Dec. 25, 1938 — Dec. 18, 2014

Ned Whitmore, 75, of Dowagiac, Michigan, died on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, at his home in Dowagiac.

Ned was born to Hugh and Fanny (Velthouse) Whitmore, on Dec. 25th, 1938, in Dowagiac. He was their only child. He married Norma Grisson on Sept. 21st, 1989 in St. Ignace, Michigan.

Ned is survived by his wife, Norma, of 25 years. Also surviving are three children: Sherice “Sherry” (Tony) Dias of Tennessee, Fanessa Whitmore of Tennessee and Shawn (Judy) Sirk of Dowagiac. He also leaves behind two step-children: Donna Messenger of Drummond Island, Michigan and Darryl Reed of Decatur, Michigan. He also leaves behind 19 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Ned was employed by Clark Equipment Company for 10 years and then worked for Contech in Dowagiac for 25 years. He also worked at Walmart for 10 years. He enjoyed the outdoors and loved hunting and fishing. He was a big football fan and also enjoyed the game of golf. He was a fan of racing, especially NASCAR and Sprint car dirt track racing. Ned was a very outspoken person and always spoke his mind. He had many friends and he loved his children, grandkids and his wife very much.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2014, at Clark Chapel and Cremations Services, 405 Center St., Dowagiac, MI. Family and friends will gather for visitation from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Clark Chapel. Ned will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Dowagiac. Memorial Contributions can be made in his name to the Cass County Cancer Service or to the family.

Those wishing to leave a memory or condolence of Ned may do so at www.clarkch.com.