Howard Murray Whitaker was born September 21st, 1932 to Urban and Mabel Whitaker in Chelsea, Oklahoma. He grew up in Colony, Kansas. He joined the Army in 1951 and served in the Korean War. Howard served in the United States Air Force for 20 years and after retiring, he owned a successful medical supply business. He married Ruth Whitaker in 1976 and together they raised eight children. Howard served on the Lompoc Planning Commission, Elks Lodge and Flower Festival Association for 16 years. He was a member of the church choir, and was instrumental in the creation of the lake at River Park.
Howard is preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Dana McPeek and son Howard Whitaker, Jr. He is survived by sons David Whitaker, Troy Mc Peek and Michael Rucker; daughters Robin McPeek, Stephanie Barber, Randy Mc Peek and Terry Polton; grandchildren Howard Whitaker III, Jonathan Sanford, Leanna Garner, Ryan Pascal, Alex Chatham, Tiffany Whitaker, Jessica Kminick, Brandon Polton, Kaylee and Robert Barber, Amanda Mathany, Jared Rucker and numerous great grandchildren.
Howard passed away peacefully on May 24th, 2015. He was admired and respected by everyone who knew him. He was a Christian, actively involved in his community and would lend a hand to anyone that needed it.
A memorial service will be held at First Southern Baptist Church at 11:00 am Friday, June 5, 2015 with a graveside burial immediately following