Don Whitfield

Family members and friends will attest that Don Whitfield loved life and never took anything for granted. He was a source of strength, wisdom, and dependability to all who knew him. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a natural curiosity about others that made people enjoy his company. Don's faith in God was where he found direction in everything he pursued. His favorite scripture passage was Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

The early 1950's are remembered as influential years for the United States. The economy was thriving following the end of WWII, and the historical baby boom was underway. It was during this time that Raymond Whitfield, a WWII veteran, and his wife, Catherine (Johnson) welcomed their second child into the world. Donald Raymond Whitfield was born September 14th, 1953.

In many ways, Don was a typical young man of his generation. He was raised in the family home in South Bend alongside his older sister, Joan. Don's mother, Catherine, cared for the children and their home while his father worked. Don enjoyed his mother's southern style cooking of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and especially pecan pie. Later in life he always requested a coconut cake for his birthdays, a family favorite. Don's father often reminded him that "a job worth doing, is worth doing well" and that was a motto for Don's life also.

Don attended local schools, excelling in all of his classes, while still making time to enjoy the sports he loved. He graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1971 from Andrew Jackson High School and was awarded a scholarship and gold watch from The United Steelworkers of America. Don then attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina. He dedicated himself to his studies and sports, playing basketball, soccer, and softball throughout college. He was a natural born leader and was elected to serve as athletic director, treasurer, vice president and president of his society, eventually serving as the president of the Inter-Society Council. Don earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1975. For graduating at the top of his class, he was awarded The Wall Street Journal Award which came with a subscription and a few snickers from his classmates.

Don returned to South Bend where he accepted a job at a local accounting firm. Upon completing additional studies, Don reached his goal of becoming a certified public accountant. During this time exciting changes were in store for Don when he started dating his best friend's little sister, Laura (Elliott). It did not take long for them to realize that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together as husband and wife. They were married on December 13, 1980. They were blessed to see their family grow to include two sons, Caleb and Clay. Don enjoyed his role as a father, and he loved spending time with his children. Weekends spent watching Notre Dame football games, playing catch in the yard, dining at local restaurants, and visiting local attractions will be fondly remembered. Don took the family on vacations to Florida, California, and Arizona to visit relatives, and on adventures out west to hike and see the majestic sights of the National Parks. Travel planning was one of Don's favorite activities.

In 1993 Don accepted a new job over the border in Michigan. It was an exciting time for the family of building a new house, attending new schools, and making new friends. Much of Don's life revolved around his local church. He was a faithful member of Faith Baptist Church in Mattawan, Michigan. He served over the years as a Sunday school teacher, church treasurer, and choir member. He sang solos and enjoyed being in a men's quartet. Don had a heart for helping others regardless of recognition.

Later in life, Don's family would grow to include his daughter-in-law, Jessica (Taplin); and four grandchildren, Adaiah, Henning, Jensen, and Adeline. He was a devoted and loyal husband, father, and grandfather. His family cared for him lovingly at home throughout a lengthy journey with frontotemporal degeneration and were at his side when he entered heaven's glory. Don will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Don is also survived by his wife, Laura, 2 children: Caleb Whitfield and Clay (Jessica) Whitfield; sister, Joan (Les) Heiser; and many nieces, nephews, and brothers and sisters-in-law.

Please join us for a Life Story Service on Friday, January 3, at 11 AM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A reception will follow in the Life Story Center where food, drinks, and stories can be shared. Burial will follow at Hope Cemetery in Texas Township.

Celebrate Don's life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial donations may be directed to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, www.theaftd.org.