Van Ray "Speed" Whiting

Van Ray "Speed" Whiting, age 88 of Highlandville died January 27, 2026.  He was born September 23, 1937 in Fairbury, Nebraska, the son of Franklin Dow and Edith (Schultz) Whiting.

On July 22, 1963, Van was united in marriage to Jane Rexine Grimes, who preceded him in death on May 28, 2018.  

In 2000, Van started attending The Reunion of the Men who were stationed in Karamursel, Turkey during his time in the U.S. Air Force.  He enjoyed getting reacquainted with several of the old buddies. 

Survivors include:  his children, Vanita McGaughey and husband John and Dow Whiting and wife Linda; grandchildren, Sage Whiting and Ian and Seth McGaughey; a sister, Joy Lucille Johnson and a nephew, Brent Johnson.

In addition to his wife Jane, Van was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Deloris; and his grandparents, Frank and Ruby Whiting and Karl and Beatrice Shultz. 

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026 at Adams Funeral Home, Nixa, with Pastor Dan Updegrave officiating.  A private burial will follow at Ponce De Leon Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. immediately before the funeral in the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans.

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