Dr. Donald W. Wooten

Dr. Don W. Wooten

Battle Creek, MI

“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can...as long as ever you can.”  -John Wesley

It would be hard to find someone who lived this more than Dr. Don Wooten, who passed away peacefully on December 16th, 2022.

He practiced chiropractic for over 46 years, helping countless patients achieve superior health. He was a skilled chiropractor, but an even greater husband, father, grandpa, ‘Bompa’ and friend.  His kindness and generosity were infectious – it was impossible to be around him and not feel his warmth.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Patty Wooten; daughters Nicole Wooten and Aimee (Mike) Stroope; stepchildren Joe Hanson, Andy Hanson, and Kristin (Aaron) Hook; grandchildren Dylan, Connor, Brynleigh, Christian, Ashton, Harper, and Piper; great-grandchildren Ashton, Rory and Genesis; brother Keith (Jinnie) Wooten; sisters Glenna Blann, Janet Hoy, and Joline Johnson; sister-in-law Pat Wooten; and many cherished nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Sue Wooten; sister Wilma Cunico; brother Roy Wooten; and brothers-in-law Dale Blann, Bill Cunico, Charles Hoy, and Pete Johnson.

Don was born in January 1953 in Raton, New Mexico, the youngest of 7 children.  He graduated from Del Norte High School in Albuquerque, NM and went on to the University of New Mexico for undergraduate studies.  He received his Doctor of Chiropractic from Palmer College in Davenport, IA in 1975.  He then returned to New Mexico and interned at the Southwest Chiropractic Clinic for a year before establishing the Chiropractic Center of Hobbs in Hobbs, NM.  He practiced there for 21 years, and it was there he raised his family.

He furthered his education with a post-graduate orthopedic program through Los Angeles Chiropractic College, which he completed in 1987, and received a fellowship in the Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists in 1991.

He continued to serve his profession as President of the New Mexico Chiropractic Association and was appointed by the Governor of New Mexico to serve on the Board of Chiropractic Examiners there.  He also contributed to the development of Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas, TX, as a pioneer partner.

His life then took him across the country after he reconnected with his college sweetheart, Patty. They married in 1997 and he moved to Battle Creek, Michigan.  He established the Chiropractic Center of Battle Creek in 1998 and practiced there for over 24 years – becoming a respected member of the Battle Creek community.

Other professional memberships included the Michigan Association of Chiropractors, the American College of Chiropractic Orthopedics, Parker Chiropractic Research Foundation, American Chiropractic Association, and the ACA Council on Diagnostic Imaging.  He volunteered with the Rotary Club for many years as well.

Don was active all throughout his life and enjoyed racquetball, tennis, cycling, skiing, scuba diving, basketball, football, and golf.  When not seeing patients in the office or spending time with his family, you could usually find him on the golf course.  He loved cheering on his Cowboys, Lobos, Red Raiders, and Spartans.  He and Patty enjoyed travelling and spent many a winter weekend in Bradenton, FL, where they made many dear friends and memories.

He had a very strong faith and was active in his church in Hobbs, NM and in Battle Creek at Chapel Hill United Methodist. While in Florida he and Patty attended Harvey Memorial Community Church on Anna Maria Island.

Don will be remembered for his kind and easygoing nature, his quirky sense of humor, his generous spirit, his incredible zest for life and above all, his steadfast love for friends and family alike.  He had a soft spot for children and got such joy out of his grandchildren.  He will be sorely missed.

Services have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 2838 Capital Avenue SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 from 2:00 - 4:00pm and 5:00 – 7:00pm. And a Memorial Service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, December 29, 2022 at 2:00pm, Pastor Jim Gysel officiating.

Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to the Battle Creek Community Foundation or the South Michigan Food Bank. You may visit http://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to send the family condolences.