Calvin (Cal) Dean Whitaker

Calvin (Cal) Dean Whitaker, Sr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and U.S. Army veteran, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2025, surrounded by his children. He was joyfully received into the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, with whom he had a long and personal relationship. Born in Greeley, Colorado, on June 28, 1937, Cal spent his formative years on the family farm, where he developed a deep love for the land and cultivated a true cowboy spirit. As an avid storyteller, he never met a stranger and delighted in sharing his life’s tales with anyone who would listen. Many of his stories centered around his beloved horse, Papoose, whom he rode to school; his experiences in the National Guard; and his global adventures during his time in the U.S. Army. A lifelong military man, Cal retired from the Army as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4), the highest achievable rank for a Warrant Officer at the time. He continued his service to the nation as a civilian employee at Ft. Bliss, Texas, until his final retirement. In 1961, while attending Colorado State College, Cal met Carol, whom he would marry and with whom he would travel the world during his military career. Carol, a dedicated educator, accompanied him to many duty stations, where she taught elementary school and raised their two children, Michelle and Dean. Upon retiring, Cal and Carol moved to Christiansburg to be closer to their children and grandchildren. In their hilltop home, Cal spent his time gardening, tinkering with cars, and giving generously of his time and talents to St. Philip’s Anglican Church in Blacksburg, where he served in various roles over the years. Cal is survived by his wife, Carol Ann; daughter Michelle (Al) Brauns; son Dean (Shelly) Whitaker; grandchildren Jason and Adam Brauns, and Graham and Evan Whitaker; and great-granddaughters Allison and Alaina Brauns. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and two sisters. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff and caregivers at Medi Home Health and Hospice, as well as to the team at Commonwealth Assisted Living in Christiansburg for their compassionate care and companionship of “Cowboy” Cal during his final years. A private memorial service will be held at St. Philip’s Anglican Church, followed by a military burial at the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Philip’s Anglican Church (stphilipsblacksburg.org) or to a nonprofit of your choice. Cal’s life was one of Godly service, love, and laughter, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.