Elmer "Gene" Eugene Whittaker

Elmer “Gene” Eugene Whittaker, age 81 years, 1 month and 25 days of Steelville, Missouri passed away Saturday, August 16, 2025 at his home. He was born June 22, 1944 in Cuba, MO to Elmer and Mae Rose, nee Eaton, Whittaker. Gene was united in marriage to Judith “Judy” Ann Dicus on January 5, 1963 in Cuba, MO and to this union three sons and a daughter were born.

Gene served his country honorably in the U.S. Army from 1961-1964.

Gene pastored the Coffee Community Church for over 35 years along with his wife, Judy,  He and Judy later attended Midland Pentecostal Assembly after his retirement. He also spent approximately 30 years working for West Asphalt in Sullivan.

He enjoyed coaching Little League Basketball when his children were young and always enjoyed a nice slice of coconut cake for his sweet tooth.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer (Mabel) Whittaker and Mae Rose (Clyde) Williams; his wife of 61 years, Judy Whittaker, infant son, Bobby Whittaker; brothers, Cleve Whittaker, Calvin Whittaker, Garry Williams, Wayne Williams; and sisters, Kathy Jordan and Shirley MacKenzie; and special pet and  friend, Dallas, Gene’s dog.

He will be sadly missed by his two sons, Larry (Marie) Whittaker of Union, MO and Mike (Amy) Whittaker of Steelville, MO; and daughter, Faith Whittaker of Steelville, MO; 7 grandchildren, Justin (Lacey) Whittaker of Bourbon, MO, Nathan Whittaker of Washington, MO, Jordan (Ethan) Parker of Rolla, MO, Emily Whittaker of St. Charles, MO, Drew (Charly) Whittaker of Clinton, MO, Trenton Whittaker and Isabella Whittaker of Steelville, MO; 5 great-grandchildren, Addie Whittaker and Olivia Whittaker, Hadlee Kennedy and Nora Parker and Maple Whittaker; brothers and sisters, Leamon Whittaker of Albuquerque, NM and Ronnie Williams of Leasburg, MO, Judy Head of Sullivan, MO and Joyce Hart of GA; brothers-in-law, Robert Jordan of Houston, TX and Bill MacKenzie of MI, Gerald Dicus of Cuba, MO, Jack (Deborah) Dicus of Bourbon, MO and Tim (Rita) Dicus of Cuba, MO; sisters-in-law, Leoma Whittaker of Pahrump, NV,  Carol Watson of Steelville, MO, Linda (Jim) Strite of Hillsboro, MO, Peggy Gregory of Rolla, MO, Terri Dicus of Dale, IN and Judy Dicus of Steelville, MO; nieces, nephews; other relatives; and many friends.

The Family received friends from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 23, 2025 with Rev. Jerry Beers officiating. 

Special music of" Leaving On My Mind" was sang by Rachel Hampton with Karilee Curtis on piano and Rick Smith on base guitar. Other music of "Daddy’s Hands" and "Goodness of God" was played.

Military Honors by the U.S. Army and South Central Patriot Riders followed at the funeral home.                                                                                                                                

The Family chose cremation as the final disposition.

The Whittaker Family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials in Gene's name may be given to Purpose Ministries Bargains for Missions, P.O. Box 322, Steelville, MO  65565

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elmer "Gene" Eugene Whittaker, please visit our floral store.