Donald Whiteman Obituary

Donald Robert Whiteman, husband, father and friend to many, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 30th. He was 97 years old.

Don was born on October 28th, 1927 in Cleveland, Ohio. He was a long-time member of Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in Loudon, TN. Before moving to Tellico Village, Don left his mark in Cleveland, OH, Roxboro, NC, Medina, OH, Pittsburgh, PA, Sanford, NC, & Pawley's Island, SC. He was also a resident of The Neighborhood in Tellico Village since 2015 and thought of the staff and caregivers as a second family.

After high school, Don enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a photographer during the occupation of Japan and covered the war crimes trials in Tokyo. After returning home from the service, Don worked his way through night school and graduated from Fenn College (now Cleveland State). He worked as an engineer for several companies including Cyril Bath and National Castings in Cleveland, RPC Division of Midland Ross in Roxboro and finally retiring from Steel City in Pittsburgh as their national sales manager. His leadership and vision left a lasting impact on colleagues and the industry alike.

Don's love for leading, learning and teaching was present throughout his life. From his time in industry, into retirement teaching at the Community College in Sanford, NC, and then sharing the Gospel through classes at The Neighborhood. Don's gift of gab touched everyone he met.

Don was an avid wood worker over the course of his life, creating many beautiful works that his friends and family still enjoy. He was also a golfer, gardener, world traveler and an avid reader, consuming anything by Zane Grey later in life. He was also a lifelong member of the Kiwanis Club and a member of the local VFW Post #0256

Don was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years Frances Grodecki Whiteman, his parents, Ann and Bob Whiteman of Cleveland, Ohio, and daughter Dr. Lauren Ann Whiteman of Rock Hill, SC.

Surviving are his daughter Lyn and son-in-law Ken Layman of Vonore and son Christopher Whiteman of Canton, Ga. along with many cousins, nieces and nephews across the country and the United Kingdom.

The Celebration of Life will be at Christ our Savior Lutheran Church will be October 14th at 1:00. With light refreshments following. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the music department fund at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church or St Jude's Children's Hospitals.

Click Funeral Home & Cremations is serving the family of Donald Whtieman. www.clickfuneralhome.com