John Franklin Whitney

John Franklin Whitney was born on December 2, 1953, in Olathe to Wallace and Mary Frances Whitney.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Wallace Jr., “Walc”, as he was known and Norman. He is survived by several cousins.

John graduated from Louisburg High School a half-year early in January of 1971. He received an associate’s degree in electronic engineering from Johnson County Community College in 1974, and a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Missouri Kansas City in 1977. He was board certified for musical therapy from 1997 to 2007.

He was a professional musician for more than 20 years, playing piano and drums. He performed with Mike O’Roark band at state fairs and bluegrass festivals. He specialized in bluegrass and country but also played rhythm and blues and Dixieland. He also played orchestral music at the Waldo Astroia Dinner Theater and with the Kansas City and North Kansas City symphonies.

He was a member of the Paola United Methodist Church.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, beginning at 10:00 am with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 am at the Dengel & Son Mortuary-Paola Chapel. A burial will follow the services at Louisburg Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church of Paola c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary-Paola Chapel 305 N. Pearl St. Paola, KS 66071.

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