Theodore DeWayne Whidden

Theodore DeWayne Whidden, age 80, went to be with the Lord on Monday, Dec. 7 at Tallahassee Memorial Health Care after a lengthy illness. Funeral Service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Dec. 11 at Beggs Funeral Home in Madison. Visitation will be from 1 – 2 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will be at San Pedro Cemetery. DeWayne was born and raised in Tampa. He received Christ and was baptized at age 12. After graduating from Hillsborough High School in the Class of 1954, he served overseas in the U. S. Air Force for four years. Returning to Tampa, he began a 32-year career with Eastern Airlines. He was a Master Mason, 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Member and a Shriner. After retirement he worked five years as a Hillsborough County Park Ranger, before moving to his adopted hometown of Madison, Florida where he enjoyed life and his many friends. He was a member of the Madison Coffee Club at Burger King. His church membership was at New Home Baptist Church. He will be remembered by many, for his wit and fun-loving spirit, as well as his generosity and care for those who needed help. DeWayne was pre-deceased by his parents: Ted C. and Edra Duke Whidden, and by two brothers, Tim and Jerry Whidden. He is survived by his beloved wife: Helen Bland Whidden; his daughters: Debra Aplin  and husband Doug of Sarasota; Angela Culpepper and husband Jack of Madison; his sister: Sara W. Tillis and husband Lester of Tampa; grandchildren: Ashley, Wil, Jay and Tommy; nephew and niece: Bart and Brenda; and many cousins.  Beggs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (850) 973-2258.  You may send your condolences to the family by visiting our website at www.beggsfuneral.com.