Jacob Franklin "Jake" Whitten, 86, of Shelbyville, passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2015, at his residence.
Born Dec.20, 1928, in Shelbyville, he was the son of Frank Joseph Whitten and Mary (Barnhart) Whitten. He married Louise E. Spurlin on Jan. 28, 1956, and she preceded him in death April 15, 2003.
Surviving are his daughters: Cathy Shiveley and husband, Jay, of Shelbyville; Brenda Spurling and husband, Jim, of Straughn; Lisa Shepard and husband, Steve, of Shelbyville; Sue Cecil and husband, Larry, of Waldron; and Martha Fischer and husband, John, of Waldron; son; Dale Whitten; brother, Gilbert Whitten of Shelbyville; sisters, Betty Kepple of Flat Rock and Margaret Kepple of Shelbyville; 18 grandchildren; and 35 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Paul Rouse; brother, Robert Whitten; sister, Donna Whitten; and great-grandchild, Ryan Cecil.
Mr. Whitten served in the U.S. Navy from 1946-1948.
He worked at Knauf Insulation for 38 years in quality control, retiring in 1991.
Mr. Whitten was a member of American Legion Post 70.
He served in all elected offices for GMP Local 32. He was also past president of Central Labor
Union.
He had a lifelong love of the NBA and college basketball and watched every game he could. Mr. Whitten loved spending time with and helping his family. He liked to read, especially the daily paper from front to back and watching his backyard birds and animals.
Mr. Whitten loved the Lord and old gospel music. He was involved in Promise Keepers.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 19, 2015, at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison St., Shelbyville.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, July 20, 2015, at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Don Bennett.officiating.
Burial will be at Miller Cemetery in Shelby County with military rites conducted by local veterans organizations.
Memorial contributions may be given to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312; or Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, 2626 E. 17th St., Columbus, IN 47201
Funeral Directors Greg A. Parks, Sheila J. Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to conduct the services for Mr. Whitten.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.murphyparks.com.
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