LTC Roger “Steve” Stephen Whiteaker, PhD USAMSC, age 76, Springfield, Missouri

LTC Roger “Steve” Stephen Whiteaker, PhD USAMSC, age 76, passed away June 7, 2023, in Springfield, Missouri, of a sudden unexpected heart issue. He was born in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, December 13, 1946, to Alberta Faughn and Robert Allen Whiteaker, DDS. The family settled in Campbell, Missouri. It was there that he met and married his first love, Carm Wright. He graduated from the University of Missouri with a PhD in Microbiology.

He served in the US Army, retiring in 1998, after 28 years. He taught weapons to Soldiers at Fort Benning, Georgia, then switched to Medical Service after he had his PhD. At the Basic Medical Service course, he met his second wife, Susan. They married in San Antonio, Texas, in 1980. He is the recipient of five Meritorious Service Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, plus many other awards including the Good Conduct Medal signifying he was once an enlisted man in the Iowa Army Reserve. In retirement, he had many interests including computers, motorcycles, and gaited horses.

Steve is survived by Susan, his wife of 43 years, of the home; his sons: Matthew Bradley (Brad) (Amelia) and four children: Katie, Josh, and Liam, and foster child, Grace of Lansing, Kansas, and John Robert (Alison) and two sons: Frankie and Darby of Cottage Grove, Minnesota.

Steve was a loyal and helpful friend and a trusted leader. The last few years he had suffered from several debilitating illnesses but met them with hope and the will to overcome.

He will be greatly missed by his wife, Susan; sister, Roann (Ken) Schanda; his sons and their families; his first wife, still a friend, Carm Whiteaker; stalwart neighbors Steve and Kate Assenmacher; his “fifth” grandson, Cole Thomas who has been indispensable in keeping the farm running due to his incredible work ethic and diligence; his friends at Douglas County Fox Trotter Club; valued members of the Schanda family, Whiteaker cousins; many friends; and his beloved Pekingese, Raven.

There will be a celebration of life at a future time. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks. To leave an online condolence or memories, please visit www.cremationsoftheozarks.com.