Ron Whitworth, 49, of Chanute, passed away Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at the Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute.
Ron was born in Chanute, KS on March 11, 1963, the son of Dwaine and Judith (Kustanborter) Whitworth. He attended Humboldt High School. On June 3, 1983 he married Rhenda Griffith in Miami, OK.
Ron was a member of the USRA (United States Racing Association) and the USMTS (United States Modified Touring Series).
He was the owner and operator of Whitworth Construction, Inc. for 32 years and owner, operator, and promoter of the Humboldt Speedway for 23 years. Ron loved working at the race track, watching his boys race, and was extremely proud of his daughter in college. Ron worked seven days a week and holidays to provide for his family and loved the time he got to spend with his three grandchildren, children, and wife.
Ron is survived by his wife, Rhenda of the home; three children, Ryan and Heather Whitworth of Humboldt, KS, Riley Whitworth of Humboldt, KS, and Ravyn Whitworth of Pittsburg, KS; three grandchildren, Kaydence Whitworth of Chanute, KS, Karson Whitworth of Independence, KS, and Braydie Whitworth of Iola, KS; his mother, Judy Whitworth of Chanute, KS; one brother, Jerry Whitworth of Santa Monica, CA; one sister, Traci Whitworth of Chanute, KS; his mother-in-law, Connie Griffith of Chanute, KS; his sister-in-law and husband, Rhonda and Dan McMillan of Chanute; and five nieces, several aunts, uncles, cousins, and his entire racing family.
He was preceded in death by his father, Dwaine Whitworth; his grandparents, Chet and Mary Kustanborter, and Raymond and Lena Whitworth; one aunt, Kathy Kustanborter; and his father-in-law, Ronald Dean Griffith.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 10, 2012 at the First Baptist Church – Good News Center.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, December 9, 2012 from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m. at the Penwell-Gabel Gibson Chapel.
Cremation will take place after the service and the family will have a private burial at Memorial Park Cemetery in Chanute.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church or the Ron Whitworth Memorial Fund for his grandchildren’s education.
Penwell-Gabel Gibson Chapel is in charge of arrangements.