Scott Alan Whitson

Scott Alan Whitson passed away Sunday, November 10, at home surrounded by his loved ones. Scott was diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) at the end of August. CJD is a horrible disease that affects only one in a million people every year. From its onset, he and his wife, Lori, spent every minute with family and friends, reminiscing the wonderful life they had created together and the hope of it lasting until they were very old.

Scott was born on June 18, 1966, in Herrin, IL to Earl and Judy Whitson. During his Senior Year at Herrin High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy. Soon after graduation in 1984, he became a Petty Officer Second Class Boiler Technician on the USS Coral Sea. The Navy shaped him into a respectful man, and he applied what he learned in the Navy throughout his lifetime.

After the Navy, he began working for the Bureau of Prisons in Marianna, FL, transferring to Terre Haute, IN, Leavenworth, KS, Pekin, Il, and Springfield, MO. He then began working in the North Central Region as a Facilities Administrator, in Kansas City, KS. After 25+ years with the BOP, he spent 10 years working with Corrections Corporation of America, later becoming CoreCivic, as Managing Director, Real Estate. Throughout his BOP and CoreCivic careers, he met so many people throughout the United States, many of whom he had lasting friendships with.

Scott made an undeniable impact on everyone with whom he crossed paths. Among the many titles he held throughout his life, his favorite was Pops. Scott was optimistic, dedicated, as well as always willing to lend a helping hand. He and Lori spent many long weekends with the family at the Lake of the Ozarks. He never passed on the opportunity to take them on a sunset cruise, and even swim to the nearest house for gas when we ran out in the middle of the lake, at 10:30 pm. No number of visitors at the lake was ever too many, especially if they were the grandkids’ friends. He made sure there was plenty of food, drink and a good time had by all. The warmth of his smile, quick wit, and laugh will be missed dearly. His whistle that could be heard for a mile will be missed by many.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Lori Whitson; son, Scott Whitson, and his wife, Heather Cosgrove; Daughter, Brailyn Medearis and her husband, Michael; Stepdaughter, Heather Crowder, and her husband, Dave, and late stepson, Chris Schaffer; four grandchildren who loved their Pops beyond comparison, but not as much as he loved them, Kenadi Crowder, Gracen Crowder, Braxton Medearis and Griffin Scott Medearis. Braxton went to heaven much sooner than we expected but no doubt was anxiously waiting to take his Pops’ hand. Just imagine the reunion! His dad, Earl Whitson and his wife, Nancy; and his mom, Judy Hampton; Sister, Eugena Whitson-Owen, and her husband, Brian, nephew, Jake Owen, and niece, Abigail Owen; Stepsisters, Connie Reed, Bobbi Jo Smith and her husband, Jeff; Stepbrother, Jay Reed, and nephew, Jacob Reed. Aunts, Sharon Richardson, Sandra Dryden, Peggy Denison, and Joyce Beltz. Cousins, Johna, Robyn, Johnny Dale, Vickie, Michael, Suzi, Brian, Chris and Jeff. Scott has many extended family members, all of which held a special place in his heart. Last, but certainly not least, his best buddy, Howie.

Scott’s passing has left a hole in our hearts that can never be filled. In his honor, our one request would be when you hear Sweet Home Alabama, please put your hands over your heart. Next to our national anthem, Sweet Home Alabama, was a very close second. This world has lost a great guy, and to his wife, Lori, he will always be her one in a million.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Scott’s late grandson, Braxton’s foundation, “Braxton Gives Back.” Donations may be brought to the funeral or church or mailed to Riddell National Bank, Riddell National Bank cc: Braxton Gives Back, 1 E. National Avenue, Brazil, Indiana 47834

Serving as pallbearers are Earl Whitson, Scott Whitson, Gracen Crowder, Michael Medearis, Marcelo Ariola, Dave Crowder, Griffin Medearis and Chris Schaffer.