Mr. Ronald Whitaker

Ronald Whitaker was born on October 18, 1948, in Memphis, Tennessee, to the union of Robert Jr. and Easter Belle Whitaker, who both preceded him in death.

He was a son, a brother, a veteran, and a firefighter — a man who lived an adventurous, courageous, and service-filled life. He was educated in the Saint Louis Public School System, growing up at 6049 Maple, and graduated from Soldan High School in 1968 — “Go Tigers!” Ronald confessed his life to the Lord at an early age while attending Leonard Baptist Church with his grandmother, Amelia Holloway.

He served our country with courage during the Vietnam War as a Medic PFC in the United States Army, where he was awarded both the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart — honors that speak to his bravery and sacrifice. The Bronze Star Medal, one of the higher awards given to service members, recognized his acts of heroism in combat. He also received the Purple Heart for his sacrifice before returning home to Saint Louis.

When Ronald came home, he didn’t stop serving. He chose to continue protecting others as a Saint Louis Firefighter. We will never forget the pride of his older brother Robert pinning him at his ceremony, with their mother watching — a moment that captured just how much family meant to him.

But beyond the uniforms and the medals, he was the one who could fill a room with laughter, the one who took life seriously, the one you always had a story about. He lived big, he loved fiercely, and he gave us memories that will last long after today.

We honor his service, we honor his sacrifice, and we honor the joy and energy he brought into our lives. He leaves behind a legacy of courage, love, and laughter — and while we will miss him dearly, we carry that spirit with us.

Ronald is reunited in heaven with his loving parents, Robert Jr. and Easter Belle; his beloved sons, Ronnie D. Steward and Mario Ronal Whitaker; his beautiful sister, Connie Douglas; and his brother, James Conwell Jr.

On the morning of Monday, August 18, 2025, in Room 1147 at Barnes Hospital, Ronald peacefully transitioned from this life to be with the Lord. Ronald meant so much to so many people and touched countless lives.

He leaves to cherish his memory: a loving granddaughter, Dream; two brothers, Robert Whitaker III (Jeanette) of Dallas, Texas, and Reginald Whitaker of Phoenix, Arizona; his “favorite baby sister,” Roslynn Gordon of Saint Louis, Missouri; one brother-in-law, James Douglas; one sister-in-law, Mary Conwell; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.