Charles Dorman Whiting was born on February 27, 1949 to Clarence and LaVerne (Frank) Whiting in Winner, SD, He passed away on October 27, 2024 in Lamar, CO at home.
Charlie was raised in Hidden Timber until about five years of age, at which time the family moved to Mission, SD. He started school at McCarty Hall in Mission, and around second grade the family returned to Hidden Timber. They returned again to Mission in his ninth grade year. Charlie graduated from Todd County High School.
Charlie volunteered for the draft and went into the Army in 1968. He went to Vietnam attached to the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment as a cannoneer and was discharged in 1970. He was awarded the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device. The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that is awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal, it is awarded for merit and with a valor device it is awarded for heroism. This is the fourth highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Upon returning from the service, Charlie married Peggy Walsh, his high school sweetheart. To this union Ryan and Tyler were added.
Charlie worked for Cherry Todd Electric as a lineman in Mission, SD. Charlie later moved to Denver, CO and traveled selling electrical parts to electrical coops in the Denver region.
Charlie met and married Carol Turner and moved to Lamar, CO, where he lived until his death. To this union, Tariq and Colton were added.
A memorial service was held in Lamar, CO on November 5, 2024. A burial of his ashes and memorial service will be held on May 31, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
Charlie enjoyed the country life. He had many fond memories of time spent growing up on the H-T Ranch with is brothers and cousins. He also had horses after moving to Colorado and settling in Lamar. He rode whenever he was able. He also enjoyed visiting and sightseeing with family and friends. He made everyone he met a friend.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Roger.
Charlie is survived by his wife Carol Turner-Whiting of Lamar, CO; children Ryan Whiting, Denver, CO, Tyler (Shawn) Whiting, Winslow, IN, Tariq Whiting, Lamar, CO, Colton Whiting, Hartman, CO; grandchildren Skyler (Alexis) Whiting, Denver, CO, and Coraline Whiting Winslow, IN; step-children Tyler Turner, Tayna Turner, and Lacey Turner; step-grandchildren Saxon Turner, Alex Turner, Skyler Turner, Jensen Turner, Jaci Turner and Jaden Turner. He is also survived by his brother Bill (Paula) Whiting, Olsonville, SD; his ex-wife and lifelong friend Peggy Whiting, Lamar, CO; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Celebration of Life for Charles will be May 31, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity River Ranch (former H-T Ranch). All family, friends, and acquaintances are invited. The GPS address for the location is 28698 Sage Rd., Valentine, SD 69201.
Interment at the ranch cemetery. Military honor guard will provide military honor services.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Spend the day with friends and family to celebrate Charlie!
