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John Orson Whitaker Sr.

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Utah State University

John Whitaker Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 17, 2006.

JOHN ORSON WHITAKER, SR. 2/28/1927 - 12/14/2006 Served in WWII 1945 and was an Air Force Reserve Officer for 20 years. He was one of the first LDS Missionaries to Uruguay from 1948 to 1950. Married the Utah State University Delta Phi Queen, Thelma Willis December 14, 1951. The couple moved to the San Fernando Valley and had a total of 8 children while John taught Industrial Arts at Pacoima Jr. High for 37 years in the end teaching the children of his earlier students. John served the LDS Church faithfully throughout his life. In his retirement, John loved spending time doing church projects and with his Grand and Great Grand children. John and Thelma celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2001. In death John Sr. follows his Parents and brother and his eldest daughter, Sherrie Lynn White. He is survived by his wife, Thelma; their 7 surviving children, 26 grand children and 9 great grand children. Services will take place at the LDS Church Sylmar, 13680 Sayre St, Sylmar, CA, 91342 on Tuesday, December 19, viewing 9:30-10:30 am - Services 11:00 am. He will be interred at Eternal Valley Memorial, Santa Clarita, CA.

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Recent Activity

November 9, 2021

Gabril S Sirvantis posted to the memorial.

December 18, 2006

Kerry Spendlove posted to the memorial.

December 17, 2006

Eldon Karratti posted to the memorial.

5 Entries

Gabril S Sirvantis

November 9, 2021

I would like to thank you(Mr. Whitaker) for the great influence you shared with me in my last year of Jr High, at Pacoima. I am a self-reliance machine that is very independent due to your influence. You taught me to be creative and to think outside of the box. I will always be grateful for these gifts well needed for life on this plant. Enjoy your journey back to the Creator of the Universe. May the Watchmaker keep you always. See you again John O Whitaker.

Kerry Spendlove

December 18, 2006

As I reflect on the news of John's passing there are nothing but great memories of the times that were spent with him and his wonderful family. I was able to spend quite a bit of time with the Whitakers as Johnny and I were such great friends, I truly felt as one of the family and was always treated so kindly. I am a better person for knowing John Sr. THANKS

Eldon Karratti

December 17, 2006

I treasure the opportuniy I had as a youth to experience Brother Whitaker's kindness and service I'm thankful there were great men as John to set the example and keep us on the straight path. Thank You Brother Whitaker

rupert ramirez

December 17, 2006

to the whitaker family, my deepest condolences to you all. i was a student of his in my first and only year there at pacoima jr. high in 1956. i believe it was printshop where he was at. i did graduate in the summer of 1956.

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John O. Whitaker, Jr.

December 17, 2006

Thanks for being a great example of faith, steadfastness and one that would never CUT and RUN. You were always consistent, full of music, love and integrity. Tú me enseñaste tener amor por todos y me enseñaste hablar español y de tener un amor completo para gente de diversos idiomas y culturas. Fuiste verdaderamente un hombre espectacular!

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