Wayne E. Whitaker

Wayne E. Whitaker, 65, of Mound Valley, passed away at 7:15 a.m., Sunday, June 3, 2018 at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin.

He was born December 30, 1952 at Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka, Kansas to Orby F. and Lois M. (McNeal) Whitaker. While his father was serving in the military, his family lived in several cities. Wayne graduated from Labette County High School in Altamont and later earned an Associate degree from Labette Community Junior College in Parsons.

He worked as a mechanic for several companies including John Deere in Oswego. He also worked for a time at the Parsons State Hospital and Training Center.

In earlier years, Wayne attended the United Methodist Church in Dennis. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and family, riding four-wheelers, and fishing. Through the years, he also enjoyed coaching his daughters' softball teams.

On April 1, 1972, he and Susan Scott were married. They later divorced. He and Cindy Hucke were married. They later divorced.

Survivors include:

Three Daughters – Stacey Leech and her husband, Jim, of Parsons, KS

Sherry Whitaker of Webb City, MO

Samantha Mathis and her husband, Jake, of Parsons, KS

Eight Grandchildren

His Mother – Lois Whitaker of Mound Valley, KS

Two Brothers – Dave Whitaker and his wife, Mary, of Mound Valley, KS

Marvin Whitaker and his wife, Barbara, of Mound Valley, KS

He was preceded in death by his father, Orby Whitaker, on July 29, 2010.

The family will receive friends from 1-2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 9, 2018 at the Mound Valley Community Center.  Cremation has taken place under the direction of the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.