Gerald D. Whitaker

Gerald D. Whitaker, 84, of Mt. Sterling, passed away on November 2, 2024, after a life full of generosity, laughter and hard work.

Gerald was born on August 18, 1940, in Hope, Kentucky to the late Delmas and Aldean (Gibbs) Whitaker. He had 4 siblings who he adored: Margie (Botkin), Edward Whitaker, Wanda (Purvis) and Earl Ray Whitaker. Their family was rooted in farming and their Christian faith. After his graduation from Camargo High School, Gerald worked as a farmer and Drywall contractor throughout Eastern Kentucky. Gerald also served in the Army reserves from 1964 to 1976.

Gerald married Carolyn (McNay) in 1968. During their 55-year marriage they had three children, Christy, Mary and Elizabeth. He and Carolyn would have celebrated 56 years on December 21. He also touched the lives of countless children in his 23 year tenure teaching children's church at the First Church of God and volunteering with Montgomery County 4-H. Gerald openly spoke about his faith and lived his life on biblical principles. He loved his church family at the First Church of God and especially the Heritage group. He truly enjoyed being at church in service and volunteered many times, lending his talents to a variety of projects.

Gerald was a United States Army veteran and retired from Drywall in 2012 but never truly retired at all. He continued to work on his farm in Hope and all around his house as he was physically able. Gerald loved keeping a clean farm, building, gardening, and tending to his roses that he daily brought to Carolyn in the summer. He took a trip to Peru in the winter of 1984 that changed his life. He built a church, spent time with local Peruvians and visited Machu Picchu. Gerald had a servant heart and frequently visited people with buckets of tomatoes, potatoes, and other things he grew. He remembered everyone's birthday and everyone's name. He was also known for giving many people nicknames that stuck with them for life.

In addition to Gerald's parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Margie and his brother, Edward.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carolyn, his daughters Christy Harris (John), Mary Crockett (Jerry) and Elizabeth Caudill (Aaron), his grandchildren Andrew (Savannah), Catherine, Emily and Jack (Anna Rose), Clay, Caroline, Del and Anna and 2 great grandchildren, Whitley (2 1/2) and Palmer (6 weeks), a brother Earl (Carolyn) and a sister, Wanda.

Funeral will be held at the First Church of God on Friday, November 8 at 12:00pm. Visitation will be prior from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Burial will follow at Machpelah Cemetery. Pastor David Dooley will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the First Church of God Children's ministry where Gerald spent 23 years singing and letting children know about the love of Christ.

Pallbearers: Aaron Caudill, John Harris, Del Caudill, Greg Whitaker, Steve Whitaker, Doug Whitaker, and Donnie Whitaker