Henry Russell Whitaker's Obituary
Henry Russell Whitaker, Jr. passed away in Taylorsville, Utah on Friday, June 7th, 2024, aged
101. Henry was preceded in death by his wife, Merlyn, and is survived by his two children Susan Turpin and Mark Whitaker (Kristy); eight grandchildren: Austin, Gavin, Tyler, Madison, Zachary, Hannah, Molly, and Sarah; and two great-grandchildren: Harper and Henry.
Born in St. Joseph, MO on Sept 15, 1922, and later moved to Jamesport, MO and graduated from Jamesport High School in the class of 1941. Known as Russell to friends and family during that time, but later went by Henry or Hank.
Served in the US Army from 1942 through 1946, seeing action in France, Belgium and Germany during World War II.
Graduated from Finlay Engineering College in Kansas City as an Electrical Engineer. Began his career working for Western Electric in Denver before moving to Dugway Proving Ground in Utah in February, 1951. Hank worked at Dugway until December, 1974, when he retired from Civil Service.
Hank met Merlyn Edward at Dugway in April, 1958 and they were married on October 17, 1959. Hank and Merlyn had two children. Susan was born in December, 1960 and Mark was born in June, 1962. The family moved from Dugway to Granger, UT in June, 1970.
After his retirement from the Civil Service, Hank worked for Sears and then moved on to roles at Salt Lake Hardware, Steelco, and Coeur d’Alene Steel before finally retiring for good in 1985.
Hank and Merlyn had a wonderful retirement together. In 1985 they purchased a motor home and from then through 2000, they amassed over 125,000 miles, visiting family and friends, as well as every state capitol and National Park in the continental US. Upon parking the motor home for the last time, they chose to see the world via airliner, cruise ship and motor coach in several trips all around the globe. When not traveling, Hank loved to fish in the Uintas and especially when accompanied by his grandchildren.
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