Charles Walker Whitman

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of a remarkable soul, Charles Walker Whitman, at the age of 90. Surrounded by the love of family and friends. He departed this world on December 25th, 2023. He left behind a legacy of warmth, wisdom, and unwavering love.

Charles was born on January 28, 1933, to Helen Deborah Brown and Clyde Walker Whitman, the second of three children. His sisters are Elizabeth Gale Buhler and Carol Leigh Hammett. Charles lived a life that epitomized the values of kindness, generosity, and compassion. He touched the lives of everyone he encountered with a gentle spirit and a heart full of love. As a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and trusted friend, Charles was the cornerstone of his family and community.

While at Brigham Young University, Charles met Dorothy Whittaker. They were married in the Manti Utah LDS temple and raised a happy family together in Springville, Utah. They had 5 children: Ty, Kendell, Kimberly, Matthew, and Tristan. After Dorothy’s passing, Charles met Barbara Lindsay. They fell in love and were married in Provo and went on to spend over 33 years together surrounded by family, filled with adventure, love and happiness. They retired to Los Altos, California. Charles and Barbara were sealed together at the Oakland LDS temple on Nov 17 of this year.

Charles taught at Brigham Young University for over three decades in the Musical Dance Theatre program and cared deeply about his students. The legacy of his dedication is evident by the countless students who have since achieved amazing accomplishments in the Musical Dance Theatre industry on and off Broadway.

His wisdom was sought, and his advice was cherished. He possessed not only the knowledge acquired over nine decades, but also a rare depth of understanding that only a life well-lived can bestow. As a pillar of strength for his family and community, Charles provided unwavering faith and unconditional love. Charles served as a Bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for the Springville 4th and 21st Wards with dedication and love. His presence was a source of faith and comfort, his absence leaves a void that can never be filled. Yet, the love he shared and the lessons he imparted will continue to resonate as a timeless tribute to a life well-lived.

Charles’ love for genealogy was evident in his unwavering search for his ancestors—his retirement years were spent researching and writing books about those who preceded him. Charles served as a Family History consultant for 20 years in the Los Altos Stake. This passion served as a blessing to his family, connecting his posterity with the relatives that came before them. His faith in the life hereafter testifies of a joyful reunion to come, and the opportunity to meet these family members whose stories he learned and shared.

In the spirit of Charles’ faith as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his belief in eternal life, let us turn to the Book of Mormon. In chapter forty of the Book of Alma, verses eleven and twelve which remind us of the promise that there is life after death: “Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection—Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life.” Charles was a stalwart defender of his faith and shared the good news of Jesus Christ with everyone he met. Though Charles will be missed dearly, the good news he shared promises that this parting will not be permanent.

The family requests that you honor Charles’ memory by extending acts of kindness to those around you, for he believed that love is the greatest gift one can give.

Charles is survived by his loving wife, Barbara, his children Ty (Marnae), Kendell (Jenny), Kimberly, Tristan (Angela), Cynthia (Gary) Christensen, Allyson (Wayne) Whitlock, Elizabeth (Wilson) Walsh, Janine (Steve) Wynn, Angela (Tait) Eyre, and Blythe (Paul) Nirgenau, along with a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his two sisters, Elizabeth Gale (Calvin) Buhler, and Carol Leigh (Rich) Hammett.

A celebration of Charles’ life will take place on Saturday, December 30th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel on 1300 Grant Rd. Los Altos, California. Viewing at 11:00 a.m. and service at 12:00 p.m. Friends and family are invited to join to share memories, laughter, and the enduring love that will forever connect us to this extraordinary man. Charles will be interred at Springville City Cemetery at a later date. May Charles’ soul rest in eternal peace, and may his memory continue to inspire and comfort us in the days and years ahead.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 1:00 pm at the Springville Historic Cemetery, 400 South 200 West, Springville.

For those unable to attend the services in person, you may view them via YouTube Live beginning, Saturday, January 6th at 1:00 pm at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZnF3nMC62c

In lieu of flowers Charles and his family would appreciate contributions to The Humanitarian Services for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints through the following website.

HTTPS://PHILANTHROPIES.CHURCHOFJESUSCHRIST.ORG/HUMANITARIAN-SERVICES/