Don Whitaker

Memorial services for Don B. Whitaker, 94, and Jean Whitaker, 93(Aug.18, 2010) both of Lawrence, KS  will be held at 3:00 p.m., November 18, 2010 at the Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.  A burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. prior to the service on Thursday at Highland Cemetery in Ottawa.   He died on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at Brandon Woods at Alvamar in Lawrence.

Mr. Whitaker was born on April 11, 1916 in Bucyrus, KS, the son of Don C. and Nancy E. Thomas Whitaker.  He had lived in Lawrence since 1955. 

Don graduated from Lane High School in 1934.  He then attended Ottawa University and graduated in 1939 with a degree in education.

During World War II, he was a coordinator of instruction for the Air Force, training Radio Operators for B-17 bombers at Scott Field, IL and Sioux Falls, SD.  

Mr. Whitaker was a high school teacher and coach at Selden, Plains, and Tonganoxie, Kansas high schools.  He was also a Boy Scout Master at Plains.  He was previously a partner in the local International Harvester dealership from 1955 to 1971.  He was later employed in the sales department of John Haddock Ford and Laird Noller Ford until his retirement in 1981. 

Mr. Whitaker was a member of the Lawrence Kiwanis Club and member of the University Bridge Club for over 40 year. He was a past President of the University Bridge Club and secretary for over 30 years.  He was also a member of First United Methodist Church and served on various church committees and served as head usher for many years.  His hobbies included woodworking, growing roses and playing bridge. 

He married Jean Allen on August 27, 1939 in Ottawa, KS.  She preceded him in death on August 18, 2010. 

Survivors include two daughters, Nancy Fabrizio and husband, Frank, Lakewood, CO and June A. Cummings, and husband, Steve, Lawrence, KS; seven grandchildren, Andy, Joe, Heath, Lisa, Marcie, Cari and Cody; thirteen great grandchildren; two brothers; Richard Whitaker, New Carrolton, MD, and Phillip Whitaker, Overland Park, KS; many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by three brothers, Ted, Lewis and Robert and one sister, Elizabeth.  

The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday at Warren-McElwain Mortuary. 

The family suggests memorials in his name to the Charity of Donor’s Choice and may be sent in care of the mortuary.