James F. Whittaker

James F. Whittaker, 84, of Lawrenceville, IL passed away Wednesday March 4, 2009 at his residence.He was born December 8, 1924 in Lawrenceville, IL the son of Willard and Mary (Bower) Whittaker. He was first married to Bobbie Burt who passed away December 23, 1969. He then married Louise (Stevenson) Coonce on April 24, 1970. She survives.Jim retired from the Texaco Refinery after 36 years. He also owned and operated Whittaker Welding Shop and was a farmer. He was a member of the Central Christian Church. He was a US Army Veteran and served during WWII. He was a member of the American Legion.Along with his wife, he is survived by 2 sons: Don and wife Barb Whittaker of Lawrenceville, IL, David and his wife Linda of Lawrenceville, IL, a daughter: Mary and husband Pat Pargin of Lawrenceville, IL, a step-son: Kenny and wife Alice Coonce of Stoy, IL, 2 step-daughters: LaDonna and husband Donnie Speth of Vincennes, IN, Kim and husband Roy Haycraft of Petersburg, IN, 17 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren. A step-son: Daniel, and a sister: Helen Newell are deceased.The funeral will be Saturday at 2:00pm at the Emmons-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home with burial to follow at Lawrenceville City Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 6:00 to 8:00pm at the funeral home.In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Central Christian Church's Children's Shopping Day or to the American Cancer Society.