Robert Lee Whittaker

Robert Lee Whittaker, 69, passed away on February 28, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. He was born on February 1, 1957 in Fresno, California to Ann Louise Hawkins and Johnnie Booker Whittaker, Sr. Robert was raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, moving to Haskell, Oklahoma with his family for his high school years. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design degree. Robert practiced architecture and construction administration for most of his career and was a very proud OU Sooner.

In 1986, Robert married Elaine Pickens and had two children, Joseph and Olivia. In 2008, he married Michelle Lawson and had two children, Preston and Avery.

Robert was a quiet and kind-hearted man. Oftentimes he was a man of few words, so when he spoke, those words were meaningful and important. Robert was a warm-hearted, honest man, a friendly man, who could find the small joys and humor in all situations. He was a dedicated and compassionate person, and always found peace in doing both big and little things, as long as it was with the people he loved. He had a deep love for his family, his heritage, and was very proud of his humble upbringing. He was always focused on the important things in life and enjoyed simplicity over fuss.

Robert also knew how to have fun. He enjoyed jumping on the dance floor and cutting loose, especially when a favorite song of his was playing. He enjoyed playing around on his electric guitar and had a real love of music. He was also an excellent artist. He could sketch buildings and homes so beautifully and effortlessly, once sketching a dream home on a bar napkin in a matter of minutes. He enjoyed traveling to new places with his family and going on new adventures. He enjoyed working in the yard and mowing the lawn, taking pride in doing it himself. He enjoyed spending time with his kids and grandkids. His love of sports and running track, playing basketball and football as a kid led him to coaching his children’s sports when they were younger. In addition to being involved in their sports, Robert was also actively involved in volunteering at the kid’s schools. Whether it was flipping burgers, setting up for school events, chaperoning field trips, sitting on school committees and doing whatever anyone needed, you could always find Robert being of service to those who needed him.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents Ann Louise Hawkins and Johnnie Booker Whittaker, Sr, stepfather Sherman Drew, and sister Stephanie Pingleton, as well as many other beloved family members.

He is survived by his wife, Michelle Whittaker, his son and daughter in law Joseph Whittaker and Melania Whittaker, daughter and son in law Olivia Mangrum and Collin Mangrum, son Preston Whittaker and daughter Avery Whittaker, his grandchildren Theo Whittaker and Vivian Mangrum, his siblings Eleanor Bradford, Johnnie Whittaker, Darlene McKnight, Hazel Elwell, Elmer Whittaker, Pamela Drew and Jory Drew, as well as many other family members in both Oklahoma and Texas.

Viewing/Visitation will be held on March 12, 2026 from 10am-12pm, with the service being held at 12pm at White Rock United Methodist Church at 1450 Old Gate Lane Dallas, Texas 75218.

Processional to gravesite immediately following service at 3920 Samuell Blvd Dallas, Texas 75218.

Flowers can be sent to:

Grove Hill Funeral Home

3920 Samuell Blvd.

Dallas, Texas 75228