MORGANTOWN
Rawlins I. Whitaker, age 90, passed away peacefully Monday morning, October 23, 2017 at The Hearth at Stones Crossing in Greenwood. He was a lifelong resident of Morgantown.
Rawlins Irvin Whitaker was born September 1, 1927 in Morgantown, Indiana to Irvin and Naoma (Hiatt) Whitaker. He graduated from Morgantown High School in 1945 and attended Earlham College for one year, transferred to Indiana Central College, and graduated in 1952. While he was a student at ICC, he worked for Delta Airlines as a baggage handler.
Rawlins taught business at Decatur Central High School for one year, and joined the family business, Whitaker Chevrolet in Morgantown. After his father retired, he maintained the family business for over 60 years, winning numerous sales awards. Eventually his son, David, joined the business, making 3 generations of service to the community. Rawlins remained involved in the family business until his health started to fail within the last few months.
He married Margaret Stanley on February 4, 1956 in Terre Haute, Indiana. She preceded him in death on August 23, 2015 after 59 years of marriage.
Rawlins was a former member of the Morgantown Fire Department and served as Fire Chief while serving the town, the Masons, and the Morgantown Town Council. Whitaker Field, located at the Morgantown Park, was named in his honor. He was a lifelong member and former trustee of the Morgantown United Methodist Church. Rawlins also served on other various church committees.
He loved the “Shop” and the town of Morgantown. Rawlins used to say that he didn’t go far in life since most of his life events, such as: graduation, work and home life, occurred on the same street.
Rawlins loved his scooter, mowing his property, cutting wood, and watching football. He was especially proud of his grandchildren. He is survived by his brother, Les (Marilyn) Whitaker of Clermont, Florida, his daughter, Susan (Chris) Parker of Morgantown, son David Whitaker of Morgantown, and grandchildren, Daniel Parker of Minneapolis, MN, Lara Parker of Los Angeles, CA, Rebecca Whitaker of Phoenix, Arizona, and Ethan Whitaker of Indianapolis, IN.
A special thanks goes to the staff at Aspen Trace, The Hearth at Stones Crossing, the staff of Paradigm Health Services and to Dr. Large.
The Rev. Ann Spahr will conduct a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 28th at The Morgantown United Methodist Church: 20 East Washington Street in Morgantown. Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, October 27th at Whitaker Auto: 30 West Washington Street in Morgantown. Burial will be at East Hill Cemetery in Morgantown. Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Meredith-Clark Funeral Home Cremation & Personalization Center in Morgantown.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the Morgantown United Methodist Church. 20 E. Washington Street, Morgantown, IN 46160.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.meredith-clark.com.
Information: (812) 597-4670
