Donald Ray Whitaker

     Donald Ray Whitaker passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family, February 8, 2023, in Wanette, Oklahoma at the age of 79 years 2 months 5 days.  Funeral Services are scheduled for 2:00 PM, Monday, February 13, 2023, at the Wanette Baptist Church.  Interment will follow at the Wanette Cemetery, entrusted to the care of Wadley’s Funeral Service.  

     Donald was born December 3, 1943, to Opal L. and Goldie (Bertrand) Whitaker, at the family home in rural Wanette.  He attended both US Grant and Wanette schools, graduating in 1961 from Wanette.  Donald was inducted into the United States Army on March 27, 1964, proudly serving until his honorable discharge on February 10, 1970.  During this time, he met his first wife, and mother of his children.  Donald enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, bowling and spending time with his family.  He worked as a sheet-metal mechanic at Tinker AFB until his retirement in the summer of 1990.  After several years he met his current wife, Roberta and they were married September 5, 2021.

     Donald is preceded in death by his parents, Opal and Goldie Whitaker; his wife, Mary Whitaker and his wife, Karen Whitaker.  Survivors include his wife, Roberta Whitaker-Bender; his children, Opal Whitaker and wife, Charlotte, Tina Whitaker, Tim Whitaker and wife, Tammy, Donald Whitaker II and wife, Sharon; his 6 grandchildren, O’Paul Whitaker, Cody Whitaker, Raven Whitaker, Stephanie Whitaker, Katelyn Whitaker, Landon Whitaker; his 11 great grandchildren; his sister, Cordellia Williams; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.