Thomas E Whitaker

Thomas E. Whitaker, 75, of Auburn, died Thursday, December 15, 2022 at his home. Tom was born January 26, 1947 in Adrian, Michigan, son of the late Don E. and Margaret O.  (Havens) Whitaker. Tom was a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and had served in the United States Army from 1969-1976 and served as an Officer, Airborne Ranger and combat veteran.Tom's post-military was extensive and included acquiring his MBA from IU and working for over 25 years in technical sales and sales management with 4 companies, including Texas Instruments and National Semiconductor Corp.  Tom never totally retired with owning his own business, and later worked part-time for DART, then Change Academy working with teens, and finally as Veteran's Service Officer. Tom is survived by his wife, Tanjiah (Miller) Whitaker of Auburn; son, Mark E. Whitaker of Fort Wayne; daughter and son-in-law, Sara M. (Whitaker) Knipp and Ben Knipp of Fort Wayne; step-sons, Adam M. and Lisa Dager of Leo and Nicholas J. and Natalie Dager of Fort Wayne; sister and brother-in-law, Carol (Whitaker) and Jim Brown of Michigan; grandchildren, Addie Knipp, Lucas Knipp, Callan Knipp; Corinne Dager, Bella Dager, Gabe Dager, Lilly Resor, Hadley Dager, Braxton Dager and Carson Dager. A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, December 30, 2022 from 4-7 p.m. with military funeral honors being conducted by the United States Army at 7 p.m. at Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services 502 N. Main Street, Auburn. Memorial donations may be made to Quiet Knight Veterans Fund or Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana.