Duane Whitson passed away surrounded by family in Sturgis, Michigan on August 10, 2026 after a brief but hard-fought battle with cancer. He was born on July 18, 1968 as the fourth child and only son of Doyle and Patricia Whitson.

Bum, as his friends and family knew him, took to his future career at a young age, following in his father’s footsteps as an upholsterer. He spent his life perfecting his craft, and was truly a master in his trade. His passion was restoring old cars to their former glory and his work was remarkable.

He was a devoted father to his two daughters, Danielle and Danica, and a beloved uncle to his nieces and nephew. Wherever he went, you were sure to hear his laughter fill a room, and, if you were lucky, be served his signature grilled steaks.

Bum was easy to talk to and easy to get along with. Lighthearted by nature, you could always go to him whether you needed a heart-to-heart talk or just an easy evening to relax.

He moved to Sturgis a few years ago with his daughters and partner to work in an upholstery shop with old family friends. They built a life there that was full and happy.

He is survived by his two daughters Danielle and Danica Whitson, sister Eileen Miranda and his partner Araceli Flores.