Archie Wythe Whitaker was born March 4, 1923 in Miller County, a son of the late Thomas Benton and Odessa Dakota (Humphrey) Whitaker. He lived in the Iberia area with his parents & nine siblings and later moved to Dixon, where he resided until his death on March 5, 2015.
Archie married Clarice Mae Jones on May 23rd, 1942 and to this union three children were born. Chee, Cindy and Carrie all survive. Also 6 six wonderful grandchildren and 3 special great-grandchildren have brought great joy and delight to Archie & Clarice.

Archie and Clarice lived near Brays until Archie went to serve his country in the Army in 1944. He was in the Infantry where he earned his 1st Sergeant stripes after 18 months and was honorably discharged a few months later. After he left the army, he and Clarice moved to California where he worked in the fruit canning company and helped build a large logging camp in the mountains near Angel's Camp. They returned to Missouri in December of 1947 and Archie began his teaching career in a one-room school, where he taught 4 years.

In 1951 Archie enrolled in the University of Missouri for two years. This was possible due to the GI Bill and Clarice worked fulltime at the MU Registrar's office while Archie studied. Archie received his Agriculture Degree in 1953 and moved to Dixon where he taught agriculture and had many students who became lifelong friends. Later he completed his principal certification and served as principal for 16 years at DHS. During this time, Clarice continued to assist Archie as his prime helper as substitute teacher. With a desire to make a better life for his family, Archie retired from education in 1969 and became a fulltime American Family Insurance agent. This career lasted for 24 years.

Archie had several hobbies including fishing, hunting and playing golf. But golf became his favorite when he began playing at age 53. He became hooked or obsessed with the game and played in several states from Missouri to the southern tip of Florida. He was known for his unorthodox swing and lead tape added to clubs….both seemed to serve him quite well when he played.

Archie and his siblings were raised by Christian parents and he learned the value of faith and belief in God early on. He was baptized in the Big Tavern Creek at age 12 and was a member of the Brays Advent Christian Church until he moved to Dixon and joined the First Christian Church in Jan. 1956. Shortly after joining he was asked to serve as Elder and for the next 30-40 years at various times, held every elected office in the church. He also served as the Sunday school Superintendent and chairman of the board. He was board chairman when the new church was built. Archie considered it an honor and privilege to serve the Lord at the First Christian Church and was a devoted member for years.

Archie learned the value of relationships and was so appreciative of the many he had during his 92 years. He is survived by his wife Clarice of Dixon; 1 son, Charles Chee and wife Jane of Dixon; 2 daughters, Cindy Whitaker of Columbia and Carrie Kooman and husband Stan of St. Charles. Six grandchildren, Talia Hammer, Benton Kooman, Hannah Hartman, Corey Kooman, Megann and Mattie Whitaker; three great-grandchildren and one sister, Edith Duckworth of Liberty.

Funeral services were conducted for Archie at 1:00 p.m., Monday, March 9, 2015, in the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Chapel, Dixon, with Pastor Jerry Dooley officiating. Joyce Fers, Carolyn Bassett, Chloe Woody and Mike Bassett provided special music for the service.

Interment with full military honors was in the Dixon Cemetery under the direction of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Dixon. Pallbearers for Archie were Stan Kooman, Benton Kooman, Corey Kooman, Michael Hammer, Barry Hartman and Donald G. Slone. Honorary pallbearers were Talia Hammer, Hannah Hartman, Megann Whitaker, Mattie Whitaker, Kaiden Hammer, Charlie Hartman and Caroline Kooman.

Memorial contributions are requested to the American Heart Association.