Donald Earl Whipple

Donald Earl Whipple passed away at his residence in Aurora, CO on May 14th, 2025, at the age of 99. He was born on August 31st, 1925 to Bernice Irene (Gilmore) and Jacob Earl Whipple in Beeler, KS. He had fond memories of being raised on a farm, the 9th of 13 children, attended a one room schoolhouse in his early years and graduated from Beeler High School in 1943. He then immediately enlisted in the United States Marine Corp to fight for his country during WWII.

After completing boot camp at Camp Pendleton in San Diego and then further training in Hawaii, his unit was sent to the Japanese Island of Iwo Jima to take part in one of the fiercest battles in the Pacific theater. His was trained as a radio man and forward observer. On the 1st day on the island, he was injured, sent to a hospital ship and later awarded the Purple Heart. Not wanting to be separated from his unit, him and a buddy of his, who were not severely wounded, were able to wrangle a way back to the island and rejoin their group. They became some of the few that landed on Iwo Jima twice. They were able to be first hand witnesses to the famous flag raising. After the end of this battle, his unit continued on to Japan and became part of the occupation force in Nagasaki, Japan after the surrender.

During his military training, he made a decision that would change the trajectory of his life. He gave his heart to the Lord and became a follower of Jesus Christ as his personal Savior through the testimony of a fellow Marine.

After an honorable discharge, he returned home and married his high school sweetheart, Lillian Joan Holmes, in 1946.

After spending some time working at a small radio station in Garden City, KS, they moved to Denver, where he planned to further his education in radio engineering at Denver University. But God had other plans for him and instead, he attended Bible school. He graduated from Rockmont College [later part of Colorado Christian University] in 1955. During this time, he also drove the streetcar for the Denver Tramway.

He began a life long career in ministry starting as the Director of Denver Youth for Christ. He spent the next 24 years ministering to Jr and Sr high school students in various locals including Singapore, Lincoln, NE and Minneapolis, MN. This was the highlight of his life – teenagers have always been his favorite age group. He continued to minister well into his 80’s as a Senior or Associate pastor in various churches. He also enjoyed ministering to young servicemen, especially those returning from combat situations.

He was devoted to his family, he loved people, had a great smile and his primary purpose in life was to share the Gospel [Good News] of Jesus Christ with anyone he met. He never truly retired. He loved to travel and saw much of the world. He also enjoyed history and woodworking. He lived a full and blessed life!

He is survived by a daughter, Debra Whipple of Arvada, CO, a sister-in-law, Judy Whipple of Chicago, Il, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, L. Joan, his parents, 4 sisters: Hazel [Prose], Ruby [Mather], LaVerne [Handy], Jennie [Bates] and 8 brothers: Clarence, Fenton, Wayne, Thayne, Jim, Rex, Tom and Paul.

Interment at Ft Logan will be on June 16th at 2:00 pm, meeting at Staging Area C by 1:45pm remaining in your cars awaiting the start of the procession.

A Celebration of his life will be held on June 17th at 10:30 at Christ Community Covenant Church, 6757 Simms St, Arvada, CO, 80004, with a light lunch and fellowship to follow. All who would like to honor him are welcome at either service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Samaritan’s Purse in memory of Donald.

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/memorial-page/donald-e-whipple-arvada-co/