RICHARD WHITTAKER

Master Sgt. Richard A. Whittaker, 55, of Zion, Ill., died Wednesday, March 24, 1999, at St. Luke's Hospital in Milwaukee, Wis.

He was born Jan. 26, 1944, in Cape Girardeau, son of Ruben and Lucy Reynolds Whittaker.

Whittaker was a graduate of Central High School and a member of the football team. He was also active in Boy Scouting many years.

He received a certificate in aircraft and power plant mechanics from the Federal Aviation Administration, various certificates from the Community College of the Air Force, a certificate in electronic technology from the Institute of Professional Technology Inc. in Sacramento, Calif., and a certificate in the Technical Instructor Development Program from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Whittaker served in the U.S. Air Force from 1961-83. He was a fighter pilot in Vietnam, and received various medals during his military career.

He was employed with Bell and Howell from 1985-95. He was a senior service technician in Sacramento from 1985-89, and was a senior training instructor in Skokie, Ill., from 1989-95.

Whittaker was a member of Red Star Baptist Church.

Survivors include a son, Jimmy Whittaker of Thailand; two daughters, Pylyn and Jo Anne Whittaker of Thailand; six sisters, Wilma Masters of Frohna, Retha Popp, Peggy Dubrey and Antoinette McLain of Cape Girardeau, Doris Berry of Oak Ridge, and Maxine Swanner of Jonesboro, Ark.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel from 4-8 p.m. Saturday.

Funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the chapel. The Revs. S.S. Borum and Barry Pfanstiel will officiate. Entombment will be in Memorial Park Mausoleum.