Richard Lee Whittington, 83 of Crete, Nebraska passed away on September 28, 2024, at his home. A Celebration of Life will be held on November 8, 2024, from 12 - 4pm at Veterans and Friends in Crete, NE at 130 W. 13th Street.  The presentation of Military Honors will be at 1:00 pm. Luncheon will be provided.  Private inurnment will be at a later date.  Memorials to be made in lieu of the family for determination at a later date.

Dick was born on February 28, 1941, to Howard and Grieseldis "Sally" (Schiff) Whittington in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Dick was the only child born of this union and was baptized on March 23, 1941. In 1946 Sally was united in marriage to Charles Mestdagh. To this union, siblings Mary, Robert, Jon and Ron Elsen.  Dick was confirmed on March 31,1958 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Iowa Falls, IA.  In 1959 Dick graduated from Iowa Falls High School.  He enlisted in the US Navy in 1960 - 1964 serving on the USS Pine Island (AV-12) as an EM2. Dick was united in marriage to Patricia "Pat" Petersen from 1961 - 1984. Dick and Pat had three children: Jeffrey, Gregory and Renae.  After his honorable discharge from the US Navy in 1964, Dick pursued a career at Farmland Foods in Iowa Falls, Iowa, later transferring to Crete, Nebraska and retiring in 1997.  Dick enjoyed watching wrestling, hunting, trapping, fishing, metal detecting, double barrel shotguns, playing cribbage and telling a good story now and then.  Dick was a member of the Blue Valley VFW #4959 and a lifetime member of the NRA.  Dick had a love for animals and hand raised three puppies, Hoochie, Spunky and Ladybug.

Those left to cherish Dicks memory are his children; Jeff (Kim) Whittington, Greg (Myretta) Whittington, Renae Whittington-Hudspith. Grandchildren; Ashley (Mike) Herr, Zachary Whittington (Mikala Harrill), Bryce Whittington, Mitchel Whittington (Cassidy Kowalski), Bradyn Whittington (Karla Nichols), Lovelyn Whittington, Draven Whittington, Zephyr Hudspith. Great Grandchildren; Parker Ellingson and Banks Whittington. Siblings; Mary (Frank) Reed, Jon (Cheryl) Mestdagh, Ron Elsen, Sister-in-Law; Jan Mestdagh, along with many nieces, nephews and a very special American Lady "Ladybug II".

Dick is preceded in death by his Parents; Charles and Sally Mestdagh, Howard and Lorraine Whittington, Brother; Robert "Bob" Mestdagh and his beloved dogs; Hoochie D., Spunky D. and Ladybug D. Whittington.

Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.