Let me tell you all a true story.  My family moved to Jacksonville in August 1958 when my father took the position of Protestant chaplain at the Jack-sonville State Hospital.  In the place we had lived before (Gomer, Ohio) I had been a member of the boy scout troop there. In Jacksonville I joined scout troop 106, which was sponsored by a local Methodist church.  I be-came acquainted with Mr. Whitaker on one of our campouts. He was an assistant scoutmaster  As he talked, it became clear to me that his knowledge of various matters was both wide and deep.  I naturally assumed he was a professional man, a doctor, lawyer, etc. When I found out he hauled trash for a living, I was astonished.  
     Prior to coming to Jacksonville, I had lived in rural areas and small towns in the Midwest. Therefor, I was almost completely unaware of the problems black people faced in late 1950's America. Trying to learn why he did what he did, I began to understand just how difficult black people had finding any employment which was something other than ill-paying, looked down upon, illegal, or dangerous. I guess you could say he taught me something very important even though he wasn't trying to teach me anything at all.

My sisters and I loved Mr. Whitaker!!! He was the sweetest man ever!! When he came once a week we would scream and run out the door!!! He always had a smile and kind words for us. We are sorry for your loss!

Creston,
I am so sorry for the loss of Mr. Whitaker.  You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. 
Valerie Kindle, Garland, TX

We are sorry for your loss, we will continue to pray for  peace and comfort as time passes. Please know that we are here for you all. The McPhersons.

Thanking God for all the wonderful memories you have of your husband, father, and friend. Praying for you and knowing that blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted. Love you.

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Whitaker family.  May God's grace and love be with you today and always.  I feel your loss and pain.

Whitaker Family:

I am so sorry for the loss of you father!  My prayers are always with you, especially at this time of your loss.

Love, 
Vicki

Mr. Whitaker was one of the nicest people I knew. He always had a smile and a wave. He will be missed by all.

Love you always.  Momma and I will not forget Sister Marquerite.  ( you two are a Class- act.  We will meet again.

To Sister Marquerite , I am keeping you and the family in my prayers.  You know how precious Bro. Leroy  was to me and Stephanie.  I never met a more humble, soft-spoken man.  To know him and you was special for us.  We were friends who shared April birthdays, only days apart . He will never be forgotten and forever loved.  As You always said he lived his funeral, kind and true. Love you and know he is only at home with the Father.Absent from the body , present with the Lord.

The entire Whitaker family that grew up in in Jacksonville,Il.were a class act. How fortunate you were to have your father for so many good years. Creston,thank you for sharing your parents picture with me at the JHS football field when you were in Jacksonville last fall.I will always remember the kindness your parents showed to our community.God bless and warm regards.

Mr. Whitaker had class!  The kindness he displayed to my children, co-workers at Walker
Motor Co., and others will never be forgot.  He is on my top ten list of the best people of Jacksonville.  He made the world a better place.

Creston ,sorry for your loss. Our sympathy to you and the family. MR.WHITAKER , was a very fine man. GOD BLESS

Dear Whitakers, I am so sorry for your loss.  I had to let you know how much we always loved Mr. Whitaker.  He was a very important part of our youngest son's pre-school years.  He loved "trash day" because that was when he saw his friend, Mr. Whitaker. Mr. Whitaker would greet him with a smile as Andrew ran out to see him each Thursday.  Mr. Whitaker would pick him up and let him hit the switch/handle that moved the trash into the truck.  They would exchange a few words and Mr. Whitaker would be on his way.  His and Andrew's birthdays were quite close, so they always exchanged birthday greetings.  Andrew's was on the 7th and Mr. Whitaker's on the 12th, as I recall.  Our sympathy to all of you - - you have lost a kind and gentle friend and family member.  Fred & Sue Walker, Jacksonville, IL

My sympathy in the loss of your father . Thinking of your family .

Praying God's peace over you all and praising God for the life of Uncle Leroy. He was a true example of a Godly man and never complained. So many good memories including riding with him in his truck during pick up, him making me a swing to play on and just being loving uncle and upstanding person. Rest in peace uncle.

Leroy Whitaker was an excellent model to us all; he was truly a wonderful man.  He showed all of us how to live and what it means to "love your neighbor as yourself". There was never a question that he loved his wife, children, grandchildren, friends and most importantly his Lord. Our sympathy, prayers and love to his wife and family.

In loving of my beloved Uncle Leroy Whitaker. I will love you and miss you always.

So sad to read of Mr. Whitaker's passing.  He was a fine gentleman. Sympathy to all the family.

Minta (Way) Colburn

You will be missed..I lost a dear friend... Whitaker family your in my prayers

Blessed to have been apart of your life... sad to see you go, but you can finally rest. Whitaker family you are in my prayers.

Crest and Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.  So sorry for your loss.

OBITUARY

Mr. Leroy Edward Whitaker

12 April, 1919 – 28 January, 2015

Singing Hills Funeral Home

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