Joseph Walter Whitacre, Sr.

Joseph Walter Whitacre, Sr., age 90, of York Springs, PA, passed away on Feb 24th, 2026.  He was born on Sept 12th, 1935, in Siddonsburg, PA, to Harley A. and Leota P. Whitacre.  He married his childhood sweetheart, Eleanor Irene Runkel, on Oct 3rd, 1954, and loved her till she passed in 1998.  Joe was employed as an accountant at National Cash Register (NCR) for more than 30 years.  He and Eleanor raised 5 children, were active in the Harmony Bethel Church, and later the Dillsburg CMA church.  He enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing with his family.  He was known for his willingness to help others, whether relatives, friends, or even strangers. He was a faithful husband, devoted brother, and strong father who many admired and will now miss him greatly.

   He is predeceased by Eleanor I. Whitacre, and survived by only one sister, Clara Marie Brandt (husband Dale).  He is survived by his children; Twila Jean Moore (husband Wayne), Vesta Mae Whitacre, Joseph Walter Whitacre, Jr. (wife Yvonne), Fara Lynn Gates, and Justin Wayne Whitacre (wife Sue).  He has 4 grandchildren, Benjamin J. and Hannah R. Whitacre, Bryce A. and Logan M. Gates, and 5 great grandchildren.  We are at peace with him now being with mom and his long-awaited Savior.

   A viewing will be held on Wednesday, March 4th, from 6-8 pm and on Thursday, March 5th, from 9:30 am-10:10 am, at the Cocklin Funeral Home, Dillsburg, PA.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, March 5th, with interment at the Sunnyside Cemetery, York Springs, PA.  A memorial luncheon will follow at the York Springs Fire Hall.  In lieu of flowers, the family recommends donations to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association in his memory.