Larry Louis Whittaker

Larry was born to Louise Head and Wayne Jackson in Cabool, Missouri on April 25th, 1945. He grew up in and around Springfield, Missouri, excelling in football, basketball, and golf at all six high schools he attended.

He soon joined the Air Force and honed his managerial style by serving as a Security Policeman in Okinawa and Bermuda.

Eager to move on with life, he worked multiple jobs and received his BS in Business Administration from Missouri State University in three and a half years. He was delighted to have had John Ashcroft as his Business Law professor.

After graduation, Larry joined Shell Oil Company and worked in progressively senior Retail Sales positions in Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, New York, and Houston. In Head Office, he focused on Convenience and Salary-Operated Stores. Finally, he created, implemented, and managed the Shell Experience the Difference (ETD) franchise store organization.

During his time in Chicago, he demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit and leadership by spearheading the creation of the Royal Buying Group (RBG) for the Shell dealers. This initiative aimed to enhance vendor selection, price negotiation, and performance-tracking services for participating store owners.

His commitment to community service was evident in his oversight of the Shell March of Dimes Golf Tournaments in Chicago. Under his guidance, these tournaments raised over 3 million dollars in charitable donations between 1994 and 1999, significantly impacting the lives of many.

Larry was intensely loyal and ensured his people always found a position whenever Shell transitioned and transformed itself.

Retiring from Shell after 29 years, he joined United Dairy Farmers as President of Gasoline and Transportation. He grew that operation to become Exxon Mobil’s largest US jobber/distributorship in 2004.

He had a passion for golf, had belonged to multiple country clubs, and held three hole-in-one certifications. He was a Mason, a Shriner, and a member of the VFW.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Louise Whittaker, his brother, Mark Head, his sister-in-law, Kathy Hay Whittaker, and his mother-in-law, LaVern Edlund.

Surviving Larry is his adoring wife, Jill Price Whittaker; his beloved daughter, Sherry Whittaker Shaefer (Craig); light of his life, grandson Andrew Michael Shaefer (Kyleigh); his niece Ali Sowels (Nathan); their son Michael; his brother Dennis Whittaker (Phyllis Stayton), and his children, Robert Whittaker (Kaure) and Nikki Whittaker. His family brought him great joy, and he valued every moment with them

He leaves behind a legacy of many divots and countless friendships. His absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him.

A committal service for Larry will be held Thursday, May 16, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery (Whispering Pines Mausoleum), 18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, TX 77384.