Donald E Whitlock

Donald E. Whitlock, 75, of Gallipolis, OH, passed away unexpectedly at home, Friday, December 11, 2020.  Don was born April 4, 1945 in New Martinsburg, WV to the late Donald R. and Jeanette Springer Whitlock.  Don is survived by his companion and loving wife, Pat; two bonus daughters, Morri Dabney, of Point Pleasant, WV and Kensey Sheline of Phoenix, AZ; two bonus grandchildren, Chase Dabney of Huntington, WV and Carlee Dabney of Point Pleasant, WV.

Additionally, Don is survived by sisters: Sue Cremeans of Reedsville, OH, Diane (Bill) Calaway of Coolville, OH, Brenda (Tom) Hubbard of Carroll Stream, IL and Denise Richardson of Coolville, OH; brothers:  Mike (Deb) Whitlock of Belpre, OH, Pat Whitlock of Nelsonville, OH and cousin, Keith Phillips of Pinegrove, WV, who Don considered his brother.  He had several nieces and nephews, including Reese Cremeans, with whom he shared a special bond.

            Don was a United States Army Veteran, who served his country well.  As a solider of the “Big Red One”, Don served as a helicopter Crew Chief and door gunner during the Vietnam War.  Don retired from the GoodYear/Shell Chemical power plant, after nearly 30 years of service. 

Upon retiring, Don lived a very full and active life; he thoroughly enjoyed his retirement.  Don was an avid outdoorsman; from camping and trout fishing on the Cranberry River, rafting the white waters of West Virginia, canoeing the many rivers, that he knew like the back of his hand; to gardening and bird watching from his own back porch.  Don genuinely loved spending time in nature.

            Don was a self-taught and gifted craftsman and could build or fix anything.  He dedicated much of his time helping friends and family using this talent.  Don was a member of the Elks Lodge 107, as well as the Golden 600 Shooting Club.  Don excelled at and was passionate about this sport.  However, it was the time spent with his closest friends:  Frances Dunlap, Tim Humpreys, Bill Costo, Roger Putney, Fred Golden, Keith Burton, Will Darnbrough and numerous others, that he really treasured. 

            Don always had such a great love for dogs.  We feel certain he met his beloved pets “Poppy” and “Jake” at the Rainbow Bridge.

            Don was a man of great integrity; he was loved deeply and will be sincerely missed.

Due to COVID-19, no services will be held at this time.  However, a memorial service will be held at a later date.

If you wish to honor Don’s memory, you may make a donation to:

Gallia County Friends of Animals

PO Box 252

Rio Grande, OH  45674

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