Derwood Bruce Whittington

Derwood “Bruce” Whittington Jr., 64, of Hays, Kansas, passed away at his home on June 8, 2026.

Bruce was born on August 11, 1961, in Texas City, Texas, to Joan and D.B. Whittington. In his youth, he was an avid baseball player known for hitting home runs and throwing strikes. He attended Texas City High School, where he played football, and later attended The University of Texas, where his lifelong love for the Texas Longhorns began.

After earning his Master of Arts in Human Resources from the University of Houston, Bruce began his lifelong career in human resources at HCA Healthcare (Mainland Center Hospital) in 1992. In 1996, he and his family moved to Hays, Kansas, where he continued his work at Hays Medical Center, serving on the administration team for approximately 20 years.

Throughout his life, Bruce contributed to the Hays community by serving on the board of the Smoky Hill Golf Course, running for the USD 489 School Board in 2003, serving on the Board of Directors for United Way of Ellis County, chairing its 2005 fundraising campaign, and teaching Human Resources courses at Fort Hays State University.

Bruce especially enjoyed watching his children participate in sports and later found joy in cheering on his grandchild and foster son from the sidelines. Some of his favorite moments were spent attending games, supporting those he loved, and celebrating their accomplishments. Bruce enjoyed watching all sports, especially Texas Longhorn football and basketball, working on old cars, cooking, collecting baseball cards, fishing, golfing, playing cards, listening to classic rock, and providing mentorship and Human Resources advice to others.

Most importantly, Bruce will be remembered for his generosity, his willingness to help others, and the lasting impact he made on the lives of those who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his father, D.B. Whittington, and his sister, Vicki Whittington.

Bruce is survived by his children, Bobby Whittington (fiancée Cassandra), Hailey Long (significant other Austin), Zackary Whittington, and Ty Whittington (wife Ashley); his foster son, Torrin Birch; his cherished grandchildren, Braxton Long, Prisayus Kennedy, Everleigh Whittington, and Alyvia Whittington; his mother, Joan Whittington; his brother and best friend, David Whittington (wife Lori); his sister, Deborah Whittington; his former wife, Stephanie Brungardt (Howard), and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Galveston Memorial Park in Hitchcock, Texas.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggest to: First Call For Help - Meals on Wheels in care of the funeral chapel. Cremation under the direction of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel - 2509 Vine Street Hays, Kansas 67601.

Memories and words of comfort may be shared with Bruce's family on his tribute page via: www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com