July 29, 1920 - April 15, 2010SOUTH BEND - Don R. Whiteman, 89, of South Bend, IN, passed away on Thursday, April 15th in Miller's Merry Manor in Walkerton, IN, after an extended illness with his loving family at his bedside. Mr. Whiteman was born July 29, 1920 in South Bend, IN, and resided in the area his lifetime. On June 28, 1947 in South Bend he married the former Jeanne R. Andrews who preceded him in death on October 20, 2005. Also surviving are two sons, Tom J. (Sarah) Hawblitzel of Warsaw, IN, and Don E. (Nancy) Whiteman of South Bend, IN. Also six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude L. and Eleanor (Hawblitzel) Whiteman. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Mary Adams and a brother, David Whiteman. Mr. Whiteman retired from the Bendix Corporation in 1982 after 32 years of service as a Time Keeper. Don loved working for the church, camping, woodworking and farming. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who loved his family dearly, as they did him. Don was a veteran of the Army Air Corp., during World War II. He was a fighter pilot, flying the B-26 with 40 combat missions over enemy occupied territory. He received the Bronze Star for Germany and the Bronze Star for Italy. He also received the Air Medal. He served on active duty from 1942-1945 as a First Lieutenant. He served the remainder of his military service in the reserves, achieving the rank of Captain. Visitation hours will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, April 18 in the Hanley & Sons Funeral Home "Southwest Chapel" located at West Ireland Road. / State Road 23, South Bend, IN. Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, April 19th in the funeral home with Pastor Steve Summeral officiating. Burial to follow with full Military Honors at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend. The family request all memorial contributions to: The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637. The HANLEY and SONS Funeral Home "Southwest Chapel" handled arrangements and services and extend its deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to the Whiteman family.