Larry E. "Bones" Whitaker

URBANA – Larry E. "Bones" Whitaker, age 72 of Urbana, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024 at Springfield Regional Medical Center.

He was born in Troy, Ohio, to the late Donald and Phyllis (Yount) Whitaker on May 28, 1951. In addition to his parents, Bones was preceded in death by his grandson, Joseph Wells; granddaughter, Tijwana "T" Echols; and very special mothers: Sylvia Whitaker and Garnett Whitaker.

He leaves behind his wife of nearly 54 years, Debbie Whitaker; children: Larry (Nikki) Whitaker Jr., Jenny (Jeffrey) Bowman, and Carrie (Lonnie) Givens; grandchildren: Zack (Brittany) Whitaker, Dalton (Amanda) Whitaker, Tristan Little, Kiley Bowman, Thad (Amber) Bowman, Eli (Lydia) Bowman, Thoryn (Morgan) Johnson, Braxton (Ashton) Givens, Shianne Givens, Paul Givens, Kellen Givens, Lonnie Jeffries, and Corey Jeffries; great-grandchildren: Aislyn, Tristin, Aiden, Alana, Myles, and Rosemary. Larry is also survived by his siblings: Donald (Ruth) Whitaker Jr., Kenny (Amy) Whitaker, Tim (Jess) Fagan, Bill (Brenda) Fagan, and Becky (Dean) Turner; best friends, Danny & Shirley Dunlavy and Sam & Sue Dunn as well as his beloved four-legged friend, Benson.

Bones retired from Navistar after 31 dedicated years where he served as Union 402 steward for 28 years. Larry loved traveling to Tennessee and spending time with his family whenever possible. He enjoyed playing golf and working, rebuilding and showing off his street rods. His children have fond memories of going to car shows every weekend to see all of the street rods.

A celebration of life will be held on Feb. 17, 2024 from 3-7 p.m. at the Union Hall, Springfield. Pastor Dewitt Means Jr. will officiate the service beginning at 4:30 p.m. and the family welcomes anyone to speak and share memories of Bones at that time. In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorial contributions to be made to Barely Used Pets. Condolences are forwarded to the family by visiting www.walterfunerals.com.