SERVICE INFORMATION

Location

Grace Bible Baptist Church

1703 Lewis Road

Leesburg, Florida 34748

Funeral Service

Friday, January 30, 2026

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Interment

Florida National Cemetery

6502 SW 102nd Avenue

Bushnell, Florida 33513

2:00 p.m. 

Celebration of Life / Reflection Service

Nam Knight's MC Green Swamp Chapter

17450 Tuscanooga Road

Groveland, Florida 

Friday, January 30, 2026

3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Lt. Michael Patrick Whitaker Sr., age 75, of Groveland, Florida, who peacefully took his final breath at home on January 17, 2026, surrounded by love.

Mike was a man of unwavering integrity, quiet strength, and a deep devotion to family, faith, and service. A Vietnam War hero and two-time Bronze Star recipient for valor, he carried his love for country into a lifelong career in law enforcement, serving the citizens of Lake County for 25 years before retiring from the Eustis Police Department. Teaching and mentoring were close to his heart, and he devoted nearly 20 years as a police academy instructor, shaping generations of officers with wisdom, discipline, and compassion.

Beyond his uniform, Mike was a natural leader and a servant to his community. He proudly served Central Florida as a professor, city councilman, vice mayor, and mayor—roles he approached not for recognition, but out of a genuine desire to make a difference. He believed deeply in education, service, and leading by example, and his influence will continue to be felt through the many lives he touched.

Above all else, Mike was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He shared 54 loving years of marriage with his beloved wife, Beverly Ann Whitaker, and took immense pride in his two sons, both United States Army combat veterans: Michael Patrick Whitaker Jr. (40) and Jimmy Whitaker (39). Being their father was one of his greatest joys.

Mike is now reunited in heaven with his father, William Whitaker, and mother, Deloris Whitaker, siblings Jimmy, Bill, Mark, and Lydia. He is lovingly remembered by his sister, Cheryl Webb of Kingston, New Hampshire, as well as by his nieces and nephews.

His greatest legacy lives on through his cherished grandchildren—Chloe, Laila, Weston, Sawyer, Freya, Bryton, Trevor, Christian, Austin, Sara - who brought him endless pride, laughter, and joy. His two daughters-in-law, Amanda, and Angelica, who were like his daughters because he admired and loved them dearly.

Mike will be remembered for his steady presence, his servant’s heart, his sense of duty, and the deep love he had for his family and community. His life was one of purpose, honor, and love, and he will be profoundly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a scholarship foundation established in his honor, supporting future law enforcement recruits who wish to carry the torch in remembrance of the Thin Blue Line.