Jesse Whitaker

Jesse C. Whitaker Jesse C. Whitaker, 90, of Topeka, passed away Sunday, April 27, 2014. Jesse was born July 27, 1923, in Paris, Texas, son of Jesse Robert Whitaker and Ruby B. (Bolles) Whitaker. He left high school to join the Army Air Force in 1942. Jesse served in England and France as a Staff Sergeant in the 8th and 9th Army Air Force with the credit of 65 bombing combat missions as an engineer gunner on heavy and light bombers. He started Jess Whitaker Construction Company in 1960 and was in business in Topeka for 33 years before retiring to Lake Wabaunsee. Jesse enjoyed building, bowling, fishing, hunting and playing guitar. Jesse married Betty Jeanne Kern on April 19, 1945. They were married 60 years until her death on December 6, 2006. He was also preceded in death by two sisters. Survivors include four children, Diana (Rod) Donald, of Topeka; Ron (Sheri) Whitaker, of Carbondale; Carol (Keith) Mattingly, of Lexington Park, Maryland; and Joretta (Donovan) Elrod, of Towanda; ten grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two sisters and a brother. The family would like to thank DeDee Taylor, the other caregivers, Stormont-Vail Hospital, and Grace Hospice for all of their love and support. A celebration of life visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, May 2, 2014, at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 3, 2014, at West Lawn Memorial Gardens, 820 SW Auburn Road, Topeka, with military honors being conducted by Philip Billard VFW Post 1650. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. To leave the family a special message, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com.