John Clifton Whitaker Sr.

JOHN CLIFTON WHITAKER SR. Graveside services for Cortez resident John Clifton Whitaker Sr. will be held at Resthaven Cemetery in Glendale, Ariz. John was born on October 13, 1920 in Roswell, N.M. the son of John Clifton and Bertha Evelyn (Johnston) Whitaker. He passed away on Friday, January 29, 2010 at his residence at the age of 89. On May 29, 1942, John married the love of his life, Elinor JoAnn Kahle in Glendale, Ariz. John worked for many years with the Arizona Highway Department. From 1962 to 1967, he was the superintendant of irrigation operation and maintenance for the Navajo Tribe. John was a member of Masons and he greatly enjoyed time spent hunting fishing, woodworking and gardening. John was also known to be an avid reader. Surviving John are his children, Marilyn Whitaker and Ron Dedrick of Cortez, John Whitaker and Julianne Van Buskirk of Dolores, Judy Girnau and husband, Bill of Prescott, Wis., and Barbara Fidanque of Durango; 11 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. John also leaves behind his sister, Anita Inez Jackson of Peoria, Ariz.; and “Lady” his Labrador retriever. He was preceded in death by his parents; by his wife, Elinor Whitaker; and by his siblings, Juanita Rouse, Clorita Mackin, and Raymond Charles Whitaker. Memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to Hospice of Montezuma, P.O. Box 740 Cortez, Colo. 81321.