Robert G. Whitacre

Robert G. Whitacre (Bob), Captain USNR-RET, age 93, of Lombard, IL, transitioned peacefully at home on May 31, 2016. Born in Lerna, IL, July 17, 1922, he is survived by his wife of 72 years, Miriam (Kay) Whitacre, daughter Linda (Lynn) Whitacre of Colorado Springs, CO, and son John Whitacre of Glendale Hts., IL. Preceded in death by his brother William D. Whitacre, Decatur, IL; survived by sister-in-law Shirley M. Whitacre and nephew Donald Whitacre, both in Decatur. Also, Richard Whitacre of Saratoga, CA, and niece JoAnn Robinson of Livermore, CA survive. Robert was a graduate of Milliken University, Decatur.

Mr. Whitacre retired in 1980 as Captain, Naval Reserve Supply Corp. He was a WWII Survivor of the USS Colhoun (DD 801) attacked on April 6, 1945. Assigned to the front gunnery mount during the Japanese attack where he performed courageously, he was well known to the men as “Pay” because he was Paymaster. While the ship was sinking after one airplane went down their main stack, he returned to his quarters to retrieve pay records and money belts containing U.S. currency. When asked why, he said “It was my job.” A broken thumb was his only war injury. He was also active duty during the Korean War, stationed at Green Cove Springs, FL, near Jacksonville, because of his young family.

His corporate career included Kraft Foods and the last nine years at the International College of Surgeons, Chicago, retiring as Comptroller.

Not only a proud member of the Rotary Club of Lombard, he was Past Master of Lombard Lodge No. 1098 AF&AM, as well as a member of Scottish Rite and Medinah Shrine. The Whitacres have been long time members of the First United Methodist Church of Lombard.

The family wishes to thank the team members of Lexington Hospice of Lombard for their incredible care and comfort during Robert’s last few days.

Visitation is Thursday, June 9, 4-8 p.m. at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home and Cemetery, 17w201 Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181. Funeral Service Friday, June 10, 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Chapel Hill Gardens West Cemetery, Masonic Garden.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 2211 N. Oak Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60707.

For service information, please call 630-941-5860 or visit www.chapelhillgardenswest.com.