Ira "Wendell" Whitman

Ira Wendell Whitman, 83, of Columbia, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 8, 2026.  He was born on August 23, 1942, in Bolivar, Missouri to Buck and Mary Ellen Whitman.  He is preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife of 21 years, Jackie, Kevin and Cheryl Poore of Columbia, and his sister, a son, and a daughter all of Texas.  Wendell went to the First Baptist Church in Bolivar and was saved when he was about 16 years old, followed by baptism in the Pomme de Terre River near Bolivar.  He graduated from Pleasant Hope High School in 1960 and attended college in Springfield before transferring to the University of Missouri in Columbia.  During his high school years, he played basketball, participated in FFA, and showed prize-winning steers.  During his college years, he worked a Union job at the Ford Motor Company in Kansas City, but due to the tragic death of his parents, he left college to care for the family dairy farm. 

Eventually, Wendell moved to Columbia, Missouri, where he continued crop farming for most of his life.   He loved all aspects of farming including producing the very best cattle, clearing the land, and building fences.  He was a great steward of the land. Wendell and his wife, Jackie, farmed 7 acres near their home and ran a summer produce stand for the past 15 years.  In addition to farming, he was an avid bird hunter, and he had many faithful bird dogs to help him.  Wendell was a gifted stone mason for over 30 years, and his work stood out from other masons. He did the brick and stone work on many well-known custom homes throughout the Midwest.  In the 1980’s he helped the Mid-Mo Bass Club get started in Columbia, which led to 20 years of professional fishing in Bassmaster Tournaments.  He and Betty Jo Poore ran Lake of the Woods Brick and Tile for 10 years.    Wendell was a hard worker and did not know how to slow down and take a vacation.  When he made a commitment to someone, he did his best to honor it.  He was a loyal friend to many and was loved by his family.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Whitman Family.

Online condolences and tributes may be shared with the family at www.bachyager.com.

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