Mr. Paul Whittingham, a lifetime resident of Harrisburg, departed this life on Wednesday Morning, April 8, 2026, at the Woodbriar Nursing Home in Harrisburg, at the age of 95.

He was born on September 27, 1930, in Bay, Arkansas, the son of the late William Oscar Whittingham and Julie Curton Whittingham.

Paul was one of ten children, and all his siblings preceded him in death except one brother, James Emerson Whittingham of West Plains, MO. Paul married Lela Faye Guthrie on December 11, 1950, and they enjoyed 75 years together. He was accustomed to hard work and seeing that things got done. He farmed all his life and thoroughly enjoyed the life he shared with his wife Lela Faye. Their union was blessed with three sons, Darrell and his wife Denell, Steve and his wife Nechia, and Tony and his wife Bridget, all of Harrisburg. Paul finally retired from farming about 30 years ago and spent more time with his wife. They bought another home in Cherokee Village, and they were able to spend some comfortable, quality time there; but he never left the farm. They kept their home in Harrisburg and returned often to check on things. He enjoyed fishing after he retired and just being able to get away from work for a while. Paul is also survived by five grandchildren, Melanie Butler and her husband Rhett, Amanda Eaton and her husband Jon, Brian Whittingham and his wife Kirsten, Grant Whittingham and his wife Kristy, and Ashley Whittingham, and nine great grandchildren. He loved his family and he loved his life on the farm. He was a well-respected man in this community and everyone that knew him was proud to call him their friend.

Funeral services are set for 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 10, 2026, at the Gregg-Weston Funeral Home Chapel in Harrisburg with Mr. Mark Weston officiating. Burial will follow in Harrisburg Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Friday, 12:30 p.m. until service time. Pallbearers will include Brian Whittingham, Grant Whittingham, Ricky Witt, Billy Sears, Steve Eastin and Salvador Vega. Honorary pallbearers will be Gary Fisher, Mark Weston, Ken Edwards, Eddie Wray, Marty White, Larry Neal, Sonny Bonds, his care giver - Lesley Walker, Billy Joe Williams and Larry Graves.

Paul Whittingham was a man who lived simply, loved deeply, and left quietly – but his impact remains in the lives he touched.

Those wishing to send memorials are asked to consider St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choice.