Donald Whitten

   Donald Keith Whitten, 92, also known as “Mr. Two Thumbs Up”, son of Alfred and Mabel Whitten, went to his Heavenly Home on Thursday (February 1, 2024) at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan, Kansas with his family by his side.

   Born January 8, 1932 at his home in Crab Orchard, Nebraska, Don lived a full and varied life.  He never met a stranger – only friends waiting to be made.  

   In 1950, at the age of 17, Don joined the Army and turned 18 in Korea during the first of his three combat tours. He served for over 20 years, retiring on January 31, 1971 and was proud of every minute of his service to his country.   Following his Military retirement, Don went to work for Randy Hupe, Guerdon’s Manufacturing and lastly at Kansas State University Vet Med until his second retirement.

  Don married Ada Louise Alden on September 13, 1964 in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.  She preceded him in death on October 1, 2020.

   Don was a passionate historian and an accomplished artist.  He was a 53 year and active member of the Beecher Bible & Rifle Church and loved giving tours of the church and Wabaunsee Cemetery.  To hear the stories of his past was always fascinating to his family and friends. Don counted Mailyn Monroe, who he knew as Norma Jean, Joe DiMaggio and Ferdinand & Imelda Marcos, before they became the leaders of the Philippines, among his many friends. 

   An active member of the Wamego American Legion Post No. 172, Don was proud to have been on the inaugural Honor Flight.  He went on to serve on the Board of Honor Flight and was an advisor for many years with the American Legion Boys State, serving six years on the Executive Committee.  He was also a member of the Wamego Senior Center, DAV, Am Vets, Grove Harvest Grange and later the Carbondale Grange. Don served as a delegate to the State Grange for many years and was honored as “Granger of the Year” in 2019. 

  Survivors include two daughters, Ada Lou "Skippy" Whitten (George Jarvis) of the home and Donna Jean Leinweber of Topeka, KS; two grandchildren, Kirstie Gibbons (Sean) and Emily Leinweber; four great grandchildren, Levi Leinweber, Piper Leinweber, Logan Gibbons and Gavin Gibbons; a brother, Ronald Edwards (Rita) of Boliva, MO; a sister, Corrine Ragan of Penrose, CO; many nieces, nephews and cousins, including Norman Lee Whitten (Penny) of Grand Island, NE who was like a son  to him.  There are also many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

   Don was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ada; and a granddaughter, Meghan Leinweber.

   Funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon (February 6, 2024) at 2:00 at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego with the Reverend Dr. Tony Mattia officiating.  Burial with Military Honors by the U. S. Army Funeral Honors Detail will be in Wabaunsee Township Cemetery.

   Visitation will be Tuesday afternoon from 12:00 Noon until the time of services at the funeral home.

   Memorial contributions are suggested to Wamego High School Honor Flight, American Legion Boys State, Wamego Senior Center or the Beecher Bible & Rifle Church and those may be left with Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P. O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547