Thomas Dean Whittinghill

Thomas Dean Whittinghill, 89, of Owensboro, widower of Ann Wilson Whittinghill, passed away Tuesday, September 18, 2012.

He was the son of the late Dexter Dean and Rena Massie Whittinghill. T.D. was born in his family's home on August 6, 1923. He attended Longfellow Elementary School, Owensboro Middle School and graduated from Owensboro High School in 1942. He attended the University of Kentucky and later graduated from the University of Evansville in 1950. While at UK, T.D. was a member of the Pryor Pre-Medical Society.

T.D.'s musical talent was apparent early in his life. At age 13 he played trumpet for the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra. During his studies at UK, he played in the ROTC Marching Band, the forerunner of today's Blue and White. Until 1975 he continued to play in bands such as Peedy Wilson's Dance Band, Walter Paul Camp's Rio Vista Orchestra and several other orchestras around the Tri-State and Bluegrass areas.

After graduation, T.D. was first employed as an announcer, news reporter, writer and editor on the night shift by WOMI. He also was employed by WVJS in the same capacity part time. During his tenure at WOMI, Dee Dee, his niece, knew that Unk's introduction of the Shadow was just for her. T.D. retired as an officer after 19 years at the former Citizen's State Bank.

In the Owensboro community, T.D. was a former member of the boards of the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra and The Theater Workshop of Owensboro. He was also an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church, holding positions as assistant treasurer, lay reader, Eucharistic lay minister and also serving two terms on the vestry.

T.D. is survived by his sister, Rebecca Jean Whittinghill Danhauer, his two nieces, Dee Dee Moran (Mike Moran) of Lexington and Sally Ann Danhauer, two great nephews, Michael Frederick Moran, Jr. of Telluride, Colorado and Matthew Whalen Moran of Lexington, as well as one great-great niece, Madeline O'Phaelan Moran of Lexington.

Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. on Friday at Trinity Episcopal Church, 270 Ford Avenue. Visitation will be at 2 p.m. on Friday at the church. Following the service burial will be in Rosehill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church.