James Franklin Whitaker Jr.

James Franklin "Frank" Whitaker Jr., 81, a life-long resident of Grand Prairie, passed away at his home on Wednesday afternoon, August 21, 2019. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, August 26 2019 at Guerrero-Dean Funeral Home, 500 E Main Street, Grand Prairie, Texas, 75050. Burial services with military honors will follow at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday at DFW National Cemetery. Memorial Service: 12:30 Tuesday, August 27, 2019 in the Chapel of First United Methodist Church of Grand Prairie, Rev. Kathryn Strempke officiating, where Frank was a member for more than fifty-nine years. Frank was born in Woodson, TX. in Throckmorton County, on March 29, 1938, the oldest of 3 children born to the late James Franklin Whitaker Sr. and the late Angie Nodea Steadham. The family would move to Grand Prairie where he would attend schools before graduating from Grand Prairie High. After graduation, he spent a short time working in Grand Prairie before enrolling at the University of North Texas in Denton. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business, and returned to Grand Prairie where he would live the rest of his life. He would marry Mary Ann Little, and they would have 1 son, James. His specialty of purchasing for the defense industry allowed him to work for various contractors, including Vought, LTV and Northrup Gruman. Although busy, he also found time to serve as a Cub Scout leader and as a coach for the YMCA. Frank learned to relax after his retirement. Mornings reading the newspaper, watching television or watching sports were a part of his daily routine. Taking vacations to the beach or cruising the Caribbean became something he and Mary Ann would enjoy together. More than anything, spending time with the "dynamic due", (granddaughters) was the highlight of any day. Those who will miss him most include his faithful wife of fifty-nine years, Mary Ann Little Whitaker; son, James Russell Whitaker and his spouse Soraya; granddaughters, Kayla Whitaker, Jenna Whitaker; great-grandson, Cason Clark; brother, Joel Fredrick Whitaker and a sister, Angela Ruth Whitaker Hawkes. The family request donations be given in honor of Frank to Children's Cancer Research Fund, 7301 Ohms Lane, Suite 355, Minneapolis, MN 55439 http://www.ChildrensCancer.org or to Children's Medical Center of Dallas at https://www.childrens.com/get-involved/donate.

James Franklin Whitaker Jr.

March 29, 1938 - August 21, 2019