Joseph D. Witherow, Jr., 77, Kansas City, MO, passed away August 31, 2020, surrounded by his family.

Joe was born on April 17,1943 in Houston, Texas to Geraldine A. (Dwyer) and Joseph D. Witherow Sr.  Growing up in the Northeast area, he attended Holy Trinity School where, by his own admission, he was a holy terror. He spent countless hours playing at Lykins park developing many lifelong relationships and loves including his wife, Barbara, and baseball. Joe was an avid baseball player from little league through his adult life. He attended Rockhurst High School where he played baseball and went on to St. Mary of the Plains where he played basketball.

Joe was a teacher for 30 years at St. Pius X High School where he taught American Government, among other subjects, while coaching football, basketball, and golf. The highlight of his coaching career was finishing second in the State Basketball Championships in 1972 and 1974. His passion for history and government was evident in his teaching style and greatly impacted many. He loved all of the new technologies and often said he wished that he were back in the classroom. He had a wealth of knowledge, always wanting to know more and sharing it usually in teacher mode. His Irish wit, sometimes cutting, will always be with us. His love of fishing at Toledo Bend brought many hours of enjoyment in his retirement years.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, brother Dennis, and infant son - "Baby Brother." He is survived by his wife Barbara of 56 years and their children Mick (Marcia), Kathy (Todd), Suzie (Jim), Jeannie (John), Joe III, Toni (Patrick), Anna (Martin), Denise, Leah (David), Teresa (Tom) and 33 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

The Rosary will be prayed at 4:00 p.m. followed by Visitation from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 3 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 900 NE Shady Lane Dr., KCMO 64118. The funeral Mass will be Friday, September 4 at 10:00 a.m., also at St. Charles Borromeo, with graveside services following at Resurrection Cemetery. We wish to maintain the safety of all visitors by adhering to mask wearing and social distancing. A scholarship in honor of Joe's service to St. Pius X will be established. The family requests donations in lieu of flowers to St. Pius X High School, Kansas City, MO, www.spxkc.org .

The family would like to send thanks to Dad's wonderful hospice nurse, Patty. We also would like to acknowledge Fr. Nathan Reub for the persistent visits and comfort he provided.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com