May 25, 1928 ~ March 10, 2021
William “Bill” E. Whitaker, 92, Gas City, passed away on Wednesday, March 10, 2021, at Marion General Hospital. He was born in Gas City, Indiana, on Friday, May 25, 1928, to Forrest and Montrue (McGinnis) Whitaker. On August 29, 1947, he married Mary Mildred Whybrew and she survives.
William graduated from Gas City High School Class of 1947. He retired as a Machine Repair/Tool and Die Supervisor after working with Owens Illinois for 39 years in 1982. He then worked at Glass Container for 18 months before retiring. He was a member of Owens-Illinois Quarter Century Club and attended Eastview Wesleyan Church. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, gardening, and watching NASCAR.
Survivors include his loving wife of 73 years, Mary Mildred Whitaker of Gas City; son, Steven Earl (Karen) Whitaker of Cromwell; daughter, Connie Jo Montz of Ridgeway, VA; granddaughters, Laura (Fiancé Chad Martin) Fuller of Ridgeway, VA, Christel (Richard) Hoover of South Bend; grandson, Joshua (Amanda) Whitaker of South Bend; 4 great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Phyllis Whitaker.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Forrest Glen and Montrue Flora Whitaker; brother, Glen Whitaker; son-in-law, John Montz; and daughter-in-law, Jo Ann Whitaker.
The family will receive visitors from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Monday, March 15, 2021, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, Storey Chapel, 400 E. Main St., Gas City.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate William’s life will begin at 11:00 am with Pastor Mark Atkinson officiating. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Cancer Services of Grant County Tower Suites 305 S. Norton Ave., Marion, IN, 46952.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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