Edward J. "Mac" Whittaker

Edward J. (Mac) Whittaker, age 88, joined his beloved "Millie" into eternal life, on 4/13/2015, who had recently passed away on 1/29/2015. A retired construction and painting estimator, he was born in New Orleans and lived in Jefferson Parish for over 50 years. He was a graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church School and Fortier High School. He was the son of the late Antoinette Danna Whittaker and Edward J. Whittaker Sr., husband of the late Millie Babin Whittaker, brother of the late Eileen Scholl and James D. Whittaker. Edward is survived by his daughter Constance A. Crank of Alamo, CA, son Richard L. Whittaker of Baton Rouge, LA, grandfather of seven, great-grandfather of eight and cousin of the late Henry J. Langhauser, his life time friend. Edward was a veteran of the Naval Forces, having served in the Pacific aboard LCS-35 in Iwo Jima and Okinawa. A veteran of the Radar Picket Line, who fought the "kamikazes" off the coast of Japan and Okinawa, "Mac" continued to serve after the war, in first entry into China and mine sweeping duties off the coast of Formosa. His most memorial occasion was on February 23, 1945, when his ship and the whole fleet observed and cheered the raising of the "First and Original Flag" over Iwo Jima. Edward was a member of the American Legion Post # 175, the LCS (L) Association and the Iwo Jima Veterans Association. His remembrance of the Naval landing at Iwo Jima was published by "Military" magazine in 1994. Services at St. Edward, The Confessor Church, 4921 West Metairie Avenue in Metairie, on Friday, 4/17/2015 at 11AM. Visitation from 10 AM until time of service. Interment in Metairie Cemetery, following the church service. In lieu of flowers Mass preferred. Condolences may be offered at www.leitz-Eaganfuneralhome.com.