Robert David Whitaker

1931 - 2020

Robert David Whitaker, aged 88, passed away peacefully of natural causes on the evening of Friday, March 13, 2020 in his home with family at his bedside. Bob, the oldest of three sons, was born on June 1, 1931 in Hamlin, Texas to parents David and Julia Bordovsky Whitaker. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Elaine Schindler Whitaker, their devoted sons, David M. Whitaker (Suzanne Cousino Whitaker) and Eric M. Whitaker (Loren Schwerd), and his precious granddaughter Juliet G. Whitaker, who filled his life with great happiness. He is also survived by his brother Joe Dalbert Whitaker (Colby Whitaker), his sister-in-law Katrina Joy Whitaker, brothers-in-law Henri Schindler and John E. Schindler (Mona Marks Schindler) and his nieces and nephews. He is preceded in passing by his parents and his brother William Wayne Whitaker. Bob joined the Air Force during the Korean War and was stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska. Following his honorable discharge, he attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock. He graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering and was a member of the Pi Epsilon Tau honor society and the AIME. Bob moved to New Orleans to work for Continental Oil Company, where he worked for several years. He subsequently was employed by the United States Department of Interior Minerals Management Service, overseeing and regulating offshore oil and gas production. He retired from the MMS in 2008 after over 42 years of federal service. Bob was a kind and generous man with a ready, jolly laugh who did not hesitate to put others' needs before his own. In addition to being a loving and devoted husband, he was a nurturing father to two grateful sons. He appreciated life's simple pleasures the most: cooking for, and eating with, family and friends; gardening in his lush backyard; restoring his candy-apple-red, 1967 Mustang; and reclining under umbrellas, and taking strolls, on the beaches of Destin, Florida. His family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone at both Passages Hospice and Home Care Solutions, especially nurses Kaci, Casie, and Shannon, CNA Demetrice, and caregivers Darlene, Suyapa, Julie, and Mona, all of who were so attentive and kind these last few months. A memorial service will be held for Bob on a future date at Mothe Funeral Home, 2100 Westbank Expressway in Harvey. Mothe Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time. Family and friends are encouraged to express their condolences or share memories by visiting www.mothefunerals.com.