Milton Eugene "Mickey" Whitaker

Milton Eugene “Mickey” Whitaker, 85, of Merryville, LA, passed from this life on Sunday, January 19, 2020.

Mickey played steel guitar most of his life.  He loved to play at church and around town with his fellow musicians. During the 50’s and 60’s he played in New Mexico before settling back in Merryville, his home for more than 40 years.

Those left to cherish his memory are his son, David Whitaker and Erica of Longville, LA; daughters, Dianne Burgess and Paul Mariette of Albuquerque, NM and Nina Solo and Larry of Denver, CO; stepson, James Calk and Amanda of Lufkin, TX; sister, Jeanette Pelt of Sugartown, LA; granddaughter, Kaleesi Whitaker; a bounty of grandchildren and great grandchildren spread across the south and west and many, many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice Whitaker; sons, Darren Thomas and Jerry Whitaker; parents, Eugene and June Mae Whitaker; sister, Beth Johnson Baldwin.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 24, 2020 from 5:00 to 9:00 PM at First Baptist Church in Merryville. LA.  Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM, Saturday, January 25, 2020, also at First Baptist Church in Merryville, LA.  Brother Wayne Squyres will officiate the service.  Pallbearers will be Dennis Amburn, James Calk, Luther Tilley, Jr., Joseph Glen Smith, James Whitaker and Steve Cantrell.  Burial will follow at Lewis Cemetery in DeRidder, LA.