Help us with Ray Whitaker's final arrangements

The family of Raymond Whitaker is asking for any assistance in covering the final arrangements of his funeral. We are asking for help due to complications with his life insurance policy. The policy was canceled/paused at the end of April, and even though our Mom had followed through on all requested paperwork and policy payments, we are continuing to be told his policy is "with underwriters". While we are trying to get this corrected as quickly as possible, Dad wasn't able to wait long enough. In fact, Dad's passing was 30 minutes before June 1st, leaving Mom's monthly SSI benefits taken away. This has left our family in a tough situation, and we have chosen to reach out to our family's many friends and relatives.

Dad was always there to lend a helping hand, and would rarely if ever ask for something in return. We thank everyone for all of the assistance we have already received, our words cannot express how grateful we are.

Visitation will be held at Bradley's Colonial chapel in Boonville, IN on Monday June 5th from 3pm - 7pm. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 6th at 11 am.

His Obituary follows:

Raymond Whitaker, age 66 passed away peacefully on May 31, 2023 with his family by his side. He was born on April 12, 1957 to Kenneth & Imogene Whitaker.

Ray was known by friends as “Rabbit” was always working on lawn mowers or taking Donna out shopping. He worked for nearly 33 years as a union drywall finisher and in his free time preferred to work in his garage and tinkering as a part-time mechanic. Ray enjoyed spending time with his family and buddies. He was a beloved, husband, father, grandfather, friend, and always a source of laughter and advice.

Ray is survived by his loving wife of nearly 48 years, Donna Hemmings Whitaker; two children he loved dearly, Dana (Jason) Lyons and Chad Whitaker; grandchildren, David Lyons, Gage (Hailey) Lyons, Destiny (Jonah) Lyons, Dustin Lyons, Kayden Crowe, and Liberty Lyons; siblings, Albert Whitaker and Annette (Elmer) Meredeth; mother-in-law, Joyce Heady, and her children, Janet (Keith) Griggs, Randy (Karen) Hemmings, Tammy (Cletus) Brooks, Timothy (Rhonda) Heady, and Ronald (Jennifer) Heady; his favorite 4-legged buddy, Bama.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth & Imogene Whitaker; father-in-law, Vernon Heady; sisters-in-law, Debbie Whitaker and Tammy Hemmings-Vasqueze.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are preferred to the family for Ray’s final expenses.

Funeral Service 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at BRADLEY’S COLONIAL CHAPEL, 1005 E. Main St. Boonville, IN 47601. Visitation Monday, June 5, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and 1 hour before service time on Tuesday. Interment Greenwood Cemetery in Chandler, IN.