Robert Reed Whiteaker

Robert Reed Whiteaker, 90, of Phoenix, went to be with the Lord on September 12, 2022. Preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; parents Abie and Mary Whiteaker; and brother Donald. He is survived by children Bob (Dee), Cindy (Dan), Martha (Gentry); grandchildren Ginnie (Daniel), Robert (Sarah), Reed, Jack, Josh, and great granddaughter Dorothy; and brother Joe.

Rob was raised in Harrison, NE and graduated from Oklahoma A&M. It was in college that he and Dot met. They lived several places throughout the Midwest during the early years of their marriage (while in the Air Force and working for IBM) but settled in Phoenix in 1970. Rob was a true entrepreneur. He owned a broom manufacturing company, sold pipe organs, created a buying group for hospitals, served on the staff of North Phoenix Baptist Church and remained a deacon there for many years. Rob was very active in Rotary International his entire life. He served as Rotary District Governor and traveled the world supporting Rotary service projects.

Rob and Dot loved entertaining and traveling the world. They made lifelong friends from numerous trips and cruises. Always in search of a “good deal” Rob loved to shop and experience the culture everywhere they went. As a father, Rob instilled self confidence in his kids and always supported them in achieving their goals.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, September 21, 11:00am in the chapel at North Phoenix Baptist Church (5757 N Central Ave). Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to the Rotary Foundation at rotary.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ShadowMountainMortuary.com for the WHITEAKER family.