Donnie “Don” Dee Whiteman, 85, of Frankfort, went to be with his Heavenly Father, Tuesday, March 17, 2026 with his family at his bedside at IU Health Frankfort Hospital. He was born in Frankfort on January 30, 1941, to Clarence and Goldie “Mary” (Reagan) Whiteman. He lived most of his life. in Frankfort with the exception of living in Sierra Vista, Arizona from 1978 to 1980 where he found a love for the beautiful mountains and canyons that he thought about often.
Don had served in the US Army during the Vietnam war in Puerto Rico. He worked for Jewel Siemons, Peter Paul Confections, and then Federal Mogul from where he retired in 2002. He also worked as a greeter recently at Walmart. He was a humble man who enjoyed being with his family and friends, watching MASH, sports, westerns, and his favorite sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond.” He enjoyed time at the VFW with his longtime buddy, Bobby Howe. Don loved being outdoors if the weather allowed, tinkering on something mechanical, working in the yard while soaking up the sun with a glass of iced tea listening to The Beatles or some bluegrass. He loved walking his dogs Bandit and Carmen around town.
Don is survived by his children, Shannon Whiteman, Tina (Brad) Emery, and Lisa (Tony) Martin; step-daughter, Crystal Villanueva; grandchildren, Jerry, Jr. and Alicia Montalvo, Lance (Joanna) Lemen, Keshia (Thomas) Goode, Tannert and Taya Martin, Cameron and Madalyn Warf, and Chase Brooks; great grandchildren, Jace Montalvo, Cayden and Bailey Bowers, Braxton Whiteman, Madyson, Parker, and Lyla Lemen, and expected great grandchild Levi Michael Goode in September; and nephew, Michael McCoy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife of 20 years, Deborah Sharpe; brother, Jerry Whiteman, sister, Patsy Whiteman; and the mother of his children, Jerlene Scott Dias, who passed on March 13, 2026, and remained life-long friends sharing in the moments with their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Don will be remember for his fun-loving personality, generous and caring spirit, and his strong relationship with the Lord.
Visitation will be held, Friday, March 20, 2026, from 9am until the time of the service at 10am at Day & Genda Funeral Home in Frankfort. Pastor James Bernard will officiate. Burial will be held later that afternoon at Bunnell Cemetery. The family would like to wish a special thank you to all that cared and loved Don at Wesley Manor, Red Crest Hospice and IU Health Frankfort for the support and guidance, and to Rev. Bernard and Victory Chapel for their prayers and friendship.
Messages of condolence may be left at www.dayandgenda.com.