PHILIP PHIL WHITAKER

1925 - 2017

Philip "Phil" Whitaker, age 91, passed away quietly in his sleep on Thursday, February 16, 2017. He was born on September 4, 1925 in Litchfield Minnesota to Edna and Philip Whitaker Sr. and is survived by sons David (Mary Jane) Whitaker, Alan (Virginia) Whitaker, grandsons Kevin (Kristin) Whitaker, Eric Whitaker and great granddaughter Kendall Whitaker. Preceded in death by his loving wife Eloise "Becky" and his parents Philip and Edna Whitaker. Phil was a WWII Navy veteran where he was a Helmsman/Signalman on a Landing Ship Tank (LST) stationed in both the Western and Southern Pacific. Phil's love for the outdoors was demonstrated by his volunteer work with the Boy Scouts, his passion for golf, his love for duck hunting and fishing. He worked for Texaco in Minnesota and in the late 60's was transferred to Denver where he finished out his career. While living in Denver, his affection for the outdoors took a new direction as he discovered "Jeeping", the Colorado Mountain Club, skiing, and camping throughout the majestic Colorado Rocky Mountains. He spent his retirement years working for H&R Block often going to nursing homes to prepare taxes for the elderly. He taught defensive driving classes for 55 Alive and was a volunteer setting up Life Alert systems. During the late evening of February 16th, on what was their 70th wedding anniversary, Mom called Dad home for the last time and they are now again united. Rest in peace, Phil, you will be missed by family and friends. Phil will be interred next to Becky at the Lake Ripley Cemetery in Litchfield Minnesota. A private family memorial service will be held later this Spring. If you choose to make a charitable donation in Phil's honor, please direct it towards the Alzheimer's Foundation