George Arthur Whitaker

George Arthur Whitaker, 72, of Fullerton, passed away Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, at Boone County Health Center in Albion.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, at Palmer-Santin Funeral Home in Fullerton. Burial of ashes will take place at a later date at Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Fort Harrison, Mont. Palmer-Santin Funeral Home is assisting the family.

George Whitaker was born on Aug. 18, 1953, in Corona, Calif., to Henry and Esther (Baker) Whitaker. He grew up in East Helena, Mont., and graduated with the Twin Bridges High School Class of 1971. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Maryland. He was honorably discharged in January 1974 and went on to serve an additional year with the Montana Army National Guard.

On Aug. 17, 1979, George married Kathy Pare at Four Square Gospel Church in East Helena. They made their home in Helena, where he worked for Associated Foods. George later attended Helena Vocational Tech, earning an associate’s degree in industrial electronics, and went on to work for several companies as a calibration technician. Over the years, George and Kathy lived in North Carolina, Texas, and Montana before settling in Fullerton. He was employed at Smith and Sons Repair in Fullerton until July 2025.

George enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing, and going to dirt track races or attending races in general. He treasured the time he spent with his granddaughter, whether they were building fences, creating flower gardens, or tackling any project they could dream up. Above all, George loved being with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Kathy of Fullerton; son, Nate Whitaker of Columbus; daughters, Bree Whitaker of Alaska and Tara (Todd) Lovett of Oregon; granddaughter, Jocelyn Kiley of Salt Lake City, Utah; sisters, Helen Wirth of Washington and Donna (Mark) Wilson of Montana; brothers, Henry (Donnie) Whitaker Jr. of Arizona and Clayton Whitaker of the Philippines; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; nephew, Nick Whitaker; and brother-in-law, John Wirth.