Donald "Don" G. Whitaker

Donald “Donnie” Gene Whitaker, 90, current resident of Viburnum, Missouri, was granted his final request to return home to his former residence in Wilbur, Indiana, where he peacefully passed the following morning on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, while surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 24, 1935, in Gentry, Arkansas. Don was raised by his grandparents and aunts in Benton County. Destined to wear many hats throughout his time on earth, Don bravely carved his own path attending the Gentry Public Schools. Reporting to the call of duty prior to graduation, Don bravely served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War, where he later earned his GED and reenlisted in the reserves. A diligent family provider and faithful follower of Christ, Don was a retired Baptist minister, who may be remembered from attending the services at Highland Creek Baptist Church in Indiana and more recently from ministering for the Stone Crescent Convalescent in Missouri. He was a lifetime member of the Martinsville VFW Post 1257, American Legion Post 230, along with the Steelworkers Local Union #22 After retiring from the union, Don established his own tower business, where he and his wife set off in their travels across the United States. The Whitaker’s most recent endeavor was working with the army corps of engineers to oversee the maintenance at various KOA Campgrounds Don was a unique soul – stoic and independent, with a personal touch that truly shone through in his devotion to his grandchildren. He was the quintessential starter of projects, a man whose ambition was to perpetually "piddle around" the yard and home, embracing new endeavors with an infectious zeal, even if finishing them wasn't always his top priority. Don loved the outdoors, finding peace and pleasure in fishing, hunting, and gardening, and he relished his walks. Above all, his grandchildren were his world, and he delighted in spoiling them and spending every possible moment with them. Don was a steadfast provider for his family, and he will be remembered for his quiet strength, his endearing project-starting ways, and the boundless love he held for God and his loved ones. A life lived to the fullest and a legacy that will remain for generations to come. Along with his mother, he was preceded in death by his youngest son, Rick Whitaker, and son-in-law, Tom Boggs. Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years, Anna (Black) Whitaker; two sons, Eugene Whitaker and Don Whitaker (wife, Charity) all if Wilbur; daughter, Teresa Boggs of Viburnum, Missouri; adopted daughter, Toni Cherry of Indianapolis; sister, Marie Cain of New Orleans; beloved grandchildren, Coty, Amber, Jennifer, Steven, Brandy, Kyle, Tony, Donielle, Taylor (husband, Brandon), Savannah, and Will (wife, Tasha); adored great grandchildren, Trub, Kali, Cooper, Lincoln, Christian, Theon, Simon, Khaleesi, Abe, and Luke; along with several extended family members and church friends. Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. The Whitaker family will gather privately to Celebrate Don’s Life and Military Honors will be conducted by the Mooresville Honor Guard. To share a favorite story, send the family an online condolence, or light a candle in his memory visit www.lightmemorial.com.

Tributes

Donald "Don" G. Whitaker

March 24, 1935 - May 27, 2025