CENTRAL CITY – Ira Whitaker, 78, of Central City, died Monday, August 1, 2011 at 10:50AM at Muhlenberg Community Hospital. Mr. Whitaker was born August 31, 1932 in Hallie, KY. He was a retired coal miner and member of Green River Chapel General Baptist Church. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran, serving in the Korean War. Survivors include his wife, Lou Stidham Whitaker; sons Scott (Dianna) Whitaker, Derrick Whitaker, and Donovan Whitaker, all of Central City; daughter Vicki (Arthur) Taylor of Central City; 7 precious grandchildren who meant more than the world to him: Clay Whitaker, Kelsey Whitaker, Kendall Whitaker, Carter Taylor, Elijah Whitaker, Isaiah Whitaker, and Phoenix Whitaker; a brother, Jerry Wayne Whitaker of Whitesburg, KY; sisters Essie Haarman of Cincinnati, OH, Corcie Balir of Galax, VA, and Mae Caudill of Hallie, KY; several nieces and nephews; and a host of friends. Funeral services will be Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at 11:00AM at Tucker Funeral Home, with Rev. Leroy Rearden officiating, assisted by Rev. Adam Brown. Burial in Cherry Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday after 5:00PM at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com.