James Whitaker

Whitaker, James Patton LTC US Army (Ret)

LTC Pat Whitaker, a proud veteran of the US Army, passed away at the Oak Creek Sporting Club doing exactly what he loved — hunting with his son Nash in the company of Sally his wife of 43 years. He wrote his final chapter.

Pat was the son of Vivian James and Franklin Whitaker, raised in Midland, TX and received a direct commission into the US Army as an infantry second lieutenant June 7th, 1964 upon graduation from The Virginia Military Institute. He served in Vietnam, later assigned to the US Army Marksmanship Unit, shotgun section, moved to Germany, returned after three years to Ft Lewis, WA. His final assignment was Professor of Military Science, Creighton University.

Omaha became home after Army retirement in 1988. From his love of this country to his marksmanship talents Pat spent the last 25 years coaching trap shooting and introducing skeet to the Creighton Prep High School shooters and others in the community. He knew that shooting sports built relationships that young shooters would cherish for life.

This wonderful man had a world wider than most ever knew. He never stopped reading with a French Brittany on his lap. He loved bird hunting with his son and dogs and if joined by friends the day was all the better. Fly fishing trips were planned as soon as the last fish was snagged. Having broken records in International Skeet competitions, he was passionate about American skeet. Pat's life was full. He loved God, country, family, friends and his dogs. As I write I hear the rain - America cries for having lost her patriot.

A MEMORIAL FOR PAT'S LIFE will be held on Thursday, October 28, from 6:30-9:00 at Creighton Prep (7400 Western Ave). INTERMENT: Monday, November 1, 11am, at Omaha National Cemetery with full Military honors. In lieu of flowers please send donations designated to the Creighton Prep Shooting Team.

HEAFEY-HOFFMANN DWORAK-CUTLER

West Center Chapel, 7805 W. Center Rd.

(402) 391-3900 | www.heafeyheafey.com