Paul David Whitter Jr., 76, of Columbia, Mo., died peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in Columbia.

Paul was born July 27, 1948, in St. Louis, the son of Paul and Geraldine (Guinther) Whitter. He was a 1966 graduate of McCluer High School in Florissant, Mo., and in 1971 received a BS in Education from Southwest Missouri State College in Springfield, Mo. He was certified as a technologist in chemistry by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists in 1986 and worked as a teacher and pathologist. He consulted for numerous toxicology and pathology labs across the country, and at the time of his passing was a certifying scientist at MU Healthcare’s AP Green Forensic Laboratory, setting up and designing the lab. He contributed to toxicology research and was published in professional journals over the years.

Paul was an avid fitness and nutrition enthusiast who completed multiple marathons and triathlons around the country, including the local Heart of America marathon, and participated in gymnastics, repertory dance, fabric aerial fitness, and pole performance events; CrossFit; and numerous road and mountain biking competitions. He had great enthusiasm for cars and racing and was a member of the BMW Car Club.

Paul is survived by his brothers Michael (Marcia) Whitter of Bend, Ore.; Robert (Monica) Whitter of Camdenton, Mo.; Tony Whitter of Overland Park, Kan.; his sisters, Sandra (Jon) Hockenbury of Columbia; and Carrie (Paul) Mitchell of Centralia Mo.; nine nieces and nephews; 13 grandnieces and grandnephews; and one great-grandnephew. He was preceded in death by his mother in 2007, and his father in 2009.

A private green burial will be on Dec. 4, 2024, at Columbia Cemetery, 30 E Broadway in Columbia, Mo. Some celebration of life gatherings will be scheduled later for Paul’s professional and fitness network of friends and associates.

Donations may be made in Paul’s memory to KBIA, National Public Radio, Missouri Botanical Gardens, Hummingbird Society, and Forest Park Forever.