John Orval Whitaker died Sept. 13 at his home in Poulsbo. He was 88.

He was born Aug. 28, 1921, to John and Elsie Whitaker in Conrad, Mont.

Whitaker graduated from Monroe High School in Monroe. He attended The University of Washington and graduated from the University of Southern California with a dental degree.

He served during World War II in the Army Air Corps. He married Florence Adele Montan in Seattle in 1946. He worked in San Pedro, Calif., as a children’s dentist for 30 years and retired in 1978.

Whitaker was the president of the Harbor Dental Society, Southern California Dental Association and the Century Club. He was a member of the American Academy of Pedodontics, American Dental Association, American Society for dentistry for children, American College for Dentists and was a charter member of the Los Angeles Pedodontics Club. He was very active in the San Pedro & Peninsula YMCA.

Whitaker was a life member of the USC Associates, South Bay Trojan Club, Northwest Trojan Club and received the Fred B. Olds Award for service to USC. He was also a member of the Sons of Norway and the Poulsbo Yacht Club.

Whitaker is survived by his beloved wife, Florence Montan Whitaker of Poulsbo; children: John Whitaker (Syd), Mary Ann Finnecy (Edward), Robert Whitaker (Diana) and Nancy Muller (Rodman), all of California; his sister, Arlene Day of Yakima; 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Private family graveside services were at Mountain View Cemetery in Poulsbo.

Memorial contributions can be made to The Hospice of Kitsap County or to a charity of choice. An online guest book is available at www.cookfamilyfuneralhome.com.