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BORN
1955
DIED
2025
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Laura Whitaker Obituary
August 24, 1955 – October 1, 2025
Laura Marie Whitaker, 70, of Waldport, OR, formerly of Bakersfield, CA, passed away October 1, 2025. Born in Battle Creek, MI, she served in the U.S. Army, where she met her first husband, Wally Whitaker and together they welcomed their son, Anthony. She later became the first female president of Castle & Cooke and was active in local organizations and the Honor Flight of Kern County. She met her second husband, Gary Engel before retiring and moving to Waldport.
Laura is survived by Gary, son, Anthony; daughter-in-law, Anita; and granddaughter, Aliya.
Internment Services will be held on January 09, 2026 at 10:00am at The Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 E Mountain Blvd., Arvin, CA 93203
www.bakersfield.com/obits
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for Laura Whitaker
Sponsored by Burns's Riverside Chapel Florence Funeral Home.
2 Entries
WCW
February 2, 2026
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
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Sharon Dickey
January 9, 2026
I really enjoyed our trip to the honor Flight Summit in Baltimore. 2017. We were fortunate to meet Earl Morse and Jeff Miller. The founders of Honor Flight. Laura was a true warrior in every way.
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