Bill Whitaker
July 22, 1937 -November 30, 2024
Bill was born on July 22, 1937, in Pratt, KS, to Earnest and Clara Whitaker. He was the eldest of three sons. Bill graduated from Pratt High School and Pratt Junior College with an associate’s degree in business administration. During his youth, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and served as a scoutmaster.
After college, Bill enlisted in the Army, where he excelled in his entrance exam and was assigned to train with guided missiles at Red Stone Missile Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. He served three years in active duty and six years in the Army Reserves, earning an Honorable Discharge on July 31, 1964.
Returning home, Bill pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Graphic Design from Wichita State University. He began his career at Printing Inc., and later worked at Art for Living, Edward’s Typographic, where he ran the type setting department, and Associated Advertising, where he led the art department. He later worked at Don Levy Lithographic selling printing. He concluded his career by running his own business, Whitaker Graphics and Consulting.
Bill married his childhood sweetheart, Chrystle, on July 22, 1962. Together, they had two children, William Bradley "Brad" and Leighanne. The family enjoyed camping, boating, fishing, hunting, and golfing. Bill and Chrystle were married for 44 years until Chrystle's passing in July 2006.
In 2009, Bill married Carolyn, whom he met through St. Alban’s Episcopal Church. Their 15 years together were filled with travel, church activities, and family gatherings. Bill embraced Carolyn’s large extended family, becoming a beloved stepfather and step-grandfather.
Bill passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 30, 2024, after a brief battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Chrystle, his daughter Leighanne, and daughter-in-law Colleen Whitaker. He is survived by his wife of the home, Carolyn, his son, Bradley Whitaker of Mulvane, KS, his grandchildren Stephanie Whitaker of Derby, KS, Courtney Falls of Mulvane, KS, Dillon Whitaker (Reis) of Wichita, KS, and his great-grandchildren Cameron Furthmyer of Mulvane, KS, and Bailey Whitaker-Brown of Wichita, KS. He is also survived by his brothers Tom (Marlene) of Clearwater, KS, and Dan (Debbie) of Shidler, OK, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill's legacy lives on through the lessons he taught, the love he shared, and the cherished memories of his family and friends. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Stephen's Episcopal Church of Wichita. Your donation will support the construction of the Susan Gaskill Memorial Playground.