Donald E. Whitaker, 88, of Fredonia, N.Y., died Friday, June 26, 2015 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Buffalo.
Donald was born June 10, 1927 in Dunkirk, N.Y., to the late Benjamin N. Whitaker and Laura E. (Hyuck) Whitaker. He grew up in the Arkwright-Sheridan area and attended Forestville schools. Donald was a WWII U.S. Army Veteran serving as an MP in Japan during the post-war occupation of Japan. He was a retiree of Al Tech Steel Co., where he worked as a machinist. Donald was married to his wife, Patricia (Reynolds) Whitaker, for 51 years at the time of her death in 2002. An outdoorsman, he enjoyed farming and hunting. Donald was known as a "Mr. Fix It," as he was always willing to help family members with various projects. He especially enjoyed assisting his grandson Jason prepare his cars for the Chautauqua County Fair Demolition Derby, even assisting in the pit. He also enjoyed meeting and spending time with friends and Al Tech retirees. Donald was a former member of the Fredonia American Legion Memorial Post No. 59. He was the last surviving grandchild of the original settlers of Whitaker Road area in Fredonia.
Donald is the father of: Gene E. (Tracy) Whitaker Sr. of Fredonia, Roxanne Whitaker Van Arsdale of Westfield, N.Y., and Rustie White of Fredonia; also survived by 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; the brother-in-law of Gail (Jay) Olmstead of Sinclairville; also survived by nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents and his wife Patricia, Donald was predeceased by: his son Roy Donald Whitaker; two great-grandchildren: Justin and Zachary Van Arsdale; his brother, Richard W. Whitaker, and brother-in-law Donald (late Alberta) Reynolds.
Calls may be made on Wednesday, July 1 from 2-4 p.m. at the Larson-Timko Funeral Home, 20 Central Ave., Fredonia, N.Y., where a funeral service, with Military Honors, will be held Wednesday at 7 p.m. Memorial contributions in Mr. Whitaker's memory may be made to the Lakeshore Humane Society, 431 E. Chestnut St., Dunkirk, N.Y. 14048.
Online condolences may be made at www.larsontimkofuneralhome.com. Arrangements by David J. Dengler.
By the Observer
