Ronald Lee Whittaker, 80, of Mexico, passed away on Friday, May 12, 2023, at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia.

Memorial services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Sunday, May 21, 2023, on Ron Whittaker Track at Hawthorne Heights at Mexico Senior High School.

Visitation will be on Sunday, May 21, from 1:00 P.M. until time of services.

Mr. Whittaker was born on November 17, 1942 in Denver, Colorado the son of Glenwood and LaUna (Boswell) Whittaker. On August 17, 1963 he married Connie Every in Mexico. Ron was a science teacher at Mexico High School from 1968 until retirement in 1998. He was a member of the Elks Lodge of Mexico (Hoop Shoot and Scholarships), American Powerboat Association (APBA), Mizzou Alumni Association, Missouri Conservation Federation and National Sporting Clays Association.

Ron had numerous accomplishments and awards which included, head coach of the Mexico High School state champion boys track team in 1975, 1976 and 1977, inducted into the Missouri track and field coaches Hall of Fame, he was four time Missouri state track coach of the year, MSHSAA track and field and cross country official for 37 years, head official for the 2021 SEC Cross Country championships, multiple national championships in hydroplane boat racing from 1987 until 2006, multiple awards in outdoor and indoor archery, participated in national sporting clays championships and the Andy Runge Ambassador award in 1993.

Ron was an outdoorsman who participated in hunting, fishing, archery and sporting clays. He would relax by watching NFL football and Mizzou football. He enjoyed reminiscing with former students, friends and colleagues. Ron was a story teller and loved a good friendly prank. He and Connie enjoyed country western dancing and attending country western shows and music.

Survivors include his wife, Connie Whittaker of Mexico, two sons, Darren (Jill) Whittaker of Papillion, NE and Rick Whittaker of Columbia; one daughter-in-law, Rachel Whittaker of Blue Springs, one sister, Kay (Harlan) Stahmer of Iowa City, IA; 10 grandchildren, Elsa Whittaker, Katie Whittaker, Nathan Whittaker, Nick Whittaker, Luke Whittaker, Logan Whittaker, Grayson Whittaker, Zach Whittaker, Brandon Whittaker and Ellee Whittaker; one great-grandchild, Carson.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Glenwood and LaUna Whittaker and one son, Kent Whittaker.

The family requests memorial donations be made to the Elks Scholarship or the Ron Whittaker Track Alumni Scholarship. Memorials may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265.