Donn Bradford Whitmer of Sarasota, Florida, passed peacefully in his sleep on Friday, December 11, 2020 at the age of 86. Donn was born in South Bend, Indiana to Arthur Devere and Mary Genevieve Whitmer on November 2, 1934. He was a graduate of Riley High School and attended Purdue University, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1956. He was a proud member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and served as President (Eminent Archon). The following year, he received his MBA from Indiana University.

He met his wife, Betty Shields, at Purdue where Donn was a member of the football team and Betty was a cheerleader. They married on June 9, 1957. Donn began his career in Jackson, Michigan at Addison Products as an engineer. He also worked for Studebaker Corporation before relocating to St. Clair Shores, Michigan where he excelled in various management positions with Chrysler Corporation. Donn had a highly successful 20 years in upper management at Chrysler where he ended up as Director of Corporate Traffic and Interplant Transportation. He finished his career in Nashville, Tennessee, as Director of Operations with Ryder Corporation for the Spring Hill Integrated Logistics Group. Donn was an avid golfer, card player, reader and loved to travel with family and friends. He was active in the St. Clair Shores hockey community for almost 20 years where his three sons played travel hockey. He was a loyal member of the John Purdue Club and Alumni Association. Donn shared his love of sports activities with his sons and their many friends.

Donn was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Devere and Mary Genevieve Whitmer; 4 siblings, Robert (Bob) Whitmer, Betty Morris, Mary-Louise Overmyer, James (Jim) Whitmer and granddaughter Alexandra Shields Whitmer.

Donn is survived by his wife of 63 years, Betty Whitmer; 3 children, Harry Devere (Jennifer), Michael Bradford, William Randall (Annette); 7 grandchildren, Zach (Rachel), Skylin, Jordyn, Brad, Ben, Justin and Jake; and his first great-granddaughter, Presley Marie Whitmer. A Celebration of life will be held at 2 pm on Saturday December 19, 2020 at Robert Toale & Sons - Wiegand Chapel, 7454 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231. Visitation will be prior to the service starting at 1 pm.

In Lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Roskamp Institute (Alzheimer’s research) at roskampinstitute.org.

djb  12.16.2020