Donald E. Waite, DO, MPH

Donald Eugene Waite was born in Columbus, Ohio on August 25, 1925. He served in the Navy from 1943-1945 as an Aviation Cadet during WWII. Afterward, Don became a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and opened his own practice in Columbus in 1956. In 1972, he moved to Lansing, Michigan to join the medical teaching staff of Michigan State University, where he worked until his retirement. Upon retirement, Don continued to consult as a physician in the environmental and occupational health fields, and as medical examiner for the Federal Aviation Administration. Also after retirement, Don traveled to China and Czechoslovakia and wrote two books.

Don lived life to the fullest and truly enjoyed family, friends, his career and his hobbies of recreational aviation, photography, travel, skiing and motorcycle trail riding in Colorado. His humor and charisma made him many friends during his lifetime, and he was always ready to help anyone in need with his doctor’s bag and/or a toolbox. He was patriotic, loyal, vigilant, protective, humorous and adventurous. His mottos were the US Navy’s “Semper Fortis” (ever strong) and “Non Sibi Sed Patriae” – (Not for self but for country), and the Physician’s Hippocratic Oath “Primum non nocere” (First do no harm)

Don is predeceased by siblings Lou (Gill) Waite and Raymond (Marguerite) Waite; sister Marjorie (Ernie) Barr; step-daughter Virginia Sharp and daughter Julie (Roger) Keller.

Don is survived by siblings Bob (Carol) Waite, Betty (Glenn) Carter, Jeanne (Lee) Moore; as well as children/step-children David (Linda) Waite, James (Takako) Waite, Larry (Marilyn) Waite, Steve (Jenny) Waite, Deborah Waite, Craig (DeeDee) Waite, Kenneth Foster, Christopher Waite, Tracy (Bob) Russman, and Beth (Jim) O’Connor. Don especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family is holding a private burial at Fort Custer and will hold a memorial service in Columbus at a later date.