Dennis Ray Whitaker, Sr. of 1138 Whitehall Drive departed this life on January 29, 2020 at 5:05 p.m. in the comfort of his home with his family.  Dennis Ray was born to the late John H.  & Maxie M. Whitaker on December 24, 1955 in South Bend, Indiana.  He would confess his life to Christ at an early age and rededicate at later date.  Dennis was an Honor Roll student throughout the South Bend School Corporation where he graduated in 1975 from “East Side Pride” none other than John Adams High School. 

After graduating from high school Dennis would also join the United States Air Force and served for several years last stationed in Las Vegas, Nevada.  He would marry his high school sweetheart, Roscedar Orr and to this union they had a beautiful daughter, Sharita Denise Whitaker.  Dennis took “GREAT PRIDE” in his service to the United States Air Force, and the many benefits it would provide to him.  He was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force.  He would later have two additional children, “The Twins”, named Danielle Rae Whitaker and Dennis Ray Whitaker, Jr.—his one and only son!

Dennis loved participating in “fun filled” gatherings with his brothers, family and friends!    He would always be “THE LIFE OF THE PARTY”, providing lots of humorous jokes continually.  Sports were a focus point of Dennis’s life, such as Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football games along with the TAILGATING PARTIES throughout the years.  Dennis adored and loved the Chicago Bears Football Team.     

Family First for Dennis!  Dennis was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, uncle, father, great uncle, great-great uncle and a grandfather!  He would take each one of these roles seriously, and showed love, dedication and interest in all of them.  He established a personal relationship with them all, and would provide the BEST CANDY POSSIBLE, from the “CANDY CAN”, and a treat to a “Pepsi” from the garage refrigerator! 

“Educational” opportunities were one of his top passions --He would go on to complete three (3) college degrees from Bethel College, Mishawaka, Indiana and Indiana University of South Bend.  He would continually stay engaged with education by achieving various certificates. 

Dennis would later build a “beautiful life” with Cheryl Buchanon for the past ten years!  They loved visiting family, taking drives “OUT WEST” for relaxation and just having fun!!!   Cheryl would dedicate her life, her love, and strength to him.  Also, Cheryl played a vital role in supporting him during his term of illness to the very end. 

Dennis leaves to mourn Cheryl Buchanon, his Fiancé’,  his daughters -  Sharita (Keith) Taylor Sr.,  Danielle R. Whitaker, and son, Dennis R. Whitaker, Jr. (Tia Griffin); Sisters, Christie Menyard (John Anderson), Tina (Larry) Bobbitt, Sr., and Brothers John (Jessie) Whitaker, Jr and Jerome Whitaker, Sr.; grandsons Keith Taylor, Jr., Keion Taylor, Kaden Taylor, and grand-daughters Kendall Taylor, Audrielle Staten, and Ariyah Bobbitt; Nieces, Yvette A. Neely, Christina D. Perkins, Krista Menyard,   Nephews – Tyron (Virginia) Whitaker, John (Maria) Whitaker III, Arrian D. Bobbitt, and Jerome Whitaker, Jr.  A special “son” Coy Wilson.  Also, a host of “loving” aunts, uncles, great nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

11/09/2020 JFC