Mr. David L. Whiteman, age 81, of Knoxville, Illinois, died at 10:40 a.m. on December 25, 2025, at Friendship Manor in Rock Island, Illinois.
He was born September 16, 1944, in Monmouth, Illinois, to Harold “Mac” and Lillian B. (Potter) Whiteman. He married Maryanne Marine on March 24, 1967, in DeKalb, Illinois.
Surviving is his wife of 58 years, Maryanne Whiteman, two sons, Kirk Whiteman of Lincoln, Illinois and Garth “Toby” (and Tracey) Whiteman of Andalusia; six grandsons, Gentry, Kameron, Jenson, Brody, Jase, and Maddox; one granddaughter, Piper, and a niece, Jennie Nowacki of Sandy Hook, Connecticut. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Dean Whiteman.
David graduated from Warren High School in 1962 and continued his education at Monmouth College, graduating in 1966 where he was a member of the TKE Fraternity. He later received his Master of Arts degree from Western Illinois University in Macomb in 1977. He taught in several area schools but spent the majority of his career with Knoxville School District #202, serving the district for more than 51 years before retiring in 2001.
David coached high school football for 34 years; junior high, high school, and college basketball for 33 years; junior high and high school track and field for 27 years; and high school baseball for one year. He also served for several years as the Knoxville Athletic Director. He was a charter member of the Illinois High School Football and Basketball Coaches Association, a member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association, and was selected as the Class 1A Outstanding Athletic Director from 2000–2001. He was inducted into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame in April 2003. After his teaching and coaching career, he continued serving the district as a substitute school bus driver for several years.
David was of the protestant faith. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan.
David, affectionately known to many as “D Dub,” was loved by countless students, athletes, colleagues, and friends. He enjoyed teaching both in the classroom and through athletics and always had a story to tell about each of his players—told in his own special way. He loved his family deeply and was very proud of his sons and grandchildren, rarely missing a sporting event if he could possibly attend. He will be greatly missed by all who know him.
In accordance with David’s wishes, cremation will be accorded. A memorial visitation will be 3:00 p.m.to 5:00 p.m. Friday, January 2, 2026, at the Bethel Baptist Church, 1196 N. Academy St., Galesburg, Illinois. A memorial service will follow at 5:00 p.m. at the church. Memorials may be made to the Knoxville Athletic Booster Club. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel is proud to assist the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
