Dr. Richard L. Whitmer

Dr. Richard Lee “Dick” Whitmer
Passed away peacefully Friday morning August 11, 2017, of natural causes at Stonespring in Vandalia, Ohio at the age of 84. His final years were softened by the caring devotion of his long-time partner and fiancé, Vonnie Carroll. Dick was raised in Vandalia in a modest boarder home, situated along the flight path of the Dayton Airport. The constant soaring of take-offs overhead influenced him to pursue his love of science, which later led to his career as a Physician. After Graduation from Vandalia Butler (1950), Dick attended the University of Dayton and Graduated (’54) with a BS in Science. He attended Medical School at The Ohio State University (’58) and served his General Practice internship, followed by a year as a Radiology Fellow at Miami Valley Hospital. Dr. Whitmer practiced Family and Industrial Medicine from 1960- 2000; he was Medical Director at Delco-Moraine. His office was located on the current site of Ponitz High School on Washington Street in Dayton, OH. In addition to his office practice, patients at St. Elizabeth Hospital, numerous Occupational clients (Dayton Walther, Standard Register, Reynolds and Reynolds, and many other manufacturing and industrial companies in the region), Dick made it a point to continue conducting house calls throughout most of his professional tenure. “Doc” was also a recognizable figure on the sidelines as the team Physician for the Fairmont West Dragons football team in the mid-70s -early 80s. Dick loved music; he played trumpet in the marching band and also played in local dance bands. As a young adult, Dick led Adult Sunday School classes at Ohmer Park United Methodist Church. His quest for knowledge and tendency to immerse himself led to a deep understanding of many pursuits, including music, stereo equipment, photography, quarter horses and ballroom dancing. His 1967 trip to the African Congo, where he delivered medical equipment and provided medical services assisting a medical missionary, was a highlight of his life. “Pappa Doc” is survived by his five children with former wife, Gladys Whitmer: Dan (Donna) of Beavercreek, OH; David (Linda Applegate) of Claremore, OK; Donald (Sandy) of Pataskala, OH; Doug (Miriam) of Wake Forest, NC, and Diane Farrell (John) of Kettering, as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Additionally, survived by his sister Carol Anderson of Topeka, KS, nieces and nephews, and Michael Carroll, Denver, CO. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Norma and Frank “Fritz” Whitmer, and grandson Aaron Whitmer. Visitation will be held at Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home, 139 S. Dixie Drive, Vandalia, OH, Monday, 8/14, from 3:00 -5:00 p.m. The funeral service will begin at 5:00, with food and fellowship immediately following. Donations may be made to the Aaron S. Whitmer Memorial Fund at OSU Health and Medicine Fund 647626, or a charity of choice.