Dennis Joe Whitaker

Dennis J. Whitaker, age 71 of Roseville, died Monday, February 8, 2010 at St. John Hospital in Warren. He was born January 27, 1939 in Kentucky, the son of the late Harve and the late Mattie (nee: Cornett) Whitaker. For many years, Dennis worked as a Meat Cutter with the Farmer Jack's grocery chain. Following his retirement from there, he entered the realm of sales and touted his wares at the Gibralter Trade Center in Mt. Clemens. If you were looking for some fresh produce or a great deal on a watch, Dennis' booth was the place to be. He enjoyed all that the trade center had to offer and found great reward in the customer interactions he shared as a vendor. When he wasn't "officially" working, Dennis was known for the talent he displayed and the pleasure he derived in building things with wood. He was great with his hands and enjoyed expressing his creativity in this way. Another of Dennis' passions centered around all things automotive. He loved cars, especially the ones that made left turns around the oval tracks at 200mph. An avid NASCAR fan, one of Dennis' favorite memories was when he got to take in the granddaddy of all races,...the Daytona 500. From his caring side, Dennis was a proud supporter and donor of MCREST, an organization of local churches whose mission it is to aid the homeless. Growing up in an environment where he was one of twelve children, Dennis knew the joy of family and friendship, and he thoroughly enjoyed the times spent with each. Surviving Dennis is his beloved wife, Stephanie. Dear father of Dennis Allen, Mark, Jeff, Tom, and Darla. Stepfather of Jeff, Kellie and Paul Trimble. Brother of Harry (Martha), Sandy (Kevin), Donald (Carol), Larue (Jerry Dean), Jerry Lee (Debbie), Robert (Kathy), and Patsy (Mitch). Grandfather of Rickey, Ryan, Austin, Dominick, Angel-Marie, Kristina, Jozie, the late Joseph, Elijah, Haley, Chastity, Lane, Aiden, Gianni, Nico, Gino, and Sofia. Great grandfather of Skyler, and Cameron. Dennis was preceded in death by siblings; Phyllis, Billy Ray, Lelah and Shirley. Visitation for Dennis will be on Thursday, February 11 from 3-9pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 1/2 Mile Rd) in Warren. His Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Friday at the funeral home. Officiating will be Pastor Jerry Weinzierl. Memorial donations are welcomed, in Dennis' name, to the Warren Woods Christian School Children's Program, c/o Warren Woods Church of the Nazarene, 14300 Thirteen Mile Road, Warren, MI 48088 - or - Rockpointe Community Church's youth group, "Axiom," c/o Rockpointe Community Church, 38100 Utica Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48312. Please share memories of Dennis at his guest book.