Wilburn H. "Arkie" Whitaker, 88, of Vassar, Mich., died June 15, 2007 at his daughter's residence. He was born on May 23, 1919 in Pollard, the son of the late Henry C. and Ada (Vincent) Whitaker.

On June 22, 1937, he married Erma Pearl Lingle and shortly thereafter moved to Michigan.

Whitaker owned and operated Arkies Garage in Millington with his son for many years. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing and especially attending to his garden.

Surviving family include his wife of 70 years, Erma; his son, Delane; daughters, Barbara (Ray) Crandall and Ermazine Woodward; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandsons; and his sister, Carmaleda Sutto.

Whitaker was preceded in death by his son, James; grandsons, Daniel Crandall and Aaron Whitaker; his brothers John and Cecil; and sisters, Ha Jennings Tucker, Opal Corder and Margaret Salem.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 19 at the Millington Baptist Church, pastor James Sheldrake officiating. Burial followed at Pine Grove Cemetery in Arbela Township.

Contributions may be made to Millington Baptist Church.