Earnest Whitaker, 95, of Joppa, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 29, 2026, in Bel Air, Maryland. He was born in Jenkins, Kentucky, to the late William Henry Whitaker and Bertha V. (Childers) Childers.

Earnest was the beloved husband of the late Betty Jean Whitaker. He was a proud United States Air Force veteran and remained deeply proud of his military service throughout his life. During his time in the Air Force in the late 1940s, he was stationed in Japan.

Early in life, Earnest left home and traveled to Ohio and later to Detroit where he worked on an assembly line. He later became a Bethlehem Steel worker, beginning a long and distinguished career with the company. A dedicated and hardworking man, Earnest became a fireman with Bethlehem Steel. While working, he attended night school at Essex Community College and continued to advance in his career, eventually becoming Captain of the Bethlehem Steel Fire Department. He went on to teach classes in hazardous materials, safety, and fire prevention. Earnest was a hands-on worker throughout his life and took great pride in doing things well and helping others.

Earnest was a man of deep faith and devoted service. He was a deacon at Towne Baptist Church and taught Sunday school for many years. His faith was evident in every aspect of his life. He and Betty were beloved members of their church community and helped bring many families to the Lord. Earnest's strong Christian faith guided the way he lived, and he was known for his kindness, integrity, and unwavering character.

Earnest was also deeply involved in Freemasonry. He was a Past Master of Mt. Ararat #44 A.F. & A.M. Masonic Lodge and served as Grand Inspector for many years. His commitment to service and leadership was reflected in both his professional and community life.

Those who knew Earnest will remember him as a man of integrity and class. He never swore or drank and never had a bad word to say about anyone. He was strong-willed and determined, yet loving and compassionate. Earnest was always taking care of others and placed the needs of those around him before his own. He lovingly cared for his mother as she grew older, demonstrating the devotion and selflessness that characterized his life.

Earnest was a man of many accomplishments, but his greatest legacy was the love and faith he shared with his family, church, and community. Everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him seemed to instantly feel his warm and genuine spirit. He leaves behind a beautiful and ever-growing family to whom he passed down many of his noble traits. His life was full of love, service, faith, and devotion to others, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his son, William Whitaker; daughters, Teresa (Russell) Hartkopf and Lisa Blake; beloved grandchildren, Heather, Melissa, Johnathan, Sarah, and Brandon, and many beloved great grandchildren, and his extended family and many friends who will cherish his memory.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Towne Baptist Church in memory of Earnest.