Brenton Witherspoon

Brenton “Dan” Witherspoon, 72, of Marion, KY passed from this life on February 1, 2020 at Wellington Parc Center in Owensboro, KY after courageously battling several health complications over the past years.
His courage was formed in his upbringing during his early life in his beloved Kentucky, and then hardened during his time in the U.S. Army, and his two voluntary tours of duty in the Vietnam War, where he proudly served as a combat medic in the notoriously and historically dangerous War Zone C, and the Iron Triangle, near the Cambodian Border. He volunteered to be a medic aboard an unarmed medical “Dustoff” helicopter. He was responsible for saving hundreds of lives of wounded American, and Allied Vietnamese soldiers and civilians.
During that service, his heroism was distinguished by the award of the Silver Star, three Purple Hearts for wounds from enemy fire, 35 Air Medals for combat flights, including three for Valor. His courage and determination was well known by all those he flew those missions with. Three of those crewmates came from long distances to pay their final respects and admiration for their comrade and serve as honorary pallbearers.
His determination is well-known locally for his tireless efforts in helping found the Blackford Walking Trail and Veterans Walk of Honor, a park near Blackford, KY. He was a passionate giver of his time in this project, and he helped in organizing yearly Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies to ensure that the service and sacrifice of Kentucky sons and daughters is never forgotten.
Those left to remember and cherish his memories are his son James Witherspoon of Marion, his aunt, Mrs. Nancy Lacy, three beloved grandchildren, Destiny Maynard, also of Marion, Kenneth Gary Alan Goodloe, II of Madisonville, Paisley Witherspoon, and three great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Eldon and Bobbie Louise Witherspoon; his precious daughter Darla Marie Goodloe, two brothers, Dwight and James Eldon Witherspoon, Jr., and a sister, Carrie R. “Jimmie” Carlisle.
Services are scheduled for 1:00 pm Thursday February 6, 2020 at Gilbert Funeral Home with interment in Oak Grove Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 10:00 am until service time Thursday at the funeral home.
Military Rites and Honors will be bestowed at the cemetery under the direction of the U.S. Army, Fort Campbell, KY.
Flowers and memorial contributions to the Blackford Walking Trail Memorial Fund Veteran's Walk of Honor are both welcome. For memorial contribution, address to Crittenden Fiscal Court, 107 S. Main St, Ste 208, Marion, KY 42064.