Ora Whitaker

Ora Bud Whitaker, 84, of Marshalltown, died early Wednesday morning, April 20, 2011, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines.Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 23, at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown with Pastor Scott Lothe of the Hope United Methodist officiating. Visitation will be held from 5 - 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 22 at the funeral home. Memorial may be directed to the family. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.Born on February 23, 1927, in Milan, Missouri, he was the son of Ora and Ethel (Helms) Whitaker. He attended and graduated school in Marshalltown. Ora enlisted in the Navy shortly after graduating high school and served his country honorably until his honorable discharge. On December 10, 1950 in Minerva, Iowa, he was united in marriage to Darlene Binford at the Wesley Chapel. They made their home and farmed in the rural State Center and Clemons area until moving to Marshalltown five years ago. He will be fondly remembered for his skills in woodworking, his passion for farming, keeping a well-groomed yard, the love for sports, and the love of his family. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 60 years, Darlene Whitaker, his children: Kay Bacon of Clear Lake, IA, Kevin (Becky) Whitaker of Clemons, IA, Kyle Whitaker of Ankeny, IA, his grandchildren: Kimberly (Brian) Krogstad, Kristi (Darren) Thoman, Justin Whitaker, Jared (Lindsay) Whitaker, Wade Whitaker, Cole Whitaker, Riley Whitaker, his great-grandchildren: Reed Krogstad, Grant Krogstad, Drake Whitaker, his sister Wanda (Jack) Reece.He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Bill Whitaker