Walter E. Whitacre, 87, left us Thursday morning for “the end of the trail”. He was a lifelong volunteer – 55 years as a Scoutmaster of troop 364, where he helped over 150 scouts earn the rank of Eagle Scout; 32 years in the Coast Guard Auxiliary as Coxwain and past District Captain; and 51 years in the U.S. Power Squadron, ending as a District Commander.
Through it all, he was an engineer for NASA for nearly 40 years, earned his Doctorates, and was an adjunct assistant professor and Director of Academics with Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Donna Lee Whitacre; three sons, Donn A. Whitacre, Kirk A. Whitacre, and Chris M. Whitacre; grandchildren, Daniel, Stacey, Jamie and Cici; and great-grandchildren, Eden and Chloe. He also has one remaining brother, Horace Edward Whitacre of North Carolina.
Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Monday, May 6 at Latham United Methodist Church in the Welcome Center, followed by the funeral service at the church. A family graveside service will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Boy Scout Troop 364, or Latham United Methodist Church.
