Clyde Allen Whittaker

Clyde Whittaker passed away peacefully on September 21, 2017. Clyde was an extraordinary husband, father, and grandfather. His impressive professional credentials included being a WWII Veteran, researcher at the Navy Mine Defense Laboratory in Panama City, Florida (1951), named in “Who’s Who” of scientists in America (1956), a member of the U.S. Army Ballistic Missile Agency, Pershing and Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (1960), named “Pioneer of Cape Canaveral Missile Space Range” from Bumper to Apollo (1961), joined NASA Houston Texas Manned Flight Center Apollo Planning Board (1962), returned to Brevard County to work on NASA Gemini, Skylab, and Apollo Shuttle (1963), technical advisor to the Apollo I Accident Investigation Board (1964), and retired from NASA in 1979. Clyde was predeceased in death by Ellen Bilbrey Whitaker, mother and grandmother to there sons Kenneth Alan Whittaker (Elizabeth) and Craig Whittaker (Annette); grandchildren Jessica Selbert (Logan) and Jarrod Whittaker. Clyde also leaves behind his beloved and beautiful wife, Pearl Hulse and devoted extended family who he dearly loved; Daniel Vaughn (Alice), Joann Magri (Andrea), Kenneth Vaughn (Gail), Janice Rodighiero, Virginia Levey (Dean). In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations to Clyde’s favorite charity, St. Judes in Memphis, TN. Viewing and services will be conducted at Beckman-Williamson Funeral Home, 5400 Village Drive, Viera, Florida starting at 6:30 PM on Thursday, September 28, 2017.