He attended Highland Junior College, Kansas University and Kansas State University. He served in the United States Navy during World War II. He was president and CEO of Whittaker Outdoor Advertising Company and served as president of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Kansas and as a state director of the Outdoor Advertising Association of America. He was a director of the First National Bank in Wamego for 20 years.

Harry was a member of Christ Episcopal Cathedral and served on the vestry. He was a past member of the Downtown Lions Club, the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce and served as the chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee. He was a past chairman of the financial committee of the Salina YWCA. Harry served as a past president of the Saline County Wildcat Club, as well as being a member of the Mike Ahearn Scholarship Fund at KSU. He was a member of Smithton Masonic Lodge No. 1, Chapter No. 16 Lodge, in Troy, York Rite, Isis Shrine and Isis Patrol. For over 17 years, he served as a volunteer member of the Salina Emergency Aid-Food Bank and was a past board member of Ashby House. His passion was Kansas State football, and he held season tickets for 56 years.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Stephanie Ruth.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Constance; children, Melissa and her husband, Bob Duran, Houston, Texas, and Kent and his wife, Carla, of Omaha, Neb.; and a brother, James B. Whittaker, Alexandria, Va.

Harry was “Haba” to his five grandchildren, Justin Kent Whittaker, Kate Ashley Duran, Zachary Hargis Duran, Joseph Kent Whittaker and Casey Renee Whittaker.

A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 29, 2008, at Christ Episcopal Cathedral, Salina. Interment to immediately follow in the Cathedral Columbarium in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. A celebration of Harry’s life will follow the service at the Salina Country Club.

The family would like to extend their thanks to all of the loving staff at Hospice of Salina, and in particular, Doris, Rina, Dina, Amy, Christine, Kelly, Janice and Jeannine for all of their effort and encouragement during Harry’s illness.

Memorials may be made in Harry’s name to Christ Episcopal Cathedral or Hospice of Salina.

Ryan Mortuary, Salina, is handling arrangements.