Brent Edward Whittaker was born in Highland, Illinois, on September 26, 1949, to Stanley E. and Leta W. (nee Smith) Whittaker. He was raised on the Whittaker farm north of Greenville and attended Reno School for four years before continuing his education in Greenville, graduating with the GHS Class of 1967.
After high school, Brent earned an Associate Degree in Applied Science Ag Management from Danville Junior College. In 1968, he enlisted in the Naval Reserves and served on active duty from 1969-1971 at NAS Imperial Beach, Ream Field, in the HS-10 Anti-Submarine Helicopter Squadron, where he served as an Aviation Maintenance Administrationman AZ3. He returned home in August 1971 and was honorably discharged in 1974.
Brent began his career in agriculture in 1971 with U & E Farm Supply. In 1980, he began a 28-year tenure with Butler Manufacturing, working with five of their divisions as area manager, regional sales manager, and national accounts manager. He later served as International Sales Director at ffi Corporation in Indianapolis, developing distribution channels in Europe and South America. Before retiring in 2014, he worked locally for Unverfehrt Farm Supply, strengthening their steel building business.
Community involvement was a consistent part of Brent’s life. He began in 4-H and, over the years, was involved in three clubs, eventually serving as club leader. He was deeply involved in Greenville First Christian Church, where he taught Sunday School and served as both deacon and elder. He was a member of the Donnellson Masonic Lodge, a mentor for CORE Community, and served on the board of Bond Madison Water Company. In retirement, he joined AMVETS, continuing his lifelong pride in military service.
Brent married Margaret “Maggie” Ward Dewey in 1991 at the First Christian Church, and together they shared 33 years of love, partnership, and family.
Brent was known for his genuine kindness, his deep care for others, and his ability to connect with everyone he met. He never knew a stranger, and his laugh – easy, frequent, and contagious – left a lasting impression on all who knew him. He had a special fondness for old westerns, St. Louis Cardinals baseball, and time spent with loved ones.
He passed away suddenly at home on June 23. Brent is survived by his wife, Maggie, and stepchildren Amy (Chad) McKinney of Monticello, Illinois, and Aaron (Scottye) Dewey of Oxford, Mississippi. Though an only child, Brent grew up surrounded by cousins who became lifelong companions and served as siblings in every meaningful way.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 2, from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at First Christian Church, 1100 Killarney Drive, Greenville. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Hazel Dell Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the AMVETS Scholarship Fund, Bond Christian Service Camp, or Hazel Dell Cemetery.
