Donald Edwin Whitmer, age 88, of Reeds Spring, Mo., passed away Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. Per his wishes, there will be no services, and burial will happen at a later date at the Whitmer family cemetery along Sugar Creek in Cedar County.
Donald was born on Nov. 26, 1937, in Muscatine. He was the son of Howard H. and Lillian (Shadle) Whitmer. Don grew up in the Whitmer neighborhood in Cedar County about six miles north of Wilton. He attended the local one-room school and graduated from Tipton High School in 1956.
Don married Karen Borchers on June 1, 1958, at the Peace United Church of Christ in Ben-nett. They had five children: Tony, Tamra, Terri, Tonya, and Traci.
Don joined the United States Air Force and served from 1956-1960. Don worked for Alcoa for 33 years. He and Karen raised their family in the Quad Cities, eventually living in a home in Maysville. After he retired in 1993, they moved to the Branson Mo., area. At that time Don worked for Silver Dollar City Theme Park, where he cared for the animals at their large petting zoo. Don was known far and wide for his gentle care and love of these animals.
Don enjoyed camping along Sugar Creek and vacationing with his brother Hub and his family in his early years. Later he enjoyed spending time on Table Rock Lake near his home. Don was a kind and caring advisor and confidant to many and his visits with his wife, Karen, back to Iowa were treas-ured by the extended family. In many ways he remained that shy boy who grew up in a large family never seeking attention or glory. He was proud of his rural roots.
Don will be dearly missed by his three daughters, Tamra Berry, Cincinnati, Ohio, Tonya (Scott) Haupt, Springfield, Mo., Traci Meier (Art Ely), Kimberling City, Mo. There are eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. There are many nieces, nephews, and cousins in eastern Iowa. Don was the last of eight children.
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