Kimiko “Kim” Ikeno Whittaker

Kimiko “Kim” Ikeno Whittaker, 92, of Columbus, GA died October 13, 2023 at Piedmont Midtown.

Graveside service will be held 11:00 AM, Monday, October 23, 2023 at Evergreen Memorial Park with Rev. Mike Koger officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:00-6:00 PM, Sunday, October 22, 2023 at McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907.

Kim was born January 18, 1931 born at Aza Sarambe, Hokkaido Island Prefecture Japan to the late Matsajiro Ikeno and Tsuyo Ikeno.

Kim married SFC Ret. Roy L. Whittaker, while he was in Japan on 3 year assignment after the Korean Conflict and in 1956 they returned to the US with their newborn daughter and moved to Fort Dix, N.J. they later moved to Fort Knox, KY, and in 1960 they moved to Fort Benning, GA. After a brief tour to Berlin, Germany he returned to Fort Benning, GA.

Kim was in the tailoring business, supporting military customers, stationed at Fort Benning, GA, during their Infantry training or different qualification schools at Fort Benning. After Roy retired from the military, he joined his wife in the tailoring business, This included Airborne Jump School, NCO Leadership Schools, U.S. Army Ranger Training Brigade to name only a few. They both managed multiple locations for the Tailoring Concession until 1978, when they opened K.W. Tailor Shop and Military Supply outside the old Main Gate of Fort Benning for over 30 years until their retirement in 2010.

Other than her parents she is preceded in death by her husband, SFC Ret. Roy L. Whittaker,

She is survived by, daughter, Mary Jean Hernandez of Columbus, son, Elroy Whittaker of Columbus, grandson, Justin Harris (Jennifer), great-granddaughter, Ashleigh of Paducah, KY, special cousins, Mrs. Julie Nowell, David Nowell, Karen (Nowell) Lorini (Matteo), and their children, David and Emily, Mrs. Donnie Nowell and their children, Joy, Jill and Jay.

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