WELLSVILLE - John W. "Jack" Whitaker, 66, of Broadway, Wellsville, died in the Emergency Room at East Liverpool City Hospital on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010, after suddenly becoming ill at home. He was born in Wellsville on Nov. 24, 1943, and was a son of the late Karl L. and Margie M (Cole) Whitaker.

Living his entire life in this area, Jack graduated from Wellsville High School in 1961 and served with U.S. Navy during Vietnam. At one time he was a police officer with the Village of Wellsville, worked at the former Crucible Steel Mill and then worked as a lineman for AEP. He retired in 1998 as a line foreman after serving AEP for 30 years. Jack was a member of American Legion Post 70, and its Drill Team, as well as a member of the Wellsville Elks Lodge 1040, the Wellsville Boat Club and was a member of the Buckeye Water District Board.

His companion of over 23 years, Gerry Lynn Stevens survives him at home. Also surviving is one son: William L. Whitaker of Baltimore, Md., and one sister: Terri L. Utt and her husband Darrel of Salineville.

Besides his parents, one sister: Carole Roush preceded him in death.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, at the Wellsville Chapel of the Martin MacLean Altmeyer Funeral Homes with Chaplain Linda Cormany of East Liverpool City Hospital officiating.

Burial will follow in St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Wellsville, where the Honor Guard from American Legion John Adams Post in Salineville will accord military honors.

The family will be present to receive friends from 3-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010, at the funeral home in Wellsville.

Family and friends may view this obituary, sign the guestbook or send condolences online at www.altmeyer.com