Dale W. Whitaker, 107, of Topeka, passed away Friday, April 12, 2024.
He was born January 13, 1917, in Almena, Kansas, the son of Percy G. and Anna Whitaker. He was a 1935 graduate of Almena Rural High School and received a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Kansas University. He served in the United States Army as a captain in the 250th Coast Artillery Regiment in Alaska from 1942 through 1944, during World War II.
Dale was employed by the Kansas Power and Light in Topeka for more than 40 years, retiring as the manager of eastern operations of Westar.
He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in both Topeka and Hutchinson. He was a longtime member of the Hutchinson and Downtown Topeka Rotary Clubs, active in the Topeka Chamber of Commerce and served as president of the Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce.
Dale married Jessie Helen Neal on June 3, 1945. She preceded him in death on November 25, 2013. Survivors include his sons, Mark (Barbara) Whitaker of Auburn and Tom (Vicki) Whitaker of Topeka; daughter-in-law Karla Whitaker; five grandchildren, Tracy Nelson (Mike), Spencer Whitaker (Mollie), Blake Whitaker (Danielle), Katerina Carlson (Mike) and Paige Whitaker (Lisa); and nine great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his son, Neal Whitaker; his parents; and his brother.
Dale loved Estes Park, Colorado, building a vacation home there in 1984. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, and hiking.
Honoring his request, cremation is planned. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Topeka Rotary Foundation, 420 SE 6th Suite 110, Topeka, KS 66607 or the Topeka Rescue Mission, Inc. PO Box 8350, Topeka, KS 66608-0350.
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