Harold James Whitaker, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away peacefully at Miami Valley Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on March 3, 1954, in Springfield, Ohio, Harold was the son of Robert Whitaker and Margaret (Ellis) Whitaker, both of whom preceded him in death. He grew up in a close-knit neighborhood where he developed a lifelong love of woodworking, baseball, and community service.
Harold graduated from Kent State University in 1976 with a degree in civil engineering. He spent more than 35 years working as a civil engineer for the Ohio Department of Transportation, where he was respected for his integrity, steady leadership, and commitment to improving infrastructure throughout the region. Colleagues remember him as dependable, thoughtful, and always willing to mentor younger engineers.
In 1978, Harold married his college sweetheart, Linda Marie (Carson) Whitaker, and together they built a life centered on family, faith, and service. He was a devoted husband and a proud father and grandfather who rarely missed a school play, soccer game, or family gathering.
Harold is survived by his wife of 44 years, Linda; his three children: Michael Whitaker (Emily) of Columbus, Ohio; Sarah Whitaker Bennett (Thomas) of Indianapolis, Indiana; and Daniel Whitaker (Rachel) of Dayton, Ohio. He was a cherished grandfather to Olivia, Henry, Lucas, Grace, and Samuel, who knew him affectionately as “Grandpa Hal.”
He is also survived by his sister, Carol Whitaker Jensen (Mark), along with several nieces and nephews.
Harold will be remembered for his steady kindness, dry sense of humor, and the quiet strength with which he faced life’s challenges. His legacy lives on in the bridges he helped build, the family he cherished, and the many lives he touched.
A private family service was held, with a public celebration of life planned at a later date.
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