John Weldon Whiteaker

John Weldon Whiteaker (March 14, 1935 - June 29, 2025)
Captain John Weldon Whiteaker of Schaumburg, Illinois was born on March 14, 1935 in Albany, Missouri to John N. and Hazel Faye (Ruch) Whiteaker. Weldon graduated from Albany High School in 1953 as class president. He then attended the University of Missouri in Columbia (Mizzou), where earned a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and was commander of the entire Air Force Reserve Officer's Training Core (ROTC) wing in 1958.
He served in the United States Airforce for five and a half years, copiloting B-52s during the Cuban Missile Crisis in the Cold War. Returning to Mizzou, Weldon earned a master's degree in education in 1968. He went on to teach high school math and physics in Albany, Missouri for three years before working as a pilot for United Airlines for 27 years.
An Eagle Scout himself, Weldon served as a Scout Master for five years and was awarded District Scout Master of the Year for 1989. He enjoyed running, golfing and visiting the Disney Parks. A natural musician, Weldon sang in the church choir and enjoyed playing multiple instruments, including trumpet, guitar, harmonica and banjo. One of his favorite hobbies for over 20 years was researching his family's genealogy, publishing family history books and research booklets.
Weldon was known for his sense of humor and love of his family, especially spending time with his grandchildren. Weldon is preceded in death by his sister Janet Faye and brother Steven Whiteaker. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Neva Faye (Royston); children Kristi (Jason Wyckoff) and John (Kristine); grandchildren Ella and Miles Wyckoff and Sean and Maya Whiteaker; and brothers Richard and Mark and their families.
Family and friends will gather for a visitation Saturday, July 5 from 10:00am - 12:00pm at Michaels Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 800 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg, Illinois.
For information, please call 847-891-2900 or visit www.michaelsfh.com.