Kleston Whitaker, affectionately known as "Whit" to family and friends, transitioned peacefully at his home in Bryans Road, MD on February 28, 2025 at the age of 87.  Whit was born on March 17, 1937, in Jacksonville, TX.  He was the eighth of twelve children born to the late Samuel and Mary Ann Whitaker, having seven brothers and four sisters.

After graduating high school, Kleston joined the United States Army in 1957.  During his service, he was deployed to serve in the Vietnam War for one tour and was stationed in both Germany and Korea.  He was awarded several medals, including the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Good Conduct Medal (7th award), Drive Mechanic badge, Aircraft Crewman Badge, Air Medal and a Meritorious Service Medal.  His final rank was a Sergeant First Class before receiving his Honorable Discharge in August of 1979.  Afterward, he worked at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station as an Aircraft Maintenance Senior Sergeant, Motor Transport Operator, and Tractor Trailer Truck Driver until retiring in 2004.

Whit married his beloved, Sarah "Sally" on June 4, 1960.  Together, they raised their four sons, Kenneth, John, Keith and Kirby.  He was a devoted and generous Husband and Father, Brother, Uncle, and friend that will be greatly missed.

Kleston loved to work on and repair cars and televisions, believing that old things were not broken, they were just not fixed yet.  Whit loved fashion and always appreciated an event that required him to dress up.  When getting together with family and friends, he enjoyed playing cards, especially spades and pinochle.  He loved to watch westerns and karate movies and amassed a large collection of films throughout his lifetime.  He also loved to watch sports, especially football and basketball.

Whit was preceded in death by his parents, seven brothers, three sisters, and grandson Kenneth, Jr. "K.C."

He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife of sixty-four years, Sarah "Sally"; his sons, Kenneth, John (Jennifer), Keith (Debra), and Kirby (Amy); sister Gloria Jean Milton; grandson, Keith, Jr.; four great-grandchildren; and other cherished nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Friends may visit with the family on Friday, March 14, 2025 at 10 AM, until time of Service at 11 AM at Metropolitan United Methodist Church, 3385 Metropolitan Church Road, Indian Head, MD 20640.

Following the service, the Family would like to welcome all to the repast at the Bee Hive Masonic Lodge No. 66, 3410 Livingston Road, Bryans Road, MD 20616.

Interment will be held at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.