Joseph A. Whitmore Jr.

Joseph A. Whitmore Jr. obituary, Manheim, PA

Joseph A. Whitmore Jr.

Joseph Whitmore Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by William P Spence Funeral & Crematory Services Inc on Dec. 29, 2023.

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Obituary of Joseph A. Whitmore, Jr.
Joseph A. Whitmore, Jr., 85, of Elizabethtown, PA, died peacefully on Sunday morning, December 24, 2023, after a long, valiant face-off with Alzheimer's, at the Hospice Center in Mt. Joy. Born in Warrenton, VA, he was the son of the late Joseph A. Whitmore, Sr., and Bessie (Woodzell) Whitmore. He was married for 64 years to Lois (Bowman) Whitmore, who lovingly cared for him at home through thick and thin.
"Coach Joe", as he loved being called, worked for 50 years at Elizabethtown College. He taught all 50 years, was an athletic trainer for 30 years, and coached soccer for 17 years. He loved it all, and he loved the students, maintenance workers, and other coaches there, too. He enjoyed volunteering at the college after he retired, and cheering teams on as long as he could. He was a member of the Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren, and his cremains will be buried in the Memorial Garden there.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two children, David M. Whitmore, husband of Peggy, of McKinney, TX, and Dona McDonough, of Elizabethtown; six grandchildren, Michael, Joey, and Alyssa Whitmore, all living in TX, and Connor, Hallie, and Marina, all in PA; and his sister, Peggy Dearden, of Broad Run, VA. He was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Patrick W. McDonough.
A service for Joe will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice. Keep the amount private, but let the family know what group you choose so they can compile a list. Joe would be excited to see what good works inspire you.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Joseph Whitmore's Guest Book

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February 22, 2024

Bill Kepner posted to the memorial.

February 15, 2024

Dr. Connie Chronister posted to the memorial.

February 15, 2024

Blake Tharp posted to the memorial.

Bill Kepner

February 22, 2024

Lois. Joe was a great guy loved playing handball with him but could never beat him. He kept me healthy thru soccer and baseball seasons at the college and always remembered me when I returned to school. Bill Kepner

Dr. Connie Chronister

February 15, 2024

I want to send my condolences to Coach Joe's family. He touched my life as an athlete at Elizabethtown College. I was a field hockey player, and he helped me through a back injury in my junior year. I was a starter, but coach Joe would not let me play due to my injury. He was so nice to me in the training room. To this day, I thank him because he saved me from a lifetime of pain. He was such a good athletic trainer. Elizabethtown was lucky to have a great man like him on campus. Connie Chronister Class 1981

Blake Tharp

February 15, 2024

My sincerest condolences to the Whitmore family. Coach Joe was my soccer coach during my freshman year at E-town. Even though I had limited soccer playing experience, Coach Joe treated me the same as everyone else and was very positive and encouraging. He was such a great role model for all of us. I will always have fond memories of Coach Joes, and may he rest in peace.
Blake Tharp class of '76

Mary Ann Biddle (Wood) McDonald

February 15, 2024

My sincere condolences to Coach Joe's family. Coach Joe helped me get 'back in shape' after multiple knee surgeries while in college and I knew he and his family through the church in E-town. He was a kind and giving person, was always cheerful and was fun to be around. He will be missed. Mary Ann Biddle (Wood) McDonald Class of '78.

Kenneth Wright

January 16, 2024

My deep sympathy and condolences to the Whitmore family with Joe's passing. I knew Joe at Etown from my trainer days. He was always optimistic, outgoing, and a very kind, engaging and friendly man. I was touched and saddened to hear of his passing, but know his presence lives on with all of us who knew and appreciated his friendship.

Milt Friedly

January 11, 2024

Loved Coach Joe! Many good memories of seeing him on campus. He always had a kind word for those he met. He worked with me very morning at 6 a.m. for a year to get my torn hamstring to heal - a kind and generous man.
Milt Friedly, Professor of Art, Elizabethtown College

Jean Moyer

January 10, 2024

Dear Lois, Donna, and David, my love and sympathy to you on the passing of your dear husband and father. Joe was so helpful to Walt and me on many occasions - always concerned about Walt's pulled shoulder and my knee. It was his persistent therapy that eventually made these pains go away. Whatever he did was done with expertise, concern, humility, a smile, and a passion for helping others. His deep faith and love for people was evident in all he did. He was truly a gentleman, scholar, teacher, athlete, devoted family man, and faithful disciple. What a blessing to have known him!
Jean

Helen W. Ebersole

January 9, 2024

I loved Joe so much and enjoyed seeing him at our annual BJAA Alumni Athletics Reunion, etc.! Loved his smile. He was THE example of ETOWN'S "Educate for Service" motto.
He was a gentle soul and so humble in all that he did for ETOWN College and for our athletes! I was HONORED to receive his college award and had time to be with him and to get pics with he and his wife, Lois. We sat with Lois at this past Athletics Reunion event.

Deb Alleman

January 4, 2024

Just wanted to share my condolences with you and your family.

Karen Kinzie Reale

December 29, 2023

Coach Joe was one of the most influential persons I met at Etown College. He gave me a so much more than a job; he gave me a purpose and a place to belong on campus. I loved working for him in the training room and will cherish those memories forever. Rest in peace, my friend!!

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William P Spence Funeral & Crematory Services Inc

40 N Charlotte St, Manheim, PA 17545

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Sign Joseph Whitmore's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 22, 2024

Bill Kepner posted to the memorial.

February 15, 2024

Dr. Connie Chronister posted to the memorial.

February 15, 2024

Blake Tharp posted to the memorial.