Donald Edward Caithamer

Donald Edward Caithamer, 86 of Port Barrington, passed away at 7:35 AM on Sunday, October 20, 2024, after many heroic medical battles and beating the odds several times. He was surrounded by his loving children. 

Born in Chicago, July 17, 1938, he was the son of a professional baseball player for the Chicago White Sox, George T Caithamer and Blanche (Nee Novack) Don lived a very accomplished life. He proudly served overseas as a supply specialist in the armory, with decorations as a sharpshooter and weapons specialist. In his spare time he became very proficient in trick shooting. After an honorable discharge as a sergeant, Don used the GI bill for his schooling. He worked as a mechanical engineer, designing color coding machines, spending much time in Ireland and Mexico before he retired at the age of 75. He was revered as a brilliant man with an eidetic memory; which is likely why he was banned from playing 5-card draw in Vegas because he consistently beat the odds. Don had a wild side that included riding his 1955 Triumph motorcycle and showing off his marksmanship abilities every chance he got.

In the fall of 1960, Don married his teenage sweetheart, Sharon (Nee Wagemann). He went on to have five children that were blessed with his strong work ethic and drive. He enjoyed boating, loved fishing, and was an avid Lionel model railroader. He bred angelfish, had 17 parrots, but he especially loved dogs - even going to the extreme of rescuing a German Shepherd puppy trapped on the Dan Ryan Expressway. 

Don is survived by his children Shareen (Joseph) Goodroad, Donald G. Caithamer, Douglas H. Caithamer, Daniel E. Caithamer, and Sileen (Celine) H. Caithamer and his 5 grandchildren, Alexandria Jade “AJ” Goodroad, Destiny Marie Asella Caithamer, Jared Thomas Goodroad, Desiree’ Shakarah Caithamer, and Carly Christine Caithamer, great granddaughters, Novarra Journee Caithamer and Tilly Rue Caithamer, as well as sister in-law Sandy (George) Caithamer and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon, his parents, George Caithamer and Blanche (Caithamer) Satzke and his brother, George Caithamer.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 23 from 4pm to 7pm at the Davenport Family Funeral Home at 941 S Old Rand Road, Lake Zurich. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 26 at 3pm at St. John’s Cemetery, 336th Avenue, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. 

Food and beverages will be available at both locations.