John Whitacre

John Carl Whitacre, 81, of Brighton, passed away at his home on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. A memorial service celebrating John’s life will be held Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 10:00AM at Brighton Community Church, with Pastor Rick Zickefoose officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Brighton. Memorials in John’s honor may be directed to the Red Cross or Hillcrest Cemetery and left at the church or mailed to the family at 2161 305th Street, Washington, IA 52533. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Born December 22, 1944, in Washington, Iowa, to Ed and Marjorie Potratz Whitacre, John was raised on the family farm near Brighton. He attended Brighton School and graduated from Washington High School in 1962. His working life began alongside his brother Lyle, with whom he custom farmed for several years. He later worked at the Cargill Bean Plant in Washington before finding his calling on the road. John bought his own truck and began driving, eventually joining Adrian Trucking in Richland, where he continued working until his passing.

John also found freedom in the sky. He enjoyed flying and owned a low-wing Piper Cherokee, taking friends on trips throughout the Midwest. Yet the place he felt most at home was behind the wheel, with the open road stretching ahead of him.
John’s memory will be cherished by his brother, Gale Whitacre of Washington.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Marjorie Whitacre, and his brother, Lyle Whitacre.