Otis "Dean" Whitaker

Otis Dean Whitaker, 77, of Marydel, DE, passed away peacefully at his home with family by his side.  Dean was born July 24, 1943 in Jeremiah, KY to the late H.B. and Mattie Whitaker. He met his wife of 56 years, Susan Caldwell Whitaker, on their Waynesburg, KY school bus.  After serving in the U.S. Air Force from 1967-1971 - including one year in Vietnam - he returned home to his wife and daughter Deana.  

He began his career with the S.S. Kresge Co. (later Kmart Corp.) in 1964, taking a break for military duty and returning in 1971. His work for Kmart moved the Whitaker family - now including sons Justin and Brent and daughter LaTasha - to nine different states. He served as manager of the Dover, DE Kmart for 19 years, retiring in 1995.  Dean enjoyed woodworking in his backyard shop, fishing on the Delaware Bay, and cooking for his extensive family at his Marydel home.  

He was preceded in death by his parents and eight of his nine siblings. He is survived by his wife, Susan; his children and their spouses, Deana Greenberg (Steve), Justin Whitaker, Brent Whitaker (Andi), and LaTasha Caldwell (Cameron); his grandchildren, Aaron Whitaker, Mikayla Dalton, Julianna Greenberg, Dean James Whitaker, Benjamin Greenberg, Emma Dalton, Miranda Whitaker, Madison Whitaker, Lily Greenberg, Hazel Whitaker, Reed Whitaker, and Cameron Caldwell; and his great-grandchildren, Raelynn Emery and Kimoni Daye. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggestions donations to Wounded Warriors, 4899 Belfort Rd., Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL  32256.

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