Bernell Allen Whitaker

Whit was born in Belmont, Wisconsin and was raised in Platteville, Wisconsin. He passed away peacefully with family and friends by his side in Bakersfield, Calif.He is survived by his sister Leta Gronbeck and his two sons, Craig (Norma) Whitaker and Mark (Margarita) Whitaker, 6 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren and two nephews.Whit served with honor and distinction in the USAF for over 32 years. During his career, he served in WWII as a fighter pilot, was a POW of the Germans, served in Korea, Vietnam and worked at the Pentagon. He was a true war hero. He was stationed in numerous countries and made many lifelong friends.Whit also worked in Hollywood during his Air Force Career as a technical advisor to Hollywood movies and commercials. After retiring in Hawaii, he moved to Bakersfield and bought his home on Spruce St. After living in Bakersfield for a while, he met and married Margaret (Peggy). They traveled to Europe and Asia on numerous adventures and to Hawaii every year on their anniversary.Whit was a kind and well respected man and was truly a member of the greatest generation.Memorial service to be held Oct. 28, 2016 at 10:00 am, Basham Funeral Chapel 620 Oregon St. Bakersfield, Calif. Graveside Honors will follow at 12:30 pm, Veterans National Cemetery in Arvin, California. It was Bernells wish to be buried close to his home in Bakersfield, rather than in Arlington.