Don E. Whitemyer

Donald E. Whitemyer, 72, of Zoar passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Sunday, July 26, 2009.

Born at Canton on November 8, 1936, Don lived most of his childhood in Louisville, graduating from Louisville High School in 1955. After working at other agencies in Canton and Cleveland, Don founded Whitemyer Advertising in Zoar in 1971. He remained actively involved as CEO of the agency until his death.

Don was a friend of Bill W. for the last twenty years. He had also served on the Hospice of Tuscarawas County Board as well as the Tuscarawas County Philharmonic Board. He was an active member of the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce for many years, and had also served as an elder and council member at St. John�(TM)s United Church of Christ at Dover. Don served in the Army during the Korean War.

Don�(TM)s many and varied interests included notable passions for Zoar antiques and Ohio artwork. Those two passions collided when he started the annual Zoar Art Contest, which he has sponsored since 2002. His interests also included reading, gardening and both cooking and enjoying gourmet food.

Don married his wife, the former Joan Fritz Kaser, in 1996. In addition to his wife, he is also survived by his son Tim (Brandi) Whitemyer of North Canton, step daughter Miranda Kaser of Uhrichsville, and step son Josh Kaser of Cleveland, grandchildren Kaylin and James DeWees and Logan Brown and two brothers, Richard (Jean Ann) Whitemyer and Terry “Butch” (Carol) Whitemyer, both of Dover. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Elveda “Squitz” Fritz of Dover.

Don was preceded in death by his sons, Todd Andrew and Scott Eric, as well as two former wives, Joan Williams and Diane Lewis. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Bernice (Colvin) Whitemyer and a sister, Gloria Kerr.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, from 1:00 to 3:00 and from 6:00 to 8:00 at Toland Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover. The funeral will be held at St. John�(TM)s United Church of Christ at Dover on Friday at 11:00 a.m., with interment to follow at Zoar Cemetery. Those who cannot attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Don may sign the online register book by visiting the “obituaries” link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com


Donations may be made in Don�(TM)s name to Zoar Community Association, P.O. Box 621, Zoar, Ohio 44697 or Ohio Historical Society, 1982 Velma Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43211. While flowers or donations are welcome, Don would have preferred that you simply vote Republican.

Toland-Herzig, Dover
330 343-6132