Robert “Ben” Whitacre, age 73, of Springfield, MO passed away peacefully on Saturday March 12, 2016.
Ben was a lifelong tennis enthusiast with a passion for coaching. In addition to coaching his daughters and granddaughter, he also coached for Hillcrest High School, Evangel College, and Drury University.
Ben’s father owned a Chevrolet Dealership that ignited a lifelong passion for all cars, namely the Corvette. He was the co-founder of Eureka Springs Corvette Weekend which recently celebrated its 25th Anniversary. He could always be found one of two places, the garage or tennis court
After graduating from Kansas University on the Dean’s List, he traveled for Western Auto Supply Company for over 40 years.
Ben married Mary Elizabeth Resch on June 1, 1963 in Arvada CO. They recently celebrated their 52nd anniversary. They have 2 daughters; Stephanie (Thomas) Burris of Des Moines, IA and Dana (Mark) Bounds of Statham, GA. He has 2 grandchildren, Amanda “Mandy” Bounds and Robert “Robbie” Burris.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Benton P. Whitacre and Virginia Hicks Whitacre of Tonganoxie, KS. He is survived by his sister, Martha “Marty” Swenholt of Katy, TX and nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens on Friday, March 18th at 1:00 p.m. A reception will follow at the Glendale Christian Church, 2110 S. Blackman Rd., Springfield, MO. Memorial Contributions are suggested to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, 239 Turpentine Creek Ln, Eureka Springs, AR. 72632. Services have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield, MO. Online condolences may be made at www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com.