Donald R. "Don" Waltermire entered the gates of Heaven on Thursday, May 7, 2026 surrounded by the love of his family and the faith that guided his life.  Don was born on February 10th 1938, in Scipio, Indiana, to Earl and Annabell (Clifford) Waltermire.  The oldest of eight children.  Don was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose life was rooted in hard work, deep faith, and unwavering love for his family. He married the love of his life, Linda Alexander, on November 6, 1965, and together they shared over 60 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, family, and commitment.

Don was a 1956 graduate of Frankton High School and a proud veteran of the United States Army. He dedicated many years of service before retiring from Navistar International. A man of strong faith, he attended Life Church of Elwood faithfully was actively involved in ministry throughout his life. He was a member of The Gideons International, the American Legion, and he also volunteered at the Elwood Food Pantry. His commitment to serving others extended to participating in mission trips, where he lived out his faith through action.

He had a passion for collecting International Harvester tractor memorabilia and enjoyed spending time watching his favorite sports teams, including the Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever, and NASCAR.  He could always be found driving his Co-op tractor in the parades. Don especially cherished the time he spent caring for and being with his great-grandchildren, creating lasting memories filled with love and laughter.  He will be remembered as a man of God, a tireless worker, and a loving family man whose legacy of faith and devotion will live on in all who knew him.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Linda Waltermire of Elwood; daughter, Mary Kay (Steven) Keith of Naperville, Illinois; 3 grandchildren who were truly the joy of his life; Mallory Harting, Elainna Harting, and Rich Keith; proud great-grandfather to Kadyn Harting, Aaralyn Harting, Kane Shepler, and Thorin Shepler; brother-in-law and life-long friend Fred Davis and sister-in-law, Mary Davis; sisters-in-law Linda L. Waltermire, Marsha Waltermire, and Sharon Waltermire; as well as several nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Annabell Waltermire; his sisters, Joann Waltermire and Joyce Trennepohl; his brothers, Gene Waltermire, Jim Waltermire, Larry Waltermire, Jerry Waltermire, and Butch Waltermire; and his brother-in-law, Jimmy Alexander.

A funeral service honoring Don's life and faith will take place at 2:00 PM  on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Scott Blaylock of Life Church in Elwood officiating.  Burial will follow in Sunset Cemetery in Elwood where military honors will be conducted by the United States Army and the Elwood V.F.W.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 am to 2:00 PM prior to the service on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Gideons or the Elwood Food Pantry through the funeral home.  Online condolences and stories may be shared with the Waltermire family at copherfeslermay.com.