Funeral service for James Everett Whitaker was December 2, 2022 at Wilson Mortuary Chapel, Salem, with Elder Rick Huggins and Michael Lindstrom officiating.
Interment was in the New Hope Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Robbie Ellerman, Brian Ellerman, Eddie Wofford, Billy Miller, Dylan Burke and Dana Rickerd. Honorary pallbearers were Billy Williams and Danny Yates.
Mr. Whitaker was born November 16, 1942 in St. Louis to Estel Whitaker and Thelma Welchel. He married Beverly Terrill December 22, 1962. They were the parents of three children. Mr. Whitaker died November 28, 2022 in Salem at the age of 80 years.
Survivors include his wife, Beverly Whitaker, Salem; children, Jimmy Whitaker, Salem; Regina Yates and husband, Danny, Salem; daughter-in-law, Pam Whitaker, Salem; siblings, Irene Stein and husband, Louie, Belleville, Illinois; and Victor Welchel and wife, Robin, Sparta, Illinois; grandchildren, Kari, Dylan, Cody, Tyler, Lydia, Caitlyn, Samantha and Morgan; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Preceding him in death were his son, Jeff Whitaker; parents; brothers, Freddie Whitaker and Timmy Welchel; sister, Wanda Castaldi; infant sister, Estina Fay Whitaker; and granddaughter, Sara Conway.
