Valentino E Whitaker

Valentino E. Whitaker, 64, of Grand Junction, passed away on April 20, 2026.

Valentino was born on October 29, 1961, in Carroll to Herman Bishop and Lois Mae (Tuel) Whitaker. He was raised in Glidden, where he attended and graduated from high school, forming the foundation of the life he would go on to build-one defined by creativity, service, and individuality. To his friends and those closest to him, he was simply known as "Tino."

In 1981, Valentino answered the call to serve his country by joining the Army National Guard. He proudly served as a Military Police officer, attaining the rank of Sergeant. During his time in uniform, he was deployed in support of the Persian Gulf War, where he was honored with the Kuwait Liberation Medal - Saudi Arabia for his service and dedication.

Valentino was a man of boundless creativity and hands-on ingenuity. He had a deep passion for art and could often be found painting, bringing color and imagination into everything he touched. He loved wearing tie-dyes along with anything skull-related-his style as bold and unmistakable as his personality. When he wasn't creating, Valentino enjoyed spending time in his garage, tinkering with projects and finding satisfaction in building and fixing things with his own two hands.

A devoted music fan, Valentino held a lifelong admiration for Ronnie James Dio, whom he often declared to be "the greatest man who ever lived." Valentino's personality was as memorable as his interests, and those who knew him will forever hear his signature phrases, "Love ya, no shit," and "It's better to burn out than to fade away," echoing in their hearts.

Valentino is survived by his loving wife, Heather; his sons, Jesse Nathaniel Whitaker and Maximum Zeppelin Whitaker; his cherished grandchildren, Bodey and Avery; his brother, Rick Whitaker; his sister, Dixie Stout; his cousin, Rosemary (Marty) Paulsen; his aunt, Marie Tuel; and his beloved, faithful hound, Bubbles.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A service to celebrate Valentino's life will be held at a later date.

Valentino will be remembered for his artistic soul, his unwavering love for his family, his sense of humor, and the authentic way he lived his life-entirely on his own terms.