ESSEX CENTER – Donald Robert Whaples died peacefully on Sept. 23 with his wife at his side in a newly built apartment in Essex Center.

Don was born in Norwich, Conn., on Feb. 3, 1930, to Beatrice (Healey) and Randolph W. Whaples Sr. He graduated from Newington High in 1948 and then enlisted in the Navy. He served on the USS New Jersey, BB62 during the Korean conflict.

Don married Myrna Gray in Plainfield, Conn., on Sept. 5, 1954. Don graduated with a Bachelor of Science from University of Connecticut, and later obtained his masters in extension education from Michigan State in 1965. Don worked in Western New York as a 4-H county agent. He moved to Barre, Vt., in 1967 to work as 4-H agent for Washington County and later as the Vermont state 4-H program specialist. Don retired in 1990 from the UVM extension service. He continued to remain active with 4-H through the board of trustees for Downer 4-H Camp for over 15 years.

Don loved yard sales and was a notorious "early bird." He bought and repaired tools to sell at the Chelsea and East Corinth flea markets. He handcrafted braided rugs and shared his knowledge by teaching others. He was good with his hands and donated time at Habitat for Humanity. Don loved gardening. He knit mittens and frequently donated them. Don was a deacon at the Barre Congregational Church. Don and Myrna square danced and later in life they traveled Vermont through the 251 Club. Don's playfulness with words and sense of humor will be missed but not forgotten.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Myrna; a daughter Wendy residing in Winooski, Vt., her husband John Miles Scully Jr., and daughters Casi and Arly; daughter Bettie residing in Chesterfield, Va., her husband John Rogers Jr., daughters Kimberlee and Elizabeth and son Ben; son Larry residing in Barre, his wife Amanda, son Jarret, and daughter Alexis; daughter Gale residing in Essex Center, her husband Rick Weld, daughters Sarah and Leanne; and son Walter residing in Sandwich, Mass., his wife Kristine, son Kyle, and daughters Robyn and Ally. Don also leaves two younger brothers, as well as numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to hospice staff and volunteers who helped lighten the load for the entire family.

His funeral will be held Thursday, Sept. 27, 2007, at 10 a.m. in the Barre Congregational Church. A reception will follow the service. Burial will be at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 1:15 p.m. in Randolph. There will be no calling hours.

Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home of Barre is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Central Vermont Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre VT 05641 or UVM College of Medicine, Dept of Neurology, ALS Research Fund, 89 Beaumont Ave., Burlington, VT 05405.

Donald Whaples (1930)