Charles “Chuck” F. Whitaker Jr. peacefully set sail on May 19, 2020 at McLean County Nursing Home in Normal, IL. He was born on November 1st, 1937 to Catherine and Charles Whitaker in Livermore, KY. They preceded him in death along with his sister Marlene Kinney.
He is survived by his sisters Judy Wise, Sharon King, Colistia Tyler, Annette Hudgions and Barbara Kirkwood. And his brothers Otis Whitaker, Daniel Whitaker, Charles M. Whitaker, Joe Whitaker and Jake Whitaker.
Charlie was married to Billie Lucille Whitaker from June 26, 1969- February 17, 1976; she survives. They had three beautiful daughters together: Verna (Dave) Daly; granddaughter, Denise; Lucinda (Johnny) Whitaker-Behrnes; grandchildren Cameron, Cory, Sarah and Jesse; great-grandchildren: Anthony, JR, Trinity, Zoey, Zayda, and Teagan; Laura (Jason) Whitaker- Perryman; granddaughter, Karlee.
He later married Aldean Phinney on June 17,1978. She preceded him in death on October 18, 2002. Their children are Jason (Carol) Whitaker; grandchildren: Justen and Alexandria; Robbie (Sherry) Whitaker; grandchildren: David, Taris, Alyssa, Baylee, Jacob and Lando.
Charlie is also survived by his special family: Jenny, Stephen, Daniel, Natasha and Zac Malcome.
Charlie joined the Navy at 17 and served on USS Meredith as a SR out of Norfolk, VA, the USS Thaddeus Parker as a SN out of Bayonne, NJ, the USS Inchon as GMG2 out of Portsmouth, VA, the USS Shenandoah as a 632 Ordnance Mechanic out of Norfolk, VA, and the USS Chilton out of Norfolk, VA. Charlie was a GunnerMate and a veteran of the Vietnam War, retiring as E6 1st Class. He loved playing his guitar and singing karaoke. He was a huge John Wayne fan and loved his western movies. He was an amazing man and will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be on Thursday, May 28th at East Lawn Funeral Home in Bloomington from 6pm-8pm. Following the CDC guidelines, 10 people in the building at a time and masks are required. He will be buried on Friday, May 29th at 12pm at Camp Butler in Springfield, IL. Following CDC guidelines, everyone will be staying in their cars.
Special thanks to the staff of McLean County Nursing Home, Bromenn Hospice and the VA for such great care.
