Donald Carlyle Whittaker

DONALD C. WHITTAKER ~ OBITUARY Santa Clara, Utah 1927-2013 Our favorite cowboy mounted his horse and rode off into eternity early Monday morning, October 14, 2013. He left behind his loving wife, Joyce Wittwer Whittaker and his children: Maridon (William) Crosby; NaNon (Kevin) Bulloch; Bret (Joni) Whittaker; Leslie (Craig) Lance; Douglas (Gina) Prisbrey; Brent (Jodi) Prisbrey; Shari (Michael) Ballard; twenty three grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Clyde (Thelma) Whittaker and Charles (Trudy) Whitttaker. Donald was born in a log cabin in Circleville, Utah on 16 March 1927, the first-born son of Taylor Carlyle and Ruby Dalton Whittaker. Donald was raised on a cattle ranch and he grew up under the influence of rough riding, tough talking, bow legged cowboys. When he was in his teens, he worked for Ebenezer Parker, the youngest brother of Butch Cassidy. Donald was the first Eagle Scout in the Garfield, Utah Stake. His three sons and most of his grandsons have also achieved that rank. He also earned the Master M-Men Award. He completed his high school graduation requirements several months before graduation and joined the Navy, serving in the U.S. Naval Medical Corp during World War II. He was walking guard duty at the San Diego Naval Station at the exact time his high school class was graduating at home. After his discharge, he served an LDS Mission to the Northwestern States Mission. Donald valued education. He earned Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate degrees. As a teacher and principal he taught all grades and all subjects. He was an elementary and high school principal and counselor, Superintendant of Schools of Piute County, Director of Central Utah Educational Services, and Co-ordinator of Federal Funding at Dixie College. He was also a Real Estate Broker. Donald’s Doctorate Dissertation was written on “Revealed Concepts Counseling” and he used those concepts in counseling. He taught many his philosophy that “so much in life depends on attitude…. To do the best we can and then choosing to be happy about our circumstances, whatever they may be. Don’t wait for tomorrow…. be happy today.” Donald was a historian and author. He wrote and published several family history books, and gave seminars and lectures on his “Keys to Success” and “Take Control of Your Life” publications. He served as City Clerk of Circleville, Utah a number of years and then as Mayor for two terms. Donald had a strong testimony of the truthfulness of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many callings, including Stake Mission President, YMMIA Stake Superintendent, Stake High Council, Executive Secretary to the Regional Representative of the Twelve Apostles, and his favorite, as a Sunday School Teacher (especially Gospel Doctrine). He loved to attend the temple and completed thousands of endowments. He claimed to have read the Book of Mormon for the 21st time on his 21st birthday, from cover to cover in eight hours and 20 minutes. One of Donald’s favorite scriptures was 2 Nephi 2:22 (25) “Man is that he might have joy” (spelled with a ‘T’ for toy) Horses, Snowmobiles, 4 wheelers, boats, horses, yard sales, guns (hunting), horses, etc. Donald built a 7 story tree house in their front yard. His motto was “Have Fun…. Be Responsible!” A special thanks to Southern Utah Hospice who made it possible for Donald to spend his final days in his home. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, October 17, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at the Santa Clara Valley LDS Chapel, 3040 West Santa Clara Drive. A visitation will be held at the chapel prior to the services from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30. Interment will follow at the Santa Clara Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to share condolences online at www.SereniCareofStGeorge.com. Arrangements are under the direction of SereniCare Funeral Home of St. George, 986-2085

Donald Carlyle Whittaker

March 16, 1927 - October 14, 2013