Daniel R. "Duke" Whetsel, Sr.

Daniel Russell “Duke” Whetsel Sr., 78, of Bellefontaine, passed away at 5:25 a.m. on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, in Ayden Health Care of Belle Springs, Bellefontaine.

He was born in Bellefontaine, OH on September 17, 1943, the son of the late William Whetsel and Margaret (Redman) Whetsel Nelson.  Daniel married Connie E. Brown, beloved mother of his children, in March of 1961 and she preceded him in death in 2000.

Daniel was also preceded in death by an infant daughter, Stephanie Whetsel and an infant son, Eric Whetsel, and son Douglas E. Whetsel in 2019, a sister, Gladys Artis, an uncle Raymond “Slick” Whetsel, and step-father William “Bill” Nelson.

He is survived by a daughter, Teresa (Kelvin) Brown of Toledo, two sons; Dean Edwin (Amanda Maddox) Whetsel and Daniel “Rocky” (Laura Douglas) Whetsel, Jr., both of Bellefontaine, 21 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren, a great-great-granddaughter, a special aunt, Nancy Rhea of Urbana, and several nieces and nephews.

Daniel worked as a truck driver the majority of his career, driving for Ritter Brothers for many years before he bought his own semi and dump truck and worked as an owner/operator.  He loved to go fishing and enjoyed golfing too.  He was a member of the Auburn Ave. Baptist Church, Bellefontaine.

The Whetsel family would like to invite family and friends to a Celebration of Daniel’s Life and dinner to follow on Saturday, September 17, 2022, from 2-5pm at Christ Temple Church, 616 W. Chillicothe Ave. Bellefontaine.

Memorial contributions may be made to Auburn Ave. Baptist Church, 216 E Auburn Ave, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311.

No tears in Heaven.

There are no tears in heaven
Nor grief of any kind
I leave this final teardrop
To those I leave behind.

Though absent from by the body
I'm present with the lord
The joy of my salvation 
Is now my full reward.

EICHHOLTZ DARING & SANFORD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTER, BELLEFONTAINE is honored to serve the Whetsel family.

TFD