YOUNGSTOWN ? Prayers will be held Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel and at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Church in Austintown for Thomas M. Whitaker, 75, who passed away Friday at St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center.
Thomas was born Oct. 13, 1934, in Youngstown, the son of Frank and Marie Martin Whitaker.
Thomas was a 1953 graduate of Chaney High School. He served in the U.S. Army.
Thomas was a machinist for over 25 years at Wean United. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Austintown and Youngstown, The Croation Fraternal Union of America St. George Lodge 66, The Saxon Club, and the American Legion Post 472.
His wife, the former Betty K. Kirkpatrick, whom he married Oct. 1, 1960, passed away April 21, 2005.
Thomas leaves his daughters, Kathleen Robert Rose of Newton Falls and Karen Paul Bernard of Austintown; a son, Patrick F. Patricia Whitaker of Boardman; two brothers John ?Butch? Whitaker of New Mexico and Robert Joan Whitaker of Youngstown; nine grandchildren, Bryan Whitaker, Makayla and Shawn Haines, Devin Whitaker, Dante and Gianna Bernard, James and Kristy Rose, and Ronnie Haines.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and a brother, Paul Whitaker.
Family and friends may call Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.