Robert Earl Whitaker

Robert Earl Whitaker was born February 2, 1938 to Leroy Whitaker and Cora Lee Jones in Waco, Texas.

He attended Moore High School in Waco, Texas.

Robert enlisted into the United States Air Force on January 23, 1958 and after serving 22 years he received an Honorable Discharge and retired as a Master Sergeant on February 23, 1980.

After Robert enlisted, he started his training in San Antonio, Tx and served as an Administration Technician for 22 years.

His tours of duty took him to Germany, Vietnam, Okinawa, Washington, D. C., where he served three tours working at the Pentagon with top security clearance, Waco, Tx and Carswell Air Force Base where he served his final two tours.

Robert received several medals while serving in the Air Force which included an Air Force Commendation Medal W /1 Oak Leaf Cluster; a Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon; an Army Good Conduct Medal; a Korean Service Medal; an Air Force Longevity Service Medal W /4 Oak Leaf Clusters; a National Defense Service Medal; a Vietnam Service Medal; a United Nations Service Medal; a Bronze Star; a Republic Of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Device; a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; a Joint Services Commendation Medal; and an Air Force Good Conduct Medal w/3 Oak Leaf Clusters.

He met and married his wife, Mattie on April 6, 1963 at the Sweet Home Baptist Church where Rev. R. W. Bivens was pastor and they were married for 60 years.

Robert loved going to church. One of his favorite songs was "Lord I Want To Be A Christian In My Heart".

Robert was a lover of many sports and enjoyed watching the many different games on TV.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Doris White and two brothers, Elgin Whitaker and Joe Lewis Whitaker, Sr.

He is survived by his wife, Mattie Robinson Whitaker, an only 1 cousin, Laverne (Jo) Williams of Waco, TX, one sister-in-law, Linda Robinson, many nieces and nephews who fondly referred to him as "Uncle Tap", and Troy, who was a special friend to the family and who was there any time he was called upon for anything. Tricey was the contact person for her "Uncle Tap", until July 1, 2023 at 3:45 am when he died.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gwspencerdirs.net for the Whitaker family.