Funeral services for John Henry Whitson, age 95 of Branson, Missouri will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, September 15, 2022 at the Greenlawn Funeral Home in Branson with Rev. Eric Derks officiating.  Visitation will be from 12:00 Noon until 1:00 PM before services begin.  Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in Springfield with full military honors.

John passed away on September 8, 2022 at Cox Medical Center South in Springfield.

He was born on October 5, 1926 in Rushville, Illinois the son of Guy F. Whitson and Myrtle Haley Whitson.  He was united in marriage to Bonnie Lee Downs on January 16^th,1949 and to this union was born two children.

John was a World War II Navy Veteran from 1943-1946.

He operated Plaza Bakery in Springfield for 23 years.  In 1976 he built the Skateworld Roller Rink in Branson.  John & Bonnie were like second parents to hundreds of children through this family owned business.  He was a member of the the Branson Methodist Church.

Survivors are daughters; Janeen Schroll of Branson and Debbie Baker of Springfield.  Two grandchildren, Seth Whitson and Leo Whitson.  One great grandchild, Karsyn Schroll of Branson.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie, son, Brian Whitson, grandchildren, Chanel Schroll and Ryan Schroll.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Memorial Processing St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St Jude Pl Memphis, TN 3105-9959.