DON BETHEA WHITMORE Aug 1929 - APR 2011 Don passed away on Saturday, April 9, 2011. He was born in Elgin, Nebraska in 1929 to Roland and Florence Whitmore and had two older brothers, Bruce and Richard. In the late 1930s his family moved to Atwater, California where they owned and operated a general store and gas station in town, Don attended grammar school in Atwater and graduated from Livingston High School in 1947. He attended Modesto Junior College before serving his country in the Army from 1948 - 1949 and then in the National Guard from 1949-1956. Don always enjoyed catching up and keeping in touch with his friends from school and the National Guard. In 1952, Don married the former Norma Pearson and together they lived and raised their children in Turlock. From 1957-1989 Don and Norma owned Livingston T.V. Center and from 1972-86 they owned Whitmore T.V. in Turlock. In 1989 he semi-retired and worked for Sears until 1997. Don was an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoyed woodworking and belonged to Turlock Rifle Club, Modesto Rifle Club and Turlock Sportsman's Club. He was also a charter member of the Livingston Lions Club. He also enjoyed playing golf, "SIRS" and gardening. He always enjoyed sharing his crop from tomato vines or fruit trees with his many family and friends. Don is survived by his wife of almost 59 years, Norma; his daughter Teri Rodrigues and her husband Larry; son Lance Whitmore, brother Richard Whitmore and many nieces and nephews including Rev. Faith Whitmore. The family would like to give a special thank you to Don's friend and doctor Dr. Davenport and to the nurses in the PCU unit at Emanuel Medical Center for their compassionate care. Memorial Contributions can be made to his memory to Turlock Historical Society ... Emanuel Medical Center, PCU ... or the charity of donor's choice. Memorial service will be held at Allen Mortuary on Thursday, April 14, 2011 at 11:00 a.m.
