Donald G. Whitford

Donald G. Whitford Battle Creek Donald G. Whitford, age 71, died June 17, 2009. Don was born February 6, 1938 in Port Huron, MI the son of Chester and Winnifred (Dolan) Whitford. He married Anna Tharrett on February 11, 1975 in California and she preceded him in death on March 24, 2009. Don began serving our country by joining the National Guard. After 3½years he joined the U.S. Navy, retiring in 1979 after 21 years of service. Don was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association and the USS Bausell DD 845 Association. Don was an avid gardener, woodworker, and collector of Christmas houses. Don is survived by his daughters: Debbie (Kevin) Cools of WA and Tracy Weiland of AZ; 12 grandchildren; and his brother, Patrick Whitford of Washington. Besides his wife Anna, Don was preceded in death by his brother, Ray Whitford; and 3 sisters: Carolyn Surline, Sharon Howard, and Nancy Lemon. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 12:30 p.m. at the Royal Funeral Home, Battle Creek. Visitation will be on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Burial will be in Ft. Custer National Cemetery, Augusta with full military honors. Memorials in Don's name may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association or to the American Cancer Society.