Boyd Vernon "Joe" Whitaker

Boyd "Joe" Vernon Whitaker, of Rolla, MO, passed away Friday, August 29, 2025 at the age of 94.

He was born on December 2, 1930 in Salem, MO to the late Vernon Hamilton Whitaker and Marie (Bryson) Whitaker. In addition to his parents, Joe is preceded in death by a sister, Judith Smith.

Joe proudly served his country in the United States Army in 1952-53 during the Korean War. When he returned home he attended typesetting school and began a lifelong career in printing. On May 28, 1960, Joe married Betty "Ruth" Jarvis and together they shared a long and happy 65 year marriage. Joe was a member of Greentree Christian Church, where his faith guided the way he lived his life. He loved to travel and took many trips all over the country, but the western states, especially Colorado, were his favorite. He found joy in gardening, growing the most beautiful flowers, and was famous for his tomatoes. He took great pride in his vehicles and loved keeping them clean and spotless. He was also a huge fan of country music and loved attending the shows in Branson. Above all, he cherished time spent with family, and absolutely adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren, spoiling them rotten at every opportunity.

Joe will be greatly missed by his surviving family which includes: his wife, Ruth Whitaker; two sons, Scott Whitaker and wife Robin of Rolla, MO, Neal Whitaker of Rolla, MO; two grandchildren, Adam Whitaker of Rolla, MO, Abbi and husband Blake Bobinmyer of Nixa, MO; and three great grandchildren, Cole, Elliot, and Tess Bobinmyer.

A funeral service for Boyd "Joe" Vernon Whitaker will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla. Interment will follow in the Ozark Hills Memorial Gardens Cemetery. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Greentree Christian Church or Missouri Veterans Home, St. James.