Charles Leroy Whitacre

Charles LeRoy Whitacre, age 82, passed away in Hanford, California on Friday, December 20th, 2024 after a battle with heart failure. Charles was born on October 11th, 1942 in Torrance California to Betty Louise Whitacre (Magee) and Orville Lee Whitacre.

During his high school years in the 1950's, his family moved to McCloud, California where he met his soulmate, Janis. They then went on to be married for 60 years. In 1964, Charles enlisted in the United States Navy, and was stationed at NAS Lemoore. During his 9 year service, he had made 3 West Pack Cruises and was part of the Vietnam Conflict. After his service, he pursued a career as an auto mechanic at Robert Chevrolet for 24 plus years before retiring. Due to his well known love of cars, especially old classics, he continued to work on cars after retirement.

Charles loved to be surrounded by his family, he was always seen working on projects or making a family dinner. He also was almost always found with either his grandson in law, Lucas, as they were partners in crime or his sidekick granddaughter “Cheeka”. He shared his birthday with his niece that he loved so much, Joy Remus. He made it a tradition to be the first to call her on the shared day. Charles also had a soft spot for his Goddaughter, DeDe Stair, loving every moment they spent together and made sure to be the first to walk out and greet her. As many also knew, he had a very big heart and love for dogs. He would keep a house full of dogs, loving the moments they would sit with him on his lap while he watched Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy.

Charles is survived by:

his loving wife of 60 years Janis (Tolosano) Whitacre

son Christopher (Jarene-Jade) Whitacre

2 granddaughters Alyson Whitacre and Kimberly (Lucas) Biesterfeld

1 grandson Charles Whitacre

1 great granddaughter Addilynn Biesterfeld

1 great grandson on the way

Niece Joy (Jon) Remus

Nephew Kevin (Amy) Whitacre

Many loved family members and life long friends.

Charles is preceded in death by

His parents Orville and Betty (Magee) Whitacre

Brothers Lee Whitacre and Richard Whitacre

Sister in law Thelma Whitacre

Nephew Jeffrey Whitacre

*A Celebration of life will be held at a later date*