Donald Ray Whitehouse

Donald Ray Whitehouse of Pewee Valley, Kentucky was born September 12, 1935 in Hempridge, Shelby County, KY. At twelve years old he was baptized at Buechel Presbyterian Church. In his 90th year, he went to be with his LORD on July 4, 2025.

Don’s school years began at Benjamin Franklin Elementary finishing at Hikes Graded School. Then he attended Fern Creek High School and graduated from Crestwood Consolidated School in 1953. He loved playing baseball for the Yellow Jackets.

He worked for Kentucky Central Life Insurance until 1954 when he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He trained at Sampson Air Force Base in New York. Working in telecommunications, he served in Cheyenne, Wyoming, then he was stationed for 2 years in Fukuoka, Japan and finished at Eglin Base in Florida. He returned in 1957 with a National Defense Medal and a Good Conduct Medal; he was honorably discharged in 1962. Don was 13 years old when his family moved to LanMar Farm. He began working for Malone’s Dairy delivering milk to Oldham County. Upon his return from the Air Force, he worked at a few garages and then managed the Standard Oil Station in Crestwood. He got his foot in the door at South Central Bell by changing oil for their trucks, and he retired as a National Account Manager for AT&T. Once retired, his work ethic urged him on to start his own lawn mower repair business.

In 1948, he joined the Pewee Valley Presbyterian Church. Immediately entering the choir, he now holds the honor of being the longest tenured member to date. Of course he signed right up for the church baseball league. Dedicated service to his church included being a Deacon and Ruling Elder, serving on the Session for many years. As building supervisor, he put his versatile skills to use, fixing anything. He may best be remembered for frying fish at the church fish fry and sharing his riddles and jokes.

As a patriot, Don loved and served God, family, country and community. It was of utmost importance to him. In 2018, the Historical Society named him an Oldham County Treasure.

He took pride in helping the Oldham County Jaycees install Crestwood’s first road signs and spent years enthusiastically coaching Little League baseball at Crestwood Fields. In 1971, he was designated as Senator and life member #13074 by the Junior Chamber International. He was also President of Oldham County Jaycees.

Don was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel in 1970.

Don gave 54 years of service and was a 2-time Past Master Mason of Pewee Valley Blue Lodge No. 829 under the M.W. Grand Lodge of Kentucky F.& A.M. He was a 33rd degree brother of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Supreme Council Southern Jurisdiction USA.

On a boat fishing was Don’s favorite place to be. He also enjoyed gardening, history and especially singing in choirs, even though he could not read music. He would say he just

went up or down as needed. His community choirs included A Capella Fellas, Young Hearts and Joyous Singers, serving as their president in his final year of membership.

Don loved and treasured his family. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years Harriet Ann Holloway Whitehouse of Pewee Valley, KY; his parents, John Walker Whitehouse and Mary Anna Aubrey Whitehouse of Crestwood, KY, his siblings Barbara Joyce Whitehouse of Frankfort, KY and Judith Cherylene Fleckenstein Crawford of Jeffersontown, KY. Survived by his 3 Children: Tamara (David) Fulkerson, Bradley Whitehouse, and Celeste (Raymond) New, all of Oldham County, KY. 7 Grandchildren all of KY: Mallory (Garrett) Davis of New Castle, Griffin (Holly) Fulkerson of Louisville, Bennett Fulkerson (& fiancé Emily Spivey) of Lexington, Crystal (Brandan) Summerlin of LaGrange, Scott Whitehouse of Pewee Valley, Tyler (Paige) New of LaGrange and Michael New of Crestwood. 7 Great Grandchildren: Carson & Paisley Summerlin; Lynlee & Jocelyn Davis, Banks Davis due in August, Walker & Davie Fulkerson. His other surviving relatives include his aunt, Gladys Aubrey Holt and sister Gloria Jean (John) Parrott, both residents of Jeffersontown, KY. He cherished his many nieces, nephews and cousins. He held his church family close to his heart, notably his fellow sister in Christ, Vivien Reinhardt. He valued his community, saying there was no place he’d rather live. Don is also survived by his high school sweetheart, Janice Edds Adams of Pewee Valley, KY who became his late life love. His family prays for God to cover her with His most favored blessings because of the love and care she showered upon their dad.

Upon asking him what advice he would give to others, he said, “Go to church. It’s important. Love Christ with all your heart, all your mind, and all your strength.”

Friday July 18, 2025, Stoess Funeral Home Crestwood, KY. Private family visitation 3:00-4:00pm with public visitation 4:00-8:00pm.

Saturday July 19, 2025, Pewee Valley Presbyterian Church Funeral Service 10:00am Graveside Service following at Louisville Memorial Gardens East.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Memorial Fund at Pewee Valley Presbyterian Church

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