John C Whitaker's Obituary
. John C Whitaker was born in the same log cabin where his mother Addie Paralee Hogan and her siblings were born in the late 1800s in the Bog Community, an area north of Nacogdoches. The date was almost a decade ago, April 28, 1912, just two weeks after the sinking of the Titanic. His father, Charles Richard Whitaker, grew up in Douglas, Texas.
John C was preceded in death by his parents, 5 sisters and 2 brothers; his eldest son John Curtis Whitaker; and his beloved wife of 60 years, Gladys Louise Chaffin Whitaker.
He is survived by his son John Henry Strength and wife Frances Regina who live in Port Aransas; his daughter Mary Jane Stansell and husband Vance who live in San Angelo; his youngest sister Addijo Williams of Longview; and three grandsons: John Charles Strength who lives in New Jersey , and Jason Stansell and Kevin Stansell who both reside in Austin.
Mr. Whitaker lived a long interesting life. Growing up he helped his father on the family farm near Central Heights, attending school primarily on days it was too wet to plow. After graduating with a B.A. from Stephen F. Austin State University he began his career in the educational system as coach, teacher, and principal at Sabine High School. During WWII he served in the U.S. Navy. Returning from the war he became a petroleum landman, but continued his devotion to education by serving on the Longview School Board and working to establish the Paul H. Pruitt School District. In 1959 he became a self-employed promoter and oil producer. Due to his work ethic he remained gainfully self-employed until age 88. He continued to teach whatever he knew to whoever would listen, always eager to give advice and to lend a helping hand to those in need. He proudly created a scholarship fund at UT Tyler LUC to benefit students majoring in education and nursing.
The last 5 years he thoroughly enjoyed his life at Hawkins Creek Assisted Living and Memory Care, where he could often be seen holding court on the front porch, playing dominoes in the card room, or flirting with the ladies! Many thanks are sent from the family to the employees at Hawkins Creek who made his last few years so pleasurable. Special recognition also goes to Felicia Moon, his primary caregiver, who kept him active and engaged in life in exchange for his daily doses of charm, humor, and wit--right to the very end.
He will be missed by his many friends and family. He was definitely one of a kind!
Cryptside services will be 10 AM Tuesday, February 21, at Rosewood Park Mausoleum, Longview, with Reverend Jonathan Jehorek officiating. Entombment will follow in Rosewood Park Mausoleum. The family will greet friends at Rader Funeral Home, Longview, on Monday, February 20, from 6 to 8 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests bequests be made to one's favorite charity. Continue John Whitaker's generosity by paying it forward!!
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