Perry Whipker

Perry Don Whipker July 31, 1925 - March 12, 2010 Perry Don Whipker, 84, of Columbus, died Friday, March 12, 2010, at Hospice of South Central Indiana. He was born July 31, 1925 in Bartholomew County, one of eleven children of Elmer and Beryl (Talley) Whipker. Perry graduated from Columbus High School and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp. at the age of 17. Perry proudly served during World War II in the Battles of Peleliu and the Marshall Islands. He also served during the Korean War. Perry returned to Indiana where he continued his education at Purdue University, earning a bachelors degree in Ag. Business. Perry was employed by Century Manufacturing for 30 years. Perry married Margaret "Pat" Patterson of Indianapolis on January 31, 1948. The couple recently celebrated their 62nd anniversary. Perry and Pat raised their three children in Bunker Hill, Indiana. Perry is a 50 year member of the Masonic Temple, Scottish Rite and Shriners. He enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing and farming. Perry and his wife, Pat, spent the winter on Toledo Bend Reservoir in Many, Louisiana and summers at their home in southern Bartholomew County. Perry took pride in his heritage by being the volunteer care taker of the New Harmony Cemetery and decorating the graves sites of his fellow veterans. Perry loved his large family and many close friends. He was typically accompanied by his beloved dog. Perry is survived by his wife, Pat Whipker; children, Steve Whipker, Diane (Mike) Griffith, and Kenny (Susan) Whipker; four grandchildren; one great grandchild; brothers, Herschel Whipker, Paul (Barbara) Whipker, Harry Whipker, David (Erna) Whipker, Bennie (Coral Mae) Whipker, Elmer (Kris) Whipker, and Alan (Karen) Whipker; sisters, Elizabeth McKinney and Margaret (Harold) Volland; and numerous nieces and nephews. Perry was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Halford Whipker. Perry's family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Hospice of South Central Indiana for their care and comfort while he was there. Funeral Information In keeping with Perry's wishes, he will be cremated with private services held at a later date. Cremation arrangements were made by the Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home. Donations Information Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society and Hospice of South Central Indiana.