Joe Whitaker, son of the late Joe and Hattie May Jennings Whitaker, was born in Naylor, Missouri on July 24, 1932 and passed away at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri on May 12, 2015, at the age of 82 years, 9 months and 18 days.

He had lived in the Dexter area most of his life. He had worked for the city of Dexter as the Water Commissioner. He had been a member of the Dexter Elks Lodge #2439, the American Legion and was a veteran of the U. S. Army.  He enjoyed hunting and he loved to visit the casinos and play the slots.

On November 23, 1951, he was married to Irene Pedigo in Waterloo, Indiana. She preceded him in death on December 7, 1995.

Surviving are two sons and spouses, Joseph & Jamie Whitaker of Fenton, Missouri, David & Robin Whitaker of  Dexter; four grandchildren; four great grandchildren;  one sister and brother-in-law, Betty & Curtis Stevens of Dexter; his life long friend and companion, Anna Ruth Leeks of Poplar Bluff. Other relatives and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Gene Whitaker and John Whitaker and four sisters, Ella May Whitaker, Dorothy Carter, Dora Helton, and Margarette Colone.

Friends may call on Saturday, May 16, 2015, after 11:00 a.m. at the Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri.

Services will follow at  1:00 p.m. at the Watkins & Sons Chapel in Dexter, with Sister Karen Hardin of Dexter, Missouri officiating.

Interment will follow in the Dexter Cemetery in Dexter with Watkins & Sons Funeral Service of Dexter, Missouri, in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P O Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK  73123-1718 or Livestrong Foundation, National Mail Pricessing Center, P O Box 6003, Albert Lea, MN  56007-6603.
Watkins & Sons Funeral Service
www.watkinsfuneralhome.com