Donovan P. Whitaker 's Obituary
Donovan P. Whitaker, 70, of Alliance, went home to be with the Lord, his family, friends and favorite cat, Jasper on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 1:00 pm at Aultman Hospital.
Born on March 28, 1945 in Columbus, Ohio to Louis and Mabel (VanMeter) Whitaker, he lived in Marlboro and Alliance areas for all of his life and attended Marlington High School and received his GED from Canton South.
Don carried a great passion and ability to help others. He enjoyed his hobby of Amateur Radio known by his call of K8OMO. He was a member of the Alliance Amateur Radio Club, serving as Past President. Other radio clubs included, Skywarn, the ARRL Amateur Radio Association and Vibroplex Key Collector Association among other Ham Clubs.
Don acquired his first Ham License at the age of 15 and continued progressing over the years helping many others get their license and enjoy the hobby. Don's other hobbies in his early years included racing his V-8 powered 57 MG to flying model airplanes with Radio buddies and field days with the radio club. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle with his Ham Radio on his side.
Don's working career consisted of 28 1/2 years at Monarch/Teledyne Rubber in Hartville. After that, he started his own business of D&B Erectors using his 75ft boom crane to set trusses, air conditioners and light poles for area businesses. He especially enjoyed using his truck to put up Ham Radio towers for friends and club members.
Don had a great love for his wife of 51 years, Cheryl A. “Sherry” (Coy) Whitaker, whom he married on November 9, 1963 in Stephens Chapel at First United Presbyterian Church.
Other survivors include his son, Brian S. (Gail) Whitaker of Alliance; two granddaughters, Christine (Ed) Weisgarber of Massillon and Courtney Whitaker of Alliance; a great-granddaughter, Pearl Weisgarber; a brother, Louis (Marie) Whitaker Jr. of Alliance; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents.
Private Funeral Services will be held. Burial will immediately follow at Mt. Union Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Alliance Amateur Radio Club.
Arrangements are by the Sharer-Stirling-Skivolocke Funeral Home. Online condolences can be given at www.sharerfuneralhome.com.
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