John Parker "JP" Whitaker

JP was born on August 14, 1928, to John Harold and Hazel (Parker) Whitaker in Davenport, Iowa. After attending Davenport High School, JP answered the call to service with the United States Army. He was a member of the famed Third Infantry Division (“Rock of the Marne!”) and saw combat during the Korean War. Honorably discharged at the rank of corporal, JP returned home, continuing his education at Bradley University. An excellent baseball player, he was disappointed to learn he could not try out for the Bradley baseball team. Not to be deterred, JP joined one of the local factory baseball teams. Of his many victories on the diamond, none was sweeter than defeating the team that had denied him a tryout.

JP was a Renaissance man. While he was educated in engineering, it was but one of his professional endeavors. He was an artist, sculptor, antique aficionado & expert, a champion mini car racer, private pilot, collector of things of beauty, and a liver of life to the fullest. Included on his list of professional contacts was a magazine publisher from Los Angeles named Hugh Hefner. Yet despite all the famous and impressive folks in JP’s life, he was a champion for those in need of support. His philanthropic work was profound, particularly with the local chapter of The American Association of University Women (AAUW), where a scholarship was rightly named in his honor. In addition, JP not only took in rescue dogs but in one case, he saved a dog from certain pain and likely death.

JP loved Davenport and this area. He could have lived anywhere, yet he chose to live in the family home. He cared deeply about his family, caring for his cherished Mom until her passing. While not married, he had many wonderful decades with his beloved companion Mary Elizabeth Sievert, who passed away in 2016.

Left to honor his memory are his niece, Anne MacLeod-Iles, and other family members, including great-great nieces and nephews. JP’s friends were as many as stars in the sky or grains of sand on a beach. JP would like to especially thank his extended family from Caring Hands, who provided him with years of care and love. Know, ladies, all of you, that you elevated his quality of life to the highest level possible. One four-legged family member, Molly, misses her pal more than we can know. Rest assured, JP, Molly will be cared for and loved, just not as much as you did for her.

JP was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Mary. W. Macleod, and nephews, John Stuart MacLeod and Bruce James MacLeod. Also greeting him in Heaven were his beloved dogs, Carmel and Casper. Casper is the dog he saved years ago.

In place of flowers, please donate in JP’s name to the Quad City Veterans Outreach Center. Then raise a glass of your favorite beverage (Pepsi and Budweiser were his two favorites) and recall a great American, a hero of our nation, and a wonderful man. JP, we love you, and you will be missed.

Services to honor JP will be at Runge Mortuary, 838 E. Kimberly Road, Davenport, Iowa, 52722, at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 13, 2022. Private interment will follow the next day. American Legion Post 26 will provide military honors, including a brief outdoor ceremony by Runge’s Veteran Memorial and flagpole following the service.