Donald Ray Whittle was born June 21,1956 at the U.S. Military Hospital in Augsburg Bayern, Germany. He passed away at home, surrounded by his family on Saturday, Mar. 12, 2022.
At the age of 2, he and his mother Jean moved to Delaware, Ohio. When he was 13, he and his mother then moved to Cameron, where he lived until he graduated from South Cameron High School in 1974. He later married Rebecca Moss and had his son Derrick in 1984. Don lived in Arlington, Texas until 1994, then moved to Toledo Bend in 1993 where he reconnected with, and later married, Gaylyn Porche on June 30, 2001
Don began his career in the oilfield in 1976 with Western Gulf Operations and continued for decades with other companies globally. He had his own Oil Logistics Co., Shorebase Operations, where he and his son Derrick employed many friends.
Don was a very kind, loving, and caring man with many friends. He never met a stranger and once you met him, you never forgot him. He was the “mayor” of Amy St., and the person everyone would go to for help or advice. He was always willing to help anyone in need. Don could work on anything and everything, and everyone knew about his skills. He was truly a jack of all trades and a legacy that many will remember fondly for years to come.
He loved to hunt, fish, travel and spend time with his family and friends. His pride and joy were his five grandbabies, who he loved as “Big As The Sky.” He had a heart of gold and he loved as deep as the ocean. Don will be missed by so many.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Gaylyn Porche Whittle; his son Derrick, daughter in law Lacey Whittle, their children, Deacon, Dawson, and Declan; his stepson, Jeremy Porche and son in law Huston Dorris; and stepdaughter, Erin Trahan and her children, Ali and Ava; along with his Aunt MaryJane Eldridge and Uncle Earl Stivender; and many nieces, nephews and cousins who loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Lennie Stivender of Bon Wier, Texas; his father ,John Vernon Whittle; mother, Jean Stivender; and sister, Debbie Sands.
(Paid Memorial)