Dale Everett Whitaker

Dale Whitaker, 86, of Newton, passed away on December 19, 2025. He was born December 19, 1939, in Kearney, NE, to the late Everett and Mayble (Springer) Whitaker.

As the youngest of three, Dale readily admitted to being spoiled by his sisters. Dale grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska, and graduated from Lincoln High School. One of his riskier childhood exploits, with three other friends, was to hop an eastbound freight train to the next town and then catch the westbound train back to Lincoln, all in a day. His parents were never aware of this. It was always interesting listening to his many adventures.

Dale had a great work ethic and owned his first business just out of high school. He worked at other occupations, but having an entrepreneurial spirit, he owned and operated multiple businesses, eventually leading to the auto industry. Before retirement, he owned and operated several auto care centers in the Akron/Canton, Ohio area.

After retirement, Dale’s favorite pastime was maintaining the yard and landscaping. What would seem like work to others brought him joy and peace because he would often be seen just sitting, watching, and listening, then sharing his “outdoor” day. Winter always came too fast for him, and on sunny days, he would often pull a chair to the glass door to soak in the sunshine and again sit, watch, and listen.

Dale also loved children. At any opportunity, you would see him wave or smile at a young child. Having neighbors with small children was a joy for him. They loved to come see Mr. Dale. The feeling was mutual. One of the last visits he had with them was taking them out in his golf cart to see the neighborhood Halloween decorations. He will be missed by so many.

Dale is survived by his wife Fran; his sons, Gregory Whitaker, Michael (Angie) Whitaker; his daughter, Janice (Lee) Miller; his stepson, Ron Jason Spence; eight grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; one great-grandchild expected in July; and many dear nephews and nieces.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Thomas Whitaker; and his sisters, Leona Moorberg Whitaker and Eleanor (Ellie) J. Campbell.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel at First Presbyterian Church, 701 North Main Avenue, Newton, NC. A receiving and reception will follow in the church Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ashure Ministry, The American Cancer Society, or the Humane Society of Catawba County.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.caringcremations.net. The Whitaker family has entrusted arrangements to Caring Cremations Life Celebrations and Funerals at 828-855-3350.