Melvin Whitaker

Melvin Whitaker, was born in Knobel, Arkansas on 2/2/1924 to Charles Whitaker and Nellie Livingston Whitaker and 7 siblings. Melvin passed away on 1/24/22 at 4:05 a.m. at Tidewell Hospice in Bradenton. He was 97 years old (just one week short of his 98th Birthday). He was a WWII Veteran and served with the 84th Airdrome Squadron in New Guinea, Southern Philippine Islands. Melvin was a proud member of several Veterans organizations for the past 65 years, including Kirby Stewart American Legion Post 24 in Bradenton and VFW Post 10141, Bradenton. He and his wife, Wanda, who died 4/1/21 lived in the house they built together in Palmetto for 56 years and prior to that lived in East St. Louis, Illinois. They were married 75 years and had three children, Richard Whitaker 1947-2016, Cheryl Whitaker Sims of Bradenton and Sandra Whitaker Vaughn of Palmetto; 5 grandchildren, Shawn and Trevor Whitaker, Carrie and Brandon Sims and Tina Powell (1968-2022); 5 great grandchildren including Tate Casey, Brighton Westermayer, Alex Sims, Arelle and Christian Whitaker and Britney Powell and 1 great-great granddaughter, Aurora Powell Jauss. As a dad, grandpa, great grandpa and great, great grandpa and friend, he will be missed.

Due to his request, no funeral service will be held and he will be interred at Sarasota National Cemetery where he and Wanda will be together forever.

Donations may be made to: Be the Match.org or Make-A-Wish Foundation.org.