Joseph David Whitwam, 84 years, of Monroe, Michigan, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital.
Born September 7, 1940 in Wyandotte, Michigan, Dave was the son of the late William Albert and Evelyn Marguerite (O'Donnell) Whitman. He was a 1958 graduate of Trenton High School, where he pole vaulted, ran, and threw shot put, on the track and field team.
Dave served his country honorably and proudly in the United States Air Force. He served from January 23, 1963 to January 23, 1967. He served as a crew chief working on the B-52 Bombers for Strategic Air Command in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
In July of 1963 he married Barbara S. Dahlka in Gibraltar, Michigan. On September 23, 2003 he then married the love of his life, the former Florencia "Flo" Patton, in Monroe. Sadly, she preceded him in death March 18, 2011.
Dave worked as a journeyman pipefitter and mechanic for DTE Energy and served as the AFLCIO union steward. He retired from the Monroe Plant in 2002, after 38 years of service.
Dave was a hardworking man of great Christian faith, with an incredible sense of humor, and a multi-talented artist. He was a self-taught guitarist, singer, and song writer. An amazing artist, he began painting nature scenes and evolved his skills to feature many different genres. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, spending time at his cabin in Lewiston, and taking meticulous care of both his home and cabin. After he married Flo, he added a few more hobbies, namely, trips to the casino and shopping. Most of all Dave loved time spent with family.
Dave is survived by four loving children: Colleen R. Leavell of Carleton, Karla L. (Thomas) Meyer of Monroe, Craig S. (Carmen) Whitwam of Monroe, and Judy A. (Andy) McCain of Petersburg, nine cherished grandchildren, five treasured great grandchildren and a brother, Richard "Dick" (Pat) Whitwam of S. Rockwood.
In addition to his parents and wife, Flo, Dave was preceded in death by a brother Charles.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025 beginning at 1:00 pm at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, Michigan, 48161, where at 6:00 pm that evening the VFW Post 1138 will conduct military honors, followed by funeral services celebrating Dave's life. Rev. Ted Kerr, pastor of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Tecumseh, will officiate.
Memorial contributions are suggested to VFW Post 9363 in Flat Rock, Michigan.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .