Ezra “Esau” Whittle

Ezra “Esau” Whittle, 92, of Republic, passed away in his home with family at his side, on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2019. He was born Dec. 16, 1926 in Lowell, Ark., the son of John Wesley and Jane (McGarrah) Whittle.
Whittle was united in marriage to Wilma Hill on Dec. 11, 1948, and they have two children, Danny Lynn and Janet Sue.
Whittle drove a truck for 29 years for Mid-America Dairy, and was a member of the Teamsters Union. He was a Christian and belonged to the Pentecostal Church.
Whittle loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grand- children, loving them all. He also enjoyed blue grass music and was a member of the Flat Creek Blue Grass Band, playing the mandolin. He loved to travel and went to South Texas every winter; and camping and fishing with his family. He also went hunting with his friend, Jerry Nelson.
He was preceded in death by a great-grandchild, Austin; his parents; three brothers, Jim, Amos, and Calvin; and four sisters, Dorothy, Vesty, Ruthy, and Adine.
Whittle is survived by his wife of 70 years, Wilma; a son, Danny Lynn Whittle; a daughter and her husband, Janet Sue and Rick Leidy; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and other extended family and friends.
A visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019 in Meadors Funeral Home, Republic. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., on Friday, Aug. 30, 2019, also in the funeral home. Burial will follow the service in Evergreen Cemetery, Republic. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sac River Cowboy Church, 6821 W Independence Dr., Springfield, MO 65802. Family and friends may share online condolences at www.meadorsfuneralhome.com.