Robert Benson Whitaker

With deep sadness, we share that Pete Whitaker, 71, peacefully passed from this earth on November 9, 2025 after a three year battle with kidney cancer surrounded by family at home. However, we are grateful Pete went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Robert Benson "Pete" was born on December 16, 1953, in Houston, TX to David and Dinah Whitaker.

Two people changed his life, his beloved wife of 51 years, Debbie, and His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Pete and Debbie met at Waltrip High School in 1971 and married in 1974. They have two sons and seven grandchildren. In 1982, Pete gave his life to Jesus. This encounter shaped the way he led his family, loved people, and influenced his vocation.

Pete had multiple careers that began with a third-generation electrical business, Whitaker Electric. This experience led him to start several companies including Whitaker Environmental that was later acquired into a public company. In 1990, God called him to full-time ministry. He began by setting up evangelistic crusades for Jay Strack and eventually the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. After tiring of travel away from his bride, he worked for several years as an interim pastor for churches in North Houston. Pete finished his career working as Marketing Director for an informational technology firm in the Houston Area.

His great joy was being with Debbie as they traveled the world on countless cruise ships. However, his greatest joy was visiting his children and grandchildren whether in Alaska, Ohio, or Kansas. Grandpa's magic shoulder was always available for a snuggle. He also loved being silly, telling stories, and sharing his wisdom with his grandchildren. He never tired of going on adventures with them whether seeing Christmas lights, dog sledding or relaxing on the beach.

Throughout his life, Pete assumed many different roles including mentor, friend, counselor, boss, evangelist, caretaker, and servant. His most cherished roles were Christ-follower, husband, Dad, and Grandpa. His faith has now become sight.

Pete is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Debbie Whitaker; son, Brian (Katie) Whitaker of Lawrence, Kansas and their children Cale and Avery; son, Justin (Stacy) Whitaker of San Antonio, Texas and their children Reagan, Claire, Mallory, Harper, and James. Additionally, his brother Matt (Ronda) Whitaker of Houston, Texas and his sister Polly (Mike) Perry of Birmingham, Alabama; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Dinah Whitaker, his loving grandmother, Bettye Wallace, and his beloved in-laws, Jess and Shirley Hilton.

The service to honor Pete's life will be held at Spring Baptist Church (633 Louetta Rd. Spring, TX 77373) on Monday November 24, 2025 at 1:00pm. Visitation with the family will precede the service at 12pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider giving a charitable donation in Pete's honor to his son's ministry Bridgeway International (bridgewayinternational.churchcenter.com) or the PTSD Foundation of America.