Gilbert W. Whitaker

Gilbert W. Whitaker, 78, a lifetime resident of Springfield died Wednesday, January 2, 2008 following a prolonged illness.

He was born December 27, 1929 in Springfield.

Gilbert graduated from Springfield High School and served in the United States Navy as a water survival instructor and he dove competitively for the Navy Aquatic Team. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service with 30 years service and was a member of Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church. Gilbert volunteered as a diving instructor at the YMCA and enjoyed playing golf and softball. He and his wife, Ellen were VIP Campers at Deer Creek Campground. He loved his family and his dogs, and was an avid Ohio State football fan.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ellen A. (Yowler) Whitaker; one daughter and son-in-law Linda K. and Dan Jones of Pickerington, Ohio; three sons and daughters-in-law David G. and Colleen Whitaker of Springfield, Roger F. and Valerie Whitaker of Cumberland Gap, Tennessee, Thomas W. and Shelly Whitaker of Pickerington; two sisters and a brother-in-law Wanda and Lee Wellman, and Betty Robinson all of Springfield; 11 grandchildren Andrew, Brian and Jason Ballentine, Jennifer (Tyler) Nicholl, Julie (Cody Gleason) Whitaker, Tara Whitaker, Mark (Sarah Detrick) Whitaker, Ryan Sedlock, Cory (Ashley) Sedlock, Nicole and Daniel Whitaker; 3 great grandchildren Brandon and Ashley Ballentine and Elsie Sedlock; numerous special nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Wheeler & Evelyn (Edgewood) Whitaker; step mother Mabel Whitaker and his maternal aunt Dorothy Records who reared him.

Visitation will be Sunday from 2-5 PM. in the RICHARDS, RAFF & DUNBAR MEMORIAL HOME. Pastor John Place will be officiating the funeral services to be held Monday at 11:00 AM in the Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church, where visitation will be one hour prior to services. Burial will be in Rose Hill Burial Park. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.