John Franklin Whitesides, age 64, of Columbia, MO, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2025, surrounded by family.

John was born December 5, 1960 in Boonville, MO and raised in Columbia. He graduated from Hickman High School and Southwest Missouri State University where he earned a degree in Finance. He worked in insurance as an underwiter and retired from MEM (Missouri Employers Mutual) in Columbia.

John will be remembered as a kind person, thoughtful son and brother, and devoted father. He had a love of learning and could speak with insight and humor about everything from sports stats and film history to general trivia. He was a skilled golfer, lettering on the Hickman varsity team, a devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan, and a fitness lover, taking daily nature walks.

He is survived by his parents, Jerry and Virginia Whitesides; children, Matthew Whitesides and  Michelle Whitesides Greenwood (husband Anthony); grandson, Everett Greenwood; sister, Jani Whitesides; brother, Jeff Whitesides (wife Nancy) and nieces, Elanor and Hannah Whitesides.

The CJD Foundation offered support and insight for our family once we found out John developed this rare, sporadic condition. We hope to give back to this foundation to help other families like ours who face similar unfathomably terrible luck.