Donald Ray Whitfield, Sr.

Donald Ray Whitfield, Sr., 90, of Shreveport, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025, in his hometown. Born on August 5, 1935, in Shreveport, Don lived a full and meaningful life devoted to faith, family, and service.

He is survived by his three loving children, daughter Tracey Whitfield Rhodes, son Donald R. Whitfield, Jr., and son David A. Whitfield and wife Cheryl; two granddaughters Kelsey Darsi and husband Vasu, and Eryn Rhodes and fiancé Mitchell Williams; two great-grandchildren Avinash Darsi and Vidya Darsi. Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Carolyn Norita Whitfield; his parents, William A. Whitfield, Sr. and Lillie C. Whitfield; his brothers Charles “Wayne” Whitfield, William Whitfield, Jr., Jack Whitfield, and Mack Whitfield, and his sisters Minerva Whitfield Little and Rita Whitfield Stevens.

Don proudly served in the National Guard and later in the United States Marine Corps. He was also a dedicated Mason for over 50 years with the Hall of Queensborough Lodge No. 418.

Professionally, Don spent more than five decades in the grocery business, working as a butcher and market manager. He was a longtime and faithful member of Emmanuel Baptist Church, where he worshipped for 47 years.

An avid outdoorsman, Don loved hunting, fishing, camping, and skiing with his family—especially at Lake Greeson in Arkansas. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his granddaughters, Kelsey and Eryn, whom he adored. He had a special gift for storytelling and giving the best back scratches. He cherished traditions like having the girls decorate his home for Christmas, followed by a warm, homemade meal of chicken and dumplings, gumbo, or chili. He brought laughter and love into every moment, including a favorite memory when little Kelsey looked in his ear and he asked if she could see Eryn on the other side—"Yes!" she giggled.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Southside. A funeral service will follow on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., also at Rose-Neath South. Pastor Scott Shirley of Emmanuel Baptist Church will officiate. Interment will take place at Forest Park West Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Donald Whitfield, Jr., David Whitfield, Gene Taylor, John Stahlnaker, Chris Stevens, and Scott Morse.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Don’s honor to Emmanuel Baptist Church.