Obituary of Frederic Thomas Whitaker

Frederic Thomas Whitaker, Sr, 84 yrs old, a Tucson resident of abt. 60 yrs, died November 6, 2014. He was born in Curwensville PA., and married Eleanor 'Miss Ellie' Norris 65 years ago this December. He soon moved to Tucson, to be a cowboy. Fred was a Christian, an equestrian, gardener, Air Force Veteran, electrical lineman and foreman, retiring from Tucson Gas & Electric (now TEP) in 1993. Fred had been a deacon, song director, and active member at Mission Park Baptist Church since the 60's. A self taught guitar player, singer, and fiddler, he was a member of Southwest Old Time Fiddlers Asso., and a founding member, in the 70's, of the Joyful Noise Quartet with two of his daughters, and friends, the Kelly's. He passed his musical ability to his children, and to their children. Fred was predeceased by his parents, his youngest child, Merrill (at age 9), & 5 grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife, his three siblings, five children- Kathleen (Richard), Wanda (Randy), Carol (Alonzo), Frederic Thomas Jr. (Cyndi), and Doreen (Blake); foster dtr, Jeri (Dennis); 15 grand-children, 26 g-grandchildren, & 2 g-g-grandchildren. His Celebration of Life MEMORIAL Service will be at 2 pm, Saturday, November 29, 2014 at Mission Park Baptist Church, 2101 W, Ajo Way, Tucson AZ. Friends are invited to greet the family after the service. The family is grateful to Tucson Mountain Assisted Living ACH and Heavenly Acres ACH for their care. Memorial gifts in Fred's honor may be given to Mission Park Baptist Church, The Gospel Rescue Mission of Tucson, or Southwest Old Time Fiddlers Asso., c/o Wilbur Welsh@ 520-743-7086. Arrangements: ADAIR Funeral Homes, Dodge Chapel, with physical donation to SWIBA for Bio Advancement.