Mark Gregory Whitaker

Master Sergeant Mark Gregory Whitaker, United States Air Force (Ret.)

Master Sergeant Mark Gregory Whitaker, retired, of the United States Air Force, passed away surrounded by the love of his daughters on Friday, October 31, 2025, after an extended illness. He was born on October 6, 1951, in Rensselaer, Indiana, to the late Bernard and Helen (Salyers) Whitaker.

Mark grew up in Medaryville, Indiana, and graduated from West Central High School. Mark attended Indiana State University for a short time before answering the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force. Over the course of 24 years, he rose to the rank of Master Sergeant, earning the respect of his fellow airmen through his discipline, integrity, and quiet strength. He received multiple commendations and high praise from his superiors from the beginning of his service that included being awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, the Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, and the Air Force Training Ribbon. Following his military career, Mark later retired from Fox Contractors.

A man of many interests, Mark enjoyed woodworking, golf, camping, cheering on his grandkids at sports events, and cheering on Notre Dame football. He loved old movies and westerns, and his dry wit and priceless facial expressions brought joy to those around him. His daughters described him as the strong, silent type—reserved but deeply devoted, with a sense of humor that revealed itself in subtle, unforgettable ways. Above all, he loved his family.

Mark is survived by his children, Dawn (Jamie) McCormick, Shannin Bassett, and Bianca (David) Whitaker; his stepchildren Joe (Jill) Guerra and Sam (Mariah) Guerra; his brother, Bernard (Diane) Whitaker, Jr.; grandchildren, Sarah (Ian), Emma (Tyler), Jack, Ethan, Dakota (Michael), Julie, Hudson, Olivia, Maverick and Sienna; great-grandchildren, Theo, Finnigan, and Margo; and his nieces and nephew and their families. He will be remembered with love and gratitude by all who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held in the near future, with inurnment at Crown Hill National Cemetery, where he will be honored with full military rites.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to America’s Warrior Partnership https://www.americaswarriorpartnership.org.

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