Mr. John Michael Whitaker, Sr., age 79, a resident of Pensacola, Florida, and former resident of De Queen, died peacefully Tuesday, February 23, surrounded by his family.

He was born one of ten children born to Hershel Ernest and Mary Mae Bozarth Whitaker.  John was born November 18, 1941 in Cement, Oklahoma.  He was a 1958 graduate of De Queen High School, where he played football for the Leopards, and then for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks.  John served his country proudly with the U.S. Army, and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was self-employed, and enjoyed computers, walking, watching football, but most of all, He cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his parents, and all of his siblings, Hershel Whitaker, Jr. Wanda Joy Henry, Patricia Gaylord, Ella Joyce Spriggs, Ruth Kellums, Jean Stephens, Nancy Rans, Mary Mae Leatherman, and Helen Vick.

John leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 56 years, Sue Whitaker of Pensacola, Florida, one son, John Michael Whitaker, Jr. of Horatio, one daughter, Tonja Michelle Whitaker, and her husband, Brian Gaylord of Pensacola, Florida, eight grandchildren, Amber, Keria, Tabatha and her husband Malcolm, Austin and his wife, Gabbi, Zoey, Chris and his wife, Cassie, Naomi, and April, five great-grandchildren, Ashley and husband Darion, Hayden, Kai, Emmie, and Astrid; one great-great-grandchild, Cora Rose, as well as nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

Graveside funeral services with Military Rites will be held at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, March 3, 2021 in Redmen Cemetery, under the direction of Chandler Funeral Home, De Queen.  Visitation will be general. You may send an online sympathy message at www.chandlerfuneral.com.

The use of a face mask or covering will be required during your time at the funeral home.