Donald A. McWhorter

PALM BAY, Fla. - Donald A. McWhorter, 83, was called home to our Lord on Nov. 15, 2013.

Born in Riverside, Calif., in 1930, Donald was the son of Margaret and Harry McWhorter. After moving to New Jersey, Don graduated from Verona High School. He then went into the Air Force and was a staff sergeant, serving from 1949 to 1953. After returning home, Don married and took employment at Reaction Motors.

Don moved to Sussex County in 1959, buying a house in Andover Township. In 1965, he began a long career at Picatinny Arsenal, where he was a high speed photographer for the U.S. government. Don also enjoyed working part time for the Andover Police as a special officer, and working weekends as a wedding photographer. Eventually, Don would run the photo lab and the print shop at Picatinny. He was responsible for photographing all military events on the base including Army balls. Don finally retired in 1997. In 2000, he moved to Palm Bay, Fla., and took up real estate sales.

Don became a master Mason, achieving the status of York Rite, Scottish Rite and then a Shriner. Don loved ballroom dancing, archery, camping, flying, traveling with family, photographing the space shuttle launches, and collecting the finest Austrian crystal.

Donald A. McWhorter was an extraordinary man, with a legacy that will live forever, in our hearts and in his works.

Don leaves behind his companion of 12 years, Ms. Doris Keen; and his three children, daughter, Beverly Budz, her husband, Frank, and their daughter, Leah; son, Roger Mcwhorter, his wife, Kelly, and their son, Riley; son, Peter McWhorter, and his sons, Jeffrey and David; and his sister, Marilyn Adams.

A military service will be held at a future date; notice will be listed in the New Jersey Herald.

The family asks that anyone wishing to make a donation in memory of Donald A. McWhorter would do so to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 57 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114.