Clyde’s Corner

We lost a son and heaven gained a beautiful soul

by Clyde Whitaker

Where do you begin when telling a story about losing a child? This is not supposed to happen, yet it does happen quite often and it affects many people.

In our case, our son Deputy Grant William Whitaker was killed in the line of duty on Dec. 7, 2014, due to equipment failure during a high-speed pursuit.

Grant had just purchased a home a few months before his death. He was so happy to have his own house, and he took great pride in making sure it always looked great. He loved mowing his lawn with his little Simplicity riding mower. At 6 feet, 2 inches tall, he was a sight to behold, sitting on the little mower, with his knees sticking up, a cold Pepsi in one hand, and his big smile covering his face.

While working with the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office, Grant met Morgan Gyhra and they dated until the time of his death. I’m pretty sure they would have married some time in the future. Morgan has since married, and she has an adorable son named Jack.

You could pretty much say that, at 25 years old, Grant had the world by the tail. He loved his career as a deputy sheriff at Ingham County, as well as his home, the Yamaha four-wheeler he loved to race around his property, spending time with his siblings, and of course, the wonderful girlfriend he cherished very much.

Grant was a great hunter, who especially enjoyed hunting with his brothers Aaron and Josh Whitaker.  As brothers, they always had a close bond. It’s tough for Aaron and Josh now when they go, without Grant, out into the field or on the water to hunt. But it’s also comforting that their memories will never fade.

Grant also loved his sister Angie Adiska. They were constant companions growing up, and they remained close as adults. Angie was always the teacher when she and Grant played school, starting him out early before he was even in kindergarten. As adults, they had many fun times, always laughing and enjoying each other’s company.

At the time of his death, Grant had two nephews, Henry Whitaker and Tyler Adiska. Grant had a special place in his heart for these guys. Henry was older than Tyler and liked it when Grant would stop over to see him while out on patrol in his Ingham County police car. Henry would try to push all the buttons in the patrol car while trying to turn the steering wheel. Grant was always so happy to see both of these boys!

Now Grant has two more nephews and two nieces he never had the chance to meet: Adam “Grant” Adiska, Brooks Michael Whitaker, June Anna Adiska, and Josie Lee Whitaker. I can say with absolute certainty Grant would have loved all of them very much.

This Dec. 7 will mark 10 years since Grant’s death. All who knew Grant and loved Grant still miss him dearly. His Ingham County family still keeps us close, never forgetting us or Grant.

I believe we all have a destiny, and Grant’s was to be on this earth for 25 years, touching our lives and serving others around him. Grant was a kindhearted soul, loving his family and animals and serving the community he treasured.

While the gut-punch feeling in our stomachs is not as pronounced today, even after 10 years, not a day goes by that we don’t think of Grant, wondering “what if…”

Grant has received many awards and honors in the last 10 years, but he will always be remembered as a beloved small-town boy from Stockbridge, Michigan.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Clyde Whitaker is a 1973 Stockbridge graduate. He and his wife, Mary, raised four children in Stockbridge, and they still reside in the Stockbridge area.

All photos provided by Clyde Whitaker.

Grant’s memorial photo is displayed at the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office.

Family gathers at the Memorial Highway sign dedicated to Deputy Grant Whitaker on the five-mile stretch of M-52 near M-106 in Stockbridge.

Grant (center) with his older brothers, Aaron (left) and Joshua (right).

The Medal of Honor awarded posthumously to Sheriff’s Deputy Grant Whitaker by the Fraternal Order of Police in Washington D.C.

Grant and his sister, Angie Adiska, sharing one of many laughs they enjoyed together.

Grant with girlfriend Morgan Gyhra, whom he met through his job with the Sheriff’s Office.

Grant holding nephew Henry next to the sheriff deputy’s Ingham County patrol car.

Grant was always happy to spend time with both of his nephews, Henry (left) and Tyler (right).

President Obama acknowledges the family of Deputy Grant W. Whitaker in 2015 during the Medal of Honor ceremony in Washington D.C.

Governor Snyder, surrounded by Grant’s family, signs the bill to designate a five-mile stretch of M-52 in Deputy Grant Whitaker’s honor.

Grant has received many awards and honors in the last 10 years but will always be remembered as a beloved, small-town boy from Stockbridge.

Grant poses next to a patrol car during his first public safety assignment with the Stockbridge Police Department.