Paul Odes Whitaker

Paul was born on November 28, 1943, in Coalgate, OK to Cecil Otis Whitaker and Rosa Lee Whitaker (Small). He was one of ten children from that fruitful family. He graduated from Vian High School in 1963. He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he was a Ground Radio Communications Equipment Repairman. He was stationed at several duty stations including Greenland, North Dakota, Vietnam, England, Oklahoma, Korea, Montana, and Nevada. He retired from the U.S Air Force after 22 years. He then worked for American Music Company in Great Falls, MT building gambling machines for 5 years. Finally, he drove for the pharmaceutical company McKesson which took him to Billings, Montana.

He met the love of his life, Karen Reinke, in 1966 while stationed in Bismarck, ND. They married on December 3, 1967, and had two children. Juanita Merriman of Great Falls, MT gave Paul and Karen three grandchildren, Devin, Kyle, and Emily. Michael Whitaker (Cynthia) of Hodgenville, KY also have three children, Ashley Barker (John), Riley (Jordan), and Madison. They have recently also welcomed a great-grandchild Bodie Barker.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; 8 siblings; and his grandson, Devin Spriggs.

Paul enjoyed his scooter with turn signals, watching the neighborhood wildlife, and his daughter-in-law’s chickens.