David A. Whitaker, 55, of Wetmore, Kansas died Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at his home in Wetmore.

David Alan Whitaker was born on July 8, 1957, the son of Phyllis Whitaker and the late Lyle Whitaker of Wetmore. He graduated from Wetmore High School in 1976, where he played football, basketball, and ran track.

Dave worked most of his life as a machinist and welder. He will be remembered as a person always willing to lend a hand and take on any challenge.

Among his many interests were NASCAR racing, Kansas City Chiefs football, and riding motorcycles. He loved riding to Sturgis every year for the motorcycle rally there.

Survivors include his mother Phyllis Whitaker of Kansas City, Missouri; a sister, Karen Johnson of Salina; two brothers, Steven Whitaker of Wetmore and Philip Whitaker of Kansas City, Missouri; nieces Maryam Zayed of Topeka, Shelby Hobkins of Wetmore, Shyann Moore of Wetmore and Mazin Zayed of Olathe; nephews Jason Whitaker of Detroit, Jamie Zayed of Olathe, Jesse Moore of Wetmore, Nicholas Moore of Wetmore and Omir Zayed of Topeka; along with a host of friends.

A memorial service will be held at 3 PM Saturday, February 16, at the Wetmore United Methodist Church in Wetmore. Burial will be in the Wetmore City Cemetery.