Jan. 20, 1933 — Jan. 16, 2015

Welton Willie Whitaker, 81, formerly of Dowagiac, passed away peacefully on Friday, Jan. 16, 2015 at Evergreen Senior Care & Rehab Center in Springfield.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held noon Friday, Jan. 23, 2015, at Clark Chapel and Cremation Services, 405 Center St., Dowagiac, with Pastor Stacey Wilder of Calvary Bible Church officiating. Burial will follow at Keeler Cemetery. Friends may visit Thursday, Jan. 22 from 5-7 p.m. at Clark Chapel. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association. Those wishing to leave a memory or condolence of Welton online may do so at www.clarkch.com.

Welton was born January 20, 1933 to William and Irene (Thomas) Whitaker. Welton married his beloved wife Anna Ruth (Lorren) on May 31, 1951, in Kennett, Missouri. He retired from Contech as a die cast operator in 1995 after 25 years of service. Welton was known as a “one of a kind” man. He was outgoing and friendly and enjoyed talking to everyone he met. He was hardworking and dedicated to taking care of his family.

Welton’s loving family includes his children, Delania (Douglas) Stockwell of Decatur, Dennis Whitaker of Orlando, Florida, and Wade Whitaker of Bangor; six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter; sisters, Eva Jean Graham and Nevadene (Bob) Reel, brothers, Bennis (Til) Whitaker, Jerry (Barbara) Whitaker and Bobby (Artis) Whitaker. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, one brother, one sister and a great-grandchild.