Larry Whitaker

Larry Whitaker, 69, of Danville, passed away on March 26, 2016 at Presence Covenant in Champaign. He was born on March 15, 1947 in Danville, the son of Carl and June (Stevens) Whitaker. On Christmas Eve, 1965, he had his first date with his sweetheart of 50 years Pamela Sue Anderson, whom he married in 1970 on Valentine's Day at First Presbyterian Church of Danville. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Pamela Whitaker, son, Aaron Matthew (Jill Alicia Crane) of San Diego, CA, daughter, Elizabeth Estelle (Josh) Casserly of Hampstead, MD, sisters; Linda French and Nancy (Paul) Marana, brother, Dan (Paula) Whitaker and several nieces and nephews. Larry was preceded in death by his parents Carl and June Whitaker. Larry received an Evans Scholarship to attend the University of Illinois where he majored in finance and minored in economics. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agribusiness. He served 6 years in the Army National Guard and earned the rank of Staff Sergeant before being honorably discharged in 1979. After a distinguished business career Larry returned home to Danville, Illinois and purchased Rawhide Meat Company that he ran with his wife Pam for many years. He was active in several United Way Campaigns, was a Deacon at First Presbyterian Church and loved coaching his son's youth soccer teams at the YMCA. Larry was an avid hunter and fisherman. The highlight of his year was the annual walleye fishing trip to Canada. He will be missed dearly. A celebration of Larry's life will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 3:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church in Danville with Pastor Jimmy Hopper officiating. A visitation will be held from 2:00-3:00 PM in the church lounge, prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to the First Presbyterian Church, the Presence Foundation for their Cancer Center or the National MS Society. Please join Larry's family in sharing photos and memories on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com