Don B. Whitaker

Memorial services for Don B. Whitaker, 94, and Jean Whitaker, 93, both of Lawrence, will be at 3 p.m. Thursday at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Burial will be at 11 a.m. before the services at Highland Cemetery in Ottawa.
Mr. Whitaker died Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010, at Brandon Woods at Alvamar, Lawrence. Mrs. Whitaker died in August, and her obituary was published Aug. 20, 2010.
Mr. Whitaker was born April 11, 1916, in Bucyrus, the son of Don C. and Nancy E. Thomas Whitaker. He had lived in Lawrence since 1955.
He 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 in Scott Field, Ill., and Sioux Falls, S.D.
Mr. Whitaker was a teacher and coach at Selden, Plains, and Tonganoxie high schools. He was also a Boy Scoutmaster in Plains. He previously was a partner in the local International Harvester dealership from 1955 to 1971. He later was 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 more than 40 years. He was a past president of the University Bridge Club and secretary for more than 30 years. He was also a member of First United Methodist Church and served on various church committees and as head usher for many years. His hobbies included woodworking, growing roses and playing bridge.
He married Jean Allen on Aug. 27, 1939, in Ottawa. She preceded him in death on Aug. 18, 2010.
He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Ted, Lewis and Robert, and a sister, Elizabeth.
Survivors include two daughters, Nancy Fabrizio and husband Frank, Lakewood, Colo., and June A. Cummings and husband Steve, Lawrence; seven grandchildren, Andy, Joe, Heath, Lisa, Marcie, Cari and Cody; 13 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Richard Whitaker, New Carrollton, Md., and Phillip Whitaker, Overland Park; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will greet friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
The family suggests memorials to the charity of donor’s choice, sent in care of the mortuary, 120 W. 13th St., Lawrence, KS 66044.
Online condolences may be sent at warrenmcelwain.com.