Charlie Eddie Whittaker, 86, of Festus died April 26, 2019, at his home. Mr. Whittaker was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a retired truck driver with Grey Eagle Distributing. Born Oct. 5, 1932, in Jonesboro, Ark., he was the son of the late Ardenna (Busby) and Cecil Whittaker.
He is survived by his wife: Elizabeth Ann “Bette” (Katraba) Whittaker; five sons: Larry (Debbie) Whittaker of Irvine, Calif., Jimmy (Debby) Needy of Wentzville, Steve (Jodi) Needy of Festus, Frankie (Kristen Hartke) Jones of Chesterfield and Scot Jones of Oakville; four daughters: Janet (Walt) Jenkins of Lahabra, Calif., Shellie Collins of Wentzville, Carolyn (Rob) Lahrman of Chicago, Ill. and Barbie (Brent) Bateman of Festus; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a daughter: Laura Jefferson; and a sister: Nora Mae (the late Tom) Willis.
A memorial service with full military honors is scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday, May 6, at the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus.