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Dion Whitley Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Dion Whitley
Charlie Gili
June 30, 2022
Hello,
We realize that we are very late to express our deepest condolences, but we wanted to let your family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this month and several of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and hometown of Dion M. Whitley US Marine Lance Corporal.
We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community, their families and friends and others who support our mission.
We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
August 7, 2012
Your backpack is on its way back to the green landscape of Illinois. SK
July 18, 2012
Hello from a former Seabee who has learned of Dion. I was in Iraq in '09. I have Dion backpack and am trying to get it back to family. Someone please advise me of Deborahs address or p.o.c. My email [email protected]. With continuing respect, BU2 Knight.
Peggy Childers
June 25, 2012
June 15, 2012
To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Dion M. Whitley:
Always remembering Dion. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
June 15, 2011
To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Dion M. Whitley:
Please accept my remembrance of Dion on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
June 15, 2010
To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Dion M. Whitley:
Remembering Dion on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Steve Reagan
September 12, 2009
Dion has paid the true price of freedom and liberty for all Americans. We can never thank him enough but we must never forget him for the gift he has given us all. Your family will be forever proud of Dion for the place of honor he holds in the history of this country. I live in Altadena and I feel a loss that a great man of Dion's character is not home with us to share in our freedom and our liberty to live full and joyful lives. I will never forget and I will be forever grateful.
Thank you for your son and the difference he has made in my life.
Sincerely and with Heartfelt Appreciation,
Steve Reagan
Kenna Larra
June 23, 2009
”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,600 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Peggy Childers
June 16, 2009
To the family of Lance Cpl. Dion M. Whitley:
Dion gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
George Kooshian
May 25, 2009
Dion,
This Memorial Day I'm doing my best to engrave in mind the memories of those who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice in service to their country and their beliefs. You come to my mind at the top of my list because I can remember you back before you were a Marine, in 2001, as a young lineman on the John Muir High School football team that team-mates respectfully called "Cadillac". I was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and preparing for my first deployment to Iraq when I remember hearing of your passing and also reading of it in the Pasadena Star News. At that moment you became the first person I had a personal connection with that had given his life in combat. I didn't know till then that you had become a Marine but I was instantly proud for having had the privilege of knowing you. Since then, through 2 deployments to Iraq, you and your family have remained in my mind, my thoughts and my prayers. The world is lesser of a place for having lost you and will always be forever indebted to you for your sacrifice. I continue to pray for your family's peace and comfort and will always remember you.
SGT George Kooshian
US Army
Kirkuk, Iraq
In Memory of Dion ~ (Debra Estep)
June 15, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Dion, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
May 4, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Lance Cpl Whitley!
August 19, 2007
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
July 19, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Lance Cpl Whitley and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Aunt of a Lance Cpl deploying soon
Garnet Jenkins
June 14, 2007
In Remembrance of Lance Cpl. Dion M. Whitley, with a Multitude of Thanks, for your Brave Young Marine's Courage, Dedication and Service to our Country and for Freedom.
May Dion Rest Safely in God's Loving Care and may the Peace of God continue to be with the Whitley family.
Those who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice, So Many and So Young, shall Never Be Forgotten, my brother among them. Killed in action in Vietnam in 1967.
"I consider that our present sufferings, are not worth comparing with the glory that shall be revealed in us."
~Romans 8:18~
I am sincerely hoping that you continue to feel the thoughts of Caring and Support that surround you each day, as this Grateful Country Remembers Someone Very Precious to you, who is a Hero to all of us.
I am So Deeply Sorry for your loss.
ROBYN GARSIDE
August 1, 2006
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON FOR YOU ALWAYS. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. STAY STRONG AND GODSPEED. SEMPER FI
A PROUD MARINE MOM
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
June 14, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Whitley family in the loss of Dion. I did not know Dion, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. Dion on the 15th it will be a year since you were taken. You are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Kristan Wilson
December 15, 2005
Hey Dion!
I know I've already made an entry on here, but guess what, I finally turned 21! Yup that's right, now we are the same age. Christmas and New Years won’t be the same this year knowing you're not here, but I’m sure you will be celebrating the New Year in style! You are missed and truly loved. I hope you’re watching as we toast to your life! Luv ya lots!
Philip Dennis Jr
December 13, 2005
"Big "D" ..I will carry you in my heart till the day that I pass.. Marine. I will always remember our last conversation buddy. I will never forget how strong of a person you were. I admire your will to stand up for what you believed in bro ..Ive seen you hold your ground many times and not once did you give in... Im headed back to the war here pretty soon and who knows we might meet up again.. ill try not to be late for formation.... God bless you and your familly.
Rest in peace my brothers--USMC"
LCPL DENNIS JR -3rd Plt Alpha Company 1st Bttln 5th Marines..... of San Diego California
Delinah Thomas
July 20, 2005
Dear Arian and Deborah,
I want to tell you I am very sorry for your loss. Dion was a very lovable person and he will be greatly miss. My prayers are with you and your family. God bless you. I'm here for you if you need me to be.
Love, Delinah Thomas
DEBBIE CARTER
July 13, 2005
DEAR DEBORAH AND ARIAN, I REMEMBER FIRST MEETING DION WHEN HE WAS IN THE FIFTH GRADE AT LONGFELLOW AND BECAME FRIENDS WITH MY SON ADAM. I REMEMBER HIM AS SHY AND VERY WELL MANNERED. DION AND ADAM STAYED FRIENDS EVER SINCE AND I'M GLAD ADAM WAS BLESSED WITH SUCH A GOOD FRIEND. MY FAMILY WAS SADDENED BY DIONS' PASSING, WE WILL ALWAYS HAVE HIM IN OUR HEARTS. DEBORAH, YOU AND ARIAN WILL BE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. MY GOD BLESS YOU AND GIVE YOU STRENGTH ONE DAY AT A TIME.THANK GOD FOR DION.
Monique
July 5, 2005
To The Whitley Family we would like to send our condolence and sympathy to you. Our thoughts and prayers our with you.
God Bless You All,
The Rhodens
Kristan Wilson
July 1, 2005
Dion,
I'm sorry we never became close friends. There were plenty of opportunities for our friendship to flourish, but we never acted on them. Though we weren't the closest of friends, I know how great of a friend you were to our mutual friends. You have a beautiful soul that infuses everyone with positive energy. You are a very strong man and I have always respected you for that. I’m sad to see you go, but I know that you are still here. There is a small piece of you in each and every one of us that will continue to thrive. I wish I had more memories of you to cherish, but I guess what they say is true about those rare gems; they have the most value because they are absolutely priceless. I will hold onto the friendship we have and I will continue to work on it even though you aren’t here by my side. I know you’re probably busy up there doing more positive work, but when you get a chance, hit me up and let me know you’re doing well! By the way, I found out where you got your strength from. Your mom is an incredible woman! I wish I had her strength and endurance. Hopefully, I can be like her when I grow up! Until we meet again, I will push myself to live my life to the fullest and improve this world I live in. Thank you for your motivation!
Mrs. L King
June 29, 2005
To the family of Dion Whitley,
When watching the news a few weeks ago the story ran of an Altadena soldier that was killed. I thought that he looked familiar, but it wasn't until they showed his graduation picture as well as the interview with his cousin who is also a marine, that I realized I went to school with Dion. He was a great kid and will be deeply missed. My family and I offer our deepest sympathy, my god bless you and your family.
Madelyn Henry
June 28, 2005
To the Family of Dion. For the past 6 years I have known Dion, I knew a young man who knew what he wanted out of life and strived to achieve it. Dion spent many days and nights at my home with my nephew, Christopher Dickson, playing all their favorite board games. Dion was a very respectful young man to all he came in contact. Upon hearing of his too early passing I sank in tears,and having lost my mom suddenly in February, I truly understand the family's pain. I will miss Dions smile and his joking manner. To his family, I will keep you in my prayers always.
Dion, I loved you like one of my own and I will always remember you and miss you.
Randy Williamson
June 24, 2005
Thank you for your selfless sacrifice for the freedom of others. I am humbled and profoundly grateful for your service. May God bless your family and bring them peace and comfort at this time.
Jerry ( Guy ) Cole
June 24, 2005
Deb and Arian, and father, Marion Whitley of East Moline, IL. I am sorry to hear of your loss. I will always have you in my thoughts.Although I have not seen my cousin Dion in years, he will be missed. May GOD be with you all.
Jennifer Gray
June 22, 2005
Dear Deb and Arian, My deepest condolences go out to you both. Dion was a great kid. I have fond memories are of him walking around in only a diaper holding a bottle. It doesn't seem that long ago. We will all miss him greatly. Our love and prayers are with you. Your neighbors,
Jennifer, Betsy and Sydney Gray
Patti Austin
June 22, 2005
I wept at the news of the loss of your good son. My family and I humbly send to you and yours our utmost respect for the sacrifice you and your family have endured to ensure that we continue to realize our country's freedoms in these United States. In WWII, when President Roosevelt's top aide lost his young son in combat in the Pacific - Winston Churchill, who also had children in uniform, wrote to him quoting Shakespeare - "Your son, my lord, has paid a soldier's debt; He only liv'd but til he was a man - but like a man he died." Indeed. God Bless Lance Cpl. Dion M. Whitley, his family, his friend Josh Smith in the hours and days to come.
Unit Commissioner Harold "Hal" Frank
June 21, 2005
Dion was an exemplary Scout. Not only did he reach the Eagle rank, Scouting's highest, but his peers voted him the Vigil honor, the highest granted a member of Scouting's honor society, the Order of the Arrow. He was a thoughtful, often quite, typically practical young man with a good sense of humor, and a person capable of considerable self discipline in the service of his goals. Above all, Dion loved his family and his country and he made the ultimate sacrafice for them. Eagle Scout Dion Whitley (12/29/1983 - 06/15/2005) now soars above all mortal Eagles, and with the great Scout of all Scouts close by. God Bless him.
We will miss you Dion, and we will never forget you.
Francine Nevarez
June 19, 2005
I wanted to offer my deepest sympathy to the family of Lance Cpl. Dion M. Whitley. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
georgia cruse
June 18, 2005
I want to extend my sympathy to the family of this young man, I didn't know him personally, but saw his story on the news. His death hit me hard due to the fact that our family recently experience a death of our loved one in Iraq on May 27th. I know the pain onf losing someone you love and you have an added burden of losing someone so young. I will keep your family in my prayers. I am truly sorry for your loss.
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