Carl Vitatoe

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Carl Vitatoe passed away on the morning of Saturday August 29, 2026, age of 82, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. His passing, while sudden, served as a poetic bookend to a life lived with love, strength, family and service.

Throughout his life, those who knew Carl would describe him as a fighter; strong and steadfast. From his early adulthood, this much was apparent. He graduated from Haysi High School in Virginia in 1962 and, from there, joined the Army. He served his country from 1962 to 1965 and, in the process, met his wife, Leta, a woman who would become his match as both a fighter and a central pillar of a family they would build together. Along the way, his life became littered with stories that could easily be adapted into what would likely be an entertaining biopic. He gained a reputation for his years in the Army, for escapades still talked about to this day, for advice given in impossible situations, and for showing up for his family when he was needed most.

As he grew older, his demeanor became gentler, but his resolve remained steadfast. For those who knew him, he had become an example of how best to grow old. Those who loved him shared moments of laughter and memories that would become a source of comfort when things were hard. He showed up for his family in the best ways he knew how and, in the end, his family returned the favor. Among the best examples of his legacy of love comes after he could no longer live alone, after the passing of his beloved wife. Wanting to show up in the same way he had for them, his daughter and her family had built an entire extension to their house dedicated to having their most beloved member of the family live comfortably with them. Taking care of the man who had shown up for them was not done out of obligation, nor was it a burden; it was an honor.

In the end, he passed surrounded by that same family, many of whom had traveled great distances just to say goodbye. As he shared his final moments with those who would tell his stories, share his laughter and continue his legacy, a picture of aspen leaves hung on the wall above his left shoulder. A symbol of resilience, courage and connection.

Carl is survived by his children, Charles Vitatoe of Cookeville, Carl “Jr” Cross and his wife, Cindy Cross of Cookeville, Wanda “Mousy” Vitatoe Hayes and her husband Chuck Hayes of Cookeville, Christopher and his wife Olivia Vitatoe of Colorado Springs. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Chas and wife Sanae Hayes, Amanda and Ryan Vinson, Max Hayes, Kenneth and wife Danielle Hayes, Zachary Hayes, Aaron Vitatoe, Samantha and husband Daniel Couchoud, Aiden Albrecht, Andrew Westerfield, Liam Westerfield, Claire Westerfield, Krystal Cross, Caitlynn Cross, Erica and husband Josh Brookes and Kasey Smith. Carl also had 16 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. He is also survived by his brother Lawrence and wife Lisa Vitatoe, sister Phyllis Lantz, brother Jerry and wife Bella Vitatoe, sister-in-law Shielah Vitatoe and his Aunt Snoda Rose

Funeral services for Carl Vitatoe will be held Friday September 4, 2026 at 12:00 pm in the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home. Interment with military honors will follow in Cookeville City Cemetery.

His family will receive friends Friday 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home.

Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. Share memories and condolences at www.hhhfunerals.com.