Stephen “Steve” George Whiteman, 75, of Mayetta, KS passed away Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at the Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka. He was born March 13, 1948 in Holton, KS the son of Morris George and Laura “Maxine” (Rawlings) Whiteman.

Steve graduated from Holton High School and lived his entire life in the Jackson County area. He worked as a sanitation specialist in the packing plant at Oldham- Meat Packing in Holton for over 25 years. Previously he worked for the Holton City Power Plant and Hills Pet Food in Topeka.

He proudly served in the United States Air Force and was a member of the Mayetta United Methodist Church. Steve- passions were 4-H, various motor sports such as circle track and drag racing. He also enjoyed attending auctions and collecting model train sets.

He married Linda Christine Gillett on May 27, 1967 in Arma, KS. They celebrated over 56 years of marriage.

Survivors include his wife, Linda of the home; his children; Daniel W. Whiteman (Jodie) of Mayetta, KS, Stephen S. Whiteman (Emily) of Leavenworth, KS, Kimberly Sue Tyler (Chris) of Manhattan, KS and Keeli Dawn Kufta (Rich) of Topeka, KS; a step-father, John William “Bill” Sanders (Marcelline) of Cummings, KS; 2 brothers, Galen Whiteman of Olathe, KS and John Sanders (Donna) of Topeka, KS; 7 grandchildren, Isaac, Chloe, Brock, Caleb, Zach, Ashley and Zach; along with numerous great grandchildren.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, Mark Francis Sanders.

Memorial visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Thursday December 21, 2023 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Cremation to follow per Steve- wishes. Memorials may be given to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Heart of Jackson Humane Society c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com