Russell Giles Whitaker Sr.
Russell Giles Whitaker Sr., age 87, of Yorkville, IL passed away on Sunday, January 2, 2022 at his home. He was born on November 5, 1934 in Quincy, IL the son of Foster Giles and Elva (Gallaher) Whitaker.
Russell was united in marriage on October 8, 1955 to the former Carolyn Ann Rogers and they spent the next 60 years happily together until her passing on September 29, 2015. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle who will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Mr. Whitaker served his country proudly as a member of the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Russell was a graduate of Quincy High School. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Ball State University in Muncie, IN and his Master of Education from the University of Illinois in Champaign, IL. Russell was a former teacher at Hoopeston High School, Wheaton North High School, and West Chicago High School, where he was also a wrestling coach. Russell was employed for more than 30 years as a sales manager by 3M until his retirement. He was a longtime instructor at I.B.E.W. Local #701 in Lisle, IL.
He is survived by his children, Pastor Russell G. (Sue) Whitaker, Jr. of Yorkville, IL, Cheri (Dr. Peter) Lo Destro of Sugar Grove, IL, and Jodi (Steven) Bammer of Yorkville, IL; his eleven grandchildren; his twenty-six great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Foster and Elva Whitaker; and his seven siblings.
Funeral Services will be at Nelson Funeral Home, 1617 N. Bridge St., Yorkville, IL on Thursday, January 6, 2022. Visitation will be held from 10 am to 12 pm. Pastor Russell Whitaker Jr will officiate at a Funeral service immediately following visitation. All are welcome. Interment will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Bristol, IL.
Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Homes & Crematory, www. NelsonFuneralHomes.com or 630-553-7611.
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