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Donald Whitener Obituary
November 14, 1955 - June 29, 2023
Donald West Whitener, 67, of Conover, passed away on Thursday, June 29th, 2023 at his residence.
He was born November 14th, 1955 in Orange County, NC to the late Robert Wilfong Whitener, MD and Marion Lefler Whitener. Donald was appreciative of his foundation in the United Church of Christ. He founded Conover Veterinary Hospital in 1988. Because of his intelligence, compassion, kindness and love of his profession, the practice took excellent care of thousands of pets and their families. Donald felt very lucky to have been able to have been in a profession he cared so much about. Donald earned a B.S. in Zoology and a M.S. in Parasitology from his beloved NC State and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University of which he was a very proud alum.
Donald's commitment to his community started early. He was an Eagle Scout and a member of many professional and service organizations including NC Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, Association of Shelter Veterinarians and Rotary and Ruritan. Donald enjoyed doing any activity outside including hiking, skiing, badminton, table tennis and traveling, especially to China. He was kind, quiet, and a fierce competitor. He was also an avid reader. When not reading about veterinary medicine, he enjoyed science fiction. Donald expressed tremendous gratitude for the fulfilling life he'd been able to have, but what he was the most grateful for was his family.
His loving wife of almost 25 years, Sharon, and their three beautiful daughters, Jillian, Colleen and Lauren, were his world. He was so proud to have children who were intelligent, compassionate and independent. Donald felt blessed to be so close to and loved by his extended family, mother-in-law Barbara Nass, sister-in-law Debra Bechtel, brother-in-law Ken Bechtel and nephew Stephen Bechtel whom he adored.
A celebration of life will be held later in July.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: Carolina Caring Foundation Attn: Pet Peace of Mind, Parkinson's Foundation or Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine Scholarship Fund.
Condolences may be sent to the Whitener family at www.bennettfuneralservice.com
The Whitener family is in the care of Bennett Funeral Service of Newton, 828-465-2111.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Whitener
Sponsored by Bennett Funeral Service - Newton.
3 Entries
Holly Driggers
April 3, 2025
I wish I had known Mr. Whitener when he was alive -- he seems like such a wonderful human. I want to thank him for rescuing and caring for Onyx, a dog that was at Catawba County Animal Services. She had a horrific life as a puppy, having acid thrown onto her skin (among other things).
Dr. Whitener nursed her back to health and my partner and I ended up adopting her from Animal Services in October 2022. Without his love, care, and compassion, we never would have met Onyx and been able to give her the loving home she deserved.
She recently passed over the "rainbow bridge", and while losing her is the most difficult thing to endure, knowing that she's up there with people who love her, like Dr. Whitener, gives me peace.
Thank you so much.
Cynthia
July 22, 2023
Dr. Whitener, always kind, soft spoken man who cared for all animals. He took care of so many wonderful animals.He will be missed! Prayers for his family, friends and staff.
Carol Winn
July 9, 2023
So sorry to hear of Dr. Whitener passing. Great caring person to my pets. Pookey and Dino.
Carol D Winn client
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