After a brief illness, Frank Vernon Whitney entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in Cape Coral, Florida.  He was 88 years old.

Born on April 14, 1937, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Charles Francis and Semona Johnson Whitney, Frank attended Vocational High School, where he excelled in athletics.  Following graduation, Frank worked as a draftsman for Moline before enlisting in the US Army at age 22. Stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, Frank served as an architectural draftsman and met the love of his life, Kay Bartlett.

Frank received an honorable early discharge in March 1961 to pursue higher education. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Design from the University of Minnesota in May of 1964.  That same year, on August 1, he and Kay were married at Colonial Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina. This year they celebrated 61 years of marriage.

After their wedding, Frank and Kay moved to Greeley, Colorado, where Frank taught at Heath Junior High and Greeley West High School while earning his Master's Degree from Colorado State Teachers College. During this time, Frank embraced his faith, accepting Jesus Christ as his Savior at age 27. He became an active member of Hillside Baptist Church serving as a Sunday school teacher and on the Pastor Search Committee.  Their son, Brad, was born in Greeley.

In 1971, Frank felt called by the Lord to move his family to Cape Coral, Florida, where he began a rewarding teaching career in drafting and design at Edison Community College (now Florida Southwestern State College). He was a professor for 33 years.  He retired from teaching in April of 2004.  Frank took great joy and pride in watching his student's flourish.  He often said, "I hope I have had a small part in their future successes."   His career as an educator spanned 40 years.

Alongside his teaching career, Frank founded KF Concepts Inc., an architectural design firm. His creative work-homes and small commercial buildings-can be seen throughout Lee County, Florida. During his busy life and blessed time, Frank and Kay welcomed two more children, Brian and Shea.

Frank and Kay became active members of First Baptist Church of Cape Coral in 1971, where Frank served as an adult Sunday School teacher, Deacon, on the Pastor Search Committee, and in various other capacities.

In 1988, they joined McGregor Baptist Church, in Fort Myers, continuing their faithful service.  He loved working at the Welcome Desk in the Faith Building for many years, which gave him the opportunity to meet and great new people as well as old friends and students. Frank volunteered in many other capacities, including with Samaritans Purse during the aftermath of hurricane Irma. He also loved working and helping Kay with Operation Christmas Child. His love for the Church and for sharing the love and warmth of our Savior Jesus Christ was evident in his commitment to his weekly Men's Bible Study and Life Group.

Frank's favorite pastimes included rock sculpturing, nature photography, fishing and attending his children's and grandchildren's activities. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Charles Whitney.  He is survived by his beloved wife Kay; children Bradley Whitney, Brian Whitney (Pam), and Shea Whitney Grannell (Matthew); and five cherished grandchildren:  Brianna, Eli, Harper, Semona, and Jade.   He is also survived by Pat Bartlett, Janice Whitney, several nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.

A celebration of Frank's life and faith will be held in the Worship Center at McGregor Baptist Church in Fort Myers, Florida, on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with a Fellowship to follow in Room H100 of the Hope Building. Your presence would be an honor and a blessing.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Operation Christmas Child at www.SamaritansPurse.org .  This is a ministry that reaches children for Jesus throughout the world.  To make a memorial gift to Samaritan's Purse in Frank's name, please click this link:

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/memorial-page/frank-v-whitney-cape-coral-fl/

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have eternal life.