James Patton “Pat” Whitaker, USA LTC (Ret)
August 29, 1941 – October 20, 2021
LTC Pat Whitaker, a proud veteran of the United States Army, passed away at the Oak Creek Sporting Club doing exactly what he loved — hunting with his son, Nash, in the company of Sally, his wife of 43 years. He wrote his final chapter.
Pat was the son of Vivian James and Franklin Whitaker, raised in Midland, Texas and received a direct commission into the US Army as an Infantry Second Lieutenant June 7, 1964,
upon graduation from The Virginia Military Institute.
He served in Viet Nam, later assigned to the US Army Marksmanship Unit, shotgun section, moved to Germany, returned after three years to Ft. Lewis, Washington. His final assignment was Professor of Military Science, Creighton University.
Omaha, Nebraska became home after Army retirement in 1988. From his love of this country to his marksmanship talents, Pat spent the last 25 years coaching trap shooting and introducing skeet to the Creighton Prep High School shooters and others in the community. He knew that shooting sports built relationships that young shooters would cherish for life.
This wonderful man had a world wider than most ever knew. He never stopped reading with a French Brittany on his lap. He loved bird hunting with his son and dogs and if joined by friends the day was all the better. Fly fishing trips were planned as soon as the last fish was snagged. Having broken records in International Skeet competitions he was passionate about American skeet. Pat’s life was full. He loved God, country, family, friends and his dogs. As I write I hear the rain – America cries for having lost her patriot.
A Memorial of Pat’s Life will be held on Thursday, October 28th from 6:30 – 9:00pm at Creighton Prep, 7400 Western Avenue. Interment: Monday, November 1st at 11am at Omaha National Cemetery with full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, please send donations designated to the Creighton Prep Shooting Team.
2 Comments
Pat was a great patriot, husband and father who did much for his community. He will be greatly missed.
Dear Sally and Nash, This was so painful for me to hear about Pat. He was such a great mentor to Greg with his Military Career and the wonderful time spent coaching and mentoring the Trap Shooting Team. I never like talking about someone in the past tense so with that, please understand he left his mark on us all and will be with all of us forever!
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