Donald Wayne Whisenhunt, SR, was born at home in Meadow, Texas, on May 16, 1938. He died in Sycamore, Illinois, from complications of covid, on December 29, 2020.

He grew up in Meadow, for the most part, and graduated from Meadow High School. He graduated from McMurry College in Abilene, Texas, in May, 1960. He received his MA in History from Texas Tech University in 1962 and his PhD in History from Texas Tech University in 1966.

He married Betsy Ann Baker in August of 1960. He taught at various colleges and universities and ended his career at Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington in 2003. He authored, co-authored, and edited around 30 books. He also wrote many articles and reviews, as well as presenting papers at historical conferences. He was a professor, dean, and Vice-president over his career.

During his academic career, he had three J. William Fulbright assignments: Tianjin, China in 1995; Seoul, Korea, in 1999, and Minsk, Belarus, in 2004.

He and Betsy traveled many places in and out of the country, but living outside the country during Fulbright assignments were their favorites.

Don is survived by his wife of 60 years, Betsy; his sons, Donald Wayne Whisenhunt, Jr. (Melinda Sue); William Benton Whisenhunt (Michele Diane); his grandchildren: Alexandra Emma, Meredith Jane, William Donald, Matthew Benton, and Kira Elizabeth. They were the light of his life!!

He was preceded in death by his parents, William A. and Beulah (Johnson) Whisenhunt; his brothers: William A., Jr., Kenneth, and Lewis Whisenhunt.

Burial will be in Meadow, Texas.

Arrangements completed by Butala Funeral Home and Crematory, 1405 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, IL  60178.

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