Michael Lewis Whitaker

Michael Lewis Whitaker, 76, died at his home in Conyngham early Monday morning following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born on Jan 7, 1939 in Los Angeles, CA. to Walter and Siegel Whitaker. He graduated from the California Military Academy, Susan Miller Dorsey High School, and the University of Southern California, all in Los Angeles. He attained a bachelor's degree in Finance at USC.

Michael was predeceased by his mother and father, also by Nancy Whitaker, step-mother, and by John Reeser, stepfather; also by his toddler brother Paul Whitaker, and a sister Kathy Morgan Lunn of New Jersey. 

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Judy Marsilio Whitaker; son Donald Whitaker, 
Torrance, CA; son David Whitaker, Quincy, CA; and by daughter and son-in-law Tania and Scott Clutter, Torrance, CA. Additionally he has six grandchildren in California: Zachary, Mikayla, Cameron, Kaitlyn, Brett, and Christopher. His sister Sherry Whitaker Fagans, brother Dale Whitaker, and brother-in-law Chris Shott live in Denver, CO. He is survived as well by members of the Roth and Pfeiffer families in Wiesbaden, Germany. There are numerous nieces and nephews across the country, many locally.

He served in the United States Air Force in Wiesbaden, Germany during the Cold War as an aerial photographer. Michael worked for Rockwell International Corporation in Los Angeles as an aircraft photographer and later in B-1 Bomber computer software development. He continued similar work at the Northrop Aircraft Corporation also in Los Angeles, with continuing technical education in his field. In 1979 he developed a commercial software design and service bureau company, serving corporations such as Toyota International in Torrance, CA.

Mike was a member and former Financial Chairman of the Conyngham United Methodist Church where he had been very active, most recently in the Brothers' Organization. One of his many passions included Duplicate Bridge, where he attained his Life Master status. He played bridge in clubs in Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Northeastern Pennsylvania. For the past 20 years, he has been a member of an international airline bridge club as a Delta Air Lines delegate, playing in venues including Tunisia, Cyprus, Italy, Norway, Turkey, Corsica, and Spain. He was an avid cook and specialized in Mexican dishes. He continued photography and stamp collecting as a past-time, and enjoyed dancing, music and theater, especially Broadway musicals. He traveled extensively as a past-time, enjoying backpacking, hiking and camping as well. He was an avid sports fan, particularly of ice-hockey and football. He lettered as a long-distance runner in high school and continued running and hiking throughout his life.

His funeral will be held Saturday at 9:30 am from Harman Funeral Homes and Crematory Inc. (East) 669 W. Butler Drive, Drums with continued services at 10 am in Conyngham United Methodist Church  411 Main Street, Conyngham with the Reverend Cheryl Trent officiating.  Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Drums.  Friends may call at the funeral home Friday evening from 6 to 9 pm and Saturday morning from 8:30 am until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Conyngham United Methodist Church, P.O. BOX AB, Conyngham, PA 18219, or to a charity of one’s choice. Online condolences can be entered and more information is available at www.harmanfuneral.com. 

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