Melvin LaVoy Whitaker

Melvin LaVoy Whitaker, 88, passed away on April 6, 2015 at his granddaughter’s home in Friendswood, Texas. He was born in Pocatello, Idaho on February 22, 1927 to Cecil Earl Whitaker and Ada Bethia Johnson Whitaker; he was the second of five children. Melvin is a naval veteran of WWII, involved in the booming construction/engineering movement in the 1950’s, 60’s, and 70’s. Melvin lived in many places in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica. At various times, he worked for Chicago Iron and Steel, Graver Tank and Manufacturing Company and Morrison, in addition to running two businesses of his own. In 1982, Melvin went to work as the superintendent f the Clear Creek Drainage District, where he spent eleven years overseeing the needs of the district and improving working conditions for the employees. Melvin retired from the drainage district in 1993. Melvin married the love of his life, Madeline Lucille Curzon Whitaker, on September 8, 1944 in Pocatello, Idaho. They were happily married for 58 years. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and enjoyed traveling, spending time with his family, playing cards, serving at the local genealogy library and serving in the Houston, Texas LDS Temple. Melvin was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Madeline; parents, Cecil and Ada Whitaker; brothers, Orla and Leon Whitaker; son-in-law, Manuel Diaz; and two grandsons, Brian and Gary Sheldon. Melvin is survived by his two daughters, Janet Sheldon Diaz and Patricia Davis of Friendswood; his sisters, Beverly Moldenhauer of Sacramento, California and Charleen Hale (Jack) of San Clemente, California; five grandchildren, Kelly Braden, Steve Davis, Brett Davis (Joy), Tricia Pemberton (Greg) and Curtina Bradshaw (Adrian); 15 great-grandchildren, Kimberly (Matt), Danielle (Fred), Candice, Trevor, Tyler, Dylan, Alex, Katie, Hunter, Ayanna, Collin, Chad, Connor, Carrigan, Adrik and Camdyn; five great-great-grandchildren, Alexa, Anna, Charlee, Jackson, and Thomas; and his nieces, nephews, and other relatives. A viewing will be held Thursday, April 9, 2015 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Forest Park East Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 10, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints located at 505 Deseret Drive in Friendswood, Texas 77546.