Born in Cleveland County, he was a son of the late Burgin Columbus Whitaker and Elsie Mae White Whitaker.  Donald was a member at Mull's Memorial Baptist Church in Shelby.  He worked for Hoechst Celanese.

Donald is survived by his wife of forty-nine years, Judith Hoyle Whitaker; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Wesley Glenn and Tammy Whitaker of Casar and Brian Eugene Whitaker of the home; daughter and son-in-law, Katrina and Dale Angel of Lawndale; sister, Gay Scism & husband, Johnny of Shelby; eight grandchildren, Lacy, Hannah, Harley, Skylar, Haven, Kelsey, Sophie and Kayla; and one great grandchild, Ella.

Visitation:  The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 PM Saturday at Corinth Baptist Church in Casar.

Funeral: Saturday at 3:00 PM at Corinth Baptist Church with Revs. Tripp Spangler and Dale Angel officiating.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials:  Corinth Baptist Church, PO Box 188, Casar, NC 28020 or to Hospice Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150.

A guest register is available at www.stameyfuneralhome.com