Bryan Whitsett

Bryan N. Whitsett, 77, of Cerro Gordo, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in his home, surrounded by his family.
Bryan was born on October 12, 1948, in Lincoln, Nebraska, the son of Norman Jack and LaVerne Julia Whitsett. Known as “Bobo” in childhood and later as “Cheyenne” during his college and Navy years, Bryan’s life was marked by adventure, faith, loyalty, and quiet strength.
Because his family lived in many places across the country, Bryan learned early how to adapt and connect with people wherever he landed. He graduated MacArthur High School, Decatur, Illinois, and later proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era. He served aboard the USS Macdonough (DDG-39), a Farragut-class guided missile destroyer, traveling the world and forming lifelong bonds through service.
In 1976, Bryan accepted Jesus as his Savior at Summit Avenue Baptist Church, where he also met the love of his life, Donna Roberts. They were married on April 30, 1977, beginning a partnership grounded in faith, devotion, and mutual respect. Bryan remained steadfast in his walk with Jesus, as a member of Summit Avenue Baptist Church, attending Lost Bridge Great Banquet #5 and later becoming a devoted member of Lampstand Church, where he also served on staff in retirement.
Bryan’s work life reflected his dependability and strong work ethic. He worked alongside his father at Hy-Test Safety Shoes, later at Miller Industrial Supply Company, UPS - Decatur Airport, and for more than 20 years at Bachrach’s. No matter the role, Bryan was known as someone who could be counted on—someone who always showed up.
In his spare time, Bryan found joy in attending family activities, baseball games, watching dirt track racing, traveling, woodworking, and building model cars. He was an avid Formula 1 and NASCAR fan. He was adventurous and daring, with a dry, clever sense of humor. He’d often say, “get your ducks in a row,” a phrase that reflected his practical wisdom and steady approach to life. Bryan accepted whatever life brought—good or bad—without complaint, trusting God through it all.
Above all, Bryan was an exceptional husband, a devoted girl dad, and a proud PaPa. His love for his family was evident in his presence, his consistency, and the way he lived out his faith daily.
Bryan is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Donna; daughters, Jessica (Steve) Hecker, and Bethany (Donald III) Cisco; grandchildren Jackson and Tyler Hecker and Vivian and Eleanor Cisco; mother-in-law, Faye Roberts; sister-in-law Brenda Daniels; nephews Nick (Camille) Williams, Jason Williams, and Matt Daniels; and niece Karen (Kevin) White; great-nieces and nephews, Hannah, Ashley, Peyton, Olivia, Benjamin and Andrew.
He is also survived by his foster family: siblings Carole Seeley, Jim (Carol) Meisenheimer, Ann Gault, and Lisa (David) Rasche; nieces and nephews Lori, Larry, Leha, Sheri, Danny, Katie, Sarah, Jon and their families.
Bryan was preceded in death by his parents, sister Benita Williams; father-in-law Ralph Roberts; brother-in-law Philip Daniels; and members of his foster family, Margarette Meisenheimer, Creola Pribble, Charles Seeley, Seth Gault, and Mina Folkerts.
Services to celebrate Bryan’s life will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Lampstand Church, 655 S. Airport Road, Decatur, Illinois. The family will receive friends beginning at 5:00 p.m., prior to the service. He will be laid to rest at a private family burial with military honors at Macon County Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions in Bryan’s honor may be directed to Lampstand Church or Lost Bridge Great Banquet, Decatur, IL.
Arrangements are by Calvert & Wikoff North Chapel, 4020 N. Water Street, Decatur. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.calvertmemorial.com.