George Kent Whitaker

Aug. 30, 1932 - Nov. 4, 2015

George Kent Whitaker, 83, passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at his home in Fallon, Nevada. Kent was born in Kanosh, Utah on August 30, 1932 to Herman and Marion Sagers Whitaker and was the youngest of eight children. He attended primary school in Kanosh and high school in Fillmore, Utah where he sang in the choir and played football. He graduated from Millard High in 1950. He first came to Fallon in the summer of 1949 to work for his brothers-in-law, Dennis and John Sorensen, on their dairy and hay farm. It was at this time that he met his future wife, Carmae Sorensen. During his two year service in the Army, Kent and Carmae were married in the St. George, Utah LDS temple on December 23, 1953. After his service in the military, Kent and Carmae briefly lived in Kanosh but moved to Fallon in 1955. Kent was a longtime farmer in Fallon where he raised beef cattle, alfalfa, corn, and grain. He also custom farmed for many well-known farmers all over the Lahontan Valley and Fernley. Kent’s matchless work ethic and honesty were hallmarks of his life. He was happiest when he was operating farm equipment and insisted on working on his sons’ farm after he “retired.” Kent was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He fulfilled numerous callings including bishop of the Fallon Third Ward for 5 years. For more than thirteen years he served diligently in the Reno LDS Temple. Beyond his work and church service, Kent’s greatest love was for his family. He and Carmae would have celebrated 62 years of marriage this December. He was blessed with six children: Maryan (Craig) Kellersberger, Jeff (Diane), Greg (Linda), Lori (Lyle) Johnson, Lisa (Mark) McKell, and Brad (Kathryn); 23 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren with two more due this month. He was preceded in death by six of his siblings. A viewing will be held Friday, November 13, 6-8 pm at Smith Family Funeral Home. On Saturday, November 14, a brief viewing will be held from 9-9:30 am and funeral services will follow at 10 am, both held at the LDS church, 125 W Tolas Pl, Fallon. Burial will follow services in the Fallon Cemetery.