Gene Ray Whitney

December 29, 1940 — September 3, 2026

Osawatomie, Kansas

Gene Ray Whitney, age 85, of Osawatomie, Kansas, passed away Thursday, September 3, 2026, at The University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

Gene was born December 29, 1940, in Fontana, Kansas. He was one of three children born to Milford L. and Lucille B. (Huston) Whitney. He grew up in Fontana and attended Fontana High School.

In the early 1960s, Gene and Geri Sue Hagadorn were united in marriage. Together, they were blessed with one son, Douglas.

Gene began his working career as a meat cutter at Safeway. He later followed his passion for working with his hands and started his own business, Whitney Plumbing & Heating. For 40 years, Gene proudly operated his company, providing plumbing and heating and air conditioning services to the community. He was also skilled in electrical work and was known for being able to fix just about anything.

Gene was a hardworking man who took pride in his work and in providing for his family. His dedication to his business and his customers was an important part of his life.

Gene was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sue; his parents, Milford and Lucille Whitney; and his sister, Linda Smith.

He is survived by his son, Doug Whitney of Osawatomie, Kansas; and his sister, Brenda Vickers.

There is no services planned. The Gene and Geri Sue Whitney Memorial Fund has been set up at First Option Bank.

(Published in the Linn County Journal on September 4, 2026.)