missouri and Kansas at 2340 East Meyer Boulevard, Building 1, Suite 300B, Kansas City, Missouri 64132 Donate Here in Memory of Glade
Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity/International at 12660 Q Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68137. Donate Here in Memory of Glade
I am so sorry and happily rejoicing at the same time!
Forever grateful for the dynamic influence the Whitworth family has had on my life!
Prayers, Cindy Bowles Schmidt
Dr Glade Whitworth was a wonderful Christian man who I admired greatly! He was always so positive, encouraging and uplifting to be around. He had a tremendous influence on people in the Van Horn Independence circle. His extended family are some of the best people that I have ever known. Glade had a winsome spirit about him. He was a tremendous role model in so very many ways. Our loss is heaven’s gain! I know that he is rejoicing today in the presence of King Jesus!
You all had a wonderful dad…. His presence was always uplifting and positive. I know that he will be missed greatly yet rejoicing with our Lord for eternity!
My condolences!
I’m so sorry for your loss, Kirk. I don’t know if you remember me rolling you that my friend, Linda Miller, went to your dad for her eyes even after she moved to Colorado and then to Georgia. She thought he was wonderful!
An absolute legend with one of the best smiles of all times. Rest easy Doc. Well done, Sir.
Jim
Glade and Ann were both such wonderful examples to grow up around at First Baptist in Blue Spring. I still remember stories they shared to help me better understand how God works. And I still have the handmade ink pen Glade gave me when I graduated high school. Likely a small gesture for him, but huge to this creative writer. Love and prayers to all of you!
The Whitworths have been close family friends since the early 1960s. Glade was our eye doctor and his son’s spent many hours with me on the basketball court, skiing on snow or water, and worshipping in youth group. Glade is probably having Hiboy burgers with Ann and Matt in heaven today.
I have many happy memories of my Uncle Glade and the whole Whitworth clan. Holiday gatherings, church, Ozarks, Bella Vista, riding in the back of the station wagon with Stacy and Patrick, golf tournaments, picnics, homemade ice cream, eye appointments made fun, and so much more. Glade always had a twinkle in his eye, a kind word, a funny quip, and reassuring hug. He is leaving quite a legacy with the family he raised and the many lives he touched. I will miss him greatly.
So sorry to hear about Glade’s passing! We ALL loved seeing him and his SMILING face when he came in…sending prayers, love, and hugs to y’all!!
with love,
Girls in the lab