Franklin Ernest "Whit" Whitaker

Frank E. Whitaker, age 60, of Ithaca, died Friday, June 5, 2015, at Masonic Pathways in Alma.

Frank was born in Alma on November 22, 1954, the son of Raymond E. and Wanda Jean (Becker) Whitaker.  He graduated from Ithaca High School in 1973.  Through the years he worked as a truck driver and as a farmer.  He drove truck for a Monroe Trucking, Whitaker Transport and Willow Creek Farms, and for 17 years worked for Crumbaugh Farms.

Frank loved racing and for four years drag raced in McBride and other strips around the country.  For over thirty years he and a group of friends went annually to the Indy 500.  This year, because of Frank’s declining health, they all got together at Frank’s room in Masonic pathways and watched it together on a large screen tv.  Frank loved traveling, and had been throughout the contiguous Unites States and also to Costa Rica.  He made friends easily every where he went.  He was also a member of the Ithaca F&AM 123 Masonic Lodge.

Frank is survived by his Mother, Wanda; and his brothers, Ed (Bonnie), Randy (Kathleen), James all of Ithaca, and Jeff, of Alma.  He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, June 8, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca, with Pastor Dave Perry officiating, cremation will follow.  Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Sunday, June 7.  Memorial contributions may be made out to the family for a cause to be determined.