Kevin Ray Whitaker

Kevin Ray Whitaker passed away unexpectedly at his home of more than 30 years in Centerville, Ohio on July 6, 2026. He was 65. He rests today peacefully in his mother's arms, his father close at hand.

Kevin had a gift, the gift of connecting with people in deep, powerful, and enduring ways. He was at his best surrounded by people, especially friends and family. His baritone laugh would come straight from his belly and invite you into his world. His smile, pure sunshine, would show you the way. His stories were touching, his charm was magnetic. His parting hug lingered long after he left. Kevin had the great gift of fellowship. People loved being in his presence.

Kevin was a man of principles. He had opinions about how to live life. He lived by those principles. God help those who argued with Kevin about his principles.

Family always came first. He was a committed and loyal husband, the best father imaginable, and more recently a doting grandfather who could not stop talking about his granddaughter. Kevin liked to tell stories; he liked to brag about his three wonderful children, their spouses, and partners. One minute we would learn about Kayla's academic degrees and organizational skills. The next he would detail Forrest's entrepreneurial activities and mastery of the skateboard. Zach's prowess on the football field, of course, and his work as an Engineer. Kevin beamed with pride when he told these stories. Kevin was a very very proud father. He felt his children were his lifetime achievement.

Next came his friends. His friendships were sacred. Some quite literally stretched back to elementary school. With Kevin, a friend for a moment was a friend for life.

Kevin was passionate about his work. He was a hard working employee of Heinkaline and Associates for 40 years, eventually becoming a partner.
Kevin founded Buckeye Real Estate with his brother, Kent. They worked together for twenty years.

Kevin believed in personal liberties, he believed in America, and he believed in the Ohio State Buckeyes.

These were the things Kevin held dear. He rarely strayed from his principles.

Kevin is survived by his wife, Karen, his three children, Kayla (Sam), Forrest (Sarah), and Zachary (Devin); his granddaughter, Maxine; his three siblings, Melanie, Sue, and Kent; and his many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, William and Julia.

We love you Kevin. We long for just one more of your baritone laughs and one last touching story. We crave to feel your big bear hug one last time.
You are the father that helped shape our lives. You are the brother we will forever cherish. You are a one-of-a-kind friend that we will forever miss.

Funeral services will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home (820 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Dayton OH, 45459) on Wednesday July 15th, 2026; with a visitation at 3:00 pm and the funeral service at 4:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Kevin's honor to:

Centerville Athletic Boosters
500 E Franklin St
Centerville, OH 45459
http://buy.stripe.com/7sYcN66wvck44B3djO2sM01

Kettering Fairmont Athletic Boosters
3301 Shroyer Road
Kettering, OH 45429
Https://www.zeffv.com/en-US/donation-form/in-memory-of-8