Donald Whalen

Donald E. Whalen (Col. US Army Ret), 92, passed away on Monday, August 16, 2010 at his home in Prince George County, VA. He was born in Cheney, Washington, the son of the late Joseph E. and Verna S. Whalen. He graduated from Washington State University in 1939 and worked for the International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) prior to beginning his military career. During his 30 years in the military he served in three wars (World War II, Korea, and Vietnam) and retired with the rank of Colonel. Among his citations were the Legion of Merit and the Army Commendation Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters). As a member of the Quartermaster Corp, his proudest achievement was as Project Officer for the installation of the first automated logistics system in Europe and Korea. He was an avid golfer most all of his life. After retirement, he traveled extensively, exploring most parts of the world. He was predeceased by his first wife, Lucille Lindahl Whalen and his second wife Katherine Glass Whalen, a brother Thaddeus, and a sister Winnibelle. He is survived by two daughters, Sandra Salvo (husband Joseph) of Kingsville, MD and Rosemary Funk (husband Herb) of Prince George, VA; a sister, Mary Ann Keller of Vancouver, WA as well as 9 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A wake will be held on Thursday, August 19, 2010 at 7 pm with a visitation to follow until 8:30 pm at the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home Cremation Service with Father Jay Biber officiating. A Mass of Resurrection, with Father Steve Antes officiating, will be celebrated at 11:00 am Friday, August 20, 2010 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Petersburg. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 11 N. Market St., Petersburg, VA 23804. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .