David “Dave” Whitaker of Eureka, Missouri, was born on November 15, 1940, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Cecil and Pearl (née Lindsey) Whitaker. He passed away on March 14, 2026, in Eureka at the age of 85.
Dave began volunteering as a firefighter in Valley Park at the age of 16, a commitment that defined much of his life. He went on to serve with the Fenton Fire District until his retirement in 1995, and he took great pride in his association with the Missouri Mules. He coached his son’s baseball team with the Valley Park Athletic Association in earlier years and found joy in simple pleasures such as boating and fishing, riding his motorcycle on day trips, working with model trains, and flying drones. A lifelong enthusiast of Corvettes, he owned three over the years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Pearl Whitaker; his sons, Rockey Whitaker and Ricky Whitaker; and his sister, Bonnie Quick.
Dave is survived by his loving wife, Betty (née Weber) Whitaker; his children, Robby (Ed) Politte, Steve (Julye) Bowen, and David (Christine) Bowen; grandchildren Spencer Whitaker, Shayna Hayes, Shelby Whitaker, Ryan Whitaker, Brady Politte, Bailey Politte, Stephanie Bowen, Matthew Bowen, and Lauren Bowen; eight great-grandchildren; his daughter-in-law, Tracy Whitaker; and many beloved nieces, nephews, in-laws, and extended family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
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