Roy Lester Whitaker; Salina
June 12, 1937 - February 16, 2021
Roy Lester Whitaker was born on a farm near Hail, Kentucky on June 12, 1937. He was the oldest son of Talmadge Lester and Mildred Marie (Dykes) Whitaker Groppenbacher. He died February 16, 2021 from Interstitial lung disease.
Roy lived in several places growing up but moved to the Cincinnati, Ohio area at about 8 years of age. There he attended school until he joined the United States Air Force at age 17, on June 17, 1954. He went to Basic Training at Sampson AFB New York. He went on to serve his country as an aircraft weapons specialist. He served two years in Southeast Asia (Thailand) during the Vietnam War, six years in England and several other countries as well as the USA.
While he was stationed at Schilling AFB Salina, Kansas, he met and married Joan Howell on December 27, 1956. Joan accompanied Roy as he was sent to different places. He retired as a Master Sergeant on July 1, 1976 and they moved to Salina. Since retiring, Roy has worked for Sunflower Bank and USD 305. In 1986 he began his career in Real Estate selling for Adrian Associated Properties and MK Development. He later became a Real Estate Broker and Appraiser as well as establishing RW Reality and Whitaker Appraisal Service. He served as President of the Salina Board of Realtors in 2004 and was Realtor of the year in 2005.
Roy was a member of Ray Avenue Baptist Church serving as Trustee, Treasurer and a teacher. He was a leader in the RU Recovery Program and a Choir member singing bass. He was also a member of the NCOA (Non-Commissioned Officers Association) and TREA (The Retired Enlisted Association). He attended Marymount College and NE Louisiana University specializing in Building Inspection Technology. He is a graduate of Faith Bible Institute, Monroe, Louisiana.
Roy was preceded in death by his father; mother; stepfather, Preston Groppenbacher; brother, Eddie Whitaker; sister, Lois Brady; sister in-law, Lola Whitaker; 2 infant children, Jonathan and Kelly Whitaker; 1 infant grandchild, Sarah Brown;
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Joan; sons, Steven (Dawn) of Alabama, Daniel (Tracy) of Salina; daughter, Teresa Brown of Salina; grandchildren, Philip, Mara (Chris) Klenda, Greg, Holly (Heath), Matthew, Joseph, Jessica, Laura Brown (Jason Culp); 10 great grandchildren; brothers, Roger Whitaker of San Antonio, Paul (Sandi) Groppenbacher of Ohio, Dale Groppenbacher of Ohio, John Whitaker of Kentucky, Steve Whitaker of Kentucky, Gary Whitaker of Kentucky; sister Joyce Whitaker.
Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Monday, February 22, 2021 at Ray Avenue Baptist Church, 2801 E. Ray Avenue, Salina.
Funeral services will follow at 11:30 a.m.
Memorials may be made to Ray Avenue Baptist Church or Alzheimer’s Support and Education Group in care of Roselawn Mortuary, PO Box 2322, Salina, 67402.
For online condolences contact Roselawn at www.roselawnsalina.com
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