Obituary of Donald Joseph Whiteye

Whiteye: Donald Joseph, a member of the Delaware Nation at Moraviantown, passed away peacefully at his home, with his family by his side on Monday, May 18, 2026 at the age of 90. Born in Moraviantown, son of the late Joseph and Lila (Hopkins) Whiteye. "Don was a true gentleman who was gracious in both his words and actions toward family and others. He loved baseball and played back catcher most of the time, in the days when only the pitcher and catcher wore gloves. Don and his wife, Verna, helped establish the recreation program in Moraviantown. They enjoyed watching our teams play, and in later years Don was especially proud to travel and watch his grandson Garrett pitch. Many will remember Don as a hard worker. If he wasn’t at work installing gas lines as a pipe fitter, he could often be found outside tending to his beloved lawn. He worked for 30 years as a union pipe fitter and was well respected and recognized for his hard work and dedication. But it was his dedication to family that Don was most proud of and will be most remembered for. From helping care for his mother and younger brothers and sisters while his father served in World War II, to changing a diaper or two when the grandchildren began to arrive, Don was always there for family. He was a good father who shared his knowledge with his children and told stories of hunting and trapping with his father. Don found true love when he married Verna. They were inseparable, and it was rare to see one without the other. When Mom passed away in 1999, Don was never quite the same. He missed her dearly and often reminisced about their life together — from their days as newlyweds to pouring the concrete for the porch of their home."  Beloved husband of the Late Verna (Stonefish) Whiteye (1999). Loving father of Charlene Mathewson (Sandy), Donald Whiteye Jr. (Sonya), Rhonda Whiteye , and Jolene Whiteye. Sadly missed by his grandchildren Joseph, Lauren (Cody), Deni (Jesse), Hunter, Garrett, Liam, Max and great-grandchildren Elly and Velo. Dear brother of Terrance (Nadine), Vaughn (Vera), Jamie (Mary), Pat (John), Jeannette, Wendy, and Gardenia. Predeceased by his siblings Ben, Gerald, Vera, and infant sisters Marilyn and Patricia. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. The Whiteye family will receive family and friends at the Badder & Robinson Funeral Home, 211 Elm St., Bothwell on Thursday from 5:00 PM – 8:00PM. The funeral service will be held in the chapel of the funeral home on Friday, May 22, 2026 at 11:00 AM. Interment Moraviantown Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.badderfuneralhome.com