Rick Everett Whittaker was born in Rushville, Indiana, on December 30, 1953. He was the fifth of seven children born to Charles Edward Whittaker and Mildred Lavonne Lee. He lost his life to cancer at the home of his brother, Scott, in Milroy, Indiana on the 7th of June 2013. His father passed away on the 21st of April 1976 and his mother survives. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Charles Frederick Whittaker and a nephew, Joseph Allen Paugh. His surviving siblings are: Grace Lavonne, Michael Odis, Edward Allen, Candis Jo and Scott Wayne. Rick attended Belle Gregg, Webb and Graham Annex Elementary schools, Rushville Junior High and graduated from Rushville Consolidated High School, Class of 1972. While in high school he was a member of the Cheerblock, R-Club, Tri-Y, Basketball and Football team. Rick married his high school sweetheart, Brenda Ellen VanBibber, November 4, 1972 in Rushville, Indiana. To this union two wonderful children were born, Nathan in 1973 and Brandy in 1975. He had 5 grandchildren and 5 step-grandchildren. Rick and Brenda divorced and he was married a few more times but no children with any other women. Rick and his cousin, Buddy Lee, moved to Northwest Louisiana, Doyline, where Rick worked at horse race tracks. He lived there for 15 years. He eventually moved back to the Rush county area in the last several years. For those that knew Rick the best...... he was a great guy. He will be dearly missed by many.

Written by cousin, Bobby Lee.

Growing up with Rick, being the same age, I can tell you many good, funny stories about him. Most, only family members would know. He was my Best Man in my wedding and had always treated me like a brother. I will miss him much. :( ..... Bob