Born June 29, 1934 to Wilford Whitaker and Dora Boyce in Elko, Nevada and passed away at his home in Murray, Utah, January 27, 2017 as a result of multiple medical problems.
Will grew up on a farm in the Kittitas Valley of Washington state. He received his bachelor's degree from Central Washington University in music education, and later a master's degree from the U. He taught vocal music in the Prosser, Washington school system and then for many years at Kennedy Jr. High where he retired.
He married Mary Jane McCulley in 1953, later divorced. Married current wife, Marcia Ellen Chase, July 11, 1987 in the Los Angeles temple.
A promised blessing that his "voice shall be heard bearing witness of the Redeemer before thousands" was fulfilled during the 15 years he sang with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, under the direction of Jerold Ottley. He also performed in several musicals at the Promised Valley Playhouse.
Will had a lifelong love of genealogy and authored several family history books including "The Whitaker Family in England and America 1591-1980" and "Broad Bay Pioneers."
Recently, he served an honorable mission at the LDS Employment Resource Center in Sugarhouse for almost two years, working until he could no longer physically continue, in November.
Will is survived by children from his first marriage: Cathy, Bill, Teri, Cindy and Wendy; his daughter, Rachel (Joseph) Schutz of Kirkland, Washington from his current marriage, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Preceded in death by his son Mark Almon Whitaker.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 31 at 11:00 AM at the Murray Little Cottonwood Stake Center, 6180 S. Glen Oaks St. in Murray, with a viewing beforehand from 10:00 to 10:45 AM.
The family would like to thank the staff of Millcreek Hospice, especially Lisa and Chad for their kind and loving care.
