Larry Allen Whitaker, (a.k.a. Superman), age 62, passed away Feb. 15, 2009 at the CHO Defiance Area In-Patient Hospice Center with his loving children, family and friends by his side. He fought a courageous battle with cancer. Larry was born in Defiance July 31, 1946, the son of the late Wilmer "Flick" and Josephine "Jo" (Arndts) Whitaker.. Larry graduated from Tinora High School in 1965. He was hired in General Motors where he retired after 25 years of service. He was a member of the local VFW. Larry was a wonderful and loving, father, grandfather, brother and friend. His most cherished treasure was his family and spending every moment with them was his #1 priority. Larry is survived by his two daughters, Shelly (Jeff) Welch of Quincy, Michigan, Darcy (Jason) Brown of Defiance and a son Terry Smith of Defiance. Also surviving are his brother William "Bill" (Sarah) Whitaker of Ney and two sisters Nancy (Steve) Michaels of Ney and Joyce (Jim) Weldon of Sebastian, Florida. Also surviving are his six loving grandchildren Brett Allen Whitaker, Torrey Dean Belt, Sarah Marie Winzelar, Kirsti Nicole Belt, Courtney Jadyn Brown and Aidan Bailey Smith. Preceded in death by two brothers, Robert Whitaker, James Edward Whitaker who died in infancy, and a sister Shirley (Paul) Grimes. Funeral services will be at 1:00 P:M Wednesday, Feb. 18, in the Lawson-Roessner Funeral Home, 1753 S. Clinton St. Defiance, with the Rev. Donna Stutzman officiating. Visitation will be from 2-8 Tuesday and an hour before services Wednesday, at Lawson-Roessner. Burial will be in Evansport Cemetery. Preferred memorials are to the CHP Defiance Area Hospice Center or the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be left at defiancefuneralhome.com.