Dan Whitten

Psalm 31:24

“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.”

Leonidas “Dan” Whitten, 74, Mt. Carmel, passed away unexpectedly of heart complications on Tuesday, May 7, 2019. He was a graduate of Tennessee High in Bristol, TN and East Tennessee State University.  He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1967-1971 during the Vietnam conflict.  He served a year at Ton Son Nhut Airbase as an air passenger specialist.

Dan never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone.  He loved spending time with his family and friends.  He was always looking for an opportunity to hit the road.  Dan was proud of his children and seven grandchildren and didn’t mind telling you all of their accomplishments.  Dan enjoyed his work as a tax preparer at H&R Block and the many special relationships he acquired.  He was a member of St. Dominic Catholic Church where he served as extraordinary minister and usher.  Dan will be greatly missed by family and friends, especially by Brenda, his wife of 49 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonidas “Lee” and Thelma L. Whitten; sister, Kathy Taylor; and brother, Henry Whitten.

Dan is survived by his wife of 49 years, Brenda Weiler Whitten; son, Aaron M. Whitten and wife, Wendy; daughters, Allison M. Ball and husband, Josh, and Lindsay D. Riley and husband, Dusty; 7 grandchildren and the pride and joys of his life, Mackenzie Whitten, Aiden Whitten, Keeton Riley, Khloee Riley, Layton Ball, Brylee Ball and Paxton Ball; siblings, Pat Whitten and wife, Debbie, Vicki Canter and husband, Butch, Rev. Rick Whitten and wife, MaryEllen, Rosemary Cox, Judy Rogers and husband, Jim, Pete Whitten, Sandy Whitten, and Ellis Whitten and wife, Lorray; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5-7:00 pm on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at St. Dominic Catholic Church. A Funeral Mass will follow at 7:00 pm with Father Michael Cummins officiating.

The graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, May 10, 2019  at Mountain Home National Cemetery with Military graveside rites presented by the American Legion Posts/265.

Honorary pallbearers will be Aiden Whitten, Keeton Riley, Layton Ball and Paxton Ball.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 3101 Browns Mill Rd., #6, PMB 321, Johnson City, TN 37604, or to the American Diabetes Association, 4660 Old Broadway St., Knoxville, TN 37918.

On May 7. 2019, Dan met his Savior face-to-face. Amen