Thomas E. Whitaker, 55, of Grinnell died on October 12, 2020, at his home. A private family service to honor Tom's life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be designated to the American Cancer Society. Tom was born on June 25, 1965, in Grinnell, the son of Harold Whitaker and Wanda Beukema Whitaker. He was raised in Grinnell and was a 1984 graduate of Grinnell High School. In 1989, he was united in marriage to Laura Peak and to this union they had a daughter, Kelsey Anne Whitaker. This marriage later ended. On November 21, 2000, he was united in marriage to Beth Ann Malcolm, in Grinnell and became a step-father to Elizabeth Ann Uhl and Daniel Richard Uhl. The couple continued to live in Grinnell. Tom was employed by DeLongs Sportswear for many years and later was employed by Grinnell College. He was a long-time member of the Grinnell Eagles Club. Tom had a heart of gold and his humor was contagious. He was the life of the party and made everyone feel welcome. Tom enjoyed fishing, camping, and taking trips to visit his daughter. He was a huge fan of the Minnesota Vikings and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Tom loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dale Whitaker, in 1960. His memory is honored by his wife, Beth Whitaker of Grinnell; daughter, Kelsey Whitaker of West Des Moines; step-children, Elizabeth (Alex) Smith of Fairbank, Iowa and Daniel (Morgan) Uhl of Grinnell; brothers, Dennis Whitaker of Grinnell and twin brother, Tim (Karen) Whitaker of Iowa City; sister, Ruth Whitaker of Whittier, California; sister-in-law, Diane McCombs (John Rupe) of Grinnell; grandchildren, Weston Smith, Raylan Smith and Gracelynn Uhl; and several nieces and a nephew, Deneal (Rob) Etter, Debi (Tony) Cronin; Samantha McCombs and a great-nephew, Devin Cronin. Tom made an impact on many lives and he will truly be missed.