Rodney "Butch" Whitaker

Rodney D. “Butch” Whitaker, 78, of Wilmington, Ohio passed away Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Bethesda North Hospital.  His wife of 47 years, Laura Jane Gibson Whitaker, survives.  He was born July 19, 1945 in Mariemont, Ohio, son of the late Edgar Whitaker and Adeline Lee Whitaker.  He was a 1963 graduate of Blanchester High School.

Mr. Whitaker served in the U.S. Air Force during Vietnam and was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.  He retired after a long career with CSX Railroad.

Butch played professional softball for the Cincinnati Suds and is a member of the Greater Cincinnati Softball Hall of Fame.  In 2017, he was inducted into the Clinton County Sports Hall of Fame.  He was a member of the American Legion Post 179 in Blanchester where he served on the Honor Guard.  He also served on the Clinton County Veteran’s Commission.  He was a volunteer coach for the Blanchester High School Girls’ Softball team for 24 years and was an active member of Bible Baptist Church in Wilmington.

In addition to his wife, Butch is survived by three sons, Robert (Sue) Lane of Mt. Orab, Ohio, Mike (Jenni) Whitaker of Celina, Ohio, and Jason (Erin) Whitaker of Blanchester, Ohio; grandchildren, Samantha (Britany) Attinger , Dalton (Sabrina) Lane, Jacob Whitaker, Chase Whitaker, Madison Whitaker, Avin Whitaker, and Ainsley Whitaker; and his great-grandchildren, Dakota Lane, Brooklyn Attinger, and Paisley Attinger.

In addition to his parents, a brother, Larry Whitaker, is preceded in death.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Thursday, October 5, 2023 and from 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM, Friday, October 6, 2023 at Bible Baptist Church, 55 Megan Drive, Wilmington, Ohio.  A funeral service with Pastor Josh Dixon officiating will begin at 10:00 AM, Friday morning.  Burial will be in Blanchester I.O.O.F. Cemetery with military honors provided by the American Legion Post 179 Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Butch’s memory may be made to the American Legion Post 179, 318 E Main St, Ste 2, Blanchester, OH 45107.

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