Michael B. Wilhoit, 81, Springfield Missouri, passed away Sunday afternoon, April 10, 2022, at Cox South Hospital, with his family at his side. He was born on December 12, 1940, in Springfield, Missouri, to Charlene and Tom Wilhoit.

From Springfield, the family moved to the small town of Amber, Iowa after his mom remarried to Willis Zimmerman. They eventually moved to Anamosa, Iowa where Michael would graduate high school. Following graduation, he would join the Navy. Michael would return to Anamosa after his Naval service where he met and married Sharla Byers in 1963. They had three children together but would later divorce.  Michael attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Drury College in Springfield, Missouri, earning a degree in Economics and Business Administration from the latter.  Michael had big dreams and aspirations for his life, in fact he started his company, Wilhoit Properties while attending college. He was a prominent member of the Springfield business community throughout his career in real estate development, multi-family housing, single-family housing, real estate sales, and construction.

Michael married Paula Robinson in 2015 at their home in Highland Springs Country Club. They lived here happily together until his passing. Michael was an active member of Highland Springs Country Club and found much joy through a variety of club activities including tennis, entertaining and social events. Michael also had an extreme passion for architecture and landscaping which was shown throughout the boundaries of his estate. He also enjoyed karaoke, dancing and weightlifting. Everyone who knew Michael was amused by his outrageous sense of humor and love of life. He was a prankster and loved to tell jokes and make people laugh. He treasured his family and friendships.

Michael was preceded in death by his son, Scott; his parents, Willis and Charlene Zimmerman; and his biological father, Tom Wilhoit. He is survived by his wife, Paula R. Wilhoit; his brother, Vaughn C. Zimmerman and his family; his brother Kent Zimmerman and his family; his son, Brett J. Wilhoit and partner, Cezary; his son Parker T. Wilhoit and wife, Paula A. Wilhoit; his mother-in-law, Pattie Robinson, 5 grandchildren; and 1 great grandchild.

Cremation will occur at a private ceremony at the family's convenience.  Michael's cremains will be placed in a columbarium at Springfield Veteran's Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Reasons Rescue Ranch ( https://reasonsrescueranch.org ) and Watching Over Whiskers Feline Fund ( http://www.watchingoverwhiskers.org ).