Obituary of Joseph A. Whitmore, Jr.

Joseph A. Whitmore, Jr., 85, of Elizabethtown, PA, died peacefully on Sunday morning, December 24, 2023, after a long, valiant face-off with Alzheimer's, at the Hospice Center in Mt. Joy. Born in Warrenton, VA, he was the son of the late Joseph A. Whitmore, Sr., and Bessie (Woodzell) Whitmore. He was married for 64 years to Lois (Bowman) Whitmore, who lovingly cared for him at home through thick and thin.

“Coach Joe”, as he loved being called, worked for 50 years at Elizabethtown College. He taught all 50 years, was an athletic trainer for 30 years, and coached soccer for 17 years. He loved it all, and he loved the students, maintenance workers, and other coaches there, too. He enjoyed volunteering at the college after he retired, and cheering teams on as long as he could. He was a member of the Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren, and his cremains will be buried in the Memorial Garden there.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two children, David M. Whitmore, husband of Peggy, of McKinney, TX, and Dona McDonough, of Elizabethtown; six grandchildren, Michael, Joey, and Alyssa Whitmore, all living in TX, and Connor, Hallie, and Marina, all in PA; and his sister, Peggy Dearden, of Broad Run, VA. He was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Patrick W. McDonough.

A service for Joe will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice. Keep the amount private, but let the family know what group you choose so they can compile a list. Joe would be excited to see what good works inspire you.