Don Edward Whitaker

Don Whitaker, age 85, of Loveland, Colorado died April 24, 2018, peacefully at home. He was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on February 26, 1933 to Bill and Avis (Fields) Whitaker. Don grew up in Chickasha, Oklahoma, graduating from Chickasha High School. In May of 1956, he received his Bachelors of Science in business degree at Oklahoma A&M College (now known as Oklahoma State University), where he joined the ROTC to start his military service. While in college Don met and married Donna Appling. The moved to Lawton, Oklahoma where Don opened a business machine business. He became the mayor of Lawton from 1971 to 1975. Many big changes came to the City of Lawton while Don was mayor, such as the Goodyear Factory, urban renewal and improvements on the library and airport, just to name a few. Don and Donna divorced in 1977. Business took Don to Oregon, where he worked for 2 years. Don later moved to Longmont, Colorado. In 1978 he married Betty (Kremer) Hubbard and settled in the area, where he was involved in building and operating car washes. Don’s children David and Donese lived close by as did Betty’s 3 sons George, John and Mike. Don was preceded in death by his parents and infant son Dusty. He is survived by his wife Betty of Loveland and family of five children son David Whitaker (Candace) of Longmont, Colorado, daughter Donese Brittingham, (Harry) of Louisville, Colorado; step-sons George Hubbard of Florida, John Hubbard of Littleton, Colorado and Mike Hubbard (Barb) of Billing, Montana; six grandchildren Schelby Merrill (Cade), Mark Hubbard, Holly Truesdale (Cody), Crystal Fox (Devon), Melissa Johnson (Adam) and Casey Hubbard; 9 great grandchildren Dylan, Bryce, Ruthie, Lilly, Katie, Adam, Landon, Karmen and Hunter. Don’s remains will be inurnned at the Merrill Ranch in Wyoming. A celebration of Don’s Life will be held at a later date. Services at a later date