Tributes

Our dearly beloved Robert Louis Whitaker went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 27, 2006. He was born November 11, 1930 to Margaret Rose and Ernest Van Whitaker at the home of his beloved grandparents. He is preceded in death by his father and stepfather. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 44 years, Betty June Whitaker, treasured children, daughters Peggie Whitaker and Kim Stevens and son Steve McMahan, 8 grandchildren. His loving mother, Margaret Petruconis, devoted sisters and brothers in law, Barbara and Joe Turner, Pauline and Myron Speckman, Joyce and Harry Marble, Janice and Tommy Laskowski, Deonne Frerich, Edna Earl Brassard, many nieces and nephews, cousins and close friends. Robert graduated from Luther Burbank High School in 1947 and joined the United States Air Force in 1948. He attended schools in the Air Force attaining 2207 hours of study in Air Craft Maintenance and repair, and management and supervisors. He attained a distinguished scholastic rating in all military schools consistently in the top 10%. He served in the Korean War and Vietnam keeping our air craft safely in the air for our pilots. He retired as Flight Chief and supervisor of 22 aircraft crew chiefs in scheduled, unscheduled and periodic maintenance. He retired from the Air Force July 31, 1968 with 20 years active military service with the rank of Master Sergeant. After retirement he became supervisor and spent 30 years repairing and rebuilding air craft of dignitaries from all over the world at Dee Aircraft Company in San Antonio. One airplane he and his crew constructed and refurbished was owned by the Shaw of Iran. They furnished it with all gold fixtures, including the screws. They installed an elevator and another elevator that hoisted up his bullet proof Mercedes into the plane. Health issues forced his retirement in 1996. He was a very devoted son, husband, father, grandfather and brother and loved family gatherings. His hobby was collected and trading guns and case knives. He loved boating, traveling and being with his wife and family. He loved watching the Spurs and Cowboy games and loved life. The Whitaker family wishes to thank all those at Hope Hospice of New Braunfels, TX. for their loving care of Robert. He is dearly loved and will be sadly missed by all.

Tributes

Robert Louis Whitaker

November 11, 1930 - May 27, 2006