Joseph F. Whitacre, 85, of Portland, Ind., died June 10, 2007, at Americare Living Center, Portland.

He was born Dec. 24, 1921, in Jay County, to George M. and Eva Hummer Whitacre. On Dec. 29, 1942, he married Esther Loy, who survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Joseph, Fort Recovery, and Robert, Palmetto, Fla.; a daughter, Brenda (Rex) Ehrhart, Portland; a sister, Ruth Joos, Portland; seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

He retired in 1982 from the former Sheller-Globe Corp., Portland, and was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II who served in the Battles of the Bulge and the Rhine. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Portland, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion Post 211, Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Moose Lodge, all of Portland.

Services are 10 a.m. Thursday at the church, the Rev. Marty Sandhage officiating. Burial is at Green Park Cemetery, Portland, where military rites will be performed by the American Legion.

Calling is 4-8 p.m. Wednesday at Baird-Freeman Funeral Home, Portland, where a scripture service will be held at 5 p.m.

Contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or for Masses.