Orby Whittenberg Jr.

Orby Whittenberg Jr., 85, of Fulton, passed away peacefully at his home on August 30, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on April 23, 1940, in Malden, Missouri, to the late Orby Whittenberg Sr. and the late Lora (Grey) Bryant.
On May 25, 1968, a day filled with meaning, Orby married the love of his life, Ruth Ann Derick, the following day they both graduated from the School of the Ozarks in Branson, Missouri. Together they built a life rooted in love, learning, and faith. In 2015, they moved to Fulton, Missouri, where they continued to enjoy their later years.
Orby was raised working in the cotton fields, which was a humble beginning that instilled in him a lifelong work ethic and appreciation for hard-earned success.
A proud U.S. Navy veteran, Orby enlisted in 1958 and honorably served until 1965. During his service, he was stationed aboard the USS Yorktown and served during the Cuban Missile Crisis, a defining moment in U.S. military history. His naval journey took him through the seas of Japan, Hawaii, and Alaska, where he served his country with courage and commitment.
Following his military service, Orby pursued higher education and earned a bachelor's degree in business education. He dedicated his professional life to teaching, impacting countless students' lives at Van-Far High School, Nevada High School, and spent 25 years teaching at Fox High School.
Those that remain to cherish Orby's memory are his wife, Ruth; children, Audrey Kim Whittenberg of Fulton and Robert "Kelly" Whittenberg (Rachel) of Overland Park, KS; brother, Teddy Eugene Whittenberg of Risco; sister-in-law, Darlene Ward of Highlands Ranch, CO; granddaughters, Vivian and Veronica, along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Along with his parents, Orby was preceded in death by his beloved sisters, Wilda Rawlings, Ann Russom and Juanita Beck.
Memorial Services will be held at Maupin Funeral Home on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 11:00 am with Pastor Carol Pierson and Chaplain Helen Logan reading the eulogy. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until the time of service at the funeral home. Inurnment will be held in Hillcrest Cemetery with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the First Presbyterian Church, c/o Maupin Funeral Home, 301 Douglas Blvd, Fulton, MO 65251.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.maupinfuneralhome.com