Perry Whitaker, age 79, passed away at home on January 12, 2021 after several weeks of fighting COVID-19. Perry was born in Gravette, Arkansas, on August 25, 1941. He and his family moved soon after to Oakville, Iowa, where he grew up on a much-loved farm with his loving family.
Perry went to college in Overland Park, Kansas at Kansas City College and Bible School. There he studied to be a minister. This is where he met Priscilla (Douglas) Whittaker and married on June 23, 1962.
Perry, with his bride, moved to California in 1964 and pastored at the Whittier Church of God (Holiness). While being a small struggling church pastor, it became necessary for him to look for a job. He found full-time work with a Christian-operated lumber mill called Richardson Mill and Lumber Company how he loved doing carpentry work. He stayed with this company until they closed the shop.
In 1982 Perry moved his family to Phelan, CA. He often said he was “finally at home living in the country again.”
After a while, he learned they were starting a new church in Phelan. This was just great. He could feel useful again. For 30 plus years, the New Life Nazarene Church was truly his church to worship in. Perry loved his church and church family and was always faithful to serve in any way he could. The church and the people there remained in his heart always.
Perry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Priscilla, and their two children Ronald and Doris. He has one son who preceded him in death. He also has four grandchildren, Jacquelin, Nicholus, Shawn, and Serrina. He has six great-grandchildren, Alexus, Jonothan, Lillie, Cassandra, Bailey, and Faith. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the joy of his life. He has many surviving nieces and nephews.
Perry is survived by his brother Charles Whittaker and wife Mary of Urbandale, Iowa. His sister Edna Elaine (Whittaker) Tate and husband Omar Tate of Climax Springs, Mo.
His mother, Ethel Myrtle (Hutton) Whitaker, and father, Charlie Henry Whitaker, preceded him in death. Along with his two sisters Esther (Whitaker) Pridey and Bessie Whitaker.
A memorial service will be held on May 14, 2021, at 11:00 am at the New Life Church of the Nazarene, located at 4232 Phelan Rd in Phelan, CA.
