Virgil Dale “Duke” Whittington, 80, passed away Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at the Wishard Burn Center in Indianapolis. 

Dale was born on Aug. 4, 1929 to Samuel and Nadine (Martin) Whittington.

He lived in Sandborn for about 14 years coming from Pike County.  He was of the Baptist faith.  He was retired from Amax Coal Mine and was a proud member of the U.M.W.A.  He was a U.S. Army veteran.

 He is survived by his wife, Betty (Boling) Whittington of Sandborn; six daughters, Caroline “Jane” Harting of Sandborn, Marilyn Armstrong of Horse Branch, Ky, Sherrill Merz of Fredricktown, Ohio, Janice Bayless of West Union, Ohio, Joan Williams of Princeton, Marcia Burdin of Gentryville; a sister, Carol Lord of Waldorf, Md.; five stepchildren; 16 grandchildren; 16 step grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren and several step great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son; and three sisters, Betty Gendrin, Avonda Heichelbech and Katherine Whittington.

 Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. (central) Saturday, July 24, 2010 at Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton, with the Rev. Mark Woodhouse officiating.   Burial will be in the Shiloh Cemetery in Hazleton.  VFW Post 1147 will conduct military graveside services.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. (central) on Friday at Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton.