Ronald Boyd Whitaker

Ronald Boyd Whitaker died peacefully at the University of Kentucky Medical Center on September 9, 2019, after a hard fought, courageous battle with leukemia. A fiercely loved father, husband, son, brother and friend, Ron was born August 17, 1975 to Ron and Sandi Whitaker in Lexington, KY.

         Before Ron started school, the family moved to Lawrenceburg where they quickly grew to love their new community. Ron was into everything as a kid- academic team, First Baptist Church youth groups, baseball, basketball, a little football to follow in his Dad's footsteps, and his one true sports love-golf. That love for golf stayed with him through high school and into his career where he worked as a pro at both Bob O' Link golf course in Lawrenceburg and Lakeview Springs golf course in Frankfort. He shared the love of golf with his father and later his son. Many happy days were spent on golf courses all over the Southeast.

         Ron was wildly smart. He was a voracious reader who had a natural curiosity for how things worked and how he could make them better. He thrived in school when he wasn't distracted by learning whatever he wanted to learn next. He was a remarkable conversationalist who never lost an argument and left an impression on everyone he met. After high school, Ron attended the University of Kentucky, where he was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) fraternity.

         In 1999, Ron met and fell in love with Anita Coubert and they were married August 31, 2003 and settled in Frankfort, KY. In 2005, they were blessed with the birth of a son, Logan. Ron naturally took to his role as a husband and father, spending as much time as he could with his wife and son. He helped with coaching little league and served as an assistant leader with Boy Scout Troop 37 of Lawrenceburg.

         Ron embarked on a new career in another of his favorite interests- video gaming. He spent many years as first a game reviewer and later a managing editor for several gaming related websites, including GameFront, FileFront and The Escapist.

         Ron and his family also became active members of the Frankfort Elks Lodge #530, where Ron rose through the leadership ranks, serving as both the Exalted Ruler and a District Deputy. He worked tirelessly to host golf scrambles, build websites, deal blackjack or do anything he could to further the philanthropic work of the Lodge. Perhaps more important to him, Ron made fiercely loyal friends in Lodges all across the state, and across the country.

         Ron is survived by his wife Anita, a son Logan Whitaker, his mother, Sandi Whitaker of Lawrenceburg, a sister Lisa Whitaker of Lexington, mother-in-law Mary Coubert, brothers-in-law Robert Jr., Martin, and Ronnie Coubert. He is also survived by his grandmother Colleen Walton, aunt Darla (Mike) Fisher, uncles Ed (Sandie) Walton, Jeff (Deanna) Walton, and Shawn Walton all of Greenbriar County, West Virginia, and aunts Dee Foster and Jan Whitaker of Lexington.

         Ron was preceded in death by his father, Ron Whitaker, father-in-law Robert Coubert, Sr., grandparents Venon and Ethyln Whitaker, grandfather H.C. Walton, and many beloved aunts and uncles.

         Ron was a kind spirit taken much too soon who will be sorely missed by his family, friends, and community, Memorial contributions may be made to Frankfort Elks Lodge #530, c/o Ron Whitaker Memorial Fund, 309 Lewis Street, Frankfort, KY 40601.

         A memorial service will be held Thursday, September 12, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. at Gash Memorial Chapel with Dr. Robert F. Ehr officiating. Visitation will be from 4-7:30 p.m. prior to the service.

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