David Clay Whitaker Obituary (1947 - 2015)

David Clay Whitaker, 68 of Madisonville, KY went home to be with his Lord on Friday, November 6, 2015 at St. Anthony's Hospice in Henderson, KY after a long series of illnesses. David was born to Ethel Case Whitaker and Hugh Walker Whitaker in Hopkins Co., KY July 18, 1947. He was preceded in death by his father. He was also preceded in death by his beloved brother, Danny Ray; niece, Barbara Shantell; several aunts; uncles; cousins; friend; and most recently his beloved nephew, James Hershel Simmons. David missed them all and he will see them soon. David graduated from Madisonville High School, served in Vietnam in the Army, graduated from Adams School of Electricity and went to Tobago to build a church with Dr. Bob Morrison and the Little Bethel Association. David worked hard. He loved life. He was a good husband, father, son, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be missed. David was saved when he was 13 at an Assemble of God youth camp. He loved being a father and grandfather. He is a member of the Johnson Island Church in Nebo, KY. He was baptized with his wife and children by Rev. Archie Oliver whom he loved and respected. There were many pastors and people at Johnson Island that blessed David's life. David taught Sunday School, Bible School, and over the years sang in the choir. He was a board member of the Little Bethel Association and monthly represented his church at meetings. He so loved doing that. He married Judith Patty Bivins in 1970 and they recently celebrated 45 years together. To this union came two children. A son Matthew David (Jeania) Whitaker and a daughter, Amy Beth Whitaker.he will be greatly missed by them both. He had grandchildren, Lauren, Olivia, Kristin, Eli, and Madyson and two great grandchildren, Caden and Drake. They all called him "Bop" but Madyson (Amy) called him "Daddy". He loved them so. Over the years David had good friends and was blessed by great employers. P&M Colonial Coal Mines (UMWA), Charbon Bridge and High Tech Chrome. David is survived by his wife, his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, one aunt Jean Ramsey, his sisters, Freda (John) Sallee, Laura (Andy) Shelton, his brother, Alan Whitaker, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, of 45 years, June, Bobbie, Cheri and Polly (Ken). He loved them and they loved him. David's neighbors are saddened by David's passing. Barnett-Strother Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements, including cremation which David requested. Visitation among family and friends will be Wednesday, November 11, 2015 from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Barnett-Strother Funeral Home. Graveside services will be Thursday, November 12, 2015 at Oakley Home Cemetery in Manitou, KY with Pastor Robert Cottoner and he will be presiding with Rev. Jonathan Harrelson for prayer. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony's Hospice in Henderson, KY. Envelopes will be provided. Avery special thanks to David's doctor and our friend Dr. Joshua Kitchens of five years. He took care of us and was very kind. Thanks, Doc. Thanks to the staff at Henderson Methodist Hospital who knew and loved David. Our thanks go out to all departments who knew David and St. Anthony's Hospice who helped David to pass peacefully. Thanks. David always liked to quote that a body should not enter Heaven all worn out and heavy-hearted but to slide into Heaven saying, "Woo-hoo, what a ride!" Thank you, Jesus. Thanks to Baptist Hospital too.