Jack Burl Willingham, 76, of Mexico, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at his home.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, April 17, at the Mexico VFW Hall. The family requests that everyone dress casually.
Jack was born on January 8, 1950, in Mexico, the son of Roy A. and Martha O. (Towne) Willingham. He married Donna Kay Rodgers on November 28, 1969, at the Rush Hill Community Church.
Jack graduated from Paris High School in 1969 and went on to work for 34 years at National Refractories. He was a member of First Baptist Church and the Mexico Street Masters. His hobbies included building classic cars, maintaining and repairing small engines, riding motorcycles, deer hunting, fishing, and gardening. Above all, he was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
Survivors include his wife, Donna Kay Willingham of the home; two daughters, Tammy (Dan) Buchanan of Chippewa Falls, WI, and Kim (Mark) Menefee of Mexico; four grandchildren, Zachary Buchanan, Colin Buchanan, Asher Menefee, and Raegen Menefee; and two sisters, Dorothy Kehl of Birmingham, AL, and Lenice Dunlap of Paris; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Martha and Roy Willingham; two brothers, Donnie Willingham and Richard Willingham; and one sister, Mignon Metzger.
The family requests memorial contributions be made to: “The Habitat Association”. A memorial project, dedicated to maintaining public hunting land, will be created in his name. Donations may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S Jefferson St. Mexico, MO 65265.
The Willingham Family is being served by Arnold Funeral Home in Mexico.
Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com
