Forrest Jeffrey (Jeff) Whittington, 66, Hope

Forrest Jeffrey (Jeff) Whittington, 66, of Hope, Indiana passed away peacefully around 10:15 a.m. on January 24, 2026, with his wife by his side.

Jeff was born on February 5, 1959 in Columbus, Indiana to Richard (Dick) and Shirley Whittington. He was raised in Hope, Indiana.

Jeff is survived by Vicky Whittington (wife); Rhett Whittington and Rhakalee Eversole (children); Azlyn Whittington and Nolan Eversole (grandchildren); Julie Seavers (sister); Joe Whittington (brother); and Michael Phelps, his longtime best friend, who was family in every way and a brother to him in heart and life.

Throughout his life, Jeff was often working towards something, and took a lot of pride in the way he showed up to do it. All of the work and effort in his life ultimately rested on a foundation of building a beautiful life for him, his wife, and kids. Growing up, Jeff was a proud Hope Boy Scout of Hoosier Trails Council #156 and a DeMoyla; connecting with other scouts, and getting opportunities to travel. He graduated from Hauser Jr.-Sr. High School in Hope, Indiana in 1977. Well before graduating high school, Jeff saved enough money to buy his first Jeep at the age of 14. Only two years later at 16, he bought his first dump truck and started his business, Whittington Trucking.

Always keen on achieving new goals, by the time he was 18, he purchased his first home. In 2006, as life entered a season that required more stability and routine, Jeff chose to shift gears and began working with US Aggregates, Cave Stone Plant, in Flat Rock, Indiana, where he worked for 19 years.

Outside of work, Jeff lived a life of adventure and joy. Before he got married, he spent many winters in Homestead, Florida with his longtime good friend, Jeff Shaefer. Although joining later in life, he was a proud Mason of the Hope Masonic Lodge (F&AM #150). He loved staying active at his beloved lake house in the summers, taking his family on pontoon boat rides, hosting memorable 4th of July parties with his wife, and spending time with his best friend Mike “in the barn” sharing laughs, conversations, and stories. He loved listening to music like Tom Petty, Traveling Wilburys, The Rolling Stones, and Bob Seger. Later in life, Jeff’s goals shifted, and those goals became more intentional and softer. Jeff loved spending time with his grown kids, grandkids, his wife, and taking pride in his yard, home, and all the little things in between.

A Celebration of Life service for Jeff will be held February 20 at Norman’s Funeral Home in Hope, Indiana at 7 p.m., with a Masonic service at 6:45 p.m. Visitation hours will be held from 4 p.m. until time of service.

Burial of Jeff’s cremains will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be expressed to Jeff's family at www.normanfuneralhome.com.