University News
WIU Mourns Student Death
April 4, 2012
MACOMB, IL -- The Western Illinois University community is saddened to learn of the death of Dustin A. Whitaker, a WIU senior from Hamilton (IL) who died Sunday, April 1 as a result of a motorcycle accident in Keokuk, IA.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to Dustin's family, friends and classmates," said Western Illinois University President Jack Thomas.
Whitaker, 27, was pursuing a bachelor's degree in biology. He graduated from Hamilton High School in 2003. He was a staff sergeant in the Iowa Army National Guard. Whitaker served in Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2004-2005, and Operation Enduring Freedom in 2010- 2011. He went through Air Assault school and was on the Governor's 10. While serving, he received the Combat Action Badge and a Purple Heart.
Visitation will be held from 3-8 p.m. Friday, April 6 at the Lamporte Funeral Home, 720 Main St., Hamilton. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 7 at Hamilton High School, 1100 Keokuk St. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Hamilton, with full military honors by the Iowa National Guard.
In lieu of flowers, an education fund has been established for Whitaker's son, Dylan. Online condolences may be left at lamportefuneralhomes.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=1439988&fh_id=10453.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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